STATE and LOCAL ISSUES
This page has information on state and local:
News
Lawmakers looking for attendant care funding options, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 27, 2010
Kansas mental health system is feeling stressed, By David Klepper, Kansas City Star, August 26, 2010
Governor Parkinson furthers opportunities for Kansans with disabilities, From Gov. Mark Parkinson, August 26, 2010
Fuel tax loss detours city, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 24, 2010
County to keep fuel tax money, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 24, 2010
Wichita to acquire TMTA trolleys, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 24, 2010
Governor sends letter to legislators regarding federal aid package, By KHI News Service, August 20, 2010
KCDC taking Board applications until August 27th, From Martha Gabehart, Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, August 16, 2010
Shift won't alter overall tax, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 18, 2010
SRS outlines budget options, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 16, 2010
Council hears support for TMTA, ByTim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 11, 2010
Brownback begins talking about his "roadmap" for Kansas, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service' August 09, 2010
Council cancels Monday session, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 06, 2010
Waiting list for frail elderly home services 'fairly likely', By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 05, 2010
New Social Security office opens, By the Associated Press, August 03, 2010
City council discusses budget, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, August 02, 2010
Funding for public transit bus services in Topeka are once again in jeopardy!, From Topekans in Support of Public Transportation, August 01, 2010
New health insurance option for Kansans with pre-existing conditions, By KHI News Service, July 30, 2010
City of Topeka offers utility bill relief to prevent homelessness, By City of Topeka, July 28, 2010
City council talks budget cuts, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 26, 2010
Legislator pushing for new department on long-term care, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Serice, July 22, 2010
Infant is returned to blind couple after state places her in protective custody, By Lee Kavanaugh, Kansas City Star, July 21, 2010
Kansas seniors eligible for help with Medicare costs, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Serice, July 20, 2010
Attendant care funding approved, By Angela Deines, Topeka Capital-Jopurnal, July 19, 2010
Veterans expected to benefit from new PTSD rules, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 19, 2010
Today is registration deadline, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, July 19, 2010
Beat the Heat With a Fan Giveaway, KSNT TV 27, July 19, 2010
Advance voting gets under way, By Topeka Capital-Journal, July 14, 2010
Come to our Birthday Party for TILRC and the ADA!, From Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
SRS announces plan for paring waiting list numbers, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 06, 2010
Cuts take toll on mental health services, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 05, 2010
Kaiser Health News interviews governor about enhanced Medicaid extension, By Jenny Gold, Kaiser Health News, June 30, 2010
Bus pass program expanded, By Topeka Capital-Journal, June 28, 2010
Budget cuts forcing changes at KHPA, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, June 22, 2010
TMTA OKs fiscal 2011 budget, By Kevin Elliot, Topeka Capital-Journal, June 22, 2010
Budgets and state hospital downsizing set for discussion, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, June 21, 2010
Next Kansas budget depends on extra federal funds, By John Hanna, Associated Press, June 17, 2010
Two HRC members resign, By Kevin Elliot, Topeka Capitol Journal, June 17, 2010
Council dismays advocates, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, June 17, 2010
THRC's future to be discussed, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, June 12, 2010
Medicaid extension becomes issue in governor's race, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, June 11, 2010
Waiting list dollars being eaten up, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, June 09, 2010
HRC, open carry proposals on tap, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Jopurnal, June 03, 2010
Sine die ends session, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 28, 2010
State mental hospitals again taking voluntary admissions, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, May 26, 2010
Report: Keep higher bus tax, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 26, 2010
More older Kansas Citians are becoming targets of fraud, By Christine Vendel, Kansas City Star, May 25, 2010
The state's mental hospitals are too full, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, May 24, 2010
'Rally to Save Topeka HRC' set, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, May 20, 2010
SRS Stakeholder update on Legislative Session and 2011 Budget, From Sec. Don Jordan, SRS, May 19, 2010
City holds budget public forum, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 19, 2010
