Kansas Disability History
Since its entry into the Union in 1861 as the 34th state, Kansas has played a number of important roles and made many significant contributions to the history of the United States. To be included in this list are several important events to people with disabilities living in both Kansas and around the rest of the country. Some have been things directly impacting the area of disability while others have been made by people with disabilities who made significant impacts on the entire population.
We cannot hope to present a full list of the many things which deserve to be included on this compilation. We do, however, intend to present some which will be representative of the many we miss with respect to their importance and lasting value to life in Kansas.
~Sanford Alexander
Kansas Independent Living History
The Beginning
The Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL) started as a result of monthly meetings required by the Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS). The directors of the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) met on a monthly basis at the direction of the state coordinator for independent living services for KRS. The purpose of those meetings was to impart information to all centers in a more timely fashion, including the formulation of a state plan on Independent Living. Directors active in the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) would provide updates about national activities. The Kansas Advisory Committee of Employment of the Handicapped (KACEH) staff were also invited to present state and national agendas at these meetings.
There were CILs located in Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence and Hays at that time. Maggie Shreve was the Director in Kansas City, Mitch Cooper in Topeka, Mona McCoy in Lawrence and Paula McElwee in Hays. These were all federally funded Centers. Funding came from Title VII Part B of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Each Center, in their application would indicate a “service area they would cover. Each CIL had their own service area.
The first item on the Director’s agenda was to promote state funding to increase the number of centers in the state. After a great deal of advocacy at the legislature by advocates and the Kansas Rehabilitation Services, state funding became available for two new CILs.
Independent Connection in Salina was established as the first state funded program in 1983. Gina McDonald was the Director. The Wichita Center, then called Project AID, was established with state funds in July of 1984. Diane Schreyer and Melba Gwaltney were the co directors.
There was some hesitation on the part of the federally funded CILs to accept the newly formed programs. Independent connection was a program of OCCK, Inc. and Project Aid was a program of UCP. Neither had independent governing boards and so the two new Centers had to prove their understanding and follow through on independent living philosophy.
Advocacy Efforts
As new Centers were added the drive time to the monthly day long meetings increased. The directors would agree on a hotel and drive in the evening prior to the meeting. The Center Directors would meet for dinner and drinks, and share information about programs, services, advocacy efforts and national activities. They also found this to be valuable for peer support. Issues such as board relationships, fiscal management, volunteers, peer support models and staff supervision were discussed. Directors shared successes and failures. Since there was no competition over “service area”, Directors tended to be much more honest about concerns. They also were very happy to share their manuals, and programs.
The Directors decided, in early 1983 to form an association for the purposes of advocating as one voice and to provide technical assistance and peer support to one another. In June of 1985, the group had formed an association. The first Directors of KACIL included Gina McDonald, President, Mona McCoy, Vice President, Maggie Shreve, Secretary, Mitch Cooper, Treasurer, and at large members Alice Purvis, Bill Reyer, Shelia Nelson, Laura Moore, and Bob Mikesic, who took over for Paula McElwee, Melba Gwaltney and Diane Schreyer.
On July 24, 1985, KACIL incorporated as a 50l(c) 3 not for profit organization The members of the board of KACIL at the time of incorporation included the current members and Margaret Bond Wares, Hays.
Once KACIL was organized as a 501(c)3, we developed a mission statement and bylaws and had our first planning meeting. The original mission of KACIL was to "advocate for the independent living needs of disabled citizens of the state of Kansas, and to develop new resources and identity and provide access to existing resources which provide the services needed by disabled Kansans so that they may live independently in the situation and community of their choice.
In 1984, the federal government provided funding to states for Title VII Part A. In order to receive funding, each state was required, in conjunction with consumer groups, to develop a state plan for Independent Living, which would describe how these funds would be used.
KACIL provided input into the first state plan for Independent Living. As its two priorities, KACIL promoted the development and funding for more CILs and a state Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program that was consumer directed. Since the state had final say as to the direction of the State Plan for independent living, they decided to fund the development of three new CILs and for the durable medical equipment (DME) program. The DME program provided funding to individuals who were considered to be “too severe” to be served under the regular VR program for purchase of equipment. Part A funding became available for three new CILs. They were located in Valley Falls, Osage City and Wamego. Alice Purvis was hired as the Director in Valley Falls, Bill Reyer in Osage City and Laura Moore in Wamego.
In 1986, KACIL began its advocacy efforts at a state level by working together with the Kansas Advisory Committee for Employment of the Handicapped (KACEH) to promote legislation for self directed services for individuals who were using personal care attendants under the Title XIX Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver. This also required a change in the Nurse Practice Act which would allow for non medical attendants to perform health maintenance activities that currently required a registered nurse.
KACIL directors along with KACEH and consumers raised funds to sponsor the first Kansas Disability Caucus in 1988. This brought people with disabilities from all around the state together to develop legislative agendas for local, state and national issues. People with disabilities came together in Salina, Kansas. Nationally known speakers, including Ed Roberts, President of the World Institute on Disability came to speak on issues relevant to disabilities, and for three days people with disabilities attended presentations in the morning and caucus groups in the afternoon. Self Directed Personal Care Assistance services were the overwhelming need described by participants at the first Caucus.
The Disability Caucus grew in reputation and numbers of participants and was held in subsequent years in Wichita and Topeka. Other key issues that KACIL carried to the legislature that came out of these caucuses included the need for affordable, accessible housing and the need for accessible, affordable health care.
In 1989, KACIL and KACEH were successful in advocating for the passage of House Bill 2012, Consumer Directed Option for Personal Assistance under the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver. That same year KACIL and the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC, formerly KACEH) successfully advocated for legislation which strengthened the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD). KACIL identified the need for a more permanent presence in Topeka to promote the rights of disabled people.
In December 1990, the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC) in essence gave a two year start up grant to KACIL to hire a part time staff person. The Executive Director would work as a consultant to TILRC for 1/3 of the time, as an outside consultant for 1/3 time and as the Director of KACIL for 1/3 time. Gina McDonald was hired as the first Executive Director for KACIL. During that time, funds were raised both for KACIL and CILs such that KACIL dues from the CILs and consultation helped to fund the organization as a free standing operation. TILRC continued to provide support through use of staff, equipment, supplies and resources for three years.
