Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

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Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities Welcome to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD or Council).

The Council supports people with developmental disabilities so they have the opportunity to make choices regarding participation in society and quality of life.

🧭 Making Systems Work for You: Tips from the ExpertsEver feel like navigating disability services and support systems is...
10/21/2026

🧭 Making Systems Work for You: Tips from the Experts

Ever feel like navigating disability services and support systems is like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces? 🧩 You're not alone!

Finding the right services, understanding available resources, and figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. Knowing how these systems work—and how to advocate within them—can make a big difference!

Join us for Making Systems Work for You: Tips from the Experts to hear from professionals who understand the disability community and can share practical tips for navigating the systems that support people with disabilities.

In this session, you'll learn:
✅ How to better understand disability services and support systems
✅ Tips for finding resources and knowing where to turn for help
✅ Ways to advocate for the services and supports people need
✅ Strategies for navigating challenges and asking the right questions
✅ How families, professionals, and self-advocates can work together to create better outcomes

Navigating disability systems doesn't have to be something you figure out alone! With the right information, resources, and advocacy skills, you can feel more confident asking questions, finding support, and working toward your goals.

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Find out more at kcdd.org/speakup

Join us at SPEAK Up! to learn from the experts, connect with others, and discover new ways to make disability systems work better for you and the people you support!
Because everyone deserves access to the information, services, and support they need to thrive. 💙

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for YourselfWhat if you could create your own job...
10/20/2026

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself

What if you could create your own job doing something you love? 💡

In this session, you'll hear from self-advocates who started their own businesses and became their own bosses. They will share their stories, the challenges they faced, and the successes they achieved along the way.

You'll learn:
✅ How self-advocates started their businesses
✅ How to turn your interests and talents into opportunities
✅ Ways to build confidence and take the lead in your own life
✅ How entrepreneurship can be a path to employment and independence

Advocacy is about making choices, setting goals, and creating the life you want. This session will show how self-advocates are doing just that through entrepreneurship!

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Find out more at kcdd.org/speakup

Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your future is yours to build. Join us at SPEAK Up! and discover what's possible when self-advocates lead the way. ⭐



[Image description: Promotional graphic for the Speak Up! Conference panel "Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself" showing moderator Ricardo "Ricky" Hernandez and speakers Magda Carlos-Trevino and Stephanie Swanson, event date Nov 6, 2026 in Wichita, and host logos for KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

Lola here — 💙💛 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💛💙This month is a meaningful opportunity for me to reflect on m...
10/20/2026

Lola here — 💙💛 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💛💙

This month is a meaningful opportunity for me to reflect on my life as a woman with Down syndrome and all the different experiences that have helped shape who I am today.

I am passionate about so many things! ❤️ I love reading and writing, making homemade cards, writing poetry and songs, dancing, singing, and acting. I also enjoy learning French and recently joined an inclusive ballet class! 🩰📚🎶 These interests are important parts of who I am, and they remind me how important it is to have opportunities to explore our passions, learn new things, and try something new.

I am also proud of my community involvement and my work as a disability advocate. Whether I am speaking up for disability rights, empowering other self-advocates, participating in community events, or working toward my goals, I want people to understand that people with Down syndrome have dreams, talents, interests, and important contributions to make. 💪

Navigating adulthood is a journey of learning, growing, and discovering new possibilities. As a college student, I receive accommodations that help me access my education and succeed. Receiving accommodations does not make me less capable. It helps me have opportunities to learn, participate, and show what I can do. 🎓

I am proud of the life I am building. I am still learning, trying new things, and finding new ways to use my voice. My journey may look different from someone else's, and that is okay!

Down syndrome is part of who I am, but it is not the only thing that makes me who I am. I am a student, an advocate, a creative person, a community member, and someone with passions, goals, and dreams of my own. 💙💛

This Down Syndrome Awareness Month, let's move beyond awareness and focus on inclusion, belonging, equal opportunities, and listening to people with Down syndrome. We deserve the opportunity to explore our interests, pursue our dreams, receive the support we need, and be valued for who we are.

Our voices matter. Our passions matter. Our possibilities matter. ❤️

Nothing About Us Without Us!