Bonaparte: Abolish department, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 18, 2010
TMTA board applauds report, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 18, 2010
State lags in veterans' services, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capitol-Journal, May 15, 2010
TMTA spells out service cuts, By Kevin Elliot, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 13, 2010
Public input sought on budget, By Phil Anderson, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 13, 2010
Budget and taxes decided, Legislature leaves, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, May 11, 2010
House approves sales tax hike, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 11, 2010
Kansas Rehabilitation Services Public Hearing - May 18th, From Kansas Rehabilitation Services, May 10, 2010
Feds troubled by processing delays in Kansas Medicaid applications, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, May 10, 2010
Parkinson seeks bipartisan spirit, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 10, 2010
Legislature taking off for Mother's Day, By KHI News Service, May 08, 2010
Sales tax increase approved by Senate, 23-17, By Mike Shields and Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, May 06, 2010
House delays budget vote, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 06, 2010
Senate approves budget bill, By Mike Shields and Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, May 05,2010
HRC director defends department, By Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 05, 2010
House rejects budget plan favored by GOP leadership, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, May 04, 2010
Budget work stumbles ahead, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, May 03, 2010
KC residents with disabilities are fed up, and fighting for compliance with ADA, By Lynn Horsley, Kansas City Star, May 03, 2010
Analysis: Budget surprise stings, By the Associated Press, May 02, 2010
Yoder envisions budget surplus, By the Associated Press, April 22, 2010
Ways and Means approves budget bill but makes little headway on taxes, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, April 21, 2010
Ways and Means Committee plows through social service programs, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, April 20, 2010
Economist predicts less economic damage from a sales tax increase, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, April 19, 2010
Nursing home tax proposed, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, April 18, 2010
Revenue estimators revise projections: $510 million budget hole looms, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, April 16, 2010
Social service caseload estimates released, By KHI News Service, April 16, 2010
Budget cuts up-close and personal, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, April 13, 2010
Group holds transportation forum, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, April 13, 2010
Dark clouds for 2012 budget, too, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, April 08, 2010
Court denies disabilities suit, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, April 08, 2010
Bus riders discuss concerns, By Kevin Elliot, Topeka Capital-Journal, April 01, 2010
Legislature adjourns in early hours, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 31, 2010
Senate sends nursing home tax back to committee, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 31, 2010
Call for Nominations for the 2010 Michael Lechner Award. From the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC), March 29, 2010
Much undone as Legislature heads for first adjournment, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 29, 2010
On the waiting list, A letter to the editor from the Topeka Capital-Journal, March 27, 2010
Parkinson signs TMTA reform, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 26, 2010
Kansans support increased tobacco, alcohol taxes, according to new poll, By Scott Rothschild, Lawrence Journal World, March 23, 2010
Advocates welcome anticipated restoration of Medicaid rates, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 24, 2010
Budget battle in Kansas Legislature pits big spending cuts against new taxes, By Jeannine Koranda, Kansas City Star, March 21, 2010
Maneuvering on budget and taxes continues, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 18, 2010
Advocates: Mental health system in crisis, By KHI News Service, March 18, 2010
House Republicans prepare to release budget that closes deficit without tax increase, By the Associated Press, March 17, 2010
TMTA selects firm for analysis, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capitol-Journal, March 16, 2010
KHPA board members blast proposed salary cuts, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 16, 2010
Mental health advocates to capitol, By the Associated Press, March 16, 2010
Legislature wades into tax bills this week, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 15, 2010
Topekan trains for boccia event, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capitol-Journal, March 14, 2010
Tax increases on deck, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capitol-Journal, March 14, 2010
Wichita woman crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, By James Carlson, Topeka Capitol-Journal, March 14, 2010