In 1990 KACIL held the Disability Caucus in Wichita. Since there was a gubernatorial election that year, KACIL invited the candidates. A representative from then Governor Mike Hayden's office attended. Candidate Joan Finney attended herself and promised to address disability issues in her administration. In fact she spoke of creating an independent living commission. In November of 1990, Joan Finney was elected as the states first woman Governor. KACIL wasted no time in scheduling an appointment with the new administration. Gina McDonald, Executive Director and President Mike Donnelly met with Mary Holiday, the Governor's Chief of Staff. She agreed to regular meetings to address disability needs. She proposed hiring a "Disability Liaison" to the Governor. Shortly after, Renee Gardner was appointed to the Governor's staff to address disability issues. Ms. Gardner and Ms. Holiday proved to be great advocates for people with disabilities.
In order to increase our effectiveness in Topeka, KACIL worked with other advocacy organizations who would be working on legislation in 1991. KACIL and KCDC jointly developed a “Statement of Solidarity". This statement outlined principles that supported only funding for community based services and encouraged any legislation that would protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Eventually over twenty organizations and associations signed the statement. The statement was presented to newly elected Governor Joan Finney and to all legislators. KACIL worked closely with the Governor's office, Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (KARF), Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC), Kansas Alliance for the Mentally Ill, the Association of Community Mental Health Centers and the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired.
That year, legislation was passed that clarified and improved the rights of people with disabilities under the Kansas Act Against Discrimination. Legislation was approved to incorporate the Americans with Disabilities Act access guidelines into Kansas law. A bill was passed which would allow the KACIL centers to "buy" into the Kansas State employees health care system and Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. The coalition with KACIL in the lead was also successful in accessing state general funding for three additional CILs. With this funding, three new centers began operation in 1993. They were located in Kansas City, Kansas, directed by Tom? Parsons, with Shari Coatney as director and Dodge City, directed by Tim .
In 1991, KACIL collaborated with the Missouri Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) to write a proposal to the National Institute for Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) to develop a Disability Business Technical Assistance Center.
We were unsuccessful in receiving the grant, as were most other consumer groups around the country, however in 1992, KACIL received a sub contract grant through the University of Missouri to provide technical assistance for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Kansas. KACIL hired Mary Ellen O'Brien Wright as an assistant to work on that project.
Kansas University worked together with KACIL and other groups promoting the rights of people with disabilities to write a national Technology Assistance Grant and was funded in 1993. KACIL became a subcontractor on that grant and was responsible for the systems change and funding portion of the project. KACIL worked closely with the other three subcontractors, OCCK, Inc., Families Together, Inc., and Cappers. In March of 1994, Michael Oxford was hired to be the KACIL Assistant Director and the Project Director for the Technology Assistance Grant.
1993 saw the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act. The amendments to the act included a big push toward more consumer control in the programs served under the Act. One of the major changes in Title VII was that the statewide advisory committee on independent living was given much more consumer authority. Previously this group only gave recommendations to Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) on the development of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
Under the amendments of 1993, the Council became the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) . Council members are appointed by the Governor. The SILC must be cross disability and should represent the entire state. The SILC is no longer an advisory group, but has equal sign off authority with the commissioner (Director) of KRS. This Council, in conjunction with the KRS Commissioner, developed the SPIL, and determined how all public dollars for independent living would be used. Both the Commissioner and the SILC must agree to the plan before it can be submitted to Washington. Further, the Act stated that the SILC must not be housed in any department of the state government.
KACIL provided training to its members regarding the amendments to the Rehabilitation Act and invited Renee Gardner from the Governor's office to attend. Since she would be responsible for recommending members of the council to the governor, we felt it was imperative to include her. Renee did involve KACIL as well as KRS in the selection of the members of SILC.
By 1994 the SILC had been appointed. KACIL Executive Director, Gina McDonald was elected as the first President. She and Martha Hodgesmith met with Renee and Mary Holiday in early January regarding the SILC. They discussed the issue of where to "house" the SILC. Gina and Martha suggested that it be contained in the Governors office. Mary disagreed in that it would be difficult to keep staff through administration changes. She also pointed out that we may not always have a good relationship with all Governors. We agreed and asked for her suggestions. She said she understood our philosophy to be one of self empowerment and autonomy, so why not form a 501 (c) corporation to house the SILC. With her support and assistance, Kansas was the first state to form a free standing not for Profit Corporation called the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK).
In 1993, KACIL began in earnest advocating for the closure of institutions for people with mental retardation. Mike Donnelly and Gina McDonald provided testimony and made trips to KNI, Parsons and Winfield. KACIL was the only organization to actively push for the closure of at least one institution.
KACIL worked with KCDC to close workers compensation records to potential employers. Our compromise was to get a paper trail that employers who called the hotline would be tracked. KACIL spent much of its energy on National Health Care and on closure of state institution issues. We successfully worked with Families Together to advocate for state general funds for a statewide Parent Assistance Network.
1994 was the beginning of a push for more consumer control in the options for services under the Mental Retardation / Developmental Disability HCBS waiver. The Developmental Disabilities Reform Act was introduced for the third year. This bill also said that funding should follow the individual out of the institution into the community, and all efforts should be made to ensure that all people were getting services in the most integrated setting.
By 1995, the DD Reform Act was again introduced. The bill that passed allowed individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to determine who provides their services, and funding follows. This bill was very important because it gave consumers with developmental disabilities the right to choose a CIL for services and it gave the CIL the opportunity to be reimbursed for expenses.
In 1996, KACIL and the SILCK advocated for and received funding from the legislature for an additional $ 400,000.00 to fund two additional CILs in Hutchinson and Garden City. By 1997 those Centers were up and running.
In 1995, KACIL began working with the Department on Aging and Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services to look at development of a new waiver for people with physical disabilities. KACIL began advocating for this in 1990, and this year it was taken up by the State. In an unusual and very collaborative effort, the state brought consumers, providers, advocates, SRS and Department On Aging employees together to determine how to best meet the needs of people with physical disabilities. KACIL, KS ADAPT, an advocacy group headed by Mike Oxford, and other groups worked on numerous task forces over the summer to develop what should be included in this new waiver.
By 1996, the waiver was written and approved and now the task of implementation began. The waiver was creative and gave power to the consumer to determine their own needs. The CILs were critical in the implementation. In January of 1997, CILs began assisting consumers on the new HCBS waiver.
Because of the need for networking and the desire to provide information to a wide audience, KACIL established two levels of membership. Individual members are those individuals or agencies that are not Centers for Independent Living, but who have an interest in Independent Living issues. Individuals may not vote at KACIL meetings, but they are welcome to attend and be added to the agenda. CILs belong as full members.
