Daily Living

A home is a place of residence or refuge. It is where an individual or family can rest and store personal property. It may also be a place where we make and eat our meals and sleep and the base from which we manage our lives of work, school and play.

As a person with a disability, if you are living on your own for the first time, you may have lots of questions. This section is intended to provide information on the basics of living independently. That's not to say you live alone, but that you make your own choices about how you live and what you do.

If you cannot find the answers to your questions on this website, please feel free to contact the office at 1-800-295-5232.

988 Suicide Prevention Line

The 988 Mental Health, Substance Use or Suicide Crisis Help Line is available should a person need help quickly. This is a national help line that is easy to remember and connects to qualified counselors during a crisis. People can also text to 988 for support. For more information, see the SAMHSA - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.

For people who use American Sign Language (ASL), there is a video Disaster Distress Helpline Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the SAMHSA - Disaster Distress Helpline Videophone for American Sign Language Users website.

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology can make living in your own home much easier. It provides an alternative to the way non-disabled people do things around their home. Depending on your disability, different websites will have the information you need. Categories of Assistive Technology are often broken down into Mobility, Vision and Hearing.

Mobility

Using switches, environmental controls and doors can be difficult if you have a mobility impairment that limits the use of your hands, arms and feet. As an alternative, voice or sound activated devices can make life easier. Searching the Internet can help you find specific items you need, but the links below also provide a start. These also have other assistive devices for other limitations. It is important to note that KCDC is not endorsing any companies listed here; rather, they are provided only for informational and demonstration purposes.

Assistive Technology for Kansans provides assistance to Kansans for those with vision and hearing loss for assistive technology.

K-Loan is a consumer-run financial program founded to provide persons with disabilities and their families access to financial resources for acquiring assistive technology through education, savings and borrowing.

AbleNet is a company that sells switches and other technology to assist with daily activities. Products include switches, environmental controls, leisure and learning devices, computer access, and mounting products.

The Wheelchair Foundation, a division of Global Health and Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable foundation, has a goal to provide a free wheelchair to every child, teen and adult worldwide who needs one but has no means to acquire one.

Vision and Hearing

Assistive Technology of Kansas provides assistance to Kansans for those with vision and hearing loss for assistive technology.

K-Loan is a consumer run financial program founded to provide persons with disabilities and their families access to financial resources for acquiring assistive technology through education, savings and borrowing.

Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (TAP) is a telecommunications equipment distribution program. The program is funded pursuant to state law through the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) and is regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). The purpose of TAP is to provide specialized equipment to Kansans with disabilities or impairments in order to access basic home telecommunication services.

SchoolHealth (formerly EnableMart) is an Internet company selling assistive technology for environmental controls, switches, communication, hearing and vision loss, and computers.

Find out about Apps for Smart phones at the Assistive Technology for Kansas website or (800) 526-7234 (Voice), (877)781-9403 (TTY)

Quick Links

Assistive Technology 101
Legal Rights - Assistive Technology for Your Child
K-Loan - K-Loan provides financial products to Kansans with disabilities and those with critical health needs in ways that help potential borrowers acquire specialty equipment as cost effectively as possible.
Kansas Equipment Exchange
Kansas AgrAbility Project - specifically for people with disabilities who work in agriculture.
Kansas Audio-Reader

Community Involvement

Voting

Living in a community comes with responsibilities one of which is voting. As Americans it is our right to vote and we should exercise that right every time there is an election. Each county has an election officer who can register you to vote. You can also find out about voter registration on the voter registration page where you can scroll down to find your county's information. Once you are registered to vote, it is your responsibility to find out about the candidates’ positions on issues that are important to you. You can do this by going to political meetings and asking the candidates about their positions, reading information in the media and on the candidates’ websites and brochures, and talking to other people who have similar positions to yours on these topics. The KU Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTCIL) has a fact sheet on the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) that provides more information on your rights to vote.

