iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Introducing the State of the States’ Data Ambassadors! The Data Ambassadors are knowledgeable in I/DD data and data accessibility to advance leadership in policy, education, research, and practice. Learn more @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/data-ambassadors.

A listing of the Data Ambassadors by cohort.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Self-advocate Sarah Carmany has spent years working to end subminimum wages and expand competitive, integrated employment. In this clip, she explains why equal pay and community employment matter. Listen: stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-com...

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

KUCD staff Ryan Henley and Sean Tyree presented to the KU Transition to Postsecondary Education (TPE) Alumni Council! Drawing on their own experiences building careers in research, Ryan and Sean talked about the importance of self-advocacy and shared strategies for success.

A group of young people from the TPE alumni council wear KU shirts and smile for a photo with Ryan and Sean

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Meaningful work allows people with disabilities to contribute, grow, and know that their skills are valued. Hear Molly share her perspective @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-com...

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Sarah Carmany and host Jean Winsor discuss ABLE accounts, the “benefits cliff”, and the barriers that can prevent people with disabilities from building financial security. Hear more @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-com...

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The KUCD team joined community partners for the 17th annual Kansas Disability Caucus: Empowerment in Action! This event brings together self-advocates from across the state of Kansas to learn, share, and provide solutions to issues faced by the disability community.

The KUCD team at the Kansas Disability Caucus

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Did you know that according to The State of the States, over 7 million people with I/DD used Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Fiscal Year 2023? You can learn more @ at bit.ly/db_0726.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, how many people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) used Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)?
People with I/DD Using HCBS
∞
Estimated Population of People with I/DD in Mil
lions
7.6 Million
Icon Key
7
1 Million People With I/DD
5
4
5.5 Million
3
2
0000)
1.3 Million
Estimated population of people People with I/DD living with a with I/DD in the United States
family caregiver
People with I/DD relying on a caregiver over the age of 60

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Maria Hugh at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social is working to address implementation gap by helping educators anticipate barriers and develop action plans. It's a strategy that led educators to better adopt evidence-based practices. 🔗 loom.ly/7dU1hlY

"There are a lot of things that we know to do would be good for us, but for many reasons we don’t actually do. Some of those reasons are out of our control. Some are due to our internal thoughts and behaviors. ... My work focuses on those internal reasons." Maria Hugh, KU Center on Disabilities

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

As part of the Campus Compact Impact Awards webinar series, we'll be presenting with Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas about how we built our partnership! Tuesday, September 1, 12-1PM CST Learn more and register at bit.ly/campus-compact-kucd

Impact Award spotlight series, building and sustaining community partnership with KU center on disabilities and self-advocate coalition of kansas. Tuesday September 1 at 12pm central time, visit bit.ly/campus-compact-kucd to register for free.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Dr. Lauren Bruno presented at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network! She shared about KUCD's Self-Determined Career Design Model, which supports people with disabilities as they set and go after their career goals.

Lauren stands with her presentation, "Building self-determined careers: the self-determined career design model"

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

In the newest episode of 35 Years of Community Living, Jocelyn Bowen and Mikelle Learned join Kaley Day to talk about their experiences using technology to connect with others, work, advocate, run a business and live more independently. Listen @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-com...

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Our team visited with Dan Davies, founder of AbleLink, to learn more about how their services enhance cognitive accessibility for transportation and other daily needs. Learn more about their work at ablelinktech.com

Dan Davies presents slides to a group of KUCD staff in the conference room

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

We were honored to support the fourth annual Disability Pride celebration this past weekend! Speakers shared their reflections on the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the work still ahead of us to ensure that all people are supported to learn, work, feel included, and thrive.

Ryan and Thomas at the KUCD information table

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The BASIS project, from KUCD and @smartctr.bsky.social, is supporting teachers to integrate new evidence-based practices into classrooms to improve student outcomes while reducing teacher stress. Dr. Maria Hugh talked with KU News about the project: bit.ly/4pEWr2I

We need to give teachers support so they can continue to provide students the best available practices. Dr. Maria Hugh

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

In the first episode of the 35 Years of Community Living Podcast, Dr. Jean Winsor reflects on a timeline connecting major policy and systems changes with data on employment and community living for people with I/DD. Hear more @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-com...

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Come celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)’s passing into law with us! Join us at the Dole Institute of Politics from 1-5PM on Saturday, June 25, 2026, and learn about the history and impact of the ADA. Learn and register @ bit.ly/ada_celebration_lawrence

Celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Learn about the history and impact of the ADA from various guest speakers
Visit resource tables from various advocacy organizations in Kansas
Watch a welcome address from Iowa
Senator Tom Harkin, an author of the ADA
Learn more and register at bit.ly/ada_celebration_lawrence

Dole Institute of Politics Saturday, July 25, 2026
2350 Petefish Dr.
1:00PM-5:00PM
Lawrence, KS 66045

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Congratulations to the latest cohort of the Kansas ACRE 100 Course! These 40 employment service providers completed ACRE-accredited training on providing competitive integrated employment services to Kansans with disabilities. Learn more about Kansas Employment First @ kansasemploymentfirst.org.