KACIL provides technical assistance and membership support to its members, and works at a state and national level to promote the rights of people with disabilities. As was stated in our original mission, we work to make changes in legislation, regulations, and policies to ensure consumer choice and options and we provide support and information to ensure those choices and options are available.
Written and contributed by Gina McDonald
Kansas Intellectual/Developmental Disability History
1880
- The Winfield State Hospital opened initially in 1881 on the University of Kansas campus but soon relocated to the town of Winfield in 1887, receiving the name change "The Kansas State Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth" and had thirty-one students. This was the first Kansas state institution.
1900
- Parsons State Hospital first opened in 1903 as a State Hospital for Epileptics.
- A marriage restriction law was passed in 1903 that made it illegal to marry someone deemed to be “feeble-minded” as well as other conditions deemed to be undesirable for producing offspring.
- In 1913, the Kansas legislature passed the first sterilization law in the state. Nationwide, the Eugenics movement professed forced sterilization of persons with intellectual disabilities as a method for improving the human race. Forced sterilizations in Kansas actually predated this law back to the early years of Winfield State Hospital.
- Sterilization continued until the early 1950s with 2851 patients including 779 who were classified as feeble minded.
1910
- Norton State Hospital was first established by the Kansas Legislature in 1913 as a sanatorium for tubercular patients.
- Waiting list is established at Parsons State Hospital.
- Kansas law prohibiting marriage of “epileptics, imbecile, feeble-minded, or insane” was established.
1930
- In 1930, Hattie Starkey, a public school teacher, opened her home to students with disabilities. She started with two students, both of whom had physical and developmental disabilities. In no time at all, word spread of the makeshift school, and Ray and Hattie Starkey ended up moving several times to larger and larger homes in Wichita “where more leaves could be put in the dining room table.” At its height, the home-based school accommodated as many as 40 students in a basement classroom.
- The Institute of Logopedics, now Heartspring, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Martin F. Palmer on the fourth floor of Jardine Hall at the University of Wichita, within the Department of Speech Sciences. The Institute would eventually become a residential school serving thousands of children and adults with communication disorders, including many persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
1940
- 1949 – Special Education Division was created in the Kansas State Department of Education.
1950
- 1951 – First State appropriation for reimbursement of school district special education programs.
- The ARC of Sedgwick County, now AbilityPoint, was established in 1953 by parents who had children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. View more more information about AbilityPoint.
- In 1957 the hospital was renamed Parsons State Hospital and Training Center and began providing programs for individuals with mental retardation.
1960
- Kansas Neurological Institute opened in 1960 in response to a legislative mandate to provide for "the evaluation, treatment and care of the mentally retarded, training of personnel and for research into causes and prevention and proper methods of treatment and training of mentally retarded children."
I Pioneer period 1960-1970s
- The focus on the education of consumers, the driving force was parent advocacy and the county played a key role in creating Community Mental Retardation Facilities.
- Local leadership and national trends shaped state policy making. This era was mission driven and had low expectations for funding.
- Wichita Training Center for the Retarded, which eventually became Kansas Elks Training Center for the Handicapped (KETCH) was founded in 1962 by the same group of parents that founded the ARC of Sedgwick County. Their purpose was to create a program that served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with an emphasis on job training and employment.
- 1961 – The public school system served nearly 1830 of the estimated 11,000 school age educable MR children in Kansas. There were 180 of the estimated 1760 school age trainable MR children served in Kansas.
- 1963 – Governor Anderson appointed a Council on Mental Retardation.
- 1965 – There were 9 licensed community MR/DD centers in Kansas. That number would grow to 21 within 2 years.
- In 1967, the name of the Kansas sanatorium for tubercular patients located at Norton, Kansas, was changed to the Norton state hospital.
- 1968 – There were 4 state institutions, 1 vocational rehabilitation unit, 29 child development centers, 9 rehabilitation and work activity centers, 2 private residential centers, 21 group homes, 347 special education classrooms and 26 licensed community MR/DD centers in Kansas.
- Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (KARF) was established in 1969 by a small group of organizations that provided services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In 1996, KARF changed its name to InterHab.
1970
- The Occupational Center of Central Kansas (OCCK Inc) started providing services in Apr. of 1970
- Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation was founded in 1972.
- Rainbows United, Inc. was founded in 1972 as a developmental training center for children with severe, multiple disabilities that were ineligible for special education services provided through the public schools. In the 1970's, when legislation required public schools to provide services to all children of school age regardless of their disability, Rainbows began focusing on delivery of early intervention services to children below school age.
- 1970 – Intermediate Care Facilities for persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) were authorized under Medicaid.
- 1970 – The first Kansas Special Olympics was held in Parsons.
- 1970 – The number of licensed community MR/Developmental Disability (DD) centers in Kansas grew to 30.
- 1971 – There were 2,000 clients in institutions and 250 in community programs.
- 1971 – There were 42 local Kansas ARC chapters totaling more than 2,500 members.
- 1971 – There were 36 total licensed community MR/DD centers in the state.
- 1973 Training and Evaluation Center for the Handicapped TECH started in Hutchinson KS.
- 1974 State Statutes K.S.A. 72-961 Kansas mandated special education with the Exceptional Children’s Act in 1974 one year before the federal legislation
- 1974 saw the enactment of legislation that established Community Mental Retardation Centers. It established a mechanism for state grants for funding community services as well as allowing counties to levy local taxes to fund programs. Duties and powers were granted to establish a system of services and supports.
- 1975 – The State implemented the Title XX program.
- 1975 – State Vocational Rehabilitation Services began requiring agencies to be accredited if they were to receive funds.
- 1977 – State law limiting marriages of “epileptics, imbecile, feeble-minded, or insane” was repealed.
- 1977 – Title XX funds to local agencies were reduced by 60%.
- 1978 – Licensing and certification standards for programs serving persons with MR/DD were adopted.
- 1984 – The State changed its funding of Community Intellectual Disability Services through grant making to such service providers. K.S.A. 65-4413
II Transition
- During the transition year (1980-1995) we saw the influence of national professional standards which created stronger community MR/DD programs. There was a significant increase in the community programs providing more residential services. There was and increased emphasis on vocational needs of people with developmental disabilities.
- 1980 – The Civil Rights of Institutional Persons Act is passed.
- 1980 – Kansas ranked 12 of 17 states in per capita support of community-based MR/DD services.
