Consumer Education

Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | August 23, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services.  Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Together We Can Learn Conference

By Adam | August 13, 2019

Sharing this information from our friends at Families Together: As parents and professionals, we understand the process of helping youth/adults transition to adulthood and/or obtain employment, can come with many challenges and obstacles. The Together We Can Learn Conference is the perfect opportunity for parents, transition age youth and professionals to gain information, inspiration, and…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | August 2, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Internet Access from AT&T

By Beth | July 12, 2019

AT&T is offering low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households with at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and with an address in AT&T’s 21-state service area, which includes both Kansas and Missouri! Internet plans range from $5 – $10 per month. Click here to find rates,…

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Women with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or Physical Disabilities Needed!

By Beth | June 21, 2019

Are you a woman with a spinal cord injury (SCI) or with a physical disability who is thinking about getting pregnant, currently pregnant, been pregnant before, or have decided not to get pregnant? Researchers from The University of Michigan are working to create a tool that women with SCI or with a physical disability can…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | May 29, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Attention! Self-Directing Consumers Learn how to be a better employer!

By Beth | May 8, 2019

Please join us for an informative session on Self-Directing your Home and Community Based Services. Topics will include information on: How to Recruit, Select, Interview, Hire, Train, Supervise and Dismiss Direct Support Workers (DSWs) Understanding Enhanced Care Services (Sleep Cycle Support) KS AuthentiCare (the Electronic Visit Verification Call In System) Having a Backup Plan (of…

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Free Supported Decision-Making Conference

By Adam | April 8, 2019

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities is hosting a free event to present information on supported decision-making.  Go online and register to attend the Supported Decision-Making Conference on Friday, April 12th from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina, KS.  This is a FREE conference!!  Go directly to their Eventbrite page…

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Busy, busy, busy

By Mandy Smith | October 15, 2018

Fall seems like a busy time of the year for everyone and here are some more items for your list: Register to vote!  Tomorrow, October 16th, is the last day to register to vote in the election on November 6th.  The disability population holds the largest amount of voters!  Don’t forget, if it’s difficult to…

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HCBS Stakeholders Meetings

By Mandy Smith | September 7, 2018

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services also known as KDADS is seeking feedback from Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) stakeholders as they are planning waiver renewals.  KDADS will be hosting regional meetings along with two options to call in.  These forums are opportunities for KDADS to hear feedback on what you think…

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KanCare Program Updates

By Mandy Smith | August 29, 2018

There will be changes made to the KanCare program but they will not affect your eligibility for the program.  The state will be hosting non-mandatory meetings next week including one in Olathe, Wichita, and a conference call.  State staff will be present at meetings to provide information on what is and what is not changing…

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Kansas Renters Seminar

By Mandy Smith | April 16, 2018

Wednesday, April 18th, in Emporia attend a free seminar on everything you need to know about renting! This training is for landlords (https://tinyurl.com/EmporiaLANDLORD2018) or tenants (http://tinyurl.com/EmporiaTENANT2018) Follow link or call (785) 234-0217 for more information or to register.

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Free program for a Healthier You!

By Mandy Smith | January 2, 2018

Happy New Year!  The National Center on Health and Physical Activity for People with Disabilities (NCHPAD) is offering a free web-based physical activity and nutrition program for Kansans with disabilities.  Read their flier or go to their website for more information about the program.      

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Dr. Herder to present on May 24th

By Mandy Smith | May 9, 2017

Q&A with Dr. Herder Flier (PDF file)

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Relationships 411

By Mandy Smith | April 24, 2017

The Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy and Resource Center for Independent Living present… A workshop of the Empower Me! Series Join us as we bring you the complete lowdown on relationships, dating, friendship, and sexual health! Saturday, May 6 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Townhouse Apartments Community Room in Iola (217 N. Washington)   WHAT: We…

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February and Hearts

By Mandy Smith | February 13, 2017

Growing up, I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought February was the heart month. Decorating for Valentine’s Day has always been fun.  Pink and red hearts all over the place, candy and cards being passed out, and love in the air.  Well, now that I’m grown up (age wise at least) I realize…

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Mandy Smith | November 30, 2016

Well, it’s fall about to be winter.  The season of cold, gloomy, darkness.  For many that doesn’t stand for the weather only, it stands for their outlook on life.  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form depression that is related to the change of seasons.  Most persons with SAD show signs or symptoms in the…

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State Seeks Kansans with Physical Disabilities Dropped from Wait List

By Mandy Smith | November 18, 2016

Are you on the Physical Disability wait list?  Have you been dropped from it?  You need to read this article from the Kansas Health Institute and contact the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)! http://www.khi.org/news/article/state-seeks-kansans-with-physical-disabilities-dropped-from-wait-list-for-m Contact information for KDADS Email  KDADS.HCBS-KS@ks.gov New England Building 503 S. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66603-3404 Main: 785-296-4986 Toll…

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Preventing Falls

By Mandy Smith | September 9, 2016

As I said in a previous blog, September 22nd is Fall Prevention Awareness day. Here are some ideas to limit falling and injuries. Help preserve your bone density Do exercises to help with endurance, strength, balance and/or flexibility Go for walks Limit clutter, keep your floors free of obstacles Keep a flashlight near your bed Look for…

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Did you know: Fall Risk Information

By Mandy Smith | August 18, 2016

Fall Prevention Awareness Day is observed on September 22nd.  But I thought I’d get a jump on the action and post some interesting information about falls.  This information is from the National Council on Aging and can be found at www.ncoa.org. Most know that the older population fall more than others but did you know…

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Fort Scott Friends Group Update

By Mandy Smith | August 11, 2016

This month’s Fort Scott Friends Group will meet at 1:00pm on August 24th at Gunn Park.

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Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention

By Mandy Smith | June 13, 2016

YOU’RE INVITED The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) invites you to learn more about Adult Abuse Awareness and Prevention. Representatives from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, DCF’s Adult Protective Services division and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services will address issues regarding this important topic. 1:30-2:30 pm June 17 Jayhawk Area…

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KDHE providing training for Medicaid waivers

By Mandy Smith | December 28, 2015

As part of the KanCare Waiver Integration Project, KDHE will be providing a one-hour training about Medicaid waivers. This training is a result of recommendations from the Waiver Integration Stakeholder Engagement (WISE) workgroup. The training is designed to help anyone who works in Medicaid-funded programs or receives Medicaid-funded services to understand: What “waiver” means in…

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Sign up for KDADS/HCBS updates

By Mandy Smith | October 6, 2015

Do you receive Home and Community Based Services and other KanCare benefits?  Would you like to hear about changes to HCBS directly from the State of Kansas by email?   Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has updated their email listserv in order to ensure all those who wish to receive email updates…

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KDHE, KDADS SCHEDULE PUBLIC FORUMS ON HCBS WAIVER INTEGRATION PROJECT

By Mandy Smith | August 11, 2015

  TOPEKA — Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Dr. Susan Mosier and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Kari Bruffett announced today a series of public forums to discuss integration of the state’s home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs. The forums are scheduled to be conducted in Topeka, Wichita,…

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