Religious Activities

People of the same religious faith are often part of communities through churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship. The telephone book or using a search engine online can provide a listing of churches in your community.

Volunteering

Living independently typically means living in a house or apartment that is part of a neighborhood. Getting involved in your neighborhood through volunteer work can help you get to know your neighbors and helps contribute to making your community a better place. If there is a neighborhood association or neighborhood watch program, attend a meeting or talk to one of your neighbors about it. If it interests you and you feel you can help, volunteer for a job. You can also get involved with volunteer organizations. Many cities have organizations like:

There are also specific service organizations, such as:

Habitat for Humanity which builds homes for people
Boy Scouts
Girl Scouts
Camp Fire USA

Your public library, hospital, nursing home and schools may also have volunteer opportunities.

You can also find out about opportunities to serve on the AmeriCorps website. Just input your interests and/or city, state and zip code on the Home page.

Quick Links

Voter Registration

Domestic Violence and Abuse

Violence, abuse and neglect against a person is against the law. Anyone hitting or otherwise hurting you is breaking the law. If you are afraid to contact the police, there are organizations and safe houses you can contact for help in leaving the person who is hurting you.

Resources

Adult Protective Services - For reporting abuse and neglect of children, youth and adults.

DCF Hotline Numbers for Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and electronic intake system for mandatory reporters.

Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCASDV) has a crisis hotline (1-888-363-2287) and a website with information about how to be safe including a listing of safety programs by city.

Disability Rights Center of Kansas - Provides advocacy, including investigations and monitoring, for Kansans with disabilities who are at risk of, or have experienced serious abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Emergency Preparedness

Who is responsible for your safety? You are. Planning and preparing an individualized emergency and/or disaster plan are crucial for an individual’s safety and to increase the chances of survival. Your emergency preparedness plan is based on what your needs would be during a disaster.

Creating a personal emergency preparedness plan can seem overwhelming at first. Break it down into small achievable steps so that you can be prepared for an emergency and ask for assistance from friends, family and service providers. The information at the websites listed in Quick Links on the right-hand side of this page will help you develop your personal emergency preparedness plan.

As you develop your emergency preparedness plan, you will gather supplies for your emergency kit. “Shelter-in-place” and “Evacuation” are two main areas you need to consider as you put together your kit. Shelter-in-place means staying where you are when a disaster or emergency occurs. This could mean that you are at home, at work, at school or in your car. Evacuation means going to a declared shelter or leaving your home all together. Remember, local government officials, not the Red Cross, issue evacuation orders when disaster threatens. Furthermore, do not go to a hospital during a disaster unless it is a designated shelter or you have an urgent medical need.

Some people with disabilities have service animals that are crucial to assisting them in their daily routines. Thus, these animals need to have an emergency kit prepared for them as well.

Quick Links

Federal Government Services

Filing Taxes

Everyone has to file taxes. In December or January you may receive from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) a booklet or notice about filing your federal tax return for the previous year’s income. For free assistance preparing your tax return see the File page on the IRS website. Be sure to scroll down since there are things you need to bring with you.

If you have a low income and are working, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. To learn more about eligibility and which forms to use, visit the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) page on the IRS website.

My Free Taxes is a truly free service that allows people who make less than $60,000 to file their taxes on the Internet. You can access this also at your local Workforce Center.

For state taxes, you can go to the Kansas Department of Revenue website. The Tax Assistance Center is available by appointment for tax preparation assistance.

Free tax assistance through Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) sites across the state. VITA sites are excellent places to get help with all of your tax filing needs. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887. A list of American Association of Retired People (AARP) Kansas Tax-Aide sites is available by calling 1-888-227-7669.

If you don’t receive any notification from the IRS or the State of Kansas, do not think you do not have to file a tax return. It is better to be proactive and find out if you need to file taxes. If you don’t file taxes and then find out several years later that you are delinquent, you may owe fees and fines in addition to back taxes.