- 1981 – Federal reduction in the Title XX program occurred. Title XIX was amended to allow the use of Medicaid.
- 1982 – Title XX under the Social Security Act became the Social Service Block Grant program.
- 1982 – Kansas’ application to offer community-based services under Title XX was approved.
- 1984 – First year that HCBS funds were used in Kansas
- 1984 – The Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities started a task force on Supported Employment to study and develop a plan for the state.
- 1984 – Cottonwood in Lawrence started an enclave packaging dog food at a host company site
- 1989 – Norton State Hospital was closed and converted to a correctional facility.
1990
- The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. The law prohibits the exclusion of individuals with disabilities from everyday activities.
- Starting in 1990 community services for persons with I/DD were greatly expanded through innovative use of the Home and Community Based Services Waiver. New federal funds accessed through the waiver were matched with existing state funds that were used to fund existing services. Through “re-financing” existing state funded services with HCBS waiver services, excess state funds were re-invested to serve persons on the waiting list. For every person in services transferred to the waiver, another unserved person was able to be served from the waiting list. Through two rounds of refinancing, the waiting list was eliminated.
- The Kansas Legislature passed the Developmental Disability Reform Act in 1995. Sedgwick County formally formed its Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) to begin its gate keeping role as required by the act. Among other ground-breaking protections for persons with disabilities in the Act, is language that states the State must provide a “reasonable” reimbursement rate to community MR/DD providers.
- 1995 – There is no waiting list for any persons with disabilities waiting to receive services in their communities.
II Post DD reform 1996 +
The Post DD reform era (1996 to present) were marked by an increase in consumer advocacy, the commercialization of the market place and the emergent of many new for profit businesses. There is a need for stronger financial management while addressing the need for high quality services. 39-1802. It is the policy of the state to assist persons who have a developmental disability to have:
- services and supports which allow persons opportunities of choice to increase their independence and productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.
- asses to a range of services and supports appropriate to such persons: and
- the same dignity and respect as persons who do not have a developmental disability.
There are 28 recognized non-profit CDDO’s servicing approximately:
- 1993 – 4244 people served in a variety of settings
- 1994 – 5600 people
- 1995 – 6000 people
- 1998 – 7300 people
- 1999 – 7500 people
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Division of DD 1998 annual report
Winfield State Hospital & Training Center was closed in 1998. Its facilities were converted to a veteran’s residential program, as well as for use by corrections. Savings from its closure were re-invested to eliminate the waiting list that had grown since refinancing of the early 1990’s.
Information submitted by:
Ron Pasmore, KETCH
Matt Fletcher, InterHab
Steve Gieber, KCDD
April 2013
Kansas Mental Health Disability History
- 1850's – The first territorial legislature in 1855 passed an act providing for the appointment of guardians for persons of unsound mind, and in 1859 the provisions of the law were extended to include habitual drunkards.
- 1863 – The first step toward the erection of an asylum for the insane of Kansas was the passage of the act of March 2, 1863 – State Insane Asylum of the State of Kansas (later called Osawatomie State Hospital).
- 1875 – Kansas Legislature appropriated $25,000 "for the purpose of building an asylum for the insane at some convenient and healthy spot within two miles of the state capitol building in the city of Topeka."
- 1879 – The first two ward buildings, Topeka Insane Asylum, accommodating 135 patients, opened. In 1901 the Legislature officially changed the name to Topeka State Hospital.
- In 1913, the Kansas legislature passed the first sterilization law in the state. The 1913 legislation was directed at “habitual criminals, idiots, epileptics, imbeciles, and insane”.
- 1914 – Larned State Hospital was first opened on April 17th, 1914.
- 1925 – Menninger Sanitarium opened in Topeka
- 1946 – Post-war public reaction: an upsurge of interest in mental health; increased number of applicants for training. In 1946, some 108 physicians started psychiatric residency at the Menninger School of Psychiatry (ultimately responsible for training 7% of nation’s psychiatrists).
- Taken from "History of the Mental Health Care System in Kansas" by Roy W. Menninger MD, Topeka KS
- 1961 – State law established the opportunity for Kansas Counties to designate a community mental health center (CMHC) in a single county or to cooperate with other counties to create a CMHC.
- 1964 – Legislation was signed into law allowing a mill levy in each of the 105 counties in Kansas to support CMHCs.
- 1972 – Dr. Tom Hertzberg of Northville State Hospital in Detroit, Michigan held a planning meeting to develop a national Consumer/Survivor conference. It was the first Conference on Human Rights and Psychiatric Oppression and was held a year later in 1973.
- 1972 – Consumer/Survivors began to publish articles in their own self-funded publications like Madness Network News.
- 1974 – The Advocates for Freedom in Mental Health was formed in Lawrence, Kansas with the help of Dr. Louis Frydman. This resulted in a bill of rights which passed the state legislature in 1974.
- 1980’s – The annual International Conference on Human Rights and Against Psychiatric Oppression followed the annual American Psychiatric Association Convention around the country, picketing and demonstrating. Some of these demonstrations were very dramatic. Some even involved civil disobedience.
- 1983 – MediKan adopted. (Mental Health services included.)
- 1985 – last year that the International Conference on Human Rights and against Psychiatric Oppression was held.
- 1985 – The first year that the National Institute of Mental Health funded the first Alternatives Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants in the Alternatives Conference defined their identity with regard to mental illness in many ways. The term “Consumer” was chosen as a compromise to cover everyone. Over 200 Consumer/Survivors came to the Alternatives Conference. One of the stipulations of the funder was that the Alternatives Conference attract broad based Consumer/Survivor representation, including Consumer/Survivors that felt that they benefited from the mental health system, as well, as those that felt that the mental health system was stigmatizing and oppressive.
- 1990 – Mental Health Reform Act in Kansas – made Community Mental Health Centers the gatekeepers to public mental health system.
- 1997 – Topeka State Hospital closed.
- 2001 – Mental Health Parity passed.
Resources
Documents available to review on Kansas mental health history:
- A History of the Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Movement by Su Budd, Leadership Academy Director, Kansas Consumer Advisory Council for Adult Mental Health
- Recovery Conference 2000 Continuum Timeline
- KS Mental Health Care System History by Roy W. Menninger, MD
- County Mental Health Legislative History by David Wiebe, retired Executive Director of Johnson County Mental Health Center
- Kansas Mental Health Law Overview by Bill Rein, Chief Counsel for KDADS
- Kansas Disability History Law 2009
Kansas Blind and Visually Impaired History
Although a detailed presentation on each item is not feasible, several note particular attention. These are marked with an asterisk which indicates an accompanying essay is available for further details.
