Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns

05/26/2026

🫶The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns wants to congratulate everyone selected to participate in the National Disability Leadership Series. Commissioners Whit Downing and Sean Tyree are among this year's participants and are incredible advocates who lead by example!🙌

05/26/2026

For those who don't know, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Kansas City this summer. Here are some sensory friendly tips to prepare for the event in Kansas City.

Sensory Friendly Planning Tips

Kansas City is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world during FIFA World Cup festivities. While big events can bring excitement and energy to our community, they can also bring noise, crowds, traffic, longer wait times, and changes to everyday routines.

At eitas, we know that preparation can help reduce stress and help people feel more comfortable, confident, and connected in their communities.

Here are a few sensory friendly planning tips to consider ahead of busy event days:

• Plan errands, appointments, and outings during quieter times when possible.

• Bring comfort items that help with regulation, such as headphones, sunglasses, snacks, fidgets, or calming tools.

• Allow extra travel time to reduce stress caused by traffic or unexpected delays.

• Talk through changes in routine ahead of time and explain what to expect in ways that feel supportive and easy to understand.

• Identify quiet spaces or backup locations where someone can take a break if crowds or noise become overwhelming.

• Keep phones, devices, and communication plans updated in case plans change quickly.

• Plan ahead for groceries, medications, and essential errands to help avoid busy stores and long lines.

• Remember that accessibility and sensory awareness benefit everyone. Flexible, welcoming communities help more people safely participate in everyday life.

Big events should still leave room for everyone to safely participate in community life.

Read our latest blog for more tips. https://conta.cc/3PIUHI2

05/26/2026

Check out this incredible video about Wheelchair Basketball featuring Midwest Adaptive Sports and the Kansas City Kings Wheelchair Basketball Team by Vice Sports!

The Kansas City Kings fight for a national championship in one of the most intense adaptive sports in the world: wheelchair basketball.This is more than bask...

05/26/2026

Congratulations to the Employment Support Professionals in Kansas who have completed the Kansas ACRE 100 accredited training!

05/23/2026

The Kansas Disability Caucus registration is open! The Caucus will be held August 12-14, 2026 at Hotel Topeka at City Center in Topeka. People with all types of disabilities, of all ages, representing every county of the State, are invited to attend. Register today at http://tinyurl.com/2026KDCregistration. Registration deadline is July 17, 2026.

Our next Kansas Disability Caucus will be held in August of 2026!Get excited! You can now register!! Theme: “Empowerment in Action- Shaping Our Future”When: August 12-14, 2026Where: Hotel Topeka at…

05/23/2026

"Ticket to Work" is a federal program designed to support your re-entry into the workforce, without jeopardizing your cash or medical benefits.

"Ticket to Work" is a federal program designed to support your re-entry into the workforce, without jeopardizing your cash or medical benefits. Visit bit.ly/KSTicketToWork and fill out a short form to be connected with an Employment Service Provider near you who can help you achieve your employment goals!

05/16/2026

Congratulations to National AgrAbility Project on celebrating 35 years of providing support and adaptive solutions for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers!

To learn more about Kansas Agribility, please visit https://www.agrability.ksu.edu/

For 35 years, AgrAbility has helped farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers overcome barriers caused by injury, illness, aging, and disability — proving that with the right support and adaptive solutions, people can continue doing the work they love.

National AgrAbility is pleased to share our new publication: *Adapting. Not Quitting: 35 Years of AgrAbility.*

The report highlights:
🌱 The history and growth of the USDA AgrAbility Program
🌱 Stories of resilience and innovation from agricultural workers across the country
🌱 The impact of assistive technology and education
🌱 Statistics and milestones from 35 years of service
🌱 The partnerships that have helped cultivate independence in agriculture since 1991

The publication also includes inspiring client and staff stories — many with video links — that demonstrate the determination, creativity, and perseverance found throughout the agricultural community.

Download a PDF of the report or read the screen-reader friendly version here: [AgrAbility.org/35years](https://www.agrability.org/35years/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

05/16/2026

🙌Project SEARCH is a wonderful opportunity for youth with disabilities to learn marketable, transferable job skills as they pursue competitive, integrated employment after they transition from school to adulthood. Congrats to all C-Tran and Project SEARCH graduates!👏

https://lawrencekstimes.com/2026/05/15/c-tran-project-search-graduation-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawR0wbBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmd0NCWDRBblZWZmxqT1lac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuVkGo7d8RfSVvifMoIwMFEJZzs1tlP3O37HlUnb4T15ETm4O1aA2bLbUQH3_aem_Y5La47hgmH85E--1rpIGgQ

05/12/2026

NAMI Kansas is hosting a FREE 8-part series online course for families that want to learn more about how to help with mental health issues.

Register here: https://forms.gle/Enid527Nws8SscE57
For questions reach out to:
Jody Toerber-Clark - [email protected]
Michele [email protected]

💙 Free ONLINE NAMI Family-to-Family Class – Now Open for Registration

If you have a loved one living with a mental health condition, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session course designed for family members, friends, and supporters. You’ll learn about mental health conditions, communication strategies, and how to support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.

🗓 Dates: Mondays, June 1 – July 27
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
💻 Location: Zoom
❗ No class on July 6

This course is taught by people who have been there, and many participants say it’s one of the most helpful resources they’ve ever experienced.

👉 Register here: https://forms.gle/Enid527Nws8SscE57

Questions? Reach out to:
Jody Toerber-Clark - [email protected]
Michele [email protected]

05/12/2026

Understanding Disability Rights History is important if we don't want history to repeat itself.

Join us for Past is Prologue: The Disability Rights Movement on Tuesday, May 12. This is a virtual program.

In the 1960s, people with disabilities and their allies fought to ensure full citizenship and civil rights to a population often overlooked or approached with pity. Efforts to seek equal rights and protections under the law occurred at the federal, regional and local levels, including an important case in Lawrence. This talk celebrates the contributions of those who worked to realize critical legislation in this movement for social justice and explores those who made it happen. Presented by Ray Mizumura-Pence, professor of American Studies at the University of Kansas.

For more information and registration go here: https://jocolibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/69de5f50491b809c6f274be6