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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. ODEP has chosen “Advancing Access and Equity” as the theme for NDEAM 2023. NDEAM en español.

Image is a snapshot of the A C L website home page and contains a light skinned male with short brown hair and beard, wearing sunglasses, a denim shirt over and orange tshirt, and holding a cell phone up to his mouth while carrying a mobility cane. Text reads, Find help in your community by entering a location.

Launch of New ACL Website Helps People with Disabilities Easily Find Local Resources

A new Administration for Community Living website now offers a 24/7 search-by-zip code option to find local services and resources with the launch of a new online tool! What began in 2021 as a hub to help people with disabilities access critical Covid-19 information and vaccination location, now has expanded tools to instantly find local resources and services that support …

closeup of a pair of hands holding a covid test. An open box that contained the test is in the background.

Feds approve new round of FREE at-home Covid-19 tests

The Biden Administration announced this week, the approval of $600 million in funding to provide new COVID-19 at-home tests to all households, and are resurrecting the government website to order the free tests. It’s an effort to prevent possible future shortages as the number of COVID cases, along with flu and RSV, are expected to rise this Fall.  Tests can …

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2023 Fall Fundraising Campaign

DONATE TODAY! The independence, Inc. Fall Campaign is a time where we gear up to share some impact stories and ask our communities to consider supporting the work we do. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we post highlights over the next couple of months, to show how the lives and situations of our consumers are changed through …

Now Hiring! Payroll and Billing Specialist

Full-Time Payroll and Billing Specialist  | M-F | $18.00 /hr. SEE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION We are currently hiring for the position of Payroll and Billing Specialist. This individual will assist with the operation of the Financial Management Services (FMS), a payroll management system for individuals with disabilities who are self-directing their attendant care through the state of Kansas Medicaid Waiver Programs. …

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FEMA, Ready Campaign Launch National Preparedness Month

September marks “National Preparedness Month”, the annual recognition set to remind everyone in America how important it is for individuals, families and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. Last week, President Biden issued the National Preparedness Month Proclamation and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, earlier this year announced the theme which focuses on preparing …

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Project Recruitment: Improving Training for Direct Service Workers in Kansas

The University of Kansas (KU) and Wichita State University (WSU) are working with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) to develop online training courses for Direct Support Workers (DSW) in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program and are looking for volunteers to assist in the process. If you are an individual who receives Home and …

text only that reads Lead on collaborative 2023. application deadline June 15.

Association of Programs for Rural Independence: Lead On Collaborative

Youth and young adults with disabilities interested in building leadership skills, connecting with their communities and becoming future leaders – this is for YOU! The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living has opened the application period for the 2023 “Lead On” Collaborative – a FREE leadership program for ages 15-30 (chosen through an application process) that culminates in attending/volunteering …

Sherman Gillums, Jr with FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination sitting on a stage in his wheelchair in front of an American flag, looking at the camera

Emergency Management for People with Disabilities: FEMA Videos

Having and emergency plan and preparing for natural disasters are critical components to the safety, health and wellbeing of people with disabilities during an unexpected crisis. Check out the videos below for important tips on staying safe and how to prepare.   FEMA Accessible: Personal Preparedness for Wheelchair Users   FEMA Accessible: Build a Go Kit   FEMA Accessible: Emergency …

Ride the bus FREE in ’23!

City of Lawrence Free Fare Project Lawrence Transit will begin a pilot program to go fare-free for all of 2023. This applies to all City of Lawrence, Kansas – Municipal Government transit services including fixed route, T Lift, Night Line, and planned Sunday microtransit. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity! You can also take advantage of guided hands-on experience …