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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Job Vacancy Announcements

The Topeka Job Fair is Wednesday, May 21st from noon to 3:00 pm at Hillcrest Community Center, 1800 SE 21st Street.  For more information go to Step Up Job Fairs website [ [link removed] ]. 

The Intrust Bank job vacancy listing is attached below. 

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This information is from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) Community of Practice (CoP).

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. [ [link removed] ]

April
30

NEON Community of Practice Webinar Series
The Fiscal Case for Supporting Disability Employment Efforts

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
3:00 - 4:15 p.m. ET

Join us as this webinar provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic and social impact of Customized Employment (CE), Supported Employment (SE) and Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for individuals with disabilities. We will explore the financial cost of unemployment and underemployment for people with disabilities, highlighting how current federal laws and policies align to support and incentivize workforce participation. The presentation emphasizes the fiscal return on investment (ROI) of Supported or Customized Employment, demonstrating how employment leads to reduced government spending on disability benefits while increasing individual financial independence and contributions to the economy.

Beyond financial implications, the presentation will examine the broader benefits of Supported Employment and Customized Employment, including improved quality of life, mental health, and community inclusion and belonging. We will discuss common employer misconceptions about hiring individuals with disabilities and present data on the cost-efficiency of supported and customized employment approaches.

Webinar Objectives:
• Identify the financial cost of unemployment and underemployment for people with disabilities
• Overview how state agencies implement federal laws and coordinate with other agency partners on education, rehabilitation, Medicaid, mental health, and other services to combat unemployment for people with disabilities
• Demonstrate the fiscal return on investment for supporting employment efforts
• Explore other non-fiscal benefits of supporting employment
• Discuss what challenges and barriers remain to further success in increasing workforce participation for people with disabilities

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

The National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series augments the technical assistance areas of 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 increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

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

Allan Bergman
Chief Executive Officer
High Impact Consulting

Allan I. Bergman is the CEO of HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting & Training, a firm he founded in 2010. A nationally recognized policy analyst, change agent, and thought leader in cross-disability policy and best practices, Allan has over 55 years of experience at the local, state, and federal levels. His work spans roles as a service provider, legislative advocate, policy analyst, and systems change facilitator. He has been deeply engaged in advancing supported and customized employment principles, ensuring that all individuals with disabilities—regardless of support needs—have access to meaningful employment of their choice. He has contributed significantly to policy development and implementation. Allan’s impact extends to 44 states, where he has led systems change initiatives, strategic planning efforts, provider evolution projects, and governance consulting. His dedication was recognized in December 2024 when he was honored with the TASH Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond his professional work, Allan is also a devoted father and advocate in his personal life. As Dina’s dad, he understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with supporting a daughter with intellectual and mental health disabilities. As Mindy’s stepdad, he celebrates the success of a young woman with Rett Syndrome who defied expectations by securing meaningful employment after being deemed "too disabled" for a sheltered workshop. Her success was made possible by a skilled Customized Employment Specialist trained and certified by Marc Gold & Associates. Today, Mindy's specialist serves as a mentor for MG&A and trainer herself. Allan continues to contribute his expertise to many organizations like JCFS in Chicago, The ARC of Illinois, The Illinois Center For Transition and Work at the University of Illinois and National APSE.

Disclaimer: This document was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under Contract No. GS-02F-0092T, Order No. 1605C5-22-F-00019, with Economic Systems Inc. The views expressed are those of the author and should not be attributed to DOL, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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


* Job Openings for INTRUST Bank.pdf [ [link removed] ]

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