Image Descriptions:
Photo 1 - Two young adults, wearing glasses, are standing and smiling for a photo. One of them has a hand on her hip and is wearing a black suit jacket and black-and-white checkered pants. The other young adult has his arm around her and is wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and beige pants.

Photo 2 - Six adult performers are standing and sitting in a circle around another performer. That performer is sitting in the middle of this circle with her finger touching her mouth, wearing a lavender jumpsuit with white flowers, white shoes, and a clip in her hair.

Lola here — 💼✨ October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! ✨💼This month has me reflecting on my employmen...
10/20/2026

Lola here — 💼✨ October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! ✨💼
This month has me reflecting on my employment journey as a woman with Down syndrome. ❤️

Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to gain experience in different jobs, learn new skills, and discover my strengths. I worked as a summer intern at Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment, where I gained experience in both hands-on work and project management. I have also had the exciting opportunity to work at Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs games, welcoming guests and helping create a great experience for fans! ⚾️🏈

Each of these jobs has helped me grow, build confidence, and learn something new. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the people who have supported me along the way.

Today, I am proud to say that I have landed my dream job! 🎉💙 As the Advocacy Coordinator at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD), I get to combine my passion for advocacy with my lived experience as a woman with Down syndrome. I help empower other self-advocates, share my voice, and work toward a future where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have opportunities to lead, work, and make a difference in their communities.

Looking back, I am proud of how far I have come. My journey reminds me that people with disabilities have talents, skills, dreams, and goals just like everyone else. We deserve opportunities to gain work experience, develop our skills, pursue meaningful careers, and be valued for our contributions.

Disability does not mean inability. 💪

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let's continue building workplaces where people with disabilities are included, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed. Everyone deserves the chance to contribute their talents, follow their dreams, and find work that matters to them!



Image descriptions:
Photo 1 - There is a young woman wearing a black shirt, maroon pants, black shoes, and glasses, standing in front of a podium. She is talking to some legislators in front of her.
Photo 2 - There are four women standing and smiling for a photo. One of them is wearing an orange shirt and black pants, holding a Rubik's Cube; another woman is wearing a pink suit jacket, blue shirt, and black pants; another woman is wearing a blue denim shirt with brown pants and a black f***y pack; the woman next to her is wearing a white suit jacket, white pants, and a red shirt.

Some voices are too important to be forgotten. This year, we lost a friend, a KCDD Council Member, and a fellow advocate...
10/19/2026

Some voices are too important to be forgotten. This year, we lost a friend, a KCDD Council Member, and a fellow advocate, Perri Spencer.

He believed in speaking up, sharing his story, challenging barriers, and using his voice to make things better for others. We really wish Perri was still here doing that work… 🙁

So this year at the SPEAK Up! Conference, we are carrying his voice forward!

We are proud to announce the inaugural Perri Spencer Award, which will recognize a self-advocate who is using their lived experience, courage, and voice to make a difference for people with IDD.

Nominations are open through October 26th.

Help us honor Perri by celebrating another self-advocate whose voice deserves to be heard.

Nominate someone by clicking this link: tinyurl.com/PerrisAward

[Image description: Flyer announcing the Perri Spencer Award and calling for nominations to honor a self-advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; includes a circular portrait, QR code and link, and notes nominations close October 26, 2026.]

🤝 Nothing About Me Without Me: Supported Decision-Making in ActionWho makes the decisions in your life?Supported Decisio...
10/19/2026

🤝 Nothing About Me Without Me: Supported Decision-Making in Action
Who makes the decisions in your life?

Supported Decision-Making helps people with disabilities make their own choices while getting support from trusted people. It's about having the information, tools, and support you need to make decisions that are right for you.🤝

Join this interactive panel discussion and hear from panelists, including Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator at KCDD, as she shares how Supported Decision-Making has helped her speak up, make informed choices, and take the lead in their own life.

