Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas

Consider applying for this board!

Join the Board The Kansas Disability Caucus, Inc. is seeking board applicants! We look for people who are committed to working hard in both planning and the hands on work needed to ensure a successful Caucus. We …

Staff training and photo shoot day!

Hulu Movie Explores Marriage Penalty Facing People With Disabilities For people with disabilities, choosing to get married can mean losing access to critical government benefits. A documentary set to air on Hulu spotlights one woman's experience.

Did you know some employers are allowed to pay Americans with disabilities LESS than the federal minimum wage (Section 14c of FLSA)? It’s shocking – but true! Help us end this outdated practice!

The bipartisan Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA, S.533) is crucial legislation that will end paying people with disabilities less than minimum wage (some only make mere pennies an hour)!

Congress is back from its August break and has just a few weeks left to pass this bill before the session ends! We need them to ACT NOW!

It only takes 30 seconds to take action – click the link below & 30 seconds later, you will email Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran, asking them to cosponsor the TCIEA. Click the link and change lives!

Please click the link to learn more and TAKE ACTION NOW: https://drckansas.salsalabs.org/tciea

Coming up October 1st!

Today at 1pm! Email [email protected] for the link.

On SACK's next statewide call, which is Wednesday, September 11th at 1:00 p.m. (CST), we will be featuring a speaker who will discuss the new "988" national crisis line.

More information:

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is working to ensure that the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is accessible to everyone, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), brain injuries, cognitive impairments, and individuals who cannot rely on speech alone for communication. In honor of Su***de Prevention Month, KDADS and the 988 team would like to provide information about how the 988 lifeline can be used while also getting feedback from you about how the service can be more accessible.

What is 988?
988 is a phone number you can call or text in the U.S. if you're feeling really sad, scared, or worried, or if you or someone you know is thinking about su***de. When you reach out to 988, trained counselors are there to listen and help you feel better. You can also use 988 if you're worried about someone else. It’s available 24/7, and it's free and confidential.

Please plan to join us on September 11th at 1:00 p.m. CST!

On SACK's next statewide call, which is Wednesday, September 11th at 1:00 p.m. (CST), we will be featuring a speaker who will discuss the new "988" national crisis line.

More information:

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is working to ensure that the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is accessible to everyone, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), brain injuries, cognitive impairments, and individuals who cannot rely on speech alone for communication. In honor of Su***de Prevention Month, KDADS and the 988 team would like to provide information about how the 988 lifeline can be used while also getting feedback from you about how the service can be more accessible.

What is 988?
988 is a phone number you can call or text in the U.S. if you're feeling really sad, scared, or worried, or if you or someone you know is thinking about su***de. When you reach out to 988, trained counselors are there to listen and help you feel better. You can also use 988 if you're worried about someone else. It’s available 24/7, and it's free and confidential.

Please plan to join us on September 11th at 1:00 p.m. CST!

SACK will be closed 9/2/24 in observance of Labor Day.

SACK had a little visitor today! Thanks to our buddy Elmer for helping get him back outside! 🪶

[Image: a small bird hangs on to a rainbow “Black Lives Matter” flag which hangs on a wall.]

📸: Lisa Barcus

SACK staffer Robyn Herzog is in Baltimore this week for the Undeserved Grantee Institute - projects from across the country focused on supporting survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. Kansas Believe (of which SACK is a grant partner) works to improve access to supports for survivors with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

[Image 1: Robyn in a red t-shirt standing in front of a clipper ship. Image 2: Robyn and Jami Clark from the Kansas Coalition on Sexual and Domestic Violence hold up a yummy looking lobster roll.]

Are you registered to vote? No time like the present! Click below!

Welcome - Kansas Online Voter Registration The site is secure. The https:// or lock icon ensures you're safely connected to the website and any information you provide is encrypted.

Check this out!