Quick Links

Frequently Asked Tax Questions from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
How to Contact Your IRS Office
Contact Your Local Taxpayer Advocate
Taxpayer Bill of Rights
My Free Taxes - this truly free service allows people who make less than $60,000 to file their taxes on the Internet. You can access this also at your local Workforce Center.

Health

Overview

Healthy living includes many things. It can mean a healthy lifestyle, having health insurance coverage, and/or having health services. Below are links to all three:

Healthy Lifestyle

Everyone should strive to have healthy habits. From eating right to exercising to getting your immunization shots, it takes effort to be healthy.

Eating Right

The body needs the proper balance of fruits, vegetables, bread, protein, milk and oils to be healthy. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) has a program, Choose My Plate, to share ways to eat healthy on a budget, dietary guidelines, and a fruit and veggie video contest. Go to the Choose My Plate website to learn more about a balanced diet and about fun forms of exercise, planning menus and how much of each food group to eat each day to be healthy. If you cannot exercise, it is even more important to limit calories and to eat a balanced diet.

Exercise

Even if you have only some mobility, it is important to move and keep your muscles lean and strong. This helps your blood circulate through your body bringing oxygen and nutrition to your brain, organs, muscles and skin and moving dead cells and toxins out of your body. It also builds strength and flexibility while lowering your blood pressure.

Steps to starting an exercise program

Always talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program. Tell your doctor you want to start an exercise program and ask if you are healthy enough to do so. Ask for recommendations of exercises you can do or programs you could join and how much to do when starting your program. If your doctor does not have any recommendations ask for a referral. A physical therapist or workout coach might be an option. If there are exercises he or she recommends you not do or a condition that will be made worse by certain exercises, note those on a pad of paper so you’ll remember.
Warm up before exercising. This helps your muscles and joints get ready for your workout.
Start slowly. If you are not used to exercising, your muscles and joints will ache for a few days while they get used to having more oxygen and blood circulation. Increase repetitions (reps) as the exercise get easier. Push yourself a little. If you’ve been doing 10 reps push for 15. If that isn’t hard go ahead and try for 20. But if it hurts, stop immediately and wait until the muscle or joint heals before you start again.
Use good form. Do the exercises properly. If you don’t use the proper form, you could cause damage to joints or feet. Search on the Internet for other sites that show proper exercise techniques.
Drink eight glasses of water each day. This will hydrate your body and flush out toxins and waste.
Keep track of how much exercise you do every day. The Choose My Plate website recommends getting 30 minutes of exercise every day.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a hard addiction to stop, but there are some resources on-line that might help. The Smokefree website also offers help and has information about how you can help others quit smoking too.

Health Services/Insurance

Having health insurance or access to health services is also important to good health. Having a regular check up for both your body and your teeth keeps your body working properly and you doing what you need to do every day.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed by Congress in 2010 and provides some benefits to everyone. For more information about how it affects people with disabilities review the ACA Fact Sheet. Also, there are certified navigators who can help you enroll in the health insurance marketplace. Go to the Community Care Network of Kansas website to find the nearest navigator.

If you are working and your employer does not provide health insurance, you may be eligible for Working Healthy. Most centers for independent living (CILs) have someone on staff who can tell you about Working Healthy and how to apply.

If you are on Social Security, you are probably already receiving health services from Medicaid. If you are not or just want more information about services available to you, see the Social Security website for more information. Also, in Kansas Medicaid services are called KanCare. You can find out how to apply on the KanCare website.

The Health Benefits Advisor is designed to help workers and their families better understand their federal right concerning access to health coverage, whether provided through a group health plan or otherwise, especially when they experience changes in their life and work situations--such as marriage, childbirth, disability, job loss or retirement.

If you have a child with special health care needs, the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs may have information about services and money available for your child. Also, your child might be eligible for Health Wave.

Additional Resources from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Addiction

Addiction to alcohol, smoking or drugs (legal and illegal) is tough to break. There are many programs that can help. Here are a few to get you started when you are ready to kick your addiction.

