Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns

Dear Kansans, a new accessible dock now open at Heritage Park Lake! 👏

This project was done to enhance accessibility at the Heritage Park Marina by adding an accessible kayak and canoe launch, along with an accessible pathway connecting to the new dock. A turf slide was added to help with pulling kayaks to the dock.

Join us for Disability Pride! July 25, 1-5PM, Dole Institute of Politics, 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS

Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act with an afternoon of education, empowerment, and community! Free to attend.

Join us for Disability Pride! July 25, 1-5PM, Dole Institute of Politics, 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS

Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act with an afternoon of education, empowerment, and community! Free to attend.

The Arc of Douglas County, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, Independence, Inc., Visiting Nurses Association, LMH Health, Lawrence Public Library

Kansas has received approval for the new Community Supports Waiver from CMS. It is expected to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2026. This is a monumental opportunity for Kansans with disabilities to live and be an active participant in their community.

Governor Laura Kelly, in partnership with KDADS and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Kansas's new Community Supports Waiver!

✅Effective October 1, 2026
✅For Kansans ages 5 and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who need flexible support to live independently at home and in the community
✅Projected to serve 500 individuals in the first year
✅Includes services like personal care, respite, therapies, employment support, assistive technology, home modifications, and more

"This is a monumental step that will empower individuals and families across Kansas to live full lives by ensuring they can access the care they need, when they need it." — Governor Laura Kelly

Learn more and stay updated:
🔗kdads.ks.gov/kansascsw
🔗Full press release: https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1086/56

The 17th Kansas Disability Caucus is happening again this year! The caucus has been foundational in the disability rights movement. There is Empowerment in Action! Registration closes on July 17th, so sign up using the information below!
📅August 12-14, 2026
📍Hotel Topeka at City Center
🌐Register at http://tinyurl.com/2026KDCregistration

The 2026 Kansas Disability Caucus is just around the corner and the deadline to register is Friday, July 17!

The 17th Kansas Disability Caucus:
📅August 12-14, 2026
📍Hotel Topeka at City Center
🌐Register at http://tinyurl.com/2026KDCregistration

People with all types of disabilities, of all ages, representing every county of the State, are invited to attend. We also welcome allies of the disability community! Our theme this year is "Empowerment in Action- Shaping Our Future!"
Get ready to ttend sessions that will educate, empower, and ultimately provide the resources to help shape the future. Let’s gather as a community to become empowered to take action!

ID: Text reads "Empowerment in Action, Shaping our Future" and a graphic icon in royal blue, yellow/gold and white depict a person in a wheelchair with arms raised overhead, a shining sun with rays and part of a gear or "toothed wheel".

Effective today, Kansas now has a waiting list for the Frail and Elderly Waiver.

KDADS to Implement Waitlist for Frail Elderly HCBS Waiver Effective July 6, 2026

TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) announced today that a waitlist for the Frail Elderly Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver will take effect today, July 6, 2026, due to the Legislature allotting insufficient funding in the face of continued high demand for services that exceeds the currently available waiver slots. This waiver allows for individuals to live in their own homes and communities who would otherwise require more expensive nursing home services.

"We are seeing continued high demand for the Frail Elderly HCBS waiver, reflecting the growing need for critical services that allow Kansans to receive the care they need closer to home," said KDADS Long Term Services and Supports Commissioner Michele Heydon. "While we are implementing a waitlist for new applicants, KDADS remains committed to processing everyone currently in the pipeline and managing the waitlist as fairly and transparently as possible."

Full release: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/83/316 #!/

With the start of the new fiscal year and Disability Pride Month, we are ready to share our 2026 Fiscal Year Report! 📆
This year we have attended many resource fairs, celebrated dedicated staff, gained new commissioners, and much more! We are excited to share how our commission has stayed true to our values of Partnerships, Freedom of Choice, Advocacy, Respect, and Do No Harm! ✊
This report is available on our website or by clicking the link below! 🔗
https://www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov/about-us/vision-catalyst-statute-bylaws

Happy Disability Pride Month! The disability community has garnered lots of attention locally and nationally!

Check out this article to see what disability advocates are being talked about this month! One of our very own commissioners Whit Downing was listed!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/keelycatwells/2026/07/01/meet-the-disabled-leaders-redefining-their-industries-this-disability-pride-month/

Meet Disabled Leaders This Disability Pride Month The leaders highlighted are working across policy, literacy and the creator economy ensuring the movement continues and the legacy of those who came before us is honored

Enacted in 1996, the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act has spent decades enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities across Kansas. This legislation started a major shift away from institutional care, focusing instead on community-based services that promote independence and dignity. We celebrated by attending the 30th anniversary Proclamation Signing with Governor Kelly. 🏠

With the establishment of Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs), individuals and families now have easy access to the crucial resources they need. In addition, person-centered planning was created and ensures that services are tailored specifically to the unique goals, choices, and voices of each person. 👥

Integrated programs, such as the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act empowers people to live, work, and thrive in an integrated community. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully. 🌻✨

The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. We celebrated the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by then President George H.W. Bush in 1990 with a Proclamation Signing with Governor Kelly. 🟰✊

A lot has changed in 30 years, but our mission has stayed the same. KCDC is a Catalyst for Change in Kansas government for all people with disabilities. The Commission promotes higher quality of life, independence, and equal participation for Kansans with disabilities. 🦾