1861-1900
- *1868 - School for the Blind established as the Asylum for the Blind (Madeleine Burkindine, the current Superintendent for the school and the first superintendent of the combined schools for the blind and the deaf is preparing a brief history of this event with several interesting and still relevant pieces of information.)
- 1920 - The Kansas Association for the Blind is established by a group of blind individuals dedicated to the goal of achieving equality among their sighted peers. It is now known as the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and is an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.
- 1933 - Envision is founded as the Kansas Foundation for the Blind known today as Envision, Inc. It is one of the largest employers of blind and visually impaired individuals in the United States. It is an affiliate of the National Industries for the Blind which is a quasi-governmental agency tasked with oversight of Federal contracts governed by the Javits-Wagoner, O'Day Act. Envision strives to assist people to achieve or regain the highest level of independence possible despite a vision impairment.
- 1941-45 - During World War II services to blind Kansans were preserved through a unique partnership between the State of Kansas and the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (KABVI). Three professional staff positions existed and KABVI paid for two of them during a time when resources of the State were strained due to the war effort. There is, to our knowledge, no other example of a private consumer entity assuming financial responsibility for a service provided by the State.
- 1954 - Brown v. The Topeka Board of Education. This landmark decision resulted from efforts by a group of concerned citizens who met at the kitchen table of Sam Wilson, a blind man who believed in equality of education. It is possible, perhaps likely, that the lawsuit might never have developed if Sam had not had the vision to fight for racial equality.
- *1961 - The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is formed as the result of a break-up of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) during the 1961 NFB convention in Kansas City, MO. (Michael Byington, a life-long member of the KABVI, is preparing a piece on this important episode in the history of self-advocacy of the blind.)
- 1990 - KSDS is established as the first program in the United States training dogs both as guide dogs for blind individuals and service dogs for people challenged with physical disabilities. The training environment offered consumers an opportunity to see close up the differences in the training and use of dogs with different tasks. KSDS is located in Washington, Kansas.
- *1991 - The Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK) is established. (Rosie Cooper, current director of the Kansas Association of Centers of Independent Living (KACIL) is preparing an article on this history. As a charter member of the SILCK, Sanford Alexander was delegated the task of securing an attorney who could draft a constitution and bylaws that conformed to the law and met the particular restrictions and structures of Governor Joan Finney.
- 2002 - Passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This landmark legislation, prompted by the controversies arising following the 2000 Presidential Election, brought to reality the concept of independent, verifiable and private ballots being cast by all citizens through the introduction of fully accessible voting machines and polling sites. The first election using accessible voting machines took place in April 2005.
In Kansas, each county determines the equipment to be used and the locations for polling. As a result, several manufacturers provide equipment, all of which have to meet strict State requirements for acceptability. It is important an individual learns which equipment their county is using and explores possibilities of being able to see the equipment in a "test" or "training" mode prior to actually using it during an election. In Sedgwick County, periodic "Accessible Voting Clinics" are offer by the County election Commission.
Submitted by Sanford Alexander
April 2013
Kansas Parent Movement
Parents of children with disabilities have been key advocates and leaders in the disability movement for years. As you look through different disability history sections, pay attention to comments about the role of parents in the process of bringing about change. Sometimes it may not even be mentioned. That's because it's what parents do. They get on boards, committees, commissions, and do what they have to do to change things so it's better for their child, so their voice is heard, so policies are changed, so the world is different.
And that is what happened. The world is different now than it was 50 years ago back in the 60s. A lot of parents said, "Things need to change!" A lot of people with disabilities said, "Things need to change!"
The world doesn't change overnight. It takes time and a lot of hard work. It takes people being willing to speak up and let their voice be heard.
There's still work to be done....
Families Together
In 1982, Families Together, Inc. was founded by Chris Curry and the first Family Enrichment Weekend was held in Lawrence with a focus on bringing families together to share stories and gain support. During the May 4-5, 2012, Family Enrichment Weekend, Families Together, Inc. celebrated 30 years of Encouraging, Empowering and Educating Kansas families whose children have disabilities. Check out the Families Together video.
A Glimpse into Our History
Submitted by Lesli Girard and Darla Nelson-Metzger
Many thoughts and emotions were evoked when we sat to write the history of Families Together, Inc. As we thumbed through past pictures and articles, we laughed, we cried, “we remembered”. The advancement of technology was evident as we peered over numerous “cut and pasted” articles and newsletters that were obviously written with a manual typewriter. What has remained constant, however, is the richness of the dedicated people who have individually and collectively contributed to the growth of Families Together.
1982
Families Together was founded by Chris Curry and the first Family Enrichment Weekend was held in Lawrence with a focus on bringing families together to share stories and gain support.
1983
Family Enrichment Weekends continued and the era of garage sales, bingo, and bake sales began.
1984
The first Family Enrichment Weekend was held in western Kansas.
1985
The University of Kansas received an Innovative Projects grant which provided the opportunity to develop parent assistance services through Families Together.
1986
Families Together received a three year grant from the Federal Department of Education to establish a Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center in Kansas. The center was located in Topeka.
1987
Families Together was awarded a contract from the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), Division of Mental Health and Retardation Services, to develop a respite care training curriculum with emphasis on families of children with emotional disturbance. Five Family Enrichment Weekends were held across the state.
1988
A staff of four conducted eight Family Enrichment Weekends across the state of Kansas!
1989
Families Together received renewal of PTI grant for three additional years.
1990
Initial steps were taken to establish what is now known as the Parent-to-Parent Program. Parents were asked to volunteer their names to be on a list to be contacted by other parents of children with similar disabilities. Other highlights of the year included a contract with KSDE to provide Education Advocate Workshops and the establishment of bilingual workshops.
1991
Families Together creates a volunteer network of parents who helped other parents understand and access Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The Parent Contact Network also began during this year through a grant from SRS. The network focused on providing outreach about Families Together in various counties across the state.
1992
Families Together reaches the important milestone of its tenth year and a new five year PTI grant was awarded. New programs included: Transition Systems Change, Pioneers of Change, Parent-to-Parent, and Child Advocate Program. Another highlight was the addition of a registered legislative lobbyist.
1993
Satellite centers were opened in Wichita and Garden City. Videos were created to educate legislators on community services for children with developmental disabilities. Families Together received funding from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Infant-Toddler Program, to develop an early childhood video.