The American Addiction Centers website has information about a variety of programs to help get control of your addiction.
The Treatment Centers website lists addiction treatment centers in Kansas. Just scroll down and there is a list of treatment facilities. Scroll farther down and there is a list of cities and an option to search for specific kinds of facilities.
The Agape Center website has a listing of treatment programs in Kansas.
The Rehab Center website has listings of 12 in-patient rehabilitation programs.
The Smokefree website has information to help with your recovery.
There is a Periodic Table of Drug Addiction which has a detox guide in it. Check it out.

Suicide

Thoughts and feelings of sadness, not belonging or being a burden can lead to thoughts of suicide. Taking your own life is a serious matter and you should look into getting help. Everyone's life matters and there are ways to find your purpose and happiness. The Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ website is a great place to start if you feel like life is not worth living any more. Also the National Suicide Hotline allows you to talk to someone right now. Their number is 1-800-273-8255. Please talk to someone before you try to take your own life.

Quick Links

KanCare
Families USA
Fitness 101: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise
Choose My Plate - the replacement for my pyramid
Life's Essential 8™ for a healthy heart
Self-Direction Toolkit for people with a personal assistant
National Center for Physical Activity and Disability
Kids Health: Parent's Home Page
Dental Resources in Kansas - click on "dental" below the map and then click on the red square that appears to be near the town you live in. A box will pop up with the name, address and town along with the phone number and website address. Check surrounding counties as well.
Donated Dental Services
The Young Person's Guide to Health Insurance

Health - Veteran's Resources

Health

Service members are known for being both resilient and resourceful, but at times some may face behavioral health care needs due to the unique demands of military life and combat exposure. Researchers have found that about 18.5% of service members returning from Afghanistan or Iraq have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, and 19.5% report experiencing a traumatic brain injury.

Learn more about SAMHSA’s work to support veterans, active service members, and their families.

Hearing Aids

Resources in Kansas for Purchasing Hearing Aids as of 6/13/23

For Children

Kansas Deaf-Blind Fund - children ages birth to 21 may apply for AT that enables a student to participate in educational programs and activities with their non-disabled peers. Visit the Kansas Department of Education website or search for KS Deaf-Blind fund FAQ for details.

The Jones Foundation may provide assistance covering medical, dental, vision expenses for children up to age 21 living in Coffey, Lyon, or Osage County. Call 620-342-1714 or visit the Jones Foundation website.

Jacob’s Ride for Hearing Cochlear Implant Assistance Program may provide funding for children under 18 years old and that qualify under extensive criteria. Visit the Jacob's Ride website.

AG Bell Parent & Infant Financial Aid Program for birth through age 3 diagnosed with a moderately-severe to profound hearing loss, and who are in pursuit of a spoken language outcome. Visit the AG Bell website or email them at info@agbell.org.

Heartspring Hearing Aid Resource Fund offers up to $5,000 per children up to 21 for hearing aids dispensed by a Heartspring Audiologist, based on available funds. Other financial assistance may be included for therapies. To begin, call the Diane Ellis Pediatric Hearing Clinic in Wichita at 316-634-8710 and ask for “Scheduling” for their hearing aid resource program. For details visit the Heartspring website.

The Hike Fund, Inc. (Hearing Improvement Kids Endowment Fund, Inc.) apps are discontinued until Fall 2022 as of May 10, 2021. Visit the Hike Fund website.

For Adults

Johnson Co, MHR Program may provide communication devices for people with hearing loss. Contact Sue Carter at 913-715-6612 or email sue.carter@jocogov.org.

Travelers Protective Association (TPA) Hearing Trust may help fund hearing devices, speech classes, interpreters, specialized treatments, and more. Grants are awarded quarterly: March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st. Apply on the Travelers Protective Association website.

Starkey Cares Neighbors in Need Program provides state-of-the-art hearing aids at no cost to those eligible, but a $300 application fee is required if you are accepted for the program. Visit the Starkey Cares website or call 855-686-2202 to find a location near you.