Democrats pan proposed cuts in SRS, KHPA spending, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 12, 2010
Advocates for disabled sue state over budget cuts,By the Associated Press, March 12, 2010
Ways and Means Committee agrees to cuts in social services, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 11, 2010
Ways and Means subcommittee finishes KHPA and SRS budgets, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 11, 2010
Senate panel unsatisfied with cuts proposed by KHPA, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 10, 2010
Appropriations Committee weighs nursing home tax, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, March 09, 2010
Disabled funding plan derails, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 09, 2010
House subcommittee moves on managed care privilege tax, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 08, 2010
Public Forum on the Future of Community Transportation, From Topekans in Support of Public Transporation, March 2010
Parkinson announces budget changes, slams Legislature’s tax breaks; Senate president advances tax increase plan, By Scott Rothschild, Lawrence Journal-World, March 5, 2010
Senate OKs Topeka transit bill, By Tim Carpenter, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 03, 2010
Medicaid savings options outlined, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, March 01, 2010
Cuts hurt Medicaid, wheelchairs, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 01, 2010
Alcohol taxes targeted, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, February 27, 2010
Advocate: State is 'dangerously close' to being sued, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 26, 2010
Nursing home provider tax taken up, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, February 25, 2010
Committee begins review of SRS budget, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, Februrary 24, 2010
Major issues in the Legislature, By the Associated Press, February 21, 2010
KHPA Using Web-Based Survey to Solicit Budget Savings Ideas, By Kansas Health Policy Authority, February 16, 2010
Seniors' mental health needs often unmet, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 16, 2010
Sen. adopts change on mentally ill, By Associated Press, February 16, 2010
Disability cuts hit Kansans, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, February 12, 2010
Downsizing to begin at hospitals for the developmentally disabled, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 08, 2010
Provider-tax bills in the works, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 04, 2010
House panel revises budget, but doesn't balance it, By John Hanna, Associated Press, February 04, 2010
State hospitals packed with mentally ill patients, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 04, 2010
Law enforcement officials urged to train for dealing with the mentally ill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, February 01, 2010
Beware of mailings focusing on senior citizens and the deaf community, By Tony Rizzo and Joe Lambe, The Kansas City Star, February 02, 2010
Alcohol tax would double to fund social services, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, February 02, 2010
Aging secretary touts in-home services, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 27, 2010
KNI to stay open for now, By James Carlson, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 27, 2010
Mental health system close to collapse, center directors say, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 25, 2010
Governor urges social service groups to push for tax increases, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 25, 2010
Programs for disabled face cuts, By Jan Biles, Topeka Capital Journal, January 24, 2010
Senate GOP leaders say some tax increases will be necessary, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 22, 2010
Case made for more taxes, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 21, 2010
Applications Now Accepted for Appliance Rebate Program, From the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KRHC), January 19, 2010
Three-agency merger proposed, By KHI News Service, January 19, 2010
Medicaid call center stays open, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, January 19, 2010
SRS to Accept Applications for Low Income Energy Assistance Program, From the Kansas Department on Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), January 14, 2010
Budget committee weighing Medicaid cuts, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, January 13, 2010
Governor calls for sales and tobacco tax increases, By KHI News Service, January 11, 2010
Living the Dream celebrations begin, By Ben Bauman, KTKA TV 49 News, January 11, 2010
Waiting lists for state services expected to grow, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 11, 2010
Coalition to fight further budget cuts, By KHI News Service, January 08, 2010
Medicaid squeezed by budget cuts, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka capital-Journal, January 07, 2010
Fund would force state saving, By Barbara Hollingsworth, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 06, 2010
Panel’s tax plan would raise $200 million, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 05, 2010
