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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 1d

The KUCD team was honored to present at the annual SOAR Conference in Omaha, NE!

Communications Specialist Austin Myers and Research Assistant Ryan Henley presented the stories of self-advocates and led a group discussion about the importance of advocating for oneself and the barriers people face.

Six people pose for a photo in front of the SOAR conference banner. Two people sit in power chairs and four people stand.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 6d

Come work with us! KUCD is seeking an Office Manager to support the work of our research center. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucdofficemgr.

Come work with us! The Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is seeking an Office Manager! Are you an experienced office professional who loves being a go-to problem-solver and enjoys providing top-notch customer service? We're looking for someone with excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail and organization, experience with microsoft office suite. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucdofficemgr. Application reviews begin on October 27th, 2025!

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 7d

The State of the States team recently held the Technology First for Kansans (T1K) Think Tank.

The T1K Think Tank generated solutions to ongoing systemic challenges in technology access for people with disabilities across the state of Kansas.

Learn more about T1K @ bit.ly/tech1ks.

State of the States team members Ski Adams, Shea Tanis, Gloria Gantt, Drew Rosdahl, Kaley Day, and Thomas Gottstein

A whiteboard with the following solutions on it:
BILLIONS OF EMAILS
ONLINE SALES
ECONOMIC BARRIER
PEOPLE WI DISABILITIES
HIGH INVESTMENT
LESS & INCLUSIVE
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ACCESSIBLE
ALIGN
TECH BASED COMPANION
CARE
REMOTE WORK
TECH FIRST
DIGITAL
TECHISON THE RISE
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BILLIONS USE SOCIAL MEDIA &
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RIGHT ROTZE TECHNOLOGY FIRST:
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TECHWON'T REPLACE HUMANS
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CHANGE STATE
SYSTEMS
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EFFICIENCY IN LIFE
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State of the States team member Gloria Gantt discussing technology solutions with the group

State of the States PI Shea Tanis talking about technology solutions

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 13d

2 members of The State of the States’ PA Tech Accelerator program recently gave testimony at State Representative Joseph Hohenstein's annual Disability Summit!

View their testimonies @ bit.ly/patechtestim..., starting at the 58:39 mark.

Learn more about Tech Accelerator @ bit.ly/patechaccel.

Nae Vallejo, a dark-skinned man in a blue shirt holding a tablet as he gives testimony.

Chris Moore, a light-skinned man in a black button-down and gray tie, holding a phone as he gives testimony.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 14d

KUCD partnered with Kate and Jack, graduates from the University of Iowa REACH Program, to present "Self-Determination in Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disability" as part of the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum - INHEF webinar series in Ireland!

A screenshot of a zoom meeting where people smile at the camera

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 22d

We're less than a month away from the 2025 Inclusive Education Institute! Join KUCD, KU Council for Exceptional Children, and KU Special Education on October 11.

Learn more and save your spot at bit.ly/inclusive-education-institute.

2025 Inclusive Education Institute

bit.ly

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 27d

This week, KUCD Assistant Research Professor Lauren Bruno, PhD, and Assistant Researcher Ben Edwards visited St. Louis and presented at the 20th annual Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Conference!

Ben, a white man with dark curly hair and glasses, sits at a table while giving a presentation to the audience

Ben and Lauren stand in front of a large wagon at a museum

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Sep 9

🌻 Learn about the work KUCD is doing to advance competitive, integrated employment in Kansas and beyond: kucd.ku.edu/my-transition-my-career

My Transition My Career

kucd.ku.edu

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Sep 9

We're so proud of KUCD Research Aide Sean Tyree for sharing his story! Today, Sean testified on Capitol Hill before the Joint Social Security and Work & Welfare Subcommittee.

Sean shared about his own career journey and the importance of supports and services for people with disabilities.

A screenshot of a zoom meeting where people watch Sean Tyree, a man with glasses wearing a blue suit, give testimony.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Aug 27

Did you know that The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) is the reason we have the many programs for people with disabilities to be included and thrive? This includes the UCEDDs and the Projects of National Significance (PNS).

