Celebrating 30 Years

WIND 30th Anniversary Events

Starting in 1994, the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) assists and supports individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their networks by advancing diversity, equity, full community inclusion, independence, and social participation.

Now celebrating 30th years and counting, we want to hear your stories about the evolution and impact of the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities.

If you want to share how WIND has impacted your work, please submit your story.

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A group photo of WIND staff taken in 2003

WIND Celebrated Its 30th Year Anniversary

To honor its 30th anniversary, the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (WIND) hosted educator, advocate, and filmmaker Jim Warne on October 7–8, 2024.

 

October 7, 2024 – Public Talk and Anniversary Gala

The celebration began with a Public Talk and Anniversary Gala at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, featuring keynote speaker Jim Warne. His inspiring presentation was followed by a reception with appetizers and a cash bar. The event was free and open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, the talk was also made available via Zoom with pre-registration.

 

October 8, 2024 – Film Screening of 7th Generation

The following day, WIND hosted a film screening and discussion with Jim Warne at the UW Arts & Sciences Auditorium. The event featured his award-winning film 7th Generation, with captioning and audio description provided to ensure accessibility.

 

About Jim Warne

Jim Warne, a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation, is an educator, advocate, and filmmaker. He holds a BS from Arizona State University and an MS from San Diego State University. Warne has created continuing education programs at SDSU’s Interwork Institute and has written over $50 million in grants and contracts supporting universities and tribal nations.

He currently serves as the Community Engagement & Diversity Director at the University of South Dakota (USD) Center for Disabilities (UCEDD), Oyáte Circle Sanford School of Medicine, and teaches in the USD Pediatrics department. Warne is also the president of Warrior Society Development, LLC. His award-winning works include 7th Generation, Oyáte un Itówapi – Pictures of My People (Emmy-nominated), and Remember the Children.

 

To learn more about Jim Warne, visit www.warrior-society.com.

For questions about the 30th Anniversary events, contact uwwind@uwyo.edu.

WIND History

Established in 1994 as Wyoming’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, WIND was founded in response to statewide needs and quickly grew into a nationally recognized center for education, advocacy, and research in disability services and inclusion.

WIND History

Faces of WIND

The dedicated staff at WIND work to promote inclusion, independence, and improved outcomes for individuals with developmental and other disabilities through education, training, early intervention, and community services.

Meet the Team

ECHO 10 Years

University of Wyoming's (UW) Project ECHO is a training and capacity building program intended to support inter-professional connection and best practice implementation across Wyoming.

UW Project ECHO

Donations

Your donation to WIND helps create inclusive opportunities, support innovative programs, and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families across Wyoming.

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