KDoA announces cuts in in-home services, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, January 05, 2010
Some welcome closure of KNI, By Jan Biles, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 05, 2009
MTA changes take effect, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 02, 2010
State Plan for Independent Living Public Hearing, From the Legislative Update listserve of the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns, December 28, 2009
AG completes CLO investigation, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, December 22, 2009
Bus passes offered in January, By the Topeka Capital Journal, December 22, 2009
Tax increase hardly a sure thing, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, December 21, 2009
Governor says "no" to more Medicaid or education cuts, By Dave Ranney and Mike Shields, KHI News Service, December 17, 2009
Bleak forecast for next year's budget, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, December 15, 2009
Senator: Expect even deeper cuts next year, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, December 14, 2009
Stormont-Vail sets final clinic, By the Topeka Capital-Joural, December 15, 2009
State budget woes on agenda, By the Associated Press, November 14, 2009
Kansas governor seen drifting toward tax plan, By John Hanna, The Associated Press, December 13, 2009
Interhab protests cut in Medicaid rates, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, December 08, 2009
Closure commission delivers final report to governor, By KHI News Service, December 07, 2009
Trees available for families in need,By the Topeka Capital-Journal, December 02, 2009
More funding urged for TMTA, By Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal, November 02, 2009
Important State Budget Update!, From Mike Oxford and Ami Hyten, TILRC, November 24, 2009
Turkey we got, trimmings we need, By Phil Anderson, The Topeka Capital-Journal, November 25, 2009
TMTA postpones route changes, By The Topeka Capital-Journal, November 24, 2009
Governor: 'No way to sugar coat it', By Mike Sheilds and Dave Ranney, November 23, 2009
Program officials told to brace for more cuts, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, November 18, 2009
TMTA budget shortfall looming, By Mike Hall, The Topeka Capital-Journal, November 16, 2009
Praeger backs Medicare Advantage cuts, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, November 09, 2009
Fiscal neglect in Kansas, An editorial from the Kansas City Star, November 07, 2009
Christmas Bureau registration scheduled, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, November 06, 2009
Revenue projections slashed, By Tim Carpenter, The Topeka Capital-Journal, November 06, 2009
H1N1 vaccine clinic Thursday, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, November 03, 2009
Schwartz leaving KACIL post, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, November 02, 2009
Ms. Wheelchair seeks contestants, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, November 02, 2009
Wait lists could grow, By Tim Hrencher, The Topeka Capital-Journal, October 31, 2009
State budget woes deepen, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, October 30, 2009
Free bus passes available, By The Topeka Capital-Journal, October 29, 2009
SOAR training expedites disability benefits, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, October 28, 2009
TMTA settles on service changes, By Corey Jones, The Topeka Capital-Journal, October 28, 2009
'Complete Streets' discussed, By Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal, October 27, 2009
Committee suggests closing KNI, By The Topeka Capital-Journal, October 26, 2009
Hundreds of people affected by state's backlog, By Dion Lefler, The Wichita Eagle, October 22, 2009
New bilingual online resource for the disabled, By KHI News Service, October 23, 2009
Kansas has backlog of 12,000 Medicaid applications, By the Associated Press, October 19, 2009
Committee considers sliding scale for HCBS services, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, October 14, 2009
Bus service moves discussed, By Tim Hrencher, Topeka Capital-Journal, October 09, 2009
Organization offers bus passes, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, October 08, 2009
Commission postpones decision on hospitals, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, September 29, 2009
TMTA considers route changes, By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, September 28, 2009
Public Hearing on the 2010 Kansas Consolidated Plan - Oct 12th, From the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, September 2009
Stimulus windfall benefits KHRC, By Corey Jones, Topeka Capital-Journal, September 27, 2009
Attendant care workers’ wages draw union’s attention, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, September 21, 2009
Kansas Vocational Rehabilitaion Services Stakeholder Meetings, From SRS, September 2009
MediKan, GA cuts take toll on mentally ill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 31, 2009
DRC Kansas invites public comment on its proposed Program Priorities, From the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, August 28, 2009
Public addresses transit board, By Ann Marie Bush, The Topeka Capital-Journal, August 25, 2009
TMTA needs help, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, August 21, 2009
