Meet the Board: Ferne Brandt on Disability, Advocacy, and LINC

Episode Description

What does independence actually mean for a person with a disability—and who gets to define it?

In this episode of Independent Idaho, Jeremy sits down with Ferne Brandt, a licensed social worker and disability advocate who brings both lived experience and professional experience to her work in the disability community.

Jeremy and Ferne talk about the everyday realities of navigating communities and systems that weren't always designed with people with disabilities in mind. They explore accessibility, housing, transportation, behavioral health, and the often complicated network of programs and services people must navigate to get the support they need.

Drawing on her experience as a person who is legally blind, a social worker, and a former Independent Living Specialist, Ferne brings a perspective that crosses the line between receiving services, providing services, and working to change the systems behind them.

About Our Guest

Ferne Brandt is a licensed social worker and disability advocate with a background in direct services, housing, behavioral health, and community engagement.

Ferne recently served as an Independent Living Specialist with LINC, supporting people with disabilities through independent living skills training, advocacy, systems navigation, and connections to community resources.

Her community involvement has included work with the Region 3 Behavioral Health Board, Region 3 Housing Coalition, and other initiatives addressing housing, behavioral health, and social justice. She also gained nonprofit fundraising experience through an internship with the Nampa Family Justice Center and has developed strong relationships with organizations and community stakeholders throughout the Treasure Valley.

Ferne brings these experiences together in her continued work advocating for stronger, more accessible communities.