Congratulations to the newest 40 employment providers who completed the Kansas ACRE 100 course!

ACRE 100 courses provide critical training on best practices to support people with disabilities to find and keep jobs in the community.
The Kansas Employment First project has now certified 97 employment providers in Kansas since 2024, an over 400% increase in the total ACRE certificates awarded from 2020 to 2023 combined (22).

"The Kansas ACRE 100 Series was awesome and gave me a really solid foundation in supported employment. The self-paced setup made it super easy to get through the modules without falling behind on my daily caseload. I learned a ton about person-centered planning and navigating public benefits, which has already made me feel way more confident working with my job seekers. It gave me real, practical tools that I can start using out in the community right away!"

-Heather Humphrey
Workforce Partnership

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

The State of the States project has just released their latest Mini Monograph! This document compiles the data on state and federal spending for supports and services for people with I/DD in Fiscal Year 2023. Check it out @ stateofthestates.ku.edu/monograph.

The State of the States in
Intellectual and
Developmental
Disabilities has just
released their 2026
Monograph!
This monograph compiles
the data on state and
federal spending for
supports and services
for people with I/DD in
Fiscal Year 2023.
Check out the Monograph at
stateofthestates.ku.edu/monograph

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The State of the States project is excited to share that Arizona has joined a growing movement of Technology First states with the passage of House Bill 2700! We work to ensure all citizens have access to the technology they need to live the lives they choose. Learn more at stateofthestates.ku.edu

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

For every $1,000 of income, how much did the U.S. spend on supports and services for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)? a) ‎$4.30 b) $5.29 c) $7.93 D) $12.05 Find the answer @ bit.ly/db_42631! Check out our previous Data Bites at bit.ly/db_homepage!

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

From June 19th to June 21st, a group of KUCD staff members attended the 2026 SACK Conference in Manhattan, Kansas! Evan Dean, Brad Linnenkamp, Sean Tyree, and SACK’s Colin Olenick, presented on Employment First. Thomas Gottstein presented on Technology First and Technology First’s projects.

Evan Dean, Brad Linnenkamp, Sean Tyree, and SACK’s Colin Olenick, presenting on Employment First.

Thomas Gottstein presenting on Technology First and Technology First’s projects.

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Get to know us with our 6 Question Series with researchers and staff. Today, we're highlighting Austin Myers, Communications Coordinator at the @kucdisabilities.bsky.social. 🔗 Read the Q&A: loom.ly/SO4ZKgY

"I like seeing how my work is used to not only to support people with disabilities in living a self-determined and fulfilling  life, but to  inform others about the disability community and bring awareness to certain issues we face." Austin Myers,Communications Coordinator at KUCD

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The Kansas Employment First team joined APSE for their 2026 National Conference and presented about our work! We highlighted the history, success, and ongoing opportunities of Kansas Employment First, which supports competitive, integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The team smiles in front of their presentation, Laying Track that Leads Sky High to Employment Success

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

KUCD Assistant Researcher Sean Tyree received the Lois Curtis Advocacy Award from APSE, or the Association of People Supporting Employment. This award recognizes Sean's advocacy for inclusive, individualized, community-based employment and independent living. Congratulations, Sean!

Sean, a white man with glasses, stands between a man and a woman and holds a glass award.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Do you have a question related to the topics below? • Spending on services for people with I/DD • Home and Community - Based services (HCBS) • Supported employment • Technology solutions • Fiscal effort • Supported Living Submit your questions and learn more @ bit.ly/db_homepage.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

You have more time to apply! We have extended the application deadline for our office manager position to Friday, June 19th, 2026! You can learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucdofficemanager.

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

People with disabilities want to work and contribute in meaningful ways. KU researchers at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social are partnering with the state to help more Kansans find employment that reflects their strengths and goals. 👉 loom.ly/bPtjM9A

A man wearing a white shirt and blue coveralls works an industrial machine while seated in a wheelchair. Text: “This work benefits not just the people with disabilities themselves but the economy of the state of Kansas. More people employed and paying taxes is a good thing for the state.” Noelle Kurth, IHDPS researcher

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

KUCD is still searching for a new office manager who loves being a go-to problem-solver and enjoys providing top-notch support for a thriving Research Center! You can learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucdofficemanager. As a reminder, the application closes on Monday, June 1st, 2026.