Hearing Aid Project (of Hearing Charities of America) provides free refurbished hearing aids to those in need, not financial assistance for new aids. Must be within 200% of local area median poverty level, not have any other resources for funding. Visit the Hearing Aid Project website or call 816-895-2410.

Mill Levy Funded Program for Wyandotte County - For Hearing Aids contact Eric Hyde 913-596-5143 at Providence Medical Center.

Miracle-Ear Foundation Gift of Sound Program may provide hearing aids and hearing support services for very low income children and adults. Income must be under 200% poverty level and a non-refundable $150 fee is required. For details visit the Miracle-Ear website or call 877-403-8834

Help America Hear Program provides three tiers-based grants for behind the ear and receiver in canal devices and custom molds, based on financial criteria. Application fees do apply. Email info@helpamericahear.org for more information.

Additional Resources in Kansas for Purchasing Hearing Aids

Assistive Technology Specialist – Funding Services, Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK)
Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC)

Other Financial Resources for Purchasing Hearing Aids

These resources were compiled by the Better Hearing Institute. Each organization has different requirements for hearing aid financial assistance eligibility, including age and geographic location. Visit each of the following organization’s linked sites for more information.

Helpful Information

This section has some fact sheets from the University of Kansas Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTCIL) that can provide information on some laws and that might prove useful in your daily living.

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities in employment, government programs and services, businesses open to the public (called public accommodations), transportation and communication. The ADA fact sheet provides basic information along with some information on contacts and other resources.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a law that provides people with the opportunity to get health care coverage through Health insurance exchanges. The ACA offers individuals who are not eligible to receive health insurance through their employer other options to access quality healthcare.

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) is designed to improve the voting system in the United States. HAVA's main goal is to make the voting process more inclusive and accessible so that more Americans will register to vote and participate in elections.

The Social Support fact sheet talks about different types of social support and what we might need and what we can do for others in need. If you are struggling with a situation and need support, please take a few minutes to read through this fact sheet to see if there is something that will help you.

Home Modifications

Below are some websites with information on accessible design and universal design for homes and the Weatherization Program.. The difference between the two is that accessible design is required under certain federal laws to meet accessibility requirements while universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Most of the information provided is for people with mobility impairments, but there is also some information about Braille and warning systems for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Weatherization Program provides modifications to make a home more energy efficient with insulation, weatherization stripping on windows and doors and other things.

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) - Many CILs may have funds available to assist in home modifications.

US Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Housing and Community Assistance - Loans and grants are available for modifications to homes and apartments (this would include building ramp for your home).

Home Improvement Structural Alterations (HISA) for Veterans - This program is administered by the HISA Department of the Veteran's Administration (VA) Hospitals. Eligibility requires that the veteran has been hospitalized at a VA Hospital within one year of the application date and that the accessibility modifications or equipment requested be deemed medically necessary. If the disability is non-service related, the VA may grant up to $1,200 for accessibility improvements. If the disability is service related, they may grant up to $4,100 for installation construction costs and the prosthetics department of the VA may donate lifting equipment such as chair lifts or vertical porch lifts. Call 1-800-827-1000 to speak with a Benefits Counselor.

Plan For Achieving Self-Support (PASS) - The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under this program allows recipients to set aside income and resources towards an approved plan for achieving self-support without jeopardizing benefits. This plan will cover modifications to a home through an SSI savings plan. Additional information is available through local Social Security Administration offices. For details, call 800-772-1213.

The Ability Experience (formerly Push America) - The Ability Experience is dedicated to leadership, service and making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Through one of its programs volunteers build wheelchair ramps for people in low and moderate income areas and help facilitate other home modifications. For more information call the director of team services, Rob Kelly, at 704-504-2400 x 128.

Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April) - Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest volunteer housing rehabilitation organization and the only national-level organization that focuses exclusively on the home repair and improvement needs of lower-income homeowners. Contact the affiliate in your area to learn about upcoming work days. 1800-4REHAB9.

