I Am Able IOWA

Live on the first and final Saturday of the month from 9:00-10:00 AM

Saturday’s shows are re-aired as a recording on Thursdays 8:00 – 9:00 PM

Disabilities are something that everyone can experience in their life, in their lifetime. I Am Able IOWA presents issues, stories, and information about disabilities, as told through personal experience and through the voices of people and organizations who serve to assist people with disabilities. Program topics can range from: the law, support that is available, disability etiquette, service animals, accessibility issues, specific disabilities, mental health, to name only a few of the many areas of our lives touched by disability. Interviews on this show facilitate learning, engaging, and connecting with listeners.

During the first show, Daniel made a powerful statement that he understood why we were doing the show – so that he, who was diagnosed as autistic at an early age, and that his family were not alone in their journey – and that has been a theme that has tied all of the programs together.

I Am Able IOWA is a radio program produced by the Iowa Able Foundation/Able Up IOWA.

About the Hosts

Anna Magnusson/Co-host, Producer, and Engineer: I Am Able IOWA

Anna Magnusson was adopted from Seoul, Korea and grew up in Iowa. She went to high school in Des Moines and earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa. Following her days at the University of Iowa, she worked for Opera Carolina, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and Kids Voting. She also worked in the Advancement department and earned her master’s degree in public administration at Wright State University. She lived in England for over three years before returning to her home state in 2018.  Her most recent position is with the Iowa Able Foundation serving as their executive director.

Anna has served on a number of community and regional boards, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, A Special Wish Foundation, Children’s Defense Fund, League of Women Voters Dayton, and Youth in Philanthropy Council. Anna was nominated and selected to participate in the 2003 Association of Performing Arts Presenters Emerging Leadership Institute in New York City.  She was also nominated and selected as one of the 2006 Dayton Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipients and most recently was accepted into the Leadership Ames Class XXXIII.

 About Daniel Heddendorf/Co-host:Daniel Heddendorf is a writer, actor, and radio host. He was a former D/J. at 88.5 KURE, studied at the Iowa State University. He has said about the show: “It’s not about starting a conversation, but expanding on it. Asking questions, clearing up misconceptions, realizing where we can improve in terms of our own behavior. If those who tune in do the same, the show has the potential to improve everyone’s lives.”

About Meredith Francom/Co-host: Meredith is passionate about making connections and storytelling. She has lived a nomadic lifestyle--never staying in one place for very long. She hates answering the question, "Where are you from?" Instead, she prefers to bloom where she's planted.  She serves as the Masters Marketing and Alumni Relations Coordinator at Iowa State University –Ivy College of Business