We're Still Searching!
The Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is still seeking an Office Manager!
Are you an experienced office professional who loves being a go-to problem-solver and enjoys providing top-notch support for a thriving Research Center?
We're looking for someone with:
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organization
• Experience with
Microsoft Office Suite
KUCD
Kansas University Center on Disabilities
Application closes on
Monday, June 1st, 2026!
You can learn more and apply by visiting
bit.ly/kucdofficemanager.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Last chance to apply! KUCD is still looking for a creative and detail-oriented Instructional Designer to transform our research-based programs, interventions, and practices into engaging digital and print learning experiences. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucd-idesigner today.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

We are still looking for a creative and detail-oriented Instructional Designer to transform our research-based programs, interventions, and practices into engaging digital and print learning experiences. Don't wait! Application closes on May 26, 2026. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucd-idesigner.

Apply for KUCD’s Instructional Designer position!

Design, develop, and maintain online courses and training materials

Provide copywriting and editing support for presentations and Center materials

Support grant applications, event and administrative tasks, and development

Apply by
May 26, 2026!

Learn more and apply at
bit.ly/kucd-idesigner

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Episode 1 of the 35 Years of Community Living podcast is here. This episode focuses on the History of Projects of National Significance — and how policy, data, and real lives intersect. Listen to the full episode and learn more from our project partners at our Linktree: linktr.ee/kucdisabilities

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Come join us! KUCD is seeking a new office manager who loves being a go-to problem-solver and enjoys providing top-notch support for a thriving Research Center! Learn more and apply @ bit.ly/kucdofficemanager. The application closes on Monday, June 1st, 2026.

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
support for a thriving Research Center?
We‘re looking for someone with:
Excellent communication skills
Strong attention to
detail and organization
Experience with
Microsoft Office Suite
The University of Kansas
does not discriminate in any
employment practice, education
program, or educational activity.
You can learn more and apply by
visiting bit.ly/kucdofficemanager.
Application closes on Monday, June 1, 2026.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Congratulations to KUCD Trainees Geonhwa (Gina) Kim and Rebecca Townsend, who are receiving their PhDs from KU Special Education! Congratulations to all the 2026 graduates and awardees! #RockChalk

Karrie and Rebecca take a selfie in their graduation regalia

Gina, Karrie, and Rebecca smile with awards in front of the Jayhawk mascot

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

We were honored to host Dr. Rebecca Hines, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities at the Administration for Community Living, for a tour of our Center! We had the opportunity to hear about her strategic vision and share about the impacts our work is having across Kansas and beyond.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

KUCD is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Instructional Designer to transform our research-based programs, interventions, and practices into engaging digital and print learning experiences. Learn more and apply at bit.ly/kucd-idesigner by May 26, 2026.

KUCD is seeking an
Instructional Designer!
Design, develop, and maintain online courses and training materials

Provide copywriting and editing support for presentations and Center materials

Support grant applications, event and administrative tasks, and development

Apply by
May 26, 2026!
Learn more and apply at:
bit.ly/kucd-idesigner

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Our team traveled to Arkansas to visit schools using the GSC App and other evidence-based tools developed by KUCD! We got to hear from students and teachers about how these tools are having real world impacts, boosting self-confidence and supporting planning for success in school and beyond.

Lauren smiles a huge smile at students working on the gsc app on laptops in a classroom

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Come work with us! We’re seeking a Research Project Coordinator to support our inclusive research projects and advance opportunities for people with disabilities and professionals who work with them. Apply by April 29th @ bit.ly/rprojectcoord.

Come Work With Us!
KU Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is seeking
a Research Project Coordinator!
We’re seeking a Research Project Coordinator to support our inclusive research
projects and advance opportunities for people with disabilities and professionals
who work with them.
We are looking for someone with:
•
Excellent communication skills
•
Experience working across
multiple projects
•
The ability to collaborate
effectively with diverse teams
You can learn more and apply by
visiting bit.ly/rprojectcoord.
Application closes on
April 29th, 2026!
The University of Kansas does not
discriminate in any employment
practice, education program, or
educational activity.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

The State of the States project has released a new report with ANCOR, Advancing Technology Access for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): A Survey of IDD Services and Supports Providers. Learn more @ bit.ly/ancortech Special thanks to ANCOR for a decade of collaboration!

Advancing Technology Access for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): A Survey of IDD Services and Supports Providers report cover page

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Dr. Shea Tanis, KUCD Associate Research Professor, was quoted in this article about potential Medicaid cuts in Colorado, discussing what we know from the data collected by the State of the States Project. Learn more at stateofthestates.ku.edu. Full article: www.denverpost.com/2026/04/05/c...

denverpost.com

Colorado is nearing another massive budget cut. Medicaid will take the brunt — and it may not be the last shortfall.