Bus service board meets Monday, By the Topeka Capital-Journal, August 20, 2009
Man Poses as City Water Field Employee, From the City of Topeka, August 18, 2009
2010 Topeka City Budget, By KSNT News, August 18, 2009
Commission endorses single campus for deaf, blind, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 17, 2009
Budget far from resolution, By Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal, August 11, 2009
KHPA selects its first Medicaid transportation broker, By KHI News Service, August 10, 2009
Council to consider cuts, By Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal, August 09, 2009
TMTA opposes rate increase, By Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal, August 04, 2009
Pilot project shows promise for cutting Medicaid costs, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, August 03, 2009
TMTA official: Budget 'bare-bone', By Ann Marie Bush, The Topeka Capital-Journal, July 31, 2009
Budget cuts threaten elderly, By Adrielle Harvey, The Topeka Capital-Journal, July 29, 2009
Program for blind adults is a merger target, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 28, 2009
Cabinet secretaries: Budget crunch 'one of worst ever', By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 24, 2009
Protesters want more in health reform bill, By Dave Ranney, KHI News Service, July 21, 2009
Medicaid enrollment backlog could reach 50,000, KHI News Service, July 20, 2009
Archer questions transit request, By James Carlson, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 17, 2009
TMTA drives home its case, By Jan Biles, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 14, 2009
Red Cross to cut transportation, By Mike Hall, Topeka Capital-Journal, July 12, 2009
Agencies seek input on long-term care issues, By KHI News Service, July 10, 2009
SRS Stakeholder Meeting to gather comments on the FY 2011 budget, From SRS Secretary Don Jordan, July 9, 2009
Governor's new cuts spare Medicaid, SCHIP and programs for the disabled, By Mike Shields, KHI News Service, July 02, 2009
Legislation
HB 2673 would create a Medicaid provider assessment on nursing facilities in Kansas. Revenue from the assessment would be used to finance initiatives to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of care in Kansas in both nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver Programs. TILRC testified in favor of increasing the amount of revenue raised by the tax that goes to HCBS programs to 20%.
Update of the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (HB 2533) - This bill would amend the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) in order to align the KAAD with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. The ADAAA makes important changes to the definition of the term "disability" by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and portions of EEOC's ADA regulations. These changes make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability within the meaning of the ADA.
The Community Attendant Worker Act (SB 566) - This bill from the 2007/2008 Session asks for a study to be conducted that will provide annual reports to the legislature detailing the amount of funding needed to properly compensate attendants for work and mileage as well as how to provide attendants access to quality, affordable health insurance. (Although SB 566 do not pass this session, SRS plans to include the study called for in the legislation as part of a study on systems capacity building funded through the Systems Transformation Grant)
Advocacy Organizations and Informational Resources
AARP Kansas is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
The Assistive Technology for Kansans Project has established an Interagency Equipment Loan System that contains a variety of devices that people in Kansas can borrow on a trial basis, before they purchase equipment for themselves. The Kansas Equipment Exchange offers reconditioned durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs and lifts, availabe for Kansans who meet the guidlines. ATK also maintains an Equipment Bulletin Board where consumers may search for a broader range of items that they wish to buy or post items they have for sale.
The Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas Inc. advances the interest of CMHCs and the individuals they serve. The primary goal of CMHCs is to provide quality care, treatment and rehabilitation to individuals with mental health problems in the least restrictive environment. The CMHCs provide services to all those needing it, regardless of economic level, age or type of illness.
The Kansas Audio-Reader Network is a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print disabled individuals in Kansas and western Missouri. Services are offered free of charge to anyone in our listening area who is unable to read normal printed material.
The Big Tent Coalition is a coalition of social service providers in Kansas.
Community Supports and Services (CSS) manages a system of community based supports and services for persons with disabilities. Those supports and services, are delivered in partnerships with organized networks and funded through a variety of federal, state, local, and private sources. Community service providers reflect a variety of private not-for-profit and for-profit organizations as well as governmental entities.
