Here is today's Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) Disability News message.? I hope you have a wonderful day.?

Martha

*Martha K. Gabehart* | "Executive Director
"Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
*Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
*900 SW Jackson, Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-6525 (direct) | (785) 260-4027 (cell)

[email protected] | www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov [ [link removed] ]

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This message is from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KADS) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) office.

Dear Stakeholders,

Please check the KDADS website for the following newly added items:


* Announcements for the upcoming Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Waiver Renewal sessions (Intellectual/Developmentally [ [link removed]-(hcbs)-programs/programs/i-dd ] Disabled (I/DD) (ks.gov) [ [link removed]-(hcbs)-programs%2Fprograms%2Fi-dd&data=05%7C02%7Cmartha.gabehart%40ks.gov%7C53641e5e3eab418e860b08dc2e3d16d2%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638436087120134788%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BP4MBTFU6agqc17phM9bO%2BoD5X1eVJ7V0iUOReH0xbk%3D&reserved=0 ])
* Request for Public comment for Brain Injury (BI) and I/DD Waiver Renewals (Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Programs (ks.gov) [ [link removed]-(hcbs)-programs ])

Note: We have observed that some emails on our listserv are bouncing back as undeliverable.? Please ensure you mark our [email protected] email address as a safe sender to receive important updates.?

Thank you for your cooperation.

*Theresa Singh*

Policy & Program Project Manager

Long Term Services & Supports

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

503 S. Kansas Avenue

Topeka, KS 66603

Phone: 785-296-8847

Fax: 785-296-0256

Visit Our Website: www.kdads.ks.gov [ [link removed] ]

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The Minds Matter newsletter is available on their website [ [link removed] ].? Minds Matter is a provider of services for people who have had a brain injury.? Their newsletter lists resources they provide, job vacancy announcements, information about services available to the public as well as conferences and presentations about brain injury and concussion management.? They are located in Overland Park, Kansas.?

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This message is from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC).

View this email in your browser [ [link removed] ]

February 16 is National Caregivers Day!

Today, NADTC celebrates the dedicated work of family and professional caregivers who provide essential care to people with health or functional needs. According to the report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 [ [link removed] ], nearly 80% of caregivers provide transportation for their loved ones, yet only 25% have used transportation services to support their caregiving role. Transportation services can be a vital resource for caregivers, providing much needed respite and peace of mind that they will arrive to their destination safely.

NADTC has a variety of resources to assist transportation professionals to better understand and provide the services that meet the needs of caregivers and their families.

? Video: Amplifying Voices of Caregivers in Transportation [ [link removed] ]
? Resource: Dementia, Caregiving and Transportation [ [link removed] ]
? Brief: Focus on Family Caregiving and Transportation [ [link removed] ]

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
Washington, DC
[email protected] | 866.983.3222

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center is a program funded by the Federal Transit Administration and administered by USAging and Easterseals with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.

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IRS Free File: How to Find Filing Assistance this Tax Season

Established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in partnership with tax software providers, the IRS Free File program helps eligible taxpayers prepare and file federal tax returns for free. In this article, we?ll explore the key features of the IRS Free File program, and how you may benefit from this service.

READ MORE [ [link removed] ]

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Job Vacancy Announcements

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has posted new job listings on their website [ [link removed] ].??

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This message was sent out on the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) list serve.? If you would like to know more about DeafLEAD you can go to their website [ [link removed] ].?

Dear Mr. Cooper,

My name is Jovanna Natale and I am the Outreach & Engagement Manager at DeafLEAD. We recently learned of the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kansas City earlier today, and our thoughts are with you and everyone affected. We hope for everyone's safety and well-being.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce DeafLEAD and the services we offer to the Deaf community nationwide. Our organization provides 24/7/365 crisis intervention, advocacy, case management, interpreting, and mental health support services to victims of crime who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Late-Deafened individuals and their families. We also collaborate with victim service providers, both individuals and organizations, to ensure that their services for crime victims with hearing loss are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

DeafLEAD is also proud to provide crisis intervention services through three nationwide videophone lines staffed by crisis counselors fluent in American Sign Language, ensuring effective communication and support for those in need.

We would appreciate being considered for inclusion in your emergency preparedness list, especially given the recent events in Kansas City. It is crucial that the Deaf community is aware of the readily available and free services we offer.

**DDH VP ? Disaster Distress Helpline Videophone (24/7 ? 365) - National** ? We would love to be added to your emergency preparedness list.

This is a videophone line dedicated to providing emotional support and resources when appropriate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors of natural and human-caused disasters, including but not limited to flooding, fires, mass shootings, and terrorism. Here, they will receive emotional support from trained Crisis Counselors who are fluent in ASL.

Two methods to connect with a trained crisis counselor fluent in ASL:
- **Web-based** - (ensure you have an enabled webcam, e.g., phone, computer/laptop, tablet, etc.) at www.DeafLEAD.org (Click the DDH ASL NOW button)
- **Videophone** ? Dial 800-985-5990

**DCL ? Deaf Crisis Line (24/7 ? 365) - National**
This is a videophone line dedicated to providing emotional support and appropriate resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing survivors of crimes, including but not limited to domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and rape. Here, they will receive emotional support from trained Crisis Counselors who are fluent in ASL.

Two methods to connect with a trained crisis counselor fluent in ASL:
- **Web-based** - (ensure you have an enabled webcam, e.g., phone, computer/laptop, tablet, etc.) at www.DeafLEAD.org (Click the DCL ASL NOW button)
- **Videophone** ? Dial 321-800-3323

**988 VP ? 988 Videophone (24/7 ? 365) [Launched September 1st, 2023] - National**
This is a dedicated videophone line for callers who are experiencing an emotional crisis related to suicide and other crises. Here, they will receive emotional support from trained Crisis Counselors who are fluent in ASL.

Two methods to connect with a trained crisis counselor fluent in ASL:
- **Web-based** - (ensure you have an enabled webcam, e.g., phone, computer/laptop, tablet, etc.) at www.DeafLEAD.org [ [link removed] ] (Click the 988 VP ASL NOW button)
- **Videophone** ? Dial 988 directly on Videophone

-Note: You can also connect with a crisis counselor via text by texting 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to use the chat feature.

Please let me know if there is anything else we can do to assist your community during this challenging time. We are also open to any suggestions for additions to the resource list or if you have any further questions.

Thank you for your consideration. Stay safe.

Sincerely,

Jovanna Natale Outreach & Engagement Manager, DeafLEAD
[email protected] | www.DeafLEAD.org [ [link removed] ]
2505 West Ash Columbia, MO 65203

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