KCDC Disability News Message

Here is today's Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) Disability News message. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Martha K. Gabehart | Executive Director
Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
900 SW Jackson, Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-6525 (direct) | (785) 260-4027 (cell)

Frito-Lay has several job vacancy announcements for the Topeka plant on their website. Once you are on their website, if you scroll down a little you will see "view more vacancies". If you click on that, it will open up more job vacancies. If you are looking for jobs in other parts of Kansas or other states, you can use the search feature above the map to find information for your area.

The Governor's office has posted two Administrative Assistant positions serving the Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns and the Kansas Native American Affairs (KNAA) (1 postion for both units) and the Kansas Hispanic and Latino American Affiars Commission (KHLAAC) and Kansas African American Affairs Advisory Commission (KAAAC) (one position for both units). These are full-time positions, but time will be split between two units. There is no deadline for applications. These positions will remain open until an applicant is chosen.

The first Administrative Assistant will work with the KCDC and KNAA offices. The position description is here. The application process is available on the same website as the position description. The person hired will work part time for each unit. If you have questions about the job, you can reach out to Jancita Warrington or myself.

The second Administrative Assistant position will work part-time for the KAAAC and KHLAAC . The position description is here. The application process is available on the same website. Applicants for this postion must be Spanish bilingual. If you have questions about this position you can contact Irma Faudoa or Stacey Knoell.

As some of you may know, I am retiring June 10th. My last day at work is June 9th. The position description for my position is attached below. I believe the job will be posted on the State of Kansas Jobs website later this afternoon or tomorrow. When you search for the position, you'll need to spell out Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns to find it. I'll send out the link tomorrow. The position will close Friday, April 25th.

Applicants with disabilities are welcome to use the Disability Hiring Preference. If you provide the documentation to prove your disability and you are qualified for the position, you will be given an interview.

This information is from the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD).

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) and I are excited to invite you to join us at the CAP: Advocating for Change Webinar! This one-hour training will equip self-advocates with the tools and resources needed to build meaningful relationships with state and federal policymakers, effectively share their stories to influence change, and continue advocacy efforts beyond the legislative session.

Event Details:
• 📅Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
• ⏰Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
• 🌐Location: Zoom

Everyone who comes to this webinar will be subscribed to a Change Agent newsletter which will include advocacy opportunities and more Lola’s Corner posts (blog reflections on different disability issues and advocacy events) on a monthly basis.

Disability advocates with State Representatives Laura Williams, Stephanie Clayton, and Susan Ruiz at the SPEAK UP Conference in October

• Complete KCDD’s Self-Advocacy 101 training (available in-person or virtually)

• Help recruit new self-advocates and families from across Kansas to join the program.

• Provide in-person or written testimony at the Kansas State Capitol in support of KCDD’s legislative priorities.

I would appreciate it if you could help me share this event information with any self-advocates who may be interested!

Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities · 900 SW Jackson, Ste. 569 · Topeka, Ks 66612 · USA

Join us as this webinar provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic and social impact of Customized Employment (CE), Supported Employment (SE) and Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for individuals with disabilities. We will explore the financial cost of unemployment and underemployment for people with disabilities, highlighting how current federal laws and policies align to support and incentivize workforce participation. The presentation emphasizes the fiscal return on investment (ROI) of Supported or Customized Employment, demonstrating how employment leads to reduced government spending on disability benefits while increasing individual financial independence and contributions to the economy.

Beyond financial implications, the presentation will examine the broader benefits of Supported Employment and Customized Employment, including improved quality of life, mental health, and community inclusion and belonging. We will discuss common employer misconceptions about hiring individuals with disabilities and present data on the cost-efficiency of supported and customized employment approaches.

• Overview how state agencies implement federal laws and coordinate with other agency partners on education, rehabilitation, Medicaid, mental health, and other services to combat unemployment for people with disabilities

The National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series augments the technical assistance areas of Capacity Building, Provider Transformation, School-to-Work Transition, Employer Engagement, and Policy/Funding Alignment. CoP participants benefit from national subject matter experts (SMEs) presenting information and resources to support increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Allan I. Bergman is the CEO of HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting & Training, a firm he founded in 2010. A nationally recognized policy analyst, change agent, and thought leader in cross-disability policy and best practices, Allan has over 55 years of experience at the local, state, and federal levels. His work spans roles as a service provider, legislative advocate, policy analyst, and systems change facilitator. He has been deeply engaged in advancing supported and customized employment principles, ensuring that all individuals with disabilities—regardless of support needs—have access to meaningful employment of their choice. He has contributed significantly to policy development and implementation. Allan’s impact extends to 44 states, where he has led systems change initiatives, strategic planning efforts, provider evolution projects, and governance consulting. His dedication was recognized in December 2024 when he was honored with the TASH Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beyond his professional work, Allan is also a devoted father and advocate in his personal life. As Dina’s dad, he understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with supporting a daughter with intellectual and mental health disabilities. As Mindy’s stepdad, he celebrates the success of a young woman with Rett Syndrome who defied expectations by securing meaningful employment after being deemed "too disabled" for a sheltered workshop. Her success was made possible by a skilled Customized Employment Specialist trained and certified by Marc Gold & Associates. Today, Mindy's specialist serves as a mentor for MG&A and trainer herself. Allan continues to contribute his expertise to many organizations like JCFS in Chicago, The ARC of Illinois, The Illinois Center For Transition and Work at the University of Illinois and National APSE.

Disclaimer: This document was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under Contract No. GS-02F-0092T, Order No. 1605C5-22-F-00019, with Economic Systems Inc. The views expressed are those of the author and should not be attributed to DOL, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.