WHO WE ARE
We're Autonomous Inclusive Communities (AIC). Autonomous reflects the core goal, independence. Inclusive reflects who we serve and how we will operate. Communities describes the physical community AIC will one day build and the programs AIC is developing. Each will be a small community in its own right, building toward a larger, unified one.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Autonomous Inclusive Communities (AIC) is to conceptualize and implement innovative programs that will promote and support independent living skills, with a primary goal of building an independent living community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants will be actively involved in the design of these new programs.
ABOUT US
The purpose of AIC is to support adults with intellectual disabilities in developing the tools, confidence, and independence they need to direct their lives. Rather than functioning as a top-down service model, we will co-create systems with our participants. Programs will offer real-world training and leadership opportunities. Over time, the same people we train will help lead future efforts.
Heather Hancock-Blackburn
Board Member
My name is Heather Hancock-Blackburn, and I am a self-advocate. From winning the title of prom queen during high school to marrying my longtime sweetheart Craig, I have never let my disabilities prevent me from accomplishing my goals. I landed my dream job in 2008 at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where I am an Administrative Assistant in Special Education Services. I am the Vice President of the OKC Advocates in Action Club, and I compete in Special Olympics Oklahoma with my teams the OKC Hot Shots and Moore Extreme. Go Thunder!
Even with all my accomplishments, I still need assistance with some things. I currently live at home with my parents, and my husband and I have a long-distance relationship. I have Type 1 diabetes, so it is important that I have people who can help me navigate my medical needs. I also need help with transportation and daily living skills. I would like support in these areas while also remaining as independent as possible.
The mission of AIC makes me excited for the future. I dream of living with my husband in our own place someday. I want to live near my friends so we can socialize. It is my mission to help AIC become an organization that my friends, family, and I can benefit from as soon as possible!
Kathy Trout
Board Member
When Addie was born, the thought of her going to college was only a dream. Once we realized this dream could possibly come true, she made sure it happened. She has always told us she would go to OU one day, and that dream became a reality last year. She is now telling us that she wants to live with a roommate, make her own rules, and take care of herself. We know she can do it with the right support, and AIC can help make this dream come true too!
Kevin Hanley
Cofounder & CEO
For more than a decade, my wife Reni and I have talked about building a place our son Camden can call home after we're gone, one where we know he'll be safe and have the support he needs to continue to live independently. I suffered a stroke in 2024, during which Camden's actions may have literally saved my life, and this made us realize that someday is now. We cofounded AIC with Brian St. John so that people like Camden can have a forever home of their own. Camden is living proof of what's possible; today he lives independently after having graduated from Barnabas Prep. One day, he'll continue his life journey in a community he'll help design and build, surrounded by friends and peers.
Board of Directors
Kristin Bowles, BS
Board Member at Large
Habilitation Training Specialist; Habilitation Aide
Caremax and Welcome Home Adult Day Center
Jeff Champeau
Vice President
Account Executive
Business Communications, Inc.
Heather Hancock-Blackburn
Board Member at Large
Administrative Assistant
OK State Department of Ed
Kevin Hanley
CEO
Owner
CVWmedia
Reni Hanley, M.S., CCC-SLP
Board Member at Large
Owner
Reni Hanley SLP
Kimberly Osmani, PhD
Board Member at Large
Senior Extension Associate
Cornell University's Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability
Ashia Puckett
Board Member at Large
Health and Fitness Instructor
Wings Special Needs Community
Jamie Ragland, LPN, WCC, OMS, AWT, BS
Board Member at Large
Post Acute Wound Specialist Territory Manager
Solventum
Chelsey Shimanek, M.A., CCC-SLP
Co-Secretary
Speech-Language Pathologist
Alphacare
Eva Smith, RN
Board Member at Large
Regional Coordinator
Sooner SUCCESS
Sarah Soell, MS
Board Member at Large
Executive Director
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma
Dr. Brian St. John, DMA
Chairman / President
Director of Orchestras
Western Kentucky University
Taylor Stewart, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
Co-Secretary
Speech Language Pathologist
Horizons Pediatric Therapy
Kathy Trout, M.Ed.
Board Member at Large
Office Administrator
Down Syndrome Association of Central Oklahoma