Envision is a private, not-for-profit agency uniquely combining employment opportunities with rehabilitation services and public education. Our Mission To enhance the personal independence of individuals whose blindness or low vision, often accompanied by other disabilities, impacts their opportunities for employment, success, and integration into community life.
Kansas Donated Dental Services is a project initiated by the National Foundation for Dentistry for the Handicapped and the Kansas Dental Association. Its purpose is to provide free, comprehensive care for people who are permanently disabled, elderly and medically compromised who are unable to afford dental care. The Kansas dentists volunteering for DDS donate services in their own offices. Dental laboratories contribute services.
Families Together is the Parent Training and Information center serving Kansas families who include a son/daughter with disabilities. We train and inform parents and professionals, help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities, work to improve education results for all children, resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies and connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.
The Gallaudet University Regional Center at Johnson County Community College offers extension courses, training workshops and technical assistance to address the educational, transition, and professional development needs from birth through adulthood of deaf and hard of hearing people, their families and professionals who work with them.
Official website for the Governor of Kansas.
Kansas.gov is the official website for the State of Kansas.
Kansas Action Network, Inc. or KAN, is a broad based coalition for workers' rights, social justice and economic fairness seeking a common ground in the pursuit of a just society. We call upon our common values in order to educate, organize and mobilize on issues that will improve the working and living conditions for all men, women, and children in Kansas.
The Kansas Assistive Technology Co-Operative (KATCO) provides Kansans with disabilities and their families access to financial resources for acquiring assistive technology. Families on fixed incomes, or who have credit problems related to disabilities, may qualify for loans. KATCO offers assistance with a combination of education, savings and low interest borrowing.
The Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL), represents 12 Centers for Independent Living (CILs). Centers provide services to people with disabilities of all ages. Centers for Independent Living also provide assistance to businesses and all other entities in the community to assist them in offering services to people with disabilities. We advocate at a state and national level for the rights of all people with disabilities to live in the communities of their choice.
The Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved (KAMU) is the state Primary Care Association (PCA) and is charged with providing training, technical assistance to, and advocacy on behalf of, federally-funded Community Health Centers in Kansas. KAMU's Mission is to promote access to high quality, culturally sensitive, comprehensive, cost effective primary health care services for the medially underserved in the state, regardless of ability to pay.
The Kansas Attorney General's Office, promoting human dignity through justice with compassion and professional excellence.
The Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocates for and facilitates equal access to quality, coordinated and comprehensive services that enhance the quality of life for Kansans who are deaf and hard of hearing.
The Kansas Department on Aging uses public and private resources to improve the security, dignity and independence of Kansas seniors, their families, seniors’ caregivers and all Kansans living in adult care homes.
The Kansas Health Policy Authority is responsible for coordinating a statewide health policy agenda that incorporates effective purchasing and administration with health promotion strategies. The Authority is responsible for compiling and distributing uniform health care data in order to provide health care consumers, payers, providers and policy makers with information regarding trends in the use and cost of health care for improved decision making.
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation mission is to enhance Kansas communities with housing opportunities. This goal is achieved through using a variety of strategies and approaches, including increasing homeownership opportunities, leveraging the construction of more affordable rental housing, preserving existing housing through rehabilitation, promoting energy efficiency improvements for owner-occupied and rental housing, providing affordable housing through rent assistance to low-income families and senior citizens, and creating housing opportunities for previously underserved persons and communities.
The Kansas Human Rights Commission investigates complaints alleging discrimination and conducts public education programs designed to prevent discrimination.
The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), partnering to connect Kansans with supports and services to improve lives, protect children and promote adult self-sufficiency.
The Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) empowers students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to assume responsible roles in society and to lead fulfilling lives. KSSB strives to establish partnerships with parents, school districts, and community resources to promote access to a high quality education for all Kansas students with visual impairments, regardless of where they attend school.
