Beyond Barriers

Beyond Barriers We provide employment services, resources for independent living, vision services, as well as advocacy and education—all free of charge for our consumers.

Beyond Barriers has offices in Pratt, Dodge City and Hutchinson, and serves consumers across 15 counties: Harvey, McPherson, Reno, Pratt, Kingman, Harper, Barber, Kiowa, Clark, Stafford, Edwards, Ness, Hodgeman, Comanche, and Ford.

Why consumer? 🤷🏽‍♀️You may hear us use the word “consumer” instead of client, customer or patient—and there’s a good rea...
04/14/2026

Why consumer? 🤷🏽‍♀️

You may hear us use the word “consumer” instead of client, customer or patient—and there’s a good reason for that. ​💡

“The term consumer grew out of the independent living movement and signifies someone who selects services and has some control over them. It is preferred to words like patient or client because these terms imply that a person with a disability is someone who receives services but has little control over them.” (From KU Research and Training Center on Independent Living.) ​

At Beyond Barriers, we offer FREE services to help you live as independently as possible through training, education, advocacy and support. And consumers having personal choice is crucial to genuine independence. 🌟​

Ready to learn more? Go to BeyondBarriersKS.com

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health as an older adult. Being physic...
04/09/2026

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health as an older adult. Being physically active can prevent or delay many health problems that come with age.
During Move More Month, learn how much physical activity you need for healthy aging: https://bit.ly/41uKXVE

Recommendations for adults 65 and older, along with sample schedules and outline of health benefits.

One of these women has a disability. 🤔​​And so does the other one. ​​April is both Autism Awareness Month and Limb Loss ...
04/06/2026

One of these women has a disability. 🤔​

And so does the other one. ​

April is both Autism Awareness Month and Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. ​

Both can be a disability, but one is visible, while the other is not. ​

At Beyond Barriers, we celebrate and serve people with ALL disabilities, those you can see, and those that are hidden. 🌟​

Learn more about our services here: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/services​

(Image is of two women walking, one has long dark brown hair, a pink tank top, and prosthetic leg. The other has light brown hair in a ponytail, gray sweatshirt, and walking with a white dog.)

🍕 Skip cooking on April 7 and make dinner count!​Join us at Gambino's Pizza in South Hutch from 4–9 PM (dine in or carry...
04/01/2026

🍕 Skip cooking on April 7 and make dinner count!​

Join us at Gambino's Pizza in South Hutch from 4–9 PM (dine in or carry out) and enjoy pizza while supporting Beyond Barriers. A portion of your purchase will help us continue creating inclusive opportunities and breaking down barriers for those with disabilities in our community.​

Can’t make it in person? You can still make an impact by donating online: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate​

Grab dinner, bring a friend, and help Beyond Barriers! 💛​

(Image has a yellow background with the words Pizza Fundraiser in red letters over the top of a half-view of a pizza. It also says, "Have a side of support with your supper and help Beyond Barriers! April 6, 4-9 pm, Gambino's Pizza, 310 S. Main, South Hutch, Dine In or Carry Out." Also featured are logos for Beyond Barriers and Gambino's)

April showers bring…​Birthdays and Anniversaries! 🎉​Congratulations to Anthony Frischenmeyer, Employment Specialist in o...
04/01/2026

April showers bring…​Birthdays and Anniversaries! 🎉​

Congratulations to Anthony Frischenmeyer, Employment Specialist in our Hutchinson Office on 9 years of service! ​

Happy Birthday AND Anniversary to: ​

Sara Hutchison, Community Health Worker/Information and Referral Specialist. (1 year of service, not pictured) ​

Mignon Luckey, Independent Living Specialist, Older Blind Program in our Dodge City Office (15 years of service) ​

(Image says “Birthdays and Anniversaries, April, and has a photo of Anthony Frischenmeyer who has short dark hark and goatee and wears glasses, and Mignon Lucky, who has shoulder length light brown hair and wears glasses. There’s also the name of Sara Hutchison, who’s not pictured.)

March is National Kidney Month! Your kidneys work hard to keep your body healthy — return the favor by eating nutritious...
03/23/2026

March is National Kidney Month! Your kidneys work hard to keep your body healthy — return the favor by eating nutritious foods and staying active. Small steps like eating less salt and walking more can make a difference! Learn more:

Learn how to prevent chronic kidney disease. Take care of your kidneys and they'll take care of you.

Employment Specialist Anthony Frischenmeyer recently spoke with students at Hutchinson High School about self and system...
03/16/2026

Employment Specialist Anthony Frischenmeyer recently spoke with students at Hutchinson High School about self and systems advocacy, disability history and disability pride, and people-first language. 📣​

"I'm always glad to have the opportunity to help others better understand disability resources and how to best honor ourselves and others." ​

Through these community presentations, Beyond Barriers not only spreads the word about our services, but empowers and enables people with disabilities to achieve more independence. ​

Is your business or organization interested in learning more about our community educational presentations and resources? 💡​

Contact us today to learn more: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/contact​

(Image says Learn with Us, Disability Presentations, We Education On: Self and Systems Advocacy, Disability History, Disability Pride, People-First Language, ADA Compliance. There's an image of Anthony Frischenmeyer, a man with dark hair and goatee, wearing glasses, smiling in front of a microphone.)

🍀 Dodge City, get ready for a little luck and a lot of fun! This Saturday, March 14, join Beyond Barriers for “Lucky Boo...
03/10/2026

🍀 Dodge City, get ready for a little luck and a lot of fun!

This Saturday, March 14, join Beyond Barriers for “Lucky Boots and Clover Roots” — a family-friendly afternoon celebrating disability awareness, empowerment, and community connection at Boot Hill Museum.

From 12–2 pm, enjoy:
🎯 Games and activities
🎨 Face painting
🤠 A chance to explore Boot Hill Museum
🍀 Festive St. Patrick’s–inspired fun

This event is part of Kansas Youth Transition Network’s mission to support youth with disabilities as they build independence and confidence.

Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come celebrate a community where everyone belongs!

03/09/2026

Paperwork shouldn’t stand between you and the life you want. 🧾​

Nicole Scott, Independent Living Specialist at Beyond Barriers, helps individuals with disabilities navigate housing applications , food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, employment, and more — at no cost. 🏠🏥​

One of Nicole’s consumers shared:​

“Before, I was having anxiety… the shakes and the whole nine yards. But now? It’s a breeze.”​

That’s the difference the right support can make. ​

No documentation required. No judgment. Just support. 🤝​

From reducing anxiety around paperwork to setting and achieving personal goals, our team walks alongside you every step of the way. 🎯​

Ready to live more independently?​
➡️ Learn more at BeyondBarriersKS.com.

Address

115 East 4th Street
Hutchinson, KS
67501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16206633989

Alerts

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PILR History

Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) began operation on January 15, 1997. At that time, PILR was being mentored by Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC). They referred to us as “The Hutch Center”. The center became a separate entity June 16, 1998 and was named Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. or (PILR). In 1997, there were 6 full-time and 1 part-time staff. Over the years, the staff has increased and PILR now has three offices. In addition, the center has numerous volunteers and provides services to consumers in various counties across the state. To better meet consumer needs, PILR opened a satellite office in Pratt in late 2006 and in Dodge city in the summer of 2011. In April 2001, PILR moved the Hutchinson office from its original building to a larger more accessible and prominent location to accommodate additional staff and a growing number of consumers and services. In 2017, PILR was able to open a part time office in Newton, as well.