Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

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Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities Welcome to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD or Council).

The Council supports people with developmental disabilities so they have the opportunity to make choices regarding participation in society and quality of life.

Lola here - 💙 Building connections. Sharing resources. Strengthening advocacy! 💙Whit Downing and I had a great time host...
10/16/2026

Lola here - 💙 Building connections. Sharing resources. Strengthening advocacy! 💙

Whit Downing and I had a great time hosting a booth at the Johnson County Developmental Supports - JCDS Resource Fair on Thursday, October 1! 🎉

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other disability organizations, learn about the resources and support available in our communities, and share information about the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD).

When we come together to share resources, learn from one another, and build stronger connections, we can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) find the support they need and make their voices heard. 🗣️✨

Thank you to JCDS for bringing organizations together and helping strengthen our disability community! 🤝



Kansas Miss Amazing
Down Syndrome Innovations
Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas
Special Olympics Kansas
Families Together, Inc.
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA)
SOAR Special Needs
Inclusion Connections KC/Pawsabilities

Photo Descriptions:
Photo 1 - There is a big yellow and blue trifold with pictures propped up on a white table. There are some flyers, booklets, and business cards in front of the trifold. There is also a white affirmation cube next to it.

Photo 2 - There are two women standing and smiling in front of a white table on a beige ground. One woman is wearing headphones, a red sweatshirt, glasses, blue jeans, and white shoes, giving a thumbs-up. The other woman is also wearing glasses, a blue watch, a black-and-white striped shirt, a black skirt, and black shoes, with her hand on her hip.

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for YourselfWhat if you could create your own job...
10/16/2026

🎤 Breakout Session Spotlight: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself

What if you could create your own job doing something you love? 💡

In this session, you'll hear from self-advocates who started their own businesses and became their own bosses. They will share their stories, the challenges they faced, and the successes they achieved along the way.

You'll learn:
✅ How self-advocates started their businesses
✅ How to turn your interests and talents into opportunities
✅ Ways to build confidence and take the lead in your own life
✅ How entrepreneurship can be a path to employment and independence

Advocacy is about making choices, setting goals, and creating the life you want. This session will show how self-advocates are doing just that through entrepreneurship!

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Find out more at kcdd.org/speakup

Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Your future is yours to build. Join us at SPEAK Up! and discover what's possible when self-advocates lead the way. ⭐



[Image description: Promotional graphic for the Speak Up! Conference panel "Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself" showing moderator Ricardo "Ricky" Hernandez and speakers Collette Divitto and Stephanie Swanson, event date Nov 6, 2026 in Wichita, and host logos for KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

TODAY the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!Are you registered? Get t...
10/15/2026

TODAY the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!

Are you registered?

Get the details about the conference and register at https://www.kcdd.org/speakup

[Image description: Reminder to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference in Wichita, KS (event 11/06/2026); registration deadline 10/15/2026. Graphic shows conference logo and a circular photo of a panel presentation to an auditorium audience.]

Exciting News from KCDD!After months of collaboration, discussions, and valuable community feedback, KCDD has officially...
10/15/2026

Exciting News from KCDD!

After months of collaboration, discussions, and valuable community feedback, KCDD has officially approved our 2027–2031 Five-Year State Plan!

This plan was shaped through brainstorming activities with the KCDD Council, an initial 45-day public comment period, Council review, the development of a draft plan, and another opportunity for public comment.

On September 25, 2026, the KCDD Council officially approved the final plan!

We are excited about the work ahead and the opportunities to continue improving the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Want to learn more? KCDD is happy to provide presentations to organizations, groups, and community partners interested in learning about our goals and priorities for the next five years!

Together, we can build a more inclusive Kansas where everyone belongs and thrives.

View the plan here: https://www.kcdd.org/five-year-state-plan

[Image description: Five-Year State Plan cover for 2027–2031 for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, featuring the title and dates on a white panel over a blue background with yellow wheat and stars graphics and the Council logo.]

Tomorrow's the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!Are you registered? ...
10/14/2026

Tomorrow's the last day to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference happening on November 6 in Wichita!

Are you registered?

Get the details about the conference and register at https://www.kcdd.org/speakup

[Image description: Reminder to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference in Wichita, KS (event 11/06/2026); registration deadline 10/15/2026. Graphic shows conference logo and a circular photo of a panel presentation to an auditorium audience.]

Have you registered for the SPEAK UP! Conference?The registration deadline is THIS FRIDAY, October 15! Find out more abo...
10/12/2026

Have you registered for the SPEAK UP! Conference?

The registration deadline is THIS FRIDAY, October 15!

Find out more about the conference and register at https://www.kcdd.org/speakup

[Image description: Reminder to register for the SPEAK Up! Conference in Wichita, KS (event 11/06/2026); registration deadline 10/15/2026. Graphic shows conference logo and a circular photo of a panel presentation to an auditorium audience.]