1994
A legislative hot line was established. The initial Sibshops were held, and the first Families Together Cookbook was created!
1995
Families Together coordinated the Assistive Technology Conference, “From Awareness to Access,” through a contract with the Assistive Technology for Kansans Project. Staff persons traveled to communities to provide Individual Planning Sessions for parents regarding their children’s IEPs.
1996
Mini-conferences were started. Families Together made its first appearance on the internet. Regional Coordinators were hired through the Parent Assistance Network with funds provided by SRS. Coordinators worked from their homes to offer assistance and training to parents. For the first time, Family Enrichment Weekends were not held.
1997
The year included: the introduction of Parent Networking Conferences; the opening of a center in Kansas City; renewal of five year PTI; and, Connie Zienkewicz became the Executive Director.
1998
The return, by popular demand, of Family Enrichment Weekends! The Family Story became a regular feature of the quarterly newsletter.
1999
Families were brought to the Capitol to provide testimony to oppose an elimination of parental consent to change in placement. The 25% rule was the result of a compromise among various groups, including Families Together, Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Kansas Association of School Boards. The Family-School-Community Partnerships Curriculum was developed with funds provided by the State Improvement Grant.
2000
Families Together contracted with KDHE, Special Health Services, to interview families that included children with special health care needs. Created the Consortium of Family Organizations, through the Kansas State Department of Education's State Improvement Grant (SIG) to discuss accountability systems and discuss the participation of students with disabilities. Spanish articles first appeared in the newsletter.
2001
The contract with Special Health Services (SHS) was expanded to include a Family Advisory Group to facilitate the review of SHS policies.
2002
Families Together provided presentations, in Spanish only, on Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities under Special Education Law. The Families Together website was created. Renewal of five year PTI grant was awarded. A Family Enrichment Weekend was held exclusively for families whose children were receiving early intervention services.
2003
Western Kansas Community Foundation began partnership with Families Together to bring additional services to the Southwest Kansas region. The first Family-School-Partnerships Trainings were conducted in Fort Scott and Beloit Public Schools. With support from KSDE and Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KIPRC).
2004
Families and professionals were given the opportunity to receive the quarterly newsletter electronically.
2005
A list-serve was created for families and professionals to network via the internet. Family Enrichment Weekend held in Garden City for Spanish speaking families.
2006
The Parent Empowerment Project began through a contract with KSDE to help understand the relationship between IEP goals, state standards, and the general education curriculum. The iGrad Program is established to provide services to youth ages 15 and up in foster care across the state. The project is a collaborative project between Families Together and Keys for Networking and is funded by a grant from SRS. Families Together opened on-line specialty store. Governor Sebelius, KSDE and Families Together proclaim December 4-8, 2006 as Inclusive Schools Week in Kansas.
2007
Renewal of five year PTI Grant was awarded, and Families Together celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
Remember, we depart stronger for having come together.
Taken from the Families Together website
Keys for Networking
Keys for Networking was formed by a small group of concerned parents in 1987. We have been able to grow and continue our work for so long because of the continuing support of individuals, families, and organizations who share our commitment to advocating for children with educational, emotional, and behavioral problems and their families.
Service Description: Building peer-to-peer networks that connect parents and youth to local resources and service providers of mental health, substance abuse, education, foster care, and juvenile justice.
Mission Statement: To provide parents and youth access to helpful health/mental health services that generates school, home, and work opportunities
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together - April 2013
Other Parent Groups
Parent to Parent - Betsy Santelli 1947-2002
In 1974 Patty McGill Smith joined Pilot Parents and with her leadership received a regional developmental disability grant to help establish Parent to Parent programs in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. Within two years there were local programs in these four states and parents across the U.S. were calling Pilot Parents of Nebraska for information on setting up a Parent to Parent program in their own community.
In an effort to learn more about this movement and to study its impact, Ann and Rud Turnbull, Co-Directors of the Beach Center on Families and Disability hired Betsy Santelli in 1992 to conduct a national survey of Parent to Parent program administrators to learn about their structures, services, funding, and answers to many other questions. This initial study led to the development of ongoing support for Parent to Parent efforts. Between 1992 and 2002 Betsy Santelli served as a vital link for Parent to Parent program directors across the country, offering guidance and materials based on survey findings and, connecting more experienced programs with emerging ones.
For 36 years the Parent to Parent movement made steady progress, with the growth of many statewide, regional and disability specific peer support programs. In an effort to learn more about this movement and to study its impact, Ann and Rud Turnbull, Co-Directors of the Beach Center on Families and Disability hired Betsy Santelli in 1992 to conduct a national survey of Parent to Parent program administrators to learn about their structures, services, funding, and answers to many other questions. This initial study led to the development of ongoing support for Parent to Parent efforts. Between 1992 and 2002 Betsy Santelli served as a vital link for Parent to Parent program directors across the country, offering guidance and materials based on survey findings and, connecting more experienced programs with emerging ones.
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together Inc. - April 2013
The ARC of South Central Kansas
Founder: Wilma Martin 1911-2006
The ARC of SC Kansas began in 1953 when parents concerned about services and future opportunities for their children formed the Wichita Association for Retarded Children. This organization, a United Way member agency, was the first in this county to promote the general welfare of all persons with intellectual disabilities, to foster the development of programs on their behalf, and to increase the public’s awareness and acceptance.
Wilma Martin was the founder and matriarch of the ARC of Sedgwick County. ARC of Sedgwick County has the largest case management in the state. Set up the 1st sheltered workshop, developed the YESS camp for children of special needs and started the Circle of Friends which pairs up regular education children with children who have special needs.
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together Inc. - April 2013
OCCK
OCCK is a not-for-profit Kansas corporation dedicated to helping people with physical or mental disabilities remove barriers to employment, independent living, and full participation in their communities. Our organization has been in operation since 1970. Today over 250 OCCK employees from diverse educational and professional backgrounds pool their wide-ranging talents to build communities where everyone belongs.
In the late 60s, a passionate group of parents came together to initiate services in their communities for their sons and daughters who at that time had no services. In 1969, OCCK incorporated and began employment services in Salina and quickly expanded services throughout our nine county region.
Focus: To be responsive to the needs to our communities, and to continue to contribute as a community partner – Shelia Nelson-Stout, President CEO
Three-fold mission of services to people to fulfill their individual needs as well as meeting identified community needs across a nine county North Central Kansas region.
- Service Mission – promote and contribute to the success of our customers.
