Jones resigns from SILCK

The board of directors of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas (SILCK) has accepted the resignation of its executive director, Shannon Jones, effective Aug. 31. Jones has served as the organization’s director for the past 18 years.

“Shannon has been a strong voice for Kansans of all ages,” said Lou Ann Kibbee, board president. “SILCK recognizes the contributions and sacrifices she has made for Kansas social services and her unwavering passion and dedication to fight for the civil and human rights of all people, especially those with disabilities.”

Throughout the past 18 years in partnership and collaboration with Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other disability rights organizations, the SILCK has strengthened the network of CILs, assisted thousands of Kansans with disabilities to be able to maintain their independence, their dignity and remain active in their communities.  Achievements realized through this collaboration with the disability community have resulted in:

• Additional resources for Home and Community Based Services for the physically disabled, frail & elderly, developmentally disabled and traumatic brain injury waivers.
• A Medicaid Buy-in Program allowing people with disabilities the ability to become employed while maintaining their health care coverage for a premium payment.
• Passage of the state Money Follows the Person (MFP) statute allowing a person with a disability in a nursing facility the opportunity to move out and receive services in the community of his or her choice.
• Increased base funding for Centers for Independent Living
• Amended the Child In Need of Care (CINC) statute to prohibit the state from removing a child from his or her home due to a parent(s) disability.
• Created the Alternative Finance Program to allow low interest loans for assistive technology for Kansans with disabilities
• Passage of a Housing Visitability bill and the Kansas Voting Rights bill

In Jones written statement, “These past 18 years have been as rewarding as they have been challenging.  I have learned a lot from the many people I have met in the disability community.

As much as I value the time I have spent working with members of the disability community, it’s time for me to make a change in direction.  It’s time for this old warrior to step aside, to make way for new energies, approaches and advocates.  Lead on!”