✨ Be inspired, be empowered! Join us on 10/4/24 for the SPEAK Up Conference, where self-advocates and activists come together to make a difference. Let’s create a more accessible future!

https://kcdd.org/speak

Direct Support Worker Training
[email protected] (913) 945-6847 https://oasis.ku.edu/

When: September 27-29, 2024
When: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Courtyard Salina, Smoky Hill Meeting Room, 3020 Riffel Dr., Salina, KS 67401

KCART’s OASIS training program works to increase the number of
trained & qualified support workers in the state of Kansas.

About us:
If you work with individuals with IDD or autism who have challenging behavior, this training is for you. This training serves support workers in various settings, such as in-home, residential, school, and day centers.

Register for Training:
Scholarships available for free training, contact us for more
information.
https://bit.ly/DSWKFSC

Opportunities to go up the career ladder.
A better understanding on how to assist clients using evidence-based strategies.

Lisa, Robyn and Steph are attending FIND training in Topeka today! FIND = Forensic Interviewing for Individuals with Disabilities.

[Image: three women sit in a row in a meeting room]

Look at this amazing opportunity!

KANSAS COMMISSION FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING - ONLINE ASL CLASSES

Fall 2024, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is offering FREE Basic American Sign Language classes (ASL) for families and the community. (ONLINE ASL CLASSES ONLY)

TWO OPTIONS FOR FIVE WEEKS:
TUESDAYS, starting September 10th, from 6pm to 7:15pm
WEDNESDAYS, starting September 11th, from 6pm to 7:15 pm

For more information contact Colette Barnes-Maelzer at [email protected]

TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT:
Link has been closed as the classes are full for fall 2024, please look forward to the next round of open registration. Thanks!!!

SACK staffer Shane is starting his week off in a big way! Up early to be at the KU Medical Center in KCK for LEND training and to help shoot DSW training videos. Go, Shane!

[Image: Caucasian man with dark brown hair, beard, and mustache sits in a wheelchair in a hospital hallway.]

📸: Sean Swindler

📢 Calling all self-advocates! Join us at KCDD's first-ever SPEAK Up Conference on 10/4/24! SPEAK stands for Self-advocates Promoting Empowerment and Access in Kansas.

Amplify your voice and be part of a movement for inclusivity and equality. Register now!

https://kcdd.org/speak

Look who recently got an award at Youth Leadership Forum put on by the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA). Congrats, Shane Lewis!

Look who’s voting! SACK staffer Karen casts her ballot in the primary election.

ATTENTION WHEELCHAIR USERS! Did you know that Kansas has specialized "over the ground" wheelchairs you can borrow to explore our state parks? Check it out by clicking below!

Track Chairs (ASK Program) The official website of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks

Please considered signing this and urging our two Senators to co-sponsor the TCIEA act. Passing this law would end subminimum wages at the federal level. Click below photo!

Stop paying Americans with disabilities less than minimum wage! Take Action: Join Us in Urging Sens. Marshall & Moran to Cosponsor the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA)

Shane is speaking on a youth transition panel at the Transition Council Capacity Building conference today in Wichita.

SACK Legislative Liaison Colin Olenick testified today about the KDADS budget.

Happy 34th Anniversary, ADA!

Today, we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and reaffirm our commitment to work toward a more accessible future for all. Kansans with disabilities should have the same rights & opportunities as everyone else. Read my full proclamation here. ⤵️

Lisa and Angie treated the SACK staff to a cool treat on this very hot day! 🍦

Congrats! SACK’s self-advocates participated in the AUMI program last year.

Lawrence AUMI ensemble earns award for disability advocacy Members of a Lawrence band that uses adaptive technology to make music on iPads are being recognized by the state for their work exploring music-making across abilities.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE?
In Kansas, the deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Tuesday, Oct. 15. You can check your voter status on the Kansas Secretary of State website here: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview

You’ll need to update your voter registration if you changed your name or moved within the state or from out of state, or you might run into problems while voting. In addition, citizens who will be 18 years old by Election Day can register to vote before their birthday. In Kansas, you can either update your registration online — if you have a valid driver’s license or non-driver’s ID card — or mail a form to your election board.

For more information on voting in Kansas:
https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html