The Kansas State School for the Deaf provides a barrier-free communication environment which fosters early, fluent communication and on-going fluent communication as a means of broadening horizons and maximizing possibilities.
The Kansas Talking Book Service provides free home delivery of library resources designed to meet the cultural and recreational needs of Kansas citizens unable to use standard print because of a visual or physical impairment.
The Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program is designed to assess, plan, develop and provide VR services to eligible individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice. By providing services in this way, the VR program enables individuals with disabilities to prepare for and engage in gainful employment.
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) promotes and supports the development of youth with disabilities so they become empowered as community leaders through education, mentoring, and peer support.
The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum is a motivational five day forum in which a group of about 30-40 high school juniors and seniors, with various disabilities, come together to learn about leadership, advocacy, and goal setting. Through various small and large sessions, delegates are able to interact with, and learn from each other and successful adults with disabilities. Small sessions give delegates the opportunity to share experiences and explore personal leadership and career plans. Large sessions involve speakers in the community who address everything from resources to assistive technology, from disability history to adaptive recreation.
Keys for Networking, Inc. is a non-profit, 501©3 organization providing information, support, and training to families in Kansas whose children who have educational, emotional, and/or behavioral problems.
KSHousingSearch.org is a housing locator service, sponsored by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, which provides detailed information on affordable rental housing available throughout Kansas and allows people to locate housing that best fits their individual needs. The site can be accessed online 24 hours a day and is supported by a toll-free, bilingual call center at 1-877-428-8844, M-F, 9-8 EST.
Mission of Mercy program, sponsored by the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation, is an annual event that provides free dental care to all patients on a first come-first served basis after first receiving a health screen prior to a dental assessment.
The Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas or SACK, is the statewide self-advocate group. SACK is made up of over 20 member local self-advocate groups from all over Kansas. What is a self-advocate group? A self-advocate group is a civic organization for adults with developmental disabilities. The purpose of self-advocate groups is to provide leadership experience, community involvement opportunities and to support the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) is a free program offering Kansans an opportunity to talk with trained, community volunteers and get answers to questions about Medicare and other insurance issues.
The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas develops a State Independent Living Plan through external input, which ensures independent living for Kansans, advocates for the accomplishment of the State Plan objectives, monitors, reviews, and evaluates the implementation of the plan and is a statewide catalyst for independent living.
Topeka Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Council supports the civil rights of and full integration into Topeka community life for all people with disabilities by working toward providing full access to facilities, programs, services, activities and employment.
Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC) investigates allegations concerned with unfair practices related to employment, fair housing and public accommodations within our city limits. If you feel that you have been discriminated against or your civil rights have been violated you should file a complaint with the HRC.
Publications
The Intersection between Budget Cuts to Services and Civil Rights of People with Disabilities under the “Olmstead” Decision, Presented to: The House Committee on Long Term Care and Aging, Provided by: Mike Oxford, Executive Director, Topeka Independent Living Resource Center, January 26, 2010 - This testimony presents a cogent argument regarding the necessity for systematic, comprehensive, long range planning to address the future long term care needs of our state that culminates in the development of an Olmstead Plan for the state of Kansas.
Going Home - Is a booklet about home and community based options to institutional care. It explains how TILRC can help you get the healthcare services and supports you need in your own home and community. (printable version in rtf format)
Legislative Procedure in Kansas, Kansas Legislative Research Department, November 2006
Testimony Presented to the House Committee on Appropriations in Support of and Requesting Consideration of Amendments to HB 2673, By Mike Oxford, TILRC Executive Director, March 9, 2010 - HB 2673 would create a Medicaid provider assessment on nursing facilities in Kansas. Revenue from the assessment would be used to finance initiatives to maintain or improve the quality and quantity of care in Kansas in both nursing facilities and HCBS Waiver Programs.