- County Mission – exercise and/or influence leadership in the creation of quality communities.
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together - April 2013
The Beach Center
Founders: Ann and Rud Turnbull 1988
The Beach Center on Families and Disability is a multidisciplinary research and training center committed to making a significant and sustainable positive difference in the quality of life of individuals and families affected by disability and the professionals who support them. Its staff of approximately 40 professors, researchers, educators, doctoral students, and support personnel carry out research, technical assistance, and undergraduate, masters, and doctoral training. Its staff focuses on families, family quality of life, and family support; public policy in special education and disability services; school reform, with emphasis on inclusion of students with and without disabilities in general education; conceptualizing self-determination and its application to people with disabilities; conceptualizing and defining intellectual disability; defining and measuring supports and support needs; technology use by people with cognitive disability; and positive behavioral supports and services.
The Center also provides professional development to Kansas educators and families, including technical assistance for learners who are deaf-blind, and support to Kansas districts to improve school performance in reading, math, and services for students in the least restrictive environment. ”The Center is affiliated with the Department of Special Education and the Schiefelbusch Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas. It is funded by the University of Kansas, the Kansas University Endowment Association, and federal and state agencies. Its staff has carried out their work in more than 29 countries and throughout all of Kansas and the United States.
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together - April 2013
Rainbows United Inc.
Rainbows United Inc, was found by Linda Weir-Enegren in 1972. She has passed away but her legacy lives on. Here is some more information about the company and her. The link talks more about Linda and her family and the passions she had for helping children who special needs. She had 7 children some with physical and mental health disabilities.
Company Description: Rainbows United, Inc. was founded in 1972 as a developmental training center for children with severe, multiple disabilities who were ineligible for special education services provided through the public schools. In the last 1970's, when legislation required public schools to provide services to all children of school age regardless of their disability, Rainbows began focusing on delivery of early intervention services to children below school age. In the early 1990's, legislation extended mandated special education services to children beginning at age three. Rainbows continues to serve this population through a contract with Wichita Public Schools. The following year, when community networks were established statewide to serve infants and toddlers with special needs in Kansas, Rainbows assumed lead and fiscal agency responsibility for services to this population in Sedgwick County, and later in Butler County.
Since 1994, Rainbows has been the sponsoring agency for Connecting Point, a project of the Sedgwick County Early Childhood Coordinating Council which brings together more then 40 agencies committed to young children. Rainbows United is embarking on a campaign to replace our original facility with the construction of an early care and education center in northeast Wichita. This new center will provide classrooms, therapy space, and an assessment center to accommodate young children of all abilities and their families. The Growing Hope campaign will secure the future for generations of children to come. Rainbows provides center based, community based and home based service options for young children with special needs. Service components added in the past decade include hearing and vision specialty services, respite care for individuals across the life span, case management services, supported family living, foster case for children with special needs, outpatient therapies, and therapeutic child care. Center based classrooms include typically developing children to promote understanding and learning among children with varied abilities and needs.
Submitted by Terri Norgren, Families Together - April 2013
The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy
The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA) officially opened its doors on October 1, 2005. The organization stemmed from a motivational leadership training program called the Youth Leadership Forum. In 1998 a delegation from Kansas attended a conference in California to learn about an innovative program providing leadership training for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. Upon returning to Kansas, a steering committee was formed to plan the first Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KSYLF). In 2001, with a grant from the Resource Center for Independent Living, the first KSYLF was held.
After hosting five successful Forums it became apparent that additional programs for transition-age youth were needed. In 2005 a group of KSYLF alumni, volunteers, parents, and supporters gathered at the Statehouse to provide testimony on the impact of the Forum, as well as request funding to start an organization. After much praise from both the House and Senate, the funding was approved and the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy was born.
Founding members include: Troy Horton (representing centers for independent living), Bart Chaney (representing Kansas Rehabilitation Services), Tami Schwindt (representing Families Together), Wendy Pickell (representing the Kansas Department of Education), and Martha Gabehart (representing the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns). Brenda Eddy was the coordinator when the first forum was held. Later Brenda became the director and Carrie Greenwood and Julia Fonseca were hired as staff. Other alumni have been hired including Zach Coble. Additionally, the following individuals have been instrumental to KYEA’s formative years: Brian Butters, Bruce Linhos, Gina McDonald, JoAnne Fluke, Melissa Ness, Tammy Gano, and Traci Turner.
KYEA was established to house the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum and since that time has established many more programs and projects that empower young people with disabilities.
Biographies
Brenda Eddy
The first Executive Director, Brenda Eddy, has spent twenty plus years working in her field of passion – developing programs that empower people with disabilities. Eddy’s perspective is formed by her own experience with growing up with a hearing loss in an isolated rural area in northeast Kansas.
Ms. Eddy has worked in a variety of settings including state government, private industry, and in the non-profit sector. Ms. Eddy secured positions with Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kansas Department of Education, and the Telecommunications Access Program. During her time with the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living she saw the need for leadership development for students with disabilities. Securing a position with the Resource Center for Independent Living, she implemented and coordinated the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, a one-week leadership program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. In 2005, Ms. Eddy was hired as the first Executive Director of the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy and in 2007, retired.
Carrie Greenwood
Miss Carrie Greenwood has a passion for promoting diversity, empowerment, and education amongst all people, especially youth and women with disabilities. She expresses her passion through her job and volunteer activities. Carrie currently works for the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy as the Program Coordinator and prior to that served as the Outreach Coordinator. Since attending the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum in 2001, she has emerged as a leader and voice in the disability community of Kansas. Carrie has had the opportunity to attend national and local conferences and speak to over 300 groups about disability awareness and youth empowerment. She also currently serves as the Chair of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) Youth Steering Committee. Carrie held the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2004 and has served as the volunteer state coordinator of this program for the past eight years. She also has served as the Treasurer on the Ms. Wheelchair America Board of Directors for two years. Carrie is a recipient of the YWCA of Topeka Women of Excellence Award. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Design Technology from Washburn University in Topeka. Carrie has a physical disability and is wheelchair mobile.
Julia Fonseca
Executive Director, Julia Fonseca holds a bachelors degree from Washburn University, and a certification in nonprofit management. She is currently nearing completion of her Masters Degree in Social Work. Julia is an example of how volunteer experience with KSYLF ignited a passion to dedicate her life to breaking down physical barriers and negative perceptions of both non-disabled and disabled individuals. Julia began her career in the independent living community as a volunteer for the 2002 Kansas youth Leadership Forum and since then has experienced an exciting professional career. Julia has held positions on several boards and committees such as the State Rehabilitation Council and SILCK to name a few.