Kansas Weatherization Program - The Weatherization Program improves heating efficiency and fuel savings by ensuring your home holds in heat and air-conditioning, while keeping hot and cold air out. At no charge to the client, income eligible families receive a comprehensive home assessment which includes repair and replacement of heating systems, insulation and caulking.

Quick Links

Money and Financial Literacy

Managing your money is important to maintaining your ability to live independently. Understanding what a budget is and what information you need to do a budget is essential to managing your finances. Budgeting involves understanding your regular expenses each month (utilities, rent, food, transportation and other regular expenses) and projecting how much you will spend over the course of the year on other items (taxes, car repairs, medical expenses, gifts for birthdays and holidays). There are several websites that provide information on how to set up your budget and give you ideas on how to save money. Some are listed below.

Money Essentials - A step by step guide to gaining control of your financial life
GCF Money Basics - Tutorials and learning interactives that range from very basic money skills, like checking cash back or paying bills, to useful money management tips for budgeting, retirement planning and smart shopping.
The Seven Baby Steps to Financial Peace - Dave Ramsey teaches how to save money, budget and get out of debt.
Practical Money Skills - Practical information on budgeting, saving, big money purchases and more.
MyMoney - Information and lessons for youth about how to save, plan for the future and more.
OppU has some good videos on how to set up a budget and control your spending.

Quick Links

Parents with Disabilities

Did you know in the United States more than 8 million families include at least one parent that has a disability?

Source: Parents With Disabilities Online

There are several resources available for families:

Quick Links

Baby Proofing & Kids Home Safety Guide

Personal Assistants

Personal Care Attendant Services

What is a Personal Assistant?

A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone who is hired to assist people with disabilities with activities they would do themselves if they did not have a disability. The PA's job duties are different depending on the needs of the person with a disability, but overall his or her job is to assist a person with a disability (his or her employer) with daily living activities. This includes, but is not limited to, personal care, housekeeping, community access, health and safety.

In Kansas, personal assistance services may be provided by another person but home modifications or the purchase of assistive devices may also be used to increase independence. Looking at all of the resources available including natural supports, paid staff and assistive technology is important in designing the personal assistance supports and services that help you increase your independence and personal control.

Kansas has three primary models of service delivery. They are:

Self-directed services
Self-directed services with an agency or selected person providing support
Agency-directed services

This information is from the Kansas Personal Assistance Supports and Services (K-PASS) Self Direction Toolkit compiled by the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities.

Funding Resources

You can pay for your own personal care assistant or see if you qualify to have it qualify for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver by contacting your nearest Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). They are responsible for taking applications and determining eligibility. To learn more about Aging and Disability Resource Centers, see the ADRC Brochure.

If you are looking for a personal care attendant you can advertise for someone in the newspaper, through the Workforce Centers or on the Internet. Please be aware that personal advertisements bring all kinds of people to you. Be sure to interview and check references before hiring. The Workforce Centers can provide you with a room to interview in so you aren't interviewing in your home.

You could also use the Yellow Pages' Home Health Services section and hire through an agency.

If you already are working, you may be eligible for the Work Opportunities Reward Kansas (WORK) program through Working Healthy. This program covers personal care attendant services.

Over 65

The Home and Community Based Services program provides an option for Kansas seniors who receive Medicaid and qualify functionally to receive community based services as an alternative to nursing facility care. Services include personal care, household tasks, and health services. The program promotes independence within the community and helps to offer residency in the most integrated environment.

Individuals must be 65 years old, meet Medicaid income eligibility guidelines and meet the Medicaid long-term care threshold.
To Apply go to your nearest Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).

Phones

The government’s Lifeline Assistance Program gives out free cell phones and monthly service to Americans in need of financial help. Find out answers to these questions and more:

Do you qualify for a free government cell phone and minutes?
How does the government pay for your free cell phone and service?
What will you get with your free cell phone?
Who do you get the free cell phone from?

