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

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 Great Plains ADA Center.

Request for Healthcare Survey Participation

Hello,

We are reaching out to you because you are part of the ADA Great Plains contact list. We are conducting research together with the University of Missouri on physical barriers to accessibility in hospital facilities. We have an anonymous survey where we ask the participants about their last experiences regarding accessibility while visiting a hospital facility. We would like to invite you to participate in the survey, and if you are willing to, please click at this link: [link removed]

There is also the option to answer the survey on a Word document instead of online. If you would like to answer the survey on a Word document [ [link removed] ] you can download this Word Document, but it is attached below. Please download it, answer the survey, and send the document back to Dr. Debora Verniz at [email protected]

Project Title: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) Program: A Great Plains Regional ADA Network Services Initiative
Principal Investigator/Researcher: Troy Balthazor/Dr. Bimal Balakrishnan

Brief purpose of the study: The purpose of this research project is to identify physical barriers to healthcare facilities. You are being asked to answer an online survey about your experiences regarding using a hospital facility in the past. Your participation should last up to 10 minutes.

The information you provide will be kept confidential and only the research team will have access to it.

Basic eligibility criteria: Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Participants must be part of the ADA population.

Study contact for more information: Dr. Debora Verniz ([email protected])
IRB Reference Number: 2102246

We sincerely appreciate your time,

Troy Balthazor, Director
Great Plains ADA Center

Great Plains ADA Center | 100 Corporate Lake Drive | Columbia, MO 65203 US

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Job Vacancy Announcements

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has new job vacancies and internship information listed on their website [ [link removed] ].  

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has new vacancy announcements on their website [ [link removed] ]. 

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This message is from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Employment First Community of Practice (CoP). There is a date change to their webinar.

October 30
Community of Practice Webinar Series
From Challenges to Champions: How The Abilities Connection is Driving Success for Employment Growth
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET

Discover how The Abilities Connection - Ohio (TAC) is breaking barriers and revolutionizing employment opportunities through their unique, outside-the-box approach to transportation and workforce development. In this Community of Practice Webinar, Jim Zahora and Kevin Spriggs from TAC will share their organization's innovative strategies that have resulted in remarkable employment growth, particularly through their transformative transportation initiatives.

This webinar will take you through TAC’s strategic vision and highlight the creative solutions they’ve implemented to overcome challenges, ensuring that workers with disabilities can access meaningful employment. Learn about the technical components behind their employment growth and dive into a real success story showcasing how these efforts have changed lives.

Webinar Objectives:

Discover how TAC’s inventive transportation strategies helped boost employment rates.

Explore the technical and strategic steps taken to foster sustainable job growth.

Hear a success story that illustrates the life-changing impact of TAC’s approach.

Find insight into TAC's future vision for expanding opportunities.

Participate in an engaging discussion and gain actionable insights to apply innovative employment strategies to your own organizations.

***Register for the Webinar Here*** [ [link removed] ]

The National Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series augments the technical assistance areas of Employment First systems change (Capacity Building, Provider Transformation, School-to-Work Transition, Employer Engagement, and Policy/Funding Alignment). CoP participants benefit from national subject matter experts (SMEs) presenting information and resources to support Employment First efforts.

Please email any accommodation requests to [email protected] <[email protected]>.
________________________________________

Speaker Bios

Jim Zahora
Chief Executive Officer
The Abilities Connection

Jim Zahora has served as the CEO of The Abilities Connection (TAC) in Springfield, Ohio, since October 2019. Under his leadership, TAC continues its mission of employing and providing services to individuals with developmental and physical disabilities and making a lasting impact on the community.
Jim brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles in the manufacturing sector, where he developed expertise in operations and strategic growth. His commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities is further demonstrated through his service on a County Board of Developmental Disabilities and his current position on the ACCSES Board of Directors.

With his background in both manufacturing and disability services, Jim is dedicated to driving innovation at TAC while creating opportunities for those the organization serves.

Kevin Spriggs
Director of Human Services
The Abilities Connection

Kevin serves as the Director of Human Services at The Abilities Connection (TAC) in Springfield, Ohio, where he oversees a wide range of programs, including transportation, employment services, VR placements, high school transition programs, and adult day services. With 28 years of experience at TAC, Kevin plays a pivotal role in coordinating and facilitating services that support individuals in achieving their employment and life goals.
In 2020 and 2021, Kevin spearheaded two highly successful NEON projects focused on transportation and community employment, further solidifying TAC’s commitment to innovation and service excellence. His expertise has led him to present at several state and national-level conferences, sharing best practices and insights from TAC’s groundbreaking work.

Kevin's extensive experience and leadership have made him an indispensable part of TAC's mission to create opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities.

Madalyn Rowland.
Employment Support Supervisor
The Abilities Connection

Madalyn Rowland has been with The Abilities Connection (TAC) in Springfield, Ohio for 4 years, where she currently serves as the Employment Support Supervisor. She began her career at TAC as a Job Coach, providing on-the-job support to help individuals adjust to their new work environments and integrate into the workplace. She expanded her role by offering Job Search Assistance, helping individuals connect with employment opportunities tailored to their strengths and preferences.

In 2022, Madalyn was promoted to her current role, where she leads a team of Job Coaches and continues to provide Job Search Assistance. Madalyn holds the CESP (Certified Employment Support Professional) credential, which underscores her expertise in employment services. Her work has been marked by significant achievements, including a remarkable 80% placement rate for individuals referred to TAC through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities-sponsored Employment Services. This success represents a 40% increase from 2021 and exceeds the state average by 24%.

Her dedication to connecting individuals with meaningful employment, alongside her ability to foster strong employer relationships, has made her instrumental to TAC’s mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities.

Andrea Heath
Receptionist
The Abilities Connection

Andrea Heath has been the Receptionist at The Abilities Connection (TAC) in Springfield, Ohio since joining the team a few months ago. She brings with her 15 years of experience in retail, having worked at Goodwill, Kroger, and Walmart. Throughout her career, Andrea has honed her customer service skills and developed a strong ability to multi-task, making her a valuable asset to TAC.

In addition to her professional experience, Andrea is passionate about helping others and is currently exploring college courses to become a direct support professional. Her goal is to advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves, aligning with her deep commitment to service.

Outside of work, Andrea enjoys drawing, listening to music, and volunteering her time to help those in need. Her friendly personality and dedication to supporting others make her an essential part of TAC’s team and community.

Ashley MacLean
Dietary Assistant
Mini University at The Hope Center

Ashley MacLean has been a Dietary Assistant at Mini University, The Hope Center, a child care agency in Beavercreek Ohio, since March 2023. She was referred to TAC Industries in November 2022 for job placement assistance and quickly found her current role through their support.

Ashley's professional background is diverse, with experience spanning various fields. From 2011 to 2016, she worked at Greene Inc, assisting with document destruction. She then served as a Volunteer Activity Assistant at Greenwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation from 2015 to 2017. Her passion for helping others extended to training service dogs at 4paws4ability from 2018 to 2021. In 2022, she began volunteering at A Little Place to Grow daycare, before transitioning to a new career path with TAC’s assistance.

Ashley holds an Associate of Christian Studies from Regent University and an Associate of Liberal Arts from Sinclair Community College. Known for her compassion, attention to detail, and affinity for working with children, Ashley brings these strengths to her role, contributing meaningfully to the Mini University team.

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Our mailing address is:
Economic Systems Inc.
3120 Fairview Park Dr
Suite 500
Falls Church, VA 22042

 

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