The disability rights movement has come a long way—but the work isn't over yet.Join us for our closing session, ADA, ABL...
10/11/2026

The disability rights movement has come a long way—but the work isn't over yet.

Join us for our closing session, ADA, ABLE, and Beyond: What's Next for Disability Rights?, as we look back at landmark disability rights achievements and explore what the future could hold for people with disabilities. 🗣️

In this session, you'll learn:
✅ How disability rights have evolved over time
✅ The impact of landmark initiatives like the ADA and ABLE Act
✅ Current advocacy efforts and emerging issues
✅ How self-advocates, families, and allies can help shape the future

The rights and opportunities people with disabilities have today are the result of advocates who spoke up, organized, and pushed for change. Now it's our turn to continue that work. ⚖️

Whether you're a self-advocate, family member, professional, or ally, this session will leave you inspired to keep advocating for a more inclusive future.

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Register today at https://tinyurl.com/KCDDspeakup2026

As we close out the 2026 SPEAK Up! Conference, join us for a powerful conversation about where we've been, where we are now, and where disability advocacy goes next.

Because the next chapter of disability rights is still being written—and your voice belongs in the story. ⭐



[Image description: Purple Banner highlighting Speak Up! Conference panel "ADA, ABLE, and Beyond: What’s Next for Disability Rights," showing a moderator and two featured panelists, with event details: Friday, November 6, 2026, Drury Plaza Broadview, Wichita, Kansas; hosted by KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

Being a strong advocate starts with taking care of yourself.Mental health is an important part of living a healthy and s...
10/10/2026

Being a strong advocate starts with taking care of yourself.

Mental health is an important part of living a healthy and successful life. In this session, we'll talk about common stressors self-advocates may experience, including challenges in the workplace, and explore strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and asking for support when needed.

In this session, you'll learn:
✅ How stress can affect your daily life and work
✅ Healthy ways to manage stress and challenges
✅ Why mental health is an important part of self-advocacy
✅ How to build confidence and speak up for your needs

Advocacy isn't just about changing systems—it's also about taking care of yourself so you can continue to grow, lead, and reach your goals. 🌟

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Register today at https://tinyurl.com/KCDDspeakup2026

Join us at SPEAK Up! to learn how caring for your mental health can help you become a stronger advocate, employee, leader, and community member.



[Image description: Purple banner highlighting Speak Up! panel "Strong Minds, Strong Voices, Strong Advocates" on Nov 6, 2026 in Wichita, featuring speakers Jason Crippen and Whit Downing, hosted by KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

📣 Have you registered for SPEAK Up yet?! 🎉Join self-advocates, families, caregivers, and professionals for an empowering...
10/08/2026

📣 Have you registered for SPEAK Up yet?! 🎉

Join self-advocates, families, caregivers, and professionals for an empowering conference full of:
🗣️ Advocacy
💡 Learning
🤝 Connection
✨ Leadership

We hope to see you there! 💙

Registration closes in ONE WEEK! Register at https://form.jotform.com/260695890287170



[Image description: Flyer image with a photo of attendees in a large room with the SPEAK up logo + text details about the event and partner logos]

Life doesn't always go as planned. Unexpected challenges—such as mental health concerns, changes in support needs, life ...
10/07/2026

Life doesn't always go as planned. Unexpected challenges—such as mental health concerns, changes in support needs, life transitions, or system barriers—can leave families feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

Join us for When Plans Change: What Families Can Do and hear from a self-advocate, a parent, and professionals as they share experiences, strategies, and resources for navigating difficult situations with confidence and support. 🌟

In this session, you'll learn:
✅ How to respond when unexpected challenges arise
✅ Strategies for navigating life transitions and changing support needs
✅ Ways to support mental health and well-being
✅ How to find resources, build support networks, and avoid feeling alone
✅ Why listening to self-advocate voices is important during times of change

No family has all the answers, and no one should have to face challenges alone. This session will focus on practical tools, honest conversations, and the power of community support.

You'll hear perspectives from a self-advocate, a parent, and professionals—offering a well-rounded look at how families can move forward when plans change, and life feels uncertain. 🤝

🗓️ November 6, 2026
📍 Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita
🔗 Register today at https://tinyurl.com/KCDDspeakup2026

Join us at SPEAK Up! to learn how preparation, support, and advocacy can help families navigate life's unexpected twists and turns.



[Image description: Speak Up! Conference panel "When Plans Change: What Families Can Do" — moderated by Samantha Brant; Friday, Nov 6, 2026 at Drury Plaza Broadview, Wichita, KS; lists six featured panelists with headshots and logos for hosts KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations.]

Address

900 SW Jackson, Suite 569
Topeka, KS
66612

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17852962608

Website

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