Renting or Buying a Home

Living in the community, whether with your friends, spouse, partner or by yourself, means making decisions and being responsible for yourself. This page has information about things that you will need to know and how you can get answers to your questions. Also, there are some laws listed at the end that might be of assistance with regard to housing.

There are two ways to live in a community - rent a home or buy a home.

Renting

Renting is when you pay a monthly amount to live in an apartment or house without the responsibility of maintenance or benefit of owning the home. If something breaks, you call your landlord about it and he or she fixes it. There is no control over the amount of your rent, and it can go up at a random amount each year or whatever your lease agreement says.

There are many things to consider when renting including:

Deciding how much you can afford to spend on rent and possibly utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash pickup, etc) Utilities may or may not be included in your rent.
How close the apartment or house is to your work, grocery store, public transportation if you need it, shopping, entertainment, church, etc.
Accessibility if that is important to your independence.

Buying

Buying a home provides pride of ownership and also requires a commitment to maintaining the property. If something breaks or wears out, you, the owner, are responsible for getting it fixed. The benefits of owning a home are:

Tax deductions - if you itemize your taxes, you can deduct the interest on your loan from the taxes you own
Appreciation - homes are considered a safe, steady investment, with values that rise while the debt amount you owe drops
Equity - the difference between what the house is worth (appraised value) and how much money you owe on the loan (mortgage). If you were to sell the house for the appraised value and pay off the mortgage, the equity is the profit you would make from the sale. Generally the longer you pay/own your home, the more profit you make from the sale.
Borrowing power - the equity above could be used to secure a loan if you needed money, but didn't want to sell your house to get it
Stability - if you get a fixed rate of interest on your mortgage, your payment would stay the same from year to year unless your loan includes payment of property taxes and insurance, then it would only go up a little compared to rent increases. In contrast, renters cannot control how much their rent will go up every year.

When considering buying a home, it is important to look at many of the same things mentioned above in addition to the size and age of the house or condominium.

If you decide to buy, a good realtor can help locate the house or condominium, negotiate the final price, file the appropriate papers and arrange to close the sale. The realtor will receive a commission which will make the final price of the home more than the negotiated price, but if you do not know what needs to be done in order to close the sale, the realtor is essential.

Other Resources

Housing and Mortgages for Veterans
Homeownership - Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
Tenant and Landlord Issues - Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
Housing Discrimination Complaints - Kansas Human Rights Commission
Housing Discrimination Issues - Disability Rights Center (Scroll down to Priority 7 Fair Housing)

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) protects the rights of people with disabilities when they are renting or purchasing an apartment or home. The Research and Training Center on Independent Living (RTCIL) has an FHAA Fact Sheet that will provide information on the law.

Quick Links

Renting an Apartment
Renter's Rights
Renter's Insurance
Security Deposits and Evictions
Basics of Buying a House
Fair Housing Act - US Department of Justice information on housing and lending practices and your rights as a person with a disability
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc.
USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Assistance - a grant and loan program
Smart Asset is a website with information and tools that can help you understand how much you can afford and what the costs might be for loans.

Service Animals

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act, service animals are dogs or, in certain circumstances, miniature horses, that assist people with disabilities in some way. They changed the law to eliminate all other service animals from protections in the act. If you have a service animal, here are some things you should know.

Under the ADA, trained service animal are welcome in restaurants, grocery stores, and public places. Store owners cannot ask what disability the person has, but can ask what the animal does for the person. For example, a mobility service animal's task can be turning on lights, picking up dropped objects, and getting help if the owner is in trouble.

Though you don’t have to have anything that says the animal is trained, if you do have a certificate or marked harness on the dog, it often makes it easier to reassure the store owner that the animal is a legitimate service animal.