Julia’s management experience began in college where she coordinated community service projects and managed volunteers. She has had several years of experience managing and coaching the staff of KYEA. Ms. Fonseca is a leader, active listener, and has the ability to uncover and reveal the potential in others. Julia is a proud woman with a visual disability as well as additional disabilities.
Zach Coble
Zach is a graduate of Washburn University and is currently practicing law in Arizona. As a young adult, Zach served as a student council representative in high school and was active in numerous organizations, including the National Honor Society. He helped establish a track team for athletes with disabilities named ‘Free Spirits’ as well as organizing a student group at Kansas University called “Able Hawks”. He was a delegate to the second annual Kansas Youth Leadership Forum in 2002 and quickly emerged as a natural leader and spokesperson. Zach held one of the first youth board of director’s position on the KYEA board of directors. Zachary was born with cerebral palsy.
Written 2012
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas (MWKS) is an entity of the network of states that make up the Ms. Wheelchair America Program. Ms. Wheelchair America has been celebrating women of achievement for the past 41 years. In 1972 a Columbus, Ohio physician, Dr. Philip K. Wood, who devoted his career to the treatment and rehabilitation of people with disabilities, was aware of the talent, capabilities, determination, and courage of the disabled. This physician established Ms. Wheelchair America as a forum for the promotion of the achievements, as well as the needs, of people who are wheelchair mobile. There are events currently held in approximately 30 states throughout the US. These non-profit programs are staffed and coordinated by volunteers throughout the country dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all of its citizens will be able to lead productive and meaningful lives.
The Ms. Wheelchair Kansas (MWKS) program was started in 2004. That year, Carrie Greenwood learned about the Ms. Wheelchair America program and decided that Kansas should have a representative. So, she decided to become the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas state coordinator by way of serving as an independent delegate. This automatically gave her the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2004. After her year-long reign as titleholder, Carrie became the state coordinator. A steering committee, made up of a diverse group of committed individuals, was formed and the first annual event to select a titleholder was held in 2005 in Topeka. Eight events have followed on an annual basis since then.
MWKS has had ten titleholders since its creation in 2004. Those titleholders, along with their cities and platforms are listed below:
Carrie Greenwood
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2004
Topeka, KS
Platform: Empowerment of Youth with Disabilities
JoAnne Fluke
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2005
Ottawa, KS
Platform: Reaching Up, Reaching Out
Ranita Wilks
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2006
Ms. Wheelchair America 2nd Runner-Up
Lawrence, KS
Platform: Career Development Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Lorraine Cannistra
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2007
Ms. Wheelchair America Bouquet Award Winner
Lawrence, KS
Platform: Use Your Power!
Amanda Steiner
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2008
Ms. Wheelchair America Best Platform Award Winner
Lawrence, KS
Platform: Taking Away Independence: the Trouble with Accessible Parking
Marie Clement
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2009
Mayetta, KS
Platform: Greater Mobility through Accessibility
Tiffany Nickel
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2010
Ms. Wheelchair America 2nd Runner-Up and Nicki Ard Achievement Award Winner
Wichita, KS
Platform: Capabilities of Those with Disabilities and Their Right to Unconditional Access
Jennifer Kreutzer
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2011
Ms. Wheelchair America Nicki Ard Achievement Award Winner
Wichita, KS (now lives in Oklahoma)
Platform: Leading by Example- Mom on a Mission!
Emily Evans
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2012
Ms. Wheelchair America Mind, Body, and Spirit Award Winner
Bucklin, KS
Platform: Definitions- Empowering Youth to Define Themselves
Angel Shaver
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2013
WaKeeney, KS
Platform: Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude
Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
The agency was established in 1949 under statutes 44-412 through 44-417 as the Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped. These statutes were amended in 1957 and 1963 to provide operating funds for the committee. These statutes were further amended in 1968, primarily to remove the word “Physically” from the committee’s name. K.S.A. 44-414 was amended in 1974 to provide reimbursement for committee members’ mileage, lodging and subsistence incurred during the course of official business. In 1975, 44-414 was amended such that the governor was removed as chairperson of the committee and was mandated to appoint a chairperson from the committee membership.
The main program during this timeframe was Ability Counts program where High School students wrote essays about the topic of Ability Counts (in disability and employment) and the top five winners were chosen and received a recognition from the Governor and a small monetary scholarship.
The Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped was abolished in 1976 under K.S. A. 75-5703 and 75-5706 and the Advisory Committee on Employment of the Handicapped was created within the Department of Human Resources. Powers, duties and functions were simultaneously transferred to the Department of Human Resources. At that time, K.S.A. Chapter 74, article 67 superseded K.S.A. 44-413 through 44-417. K.S.A. 74-6701 et seq. established the committee as an advisory committee, limited the number of members to 25, established appointment authority and defined the mission of the agency in terms of cooperation and coordination of activities to enhance the employment of people with disabilities.
The 1985 session of the legislature reorganized the membership structure of the committee and established new appointing authorities for designated members. The 1989 session of the legislature abolished the Advisory Committee on Employment of the Handicapped and supplanted it with the Commission on Disability Concerns. The mission was modified to allow KCDC to undertake activities that would promote the independence of people with disabilities as well as promote their equitable employment. Specifically, the commission is mandated to:
- Carry on a continuing program to promote a higher quality of life for people with disabilities
- Cooperate with all public and private agencies interested in independent living by people with disabilities
- Cooperate with all agencies responsible for or interested in the rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities
- Encourage the organization of community-based programs and work closely with such programs in promoting the independence of people with disabilities
- Assist in developing societal acceptance of people with disabilities
- Inform individuals with disabilities of specific facilities available for increasing their independence;
- Conduct such educational programs as members deem necessary; and
- Report annually to the governor and legislature on commission activities and submit any recommendations believed necessary in promoting the independence of people with disabilities.
In the 2004 legislative session, Executive Reorganization Order 31 moved the commission to the Kansas Department of Commerce making the Secretary of Commerce the appointing authority for commissioners.
In the 2011 legislative session, Executive Reorganization Order 35 moved the commission to the Governor’s Office making the Governor the appointing authority for commissioners.
Over the years with various budget changes, the staffing for KCDC has had it's ups and downs. It currently is being staffed only by the Executive Director.
Written by Martha Gabehart, Executive Director 2013
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