In this session, you'll learn:
✅ What is Supported Decision-Making?
✅ How it helps people make their own choices
✅ The difference between support and control
✅ Real-life examples from self-advocates

Advocacy starts with having a voice in your own life. When you have the right support, you can make decisions that reflect your goals, dreams, and values. ⭐

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Find out more at kcdd.org/speakup

Your life. Your choices. Your voice. Join us at SPEAK Up! and discover how Supported Decision-Making can help you build confidence, exercise your rights, and create the future you want. 🗣️

Lola here - 💙 Building connections. Sharing resources. Strengthening advocacy! 💙Whit Downing and I had a great time host...
10/16/2026

Lola here - 💙 Building connections. Sharing resources. Strengthening advocacy! 💙

Whit Downing and I had a great time hosting a booth at the Johnson County Developmental Supports - JCDS Resource Fair on Thursday, October 1! 🎉

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other disability organizations, learn about the resources and support available in our communities, and share information about the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD).

When we come together to share resources, learn from one another, and build stronger connections, we can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) find the support they need and make their voices heard. 🗣️✨

Thank you to JCDS for bringing organizations together and helping strengthen our disability community! 🤝



Kansas Miss Amazing
Down Syndrome Innovations
Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas
Special Olympics Kansas
Families Together, Inc.
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA)
SOAR Special Needs
Inclusion Connections KC/Pawsabilities

Photo Descriptions:
Photo 1 - There is a big yellow and blue trifold with pictures propped up on a white table. There are some flyers, booklets, and business cards in front of the trifold. There is also a white affirmation cube next to it.

Photo 2 - There are two women standing and smiling in front of a white table on a beige ground. One woman is wearing headphones, a red sweatshirt, glasses, blue jeans, and white shoes, giving a thumbs-up. The other woman is also wearing glasses, a blue watch, a black-and-white striped shirt, a black skirt, and black shoes, with her hand on her hip.

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for YourselfWhat if you could create your own job...
10/16/2026

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself

What if you could create your own job doing something you love? 💡

In this session, you'll hear from self-advocates who started their own businesses and became their own bosses. They will share their stories, the challenges they faced, and the successes they achieved along the way.

You'll learn:
✅ How self-advocates started their businesses
✅ How to turn your interests and talents into opportunities
✅ Ways to build confidence and take the lead in your own life
✅ How entrepreneurship can be a path to employment and independence

Advocacy is about making choices, setting goals, and creating the life you want. This session will show how self-advocates are doing just that through entrepreneurship!

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Find out more at kcdd.org/speakup

Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your future is yours to build. Join us at SPEAK Up! and discover what's possible when self-advocates lead the way. ⭐



[Image description: Promotional graphic for the Speak Up! Conference panel "Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself" showing moderator Ricardo "Ricky" Hernandez and speakers Collette Divitto and Stephanie Swanson, event date Nov 6, 2026 in Wichita, and host logos for KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

TODAY the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!Are you registered? Get t...
10/15/2026

TODAY the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!

Are you registered?

Get the details about the conference and register at https://www.kcdd.org/speakup

[Image description: Reminder to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference in Wichita, KS (event 11/06/2026); registration deadline 10/15/2026. Graphic shows conference logo and a circular photo of a panel presentation to an auditorium audience.]

Exciting News from KCDD!After months of collaboration, discussions, and valuable community feedback, KCDD has officially...
10/15/2026

Exciting News from KCDD!

After months of collaboration, discussions, and valuable community feedback, KCDD has officially approved our 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan!

This plan was shaped through brainstorming activities with the KCDD Council, an initial 45-day public comment period, Council review, the development of a draft plan, and another opportunity for public comment.

On September 25, 2026, the KCDD Council officially approved the final plan!

We are excited about the work ahead and the opportunities to continue improving the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Want to learn more? KCDD is happy to provide presentations to organizations, groups, and community partners interested in learning about our goals and priorities for the next five years!

Together, we can build a more inclusive Kansas where everyone belongs and thrives.

View the plan here: https://www.kcdd.org/five-year-state-plan

[Image description: Five-Year State Plan cover for 2027–2031 for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, featuring the title and dates on a white panel over a blue background with yellow wheat and stars graphics and the Council logo.]

Address

900 SW Jackson, Suite 569
Topeka, KS
66612

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17852962608

Website

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