Service animals must be under control, quiet and obedient. If the animal is threatening, out of control, making a mess or eating off the table, the establishment has the right to tell you to take the animal out. The Title III regulations at subsection 36.302 Modifications in Policy, Practice and Procedure, (c) Service Animals is where these exceptions are located.

Official information from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on service dogs can be found on the official ADA website. Particular resources include:

You can also do an Internet search "Service Animals" for more information.

Quick Links

Service Animal Etiquette
ADA Requirements - Service Animals - information on the rights of service animal owners
Kansas Service Dog Statutes

Transportation

Driving

The University of Kansas (KU) Health Partners have a driving evaluation and rehabilitation service at their Kansas City campus. You can find more information about how you can take advantage of their service at their website.

Local Transportation

Accessible local transportation is critical for people with disabilities to have the freedom to travel where, when, and how they choose. If you do not own your own transportation and there is no bus or taxi service in your town or city, the Kansas United We Ride interactive map helps you find public transportation near you. Also, check with your local center for independent living (CIL) for help with finding transportation. If you are interested in finding an wheelchair accessible vehicle for your use, contact United Access. They modify vehicles to make them wheelchair accessible.

Financial Assistance Options for Adaptive Driving - a blog with resources listed from the Disability website.

If you have a van and need to make it accessible for you, you can contact K-Loans in Parsons about their loan program.

National and International Transportation

When traveling by air, the US Department of Transportation has great information on their travel website for people with disabilities.

Quick Links

Kansas Transit Provider Directory
AMS Vans, Inc. - listed for informational purposes only, no endorsement
Winter Driving - an article about driving during the winter. Some emergency prep info. too

Relationships

Friendships

Having a social life is important to a person's health. Building a network of friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers is crucial to living independently for all people, including people with disabilities. Friends help each other, provide emotional support and and help shape your social life.

The idea of a social life goes beyond just hanging out with friends. It might include having a girl/boyfriend, developing independence, and being accepted by those people that you spend time with. It is important to develop healthy friendships. The GirlsHealth - Relationships website has valuable information for everyone about developing friendships and a social life.

Dating

Disability and relationships: it's still about intimacy, commitment, trust, and chemistry, whether you're in a wheelchair, have vision loss, or are wearing a prosthetic leg. Is online dating a good approach for people with disabilities? Where should you go for an accessible first date? What about independence and intimacy when one partner has a disability and the other doesn't? The GirlsHealth - Dating website has more information on safe dating.

Marriage and Disability

Marriage can be wonderful, sustaining, a lifelong commitment between two people who determine to support each other. Marriage for people with disabilities, however, can ask more of both partners. How do two people navigate the physical, emotional, logistical, and social issues involved in these relationships? How do you navigate the delicate balance between independence and intimacy so important to any healthy marriage? The movie Monica & David explores the marriage of two adults with Down syndrome and the family who strives to support their needs. Monica and David are blissfully in love and want what other adults have—an independent life. Full of humor, romance and everyday family drama, the film uses intimate fly-on-the wall footage to reveal the complexity of their story. While Monica and David are capable beyond expectations, their parents, aware of mainstream rejection of adults with intellectual disabilities, have trouble letting go.

Sexuality

As many happy individuals can attest, sexuality and disability are not mutually exclusive terms. In fact, people with disabilities can have fulfilling, thriving sex lives, overcome logistical issues with assistive technologies, and develop a rewarding physical relationship with a loved one. If you doubt it, just check out the information presented here about wheelchair sex, achieving physical and emotional intimacy, and other authoritative and practical sex advice. There's no reason that sexuality and disability can't both be part of your life. Here are a few resources:

Bullying

Bullying is when one person or a group of people intentionally scare or hurt someone else. Bullies often target others who are often weaker or less confident. It can happen anywhere, such as at school, in the park, on a sports team, or even at home. Often the person being bullied has a hard time defending him or herself. In recent years, cyber bullying has grown due to the explosion of social media especially among youth.

President Obama speaks out on bullying.

Quick Links

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Welcome to the new and improved Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns Website!