Learn more @ bit.ly/sots_dd.

Progress Over Time...
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000

What is the DD Act?
In every state and territory, programs made possible by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) give individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families the power to help shape policies that affect them.
This information was made accessible by self-advocates for self-advocates.

What is the DD Act?
DD Act programs lead important research and test new creative ways to provide services to people with DD. They work to bring the latest information and resources to those who can put it to the best use, including self-advocates, families, service providers, and policymakers.
This information was made accessible by self-advocates for self-advocates.

What is the DD Act?
DD Act programs also investigate cases of abuse and may serve as legal advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
This information was made accessible by self-advocates for self-advocates.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Aug 20

Do you receive adult Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) in Kansas? Do you want to help make technology accessible for everyone? Join the Technology First for Kansans (T1K) Advisory Council!

For more information, contact Kaley Day at [email protected]!

Do you receive adult HCBS services in Kansas?
Do you want to help make technology more accessible for everyone?
Join the Technology First for Kansans
Advisory Council!
The Technology First for Kansans (T1K) Advisory Council will learn about accessible content and design to share information about technology access for people with disabilities across Kansas.
Meeting Dates:
Wednesdays from 10am-12:30pm central
• September 17th
• October 15th
• November 19th
• December 17th
Meetings will be hybrid. You can attend in-person at the KU campus in Lawrence or online using Zoom. Members will receive a stipend for attendance and reimbursement for travel costs.
Interested?
Contact Kaley Day at kaleyday@ku.edu
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
State of the States
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Kansas
Department for Aging and Disability Services
Technology First for Kansans is a partnership between the State of the States in I/DD and Assistive Technology for Kansans. Funding provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services using American Rescue Plan Act funds.

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Aug 19

Want to learn more about technology access in Kansas? Check out these virtual training sessions from the Technology First for Kansans (T1K) Project!
You can learn more and sign up for these webinars at rockcha.lk/t1ktcm!

Training and
Community of Practice
for Targeted Case Managers
Training Dates
and Topics
Community of Practice
Register for Trainings:
https://rockcha.lk/t1ktcm
Join T1K for a series of virtual trainings and a facilitated
Community of Practice to expand your knowledge and improve
access to technology solutions for Kansans with disabilities!
• Tuesday, September 16th, 1-2:30pm CT
• Tuesday, November 25th, 1-2:30pm CT
• Tuesday, December 16th, 1-2:30pm CT
• Tuesday August 19th, 1-2:30pm CT
The Self-Directed Model for Identifying Technology Solutions for Goal Attainment
• Tuesday October 21st, 1-2:30pm CT
Innovative and Emerging Technology Solutions for Domains of Living
• Tuesday, November 18th, 1-2:30pm CT
Kansas Resources for Technology Acquisition
• Tuesday, December 9th, 1-2:30pm CT
Technology Resilience, Agility, and Literacy
Questions? Contact Kaley Day at kaleyday@ku.edu
*Technology First for Kansans is a partnership between the State of the States in I/DD and Assistive Technology for Kansans.
Funding provided by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
A Place for Networking, Sharing Resources, Ideas,
and Promising Practices.
Register for Trainings:
https://rockcha.lk/t1ktcm

Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · Aug 19

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to work and be active in their communities—but too often face obstacles to this goal.

@kucdisabilities.bsky.social is helping change that.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/LPdCg5Y

KU Life Span Institute Project Boosts Career and Community Transitions for Kansas Youth with Disabilities

lifespan.ku.edu

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Aug 12

Today, the KUCD team trained partners from the Kenya Network of Women and Girls with Disabilities on the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)!

This ongoing collaboration is part of Elizabeth Ombati's partnership with Evan Dean and KUCD through the Professional Fellows Program

A screenshot from a zoom meeting, people smile and wave at the camera.

Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · Aug 7

Researchers with @kucdisabilities.bsky.social are helping Kansas become a “technology first” state. A new $1M grant will expand access for people with #disabilities statewide.

