People of Portage County: Disability inclusion advocate gains global reach
By Brian Kurzynski
“My son is my main inspiration behind everything I do.”
That inspiration launched Stevens Point mom Kimber Goodwin on a mission of advocacy for people with disabilities, a mission that started at her son’s elementary school playground and led her to Special Olympics Inc. in Washington, D.C.
The Antigo native moved to Stevens Point in the mid-1990s to earn an undergraduate degree in environmental education. Working full-time, and with two small children at home, she added a master’s degree in communication studies to her credentials.
As busy as she was with work and family life, the sight of societal injustices and inequalities drove her to do more.
“I’ve always felt a deep empathy for those who are underrepresented,” she said. “My path toward advocacy started with having a child with special needs,” referring to her son, Quaide, who has autism.
“There’s physical inclusion, and there’s ‘true’ inclusion. There are so many ways that we can better include people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) in school, in workplaces, and in the community.”
Goodwin’s direct advocacy started at her son’s school, Jefferson Elementary. “I was always trying to find ways for Quaide to be included.” She began to build awareness through simple acts, like inviting the whole class to Quaide’s birthday parties.
As a lead member of Jefferson’s fundraising committee for a new school playground, Goodwin helped create a space that is fully accessible to children with special needs. As moderator of the committee’s Facebook group, her posts caught the attention of Special Olympics Wisconsin, leading to Jefferson becoming the district’s first Unified Champion School.
In May 2022, she was hired by the global headquarters of Special Olympics Inc. in Washington, D.C. Her current position is senior director of finance, global education, and regional program operations.
Goodwin travels to the nation’s capital a couple of times a year, but her oversight duties have taken her to the United Arab Emirates and Berlin, where the 2023 Special Olympics World Games were held.
“There is still a lot of work to be done. It’s a continual effort to raise awareness and visibility and to provide recognition of these athletes, to treat them the same as any other athletes in any other sport.”
Goodwin emphasizes that the athletes deserve all the recognition. Quaide, a senior at SPASH, started competing in the Special Olympics in 2022 through SPASH Special Sports. From bocce ball in summer to bowling in fall, snowshoeing and swimming in winter, and cornhole in spring, he has been transformed by his involvement.
“It’s incredible to see. He interacts with people much more regularly, and he’s much more vocal. It’s the first time in his life that he’s had true friends.”
Quaide sums it up by saying, “Thank you. Special Sports is very important to me.”
Teammate and friend Ethan Lehman agrees. “Everyone is equal. We cheer each other on.”
For those interested in getting involved in Special Olympics, Goodwin encourages participation.
“Go for it. It will be a very enriching experience. You will become a better person through knowing these athletes.”