“We have a red-state budget and we have blue-state ideals, and that doesn’t work very well,” one observer said — forcing difficult budget choices every year for Colorado lawmakers.

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

When Congress debated #Medicaid funding last year, advocates cited data from 43 years of longitudinal #IDD research. The State of the States of IDD from @kucdisabilities.bsky.social researchers is the backbone of disability policy. 🔗 loom.ly/tQ84Ujg

A woman sits at a table in a group home looking at a tablet while sitting next to a man with Down syndrome.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Project EARLY faculty and fellows presented at the Conference for Research Innovations for Early Intervention. They shared research about how to support children with disabilities and improve outcomes in the classroom and at home. ☀️ Learn more about Project EARLY: kucd.ku.edu/kucd-kids

Two women smile in front of their research posters

A woman with blonde shoulder length hair smiles in front of a research poster

A woman with short brown hair presents a research poster and talks with another person

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Kansas families are facing a crisis with a projected loss of $3.9B in federal #Medicaid funding over the next decade. @kucdisabilities.bsky.social has tracked #IDD funding for 43 years. Here's what has researchers worried: loom.ly/tQ84Ujg #KUresearch

In 2023 in Kansas, Medicaid covered 87% of all public IDD funding. And non-Medicaid sources covered just 13% of all IDD funding.

A line graph shows change over time from $190M in 1977 to $721.1M in 2023. Text reads: Kansas has increasingly relied on Medicaid to fund intellectual or developmental disabilities services in the state.

A line graph shows the change over time from $100.2M in 1977 to $104.3M in 2023. Text reads: Non-Medicaid spending for intellectual or developmental disabilities has barely changed in Kansas since 1977.

Quote: If states have fewer resources to allocate from Medicaid, they may shift to a greater emphasis on institutional settings. Shea Tanis, Ph.D.Director of the State of the States in IDD

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

We're still recruiting for Project MounTaiN students! Thinking about going back to school for a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education? Find details at kucd.ku.edu/project-mountain

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Did you know Kansas was the 1st in the nation to adopt Competitive Integrated Employment as statewide policy? @kucdisabilities.bsky.social at the KU Life Span Institute is supporting the goal of ensuring all workers are paid and treated fairly for their work.

"Anyone with a disability who wants to work in the community [should have] the supports and services they need to find and keep a job that fits their strengths and interest." Evan Dean, Ph.D., Kansas University Center on Disabilities

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities is developing their next Five-Year State Plan - share your input to help decide what issues they focus on and how they support people with disabilities across Kansas. Respond to their survey by 3/15: bit.ly/KCDD5yrPlan

Field of sunflowers with a path through it with text overlay that reads Your ideas can influence the path we take. Share your feedback to help KCDD create its 5-year plan. Survey Link: https://bit.ly/KCDD5yrPlan

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies @ihdps.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Congrats to @kucdisabilities.bsky.social - KU Center on Disabilities! They are among five national recipients of the Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award for work partnering with the disability community as active members of inclusive research and dissemination teams.

news.ku.edu

KU disability research center nationally recognized for community partnership

The Kansas University Center on Disabilities credits its community partnership with the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, which has supported training and technical assistance, information disseminat...

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Reposted by KU Center on Disabilities

KU Life Span Institute @kulifespan.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Developmental disabilities don’t end at age 18. Our researchers at @kucdisabilities.bsky.social and other centers work with individuals and communities to support self-determination for adults with disabilities in Kansas and beyond. #NDDAM

"People need to follow their own goals. ... If you're not excited and passionate about something, then you're not going to succeed in it." Stelios Gragoudas, Ed.D.,
Speaking to the Kansas University Center for Disabilities about the importance of Self-Determination

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Last chance to apply! KUCD is seeking a Research Project Coordinator to support our research and training initiatives to advance opportunities for people with disabilities and professionals who work with them. Apply by March 8th at bit.ly/rpcoord.

Last Chance!
KU Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is seeking a
Research Project Coordinator!
Are you passionate about research and training initiatives that advance
opportunities for people with disabilities and professionals who work with them?
We are looking for someone with:
•
Excellent communication skills
•
Strong attention to detail
•
Proven leadership skills
You can learn more and apply by
visiting bit.ly/rpcoord.
Application closes on
March 8th, 2026
The University of Kansas does not
discriminate in any employment
practice, education program, or
educational activity.

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KU Center on Disabilities @kucdisabilities.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

The State of the States in I/DD is proud to share the Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment, developed as part of the PA Tech Accelerator Program. To learn more, download the tool @ bit.ly/paready or contact State of the States at stateofthestates@ku.

Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment cover

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