🔗 Details: https://loom.ly/2OjxLTA

KU receives $1M to expand technology access for Kansans with disabilities

The state grant will support University of Kansas Life Span Institute research toward increasing independence, inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities across Kansas.

lifespan.ku.edu

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

Maria Hugh @mariahugh.bsky.social · Aug 5

At the Office Of Special Education Programs Project Director’s Meeting starting off by looking back at the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (50 years old!). This act is CRITICAL for ALL children and young people, especially those with disabilities, their educators, families, & communities

Picture of the hundreds of attendees sitting at conference watching speaker in large ballroom.

Slide introducing keynote with picture of deputy assistant secretary of special education and rehabilitative services, founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools- Diana Diaz-Harrison- in the picture, she is with her grown son, Sammy.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Aug 5

The State of the States and Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) projects recently received a $1 million supportive technology grant by KDADS.

Learn more @ bit.ly/tfirstks.
Learn about State of the States @ stateofthestates.ku.edu.
Learn about ATK @ atk.ku.edu.

A woman helping a person in a blue shirt with a communication device

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Jul 30

The annual Capacity Building Institute (CBI) brings together Community Teams and Transition Councils from across the state of Kansas!

🌻 This event provides professional development, networking, and collaborative planning to improve post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities.

A young man speaks into a microphone in front of a large audience seated at round tables.

Three women smile at the camera, they are seated at a round table.

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Jul 29

Principal Investigator Dr. Shea Tanis of the State of the States team presented at the 2025 Provider Alliance Conference, discussing wearable technology, wellness, Smart Homes, and accessible communities.

Learn more @ bit.ly/tpacon.

Learn about State of the States @ stateofthestates.ku.edu.

The Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment: A Self-Administered Evaluation for Disability and Aging Service Providers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cover

TPACon 2025: Intersections Where Policy, Practice, and Possibility Converge conference program cover

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Jul 28

This past weekend, KUCD was proud to join disability advocates from across Kansas to celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth and the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Lawrence Times @lawrencekstimes.com · Jul 26

Disability advocates shared stories of lived experience, inclusion and public policy this afternoon to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
lawrenceks.news/457Ws5k

‘Our job is to eliminate barriers’: Disability advocates celebrate anniversary of ADA at Lawrence event

Disability advocates shared stories of lived experience, inclusion and public policy Saturday afternoon to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

lawrenceks.news

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Jul 25

KUCD Director Karrie Shogren and Research Aide Sean Tyree were invited to join Governor Laura Kelly and leaders in the disability community from across Kansas to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A group of people with disabilities posing with Kansas Governor Kelly to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

The Lawrence Times @lawrencekstimes.com · Jul 19

A Lawrence celebration also aims to generate awareness of progress still needed 35 years after the Americans with Disabilities Act passed.
lawrenceks.news/3UkFUlD

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · Jul 16

Curious about how new federal policies will impact people with #disabilities?

Karrie Shogren, director of the KU Center for Disabilities, spoke with KCUR 89.3 FM about how the recently passed budget will impact families and individuals across Missouri and Kansas.

🔗 https://loom.ly/5G9aSSo

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KCUR (Kansas City's best news source) @kcur.org · Jul 16

The ADA guaranteed equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Now, 35 years later, it's ingrained in how America builds buildings and does business. https://loom.ly/I0Mr2Yw

It took years of protests, and Kansas Sen. Bob Dole, to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act

Signed 35 years ago this month, the ADA was the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities — guaranteeing equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, and more. But it likely wouldn't have passed without the relentless pressure of grassroots activists and Kansas Republican Bob Dole.

www.kcur.org

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · Jul 11

This week, disability advocate Liz Weintraub, author of All Means All: My Life in Advocacy, joined KUCD’s Lunch and Learn Series to discuss her book and experiences as part of AUCD’s disability policy team.

Sign up for Liz’s plain language summaries @ bit.ly/aucddpn.

KUCD staff meeting with Liz Weintraub via Zoom