KCDC Disability News Message

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

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)

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has posted new job vacancy announcements on their website.?

The Department for Children and Families (DCF) is dedicated to creating a workplace where our employees can grow, succeed, and make a difference. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team and we need your help to spread the word.

Check out our LinkedIn profile to find recent posts from our hiring campaign. By sharing these posts with your network, you can help us reach potential candidates who might be a perfect fit for our team. You can even add specific job openings you?d like to highlight to your post when you re-share DCF content. ?

Your support in promoting our job openings is appreciated. Together, we can build a strong and talented team that will continue to drive our agency?s success. Join us in spreading the word and let?s build a team that Works, Believes, and Thrives together!

Are you searching for the next step in your career? Ready to take on new challenges? There are growth opportunities available to continue building your skills, knowledge, and experience.?

Look for training opportunities available from DCF?s Organizational Health and Development department or customize your learning experience through LinkedIn Learning catalog available in the Kansas Learning & Performance Management system.

We strongly believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Elevate your career with us today and help further our agency mission in new and innovative ways.?

Explore exciting employment opportunities within DCF! We are hiring in many areas across the state.

Visit www.jobs.ks.gov and search Kansas Department for Children and Families!

DRC Quarterly News
Check out featured client testimonials, resources, and updates we have to share below.

"We contacted DRC to get some guidance when we were seeking further educational opportunities for our daughter who has Down syndrome. They helped us with making her college dream possible. Tricia and the rest of the staff was excellent. She helped us every step of the way. We are extremely grateful for their assistance!"

Web and device-based app for students with disabilities to use to help transition to adult life.

"I was forced to move because of harassment from a neighbor, despite all efforts to resolve the situation. Management where I lived did nothing. I called the Disability Rights Center and spoke with someone there. They were very helpful and even helped me get an attorney for my court appearance.

Moving was very expensive. They had financial resources to help pay my rent for several months and even helped me file a protection order. I truly appreciate everything they did for me. If you think you have run out of resources, consider reaching out to the Disability Rights Center."

2. Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit Rehousing Assistance
If you are a Kansas crime victim, have a disability or you are a senior, and the crime made the place you live or used to live unsafe and you need a safe place to live, we may be able to help.

Kathy?s Bill (SB 333) passed the Senate 36-1 on Friday, April 5, 2024. It?s on its way to the Governor! This is a bill Kathy Lobb, former DRC Board member and self-advocate rock star, has been working to pass her whole career. Kathy?s Bill will give people with disabilities preference in hiring, promotion, and retention for state government jobs.

Photo via the Lawrence Times. Photo taken at the Kansas Capitol on March 25, 2024. Kathy Lobb,in front. Behind, from left to right is Mike Burgess (Disability Rights Center of Kansas), Stephanie Sanford (Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas) and Angie Reinking (Arc of Douglas County).

There are signs on street corners, information is sent to you in the mail, and you see commercials advertising things like: "We Buy Houses!", "Rent to Own", or "Reverse Mortgages For You". These claims are often SCAMS trying to take advantage of you. We have seen many clients fall victim to these scams. We have new resources with information about how these scams work, how to avoid them, and what to do if you are victimized. Check them out below.

Anyone who wants to work can with the right services and supports! Through the CAP, DRC helps Kansans with disabilities seeking or keeping a job better access and obtain Vocational Rehabilitation services. DRC?s CAP program can help you make informed choices throughout the Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living process. Learn more about the CAP in our new flyer.

HCBS are critically important to individuals with disabilities? daily lives. HCBS Waiver services for Kansans with disabilities are separate from Medicaid healthcare services. Without HCBS Waiver services from the state, out-of-pocket costs for these support services can cost families roughly $50,000 per person, EACH YEAR. The waitlists for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) and Physical Disability Waivers in Kansas have skyrocketed in recent years, causing Kansans with disabilities to suffer without services for several years (I/DD Waiver waitlists are 11 years!).

Check out this video to learn more and hear from Theo and Trevor about what HCBS services mean to them.

DRC staff member Shawn Trimble connected with the community in March at Mental Health Advocacy Day! Thanks to Kansas Mental Health Coalition for hosting another awesome day of advocacy at the Capitol.

DACVU Managing Attorney Paul Shipp and Attorney Florence Cornish had a terrific time connecting with community organizations at the 2024 Kansas Crime Victims Conference this month. The conference was full of learning opportunities from inspiring speakers and making meaningful connections to better serve Kansas crime victims.

DRC is hiring an Advocate and an Attorney. We're seeking dedicated individuals who are interested in impactful legal advocacy work. Enjoy competitive benefits, meaningful mission-driven work, and a hybrid remote schedule. Find your work-life balance here.? Apply today at indeed.com or by emailing your resume to [email protected].

Apply today at indeed.com or by emailing your resume to [email protected]. View the job descriptions on indeed.com or at our website at htdrckansas.org/about/job-openings.

Your Vote is Your Voice! Use it!
The 2024 Primary Election will be here before we know it. Take note of some important deadlines and be sure you are registered to vote.
July 16: Deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration info
July 30: Last day to apply for an advance voting mail ballot
August 6: PRIMARY ELECTION (All advance ballots by mail must be postmarked by Election Day and received by August 9)

DRC has attorneys and advocates who provide free advocacy and legal services for disability rights. We help with many different disability rights issues. Our Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) helps both Kansans with disabilities and Kansas seniors who have been victims of crime. Need assistance? Don't wait. Contact us today.

Get Help

Zealously advocating for the disability rights of Kansans to protect their full participation as citizens.
Want to support DRC's mission? Help us spread the word about our free services to Kansans with disabilities! Consider forwarding this email to your professional network, family, or friends. Ask them to subscribe as well!

Disability Rights Center of Kansas
214 SW 6th Ave Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66603
(877) 776-1541 | [email protected]


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