Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities

09/11/2025

Meet the Staff Thursday! Let's get to know Jessie!

What is your position: I am a Clinical Research Coordinator and an Occupational Therapist

How many years have you been working here? 12 Years

What led you to this Career Path? I've always wanted to be in a helping profession and am passionate about supporting others in leading healthy, independent lives. Research lets me do that both on a micro scale with participants and on a macro scale by developing innovative interventions for the broader community.

What's your favorite Workday Snack? Apple or orange and a gouda cheese stick

09/09/2025

09/09/2025

📣 We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual Day at the Capitol!

Join us on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Kansas State Capitol for a day of advocacy, learning, and connection.

This event brings together self-advocates, families, and community members to share their voices with policymakers and make an impact. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it!

Stay tuned for registration details coming soon. 🗓️

09/09/2025

Kansas City, KS families - this is for you! Do you have a student with an IEP? We have a fabulous new program and opportunity for youth to advocate for themselves in the form of a podcast! We'll engage them and ask questions, they'll talk about themselves and share whatever they want others to know about them - hobbies, interests, talents, thoughts on their education and their futures - leaving them equipped with an audio file to share with their IEP team before or during a meeting. IEP meetings can be intimidating, leaving students unsure about what to say or how to say it. The IEPodcast gets their voice heard, their way! Contact us today for more information!

ID: dark teal blue and orange infographic titled "Independence, Inc. I E P Podcast with a graphic image of a microphone and a photo of a girl wearing a red sweatshirt and dark glasses facing a microphone. a QR Code links to the Independence, Inc. Kansas City Youth Transition Program and logos show partnerships with Families Together, Inc., CHASE Program, the Kansas Youth Transition Network and the Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County.

09/09/2025

Fall is coming soon! Here are a few fun, accessible and inclusive event this month in the area.

KC Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival: September 27 – October 26 at KC Pumpkin Patch. https://www.kcpumpkinpatch.com/things-to-do/fall-festival
Accessibility: The venue offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms. For specific mobility accommodations, it's recommended to contact the venue directly.
Kansas City Renaissance Festival: Saturdays & Sundays, August 30 – October 12 plus Monday, October 13 at 633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012. https://kcrenfest.com/
Accessibility: The festival grounds are wheelchair accessible. All-terrain motorized scooters are available for rent at a flat rate of $60.

Low Sensory Morning at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Saturday, September 20, 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111, https://nelson-atkins.org/visit/accessibility/
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, hand fidgets, active listening devices, communication aid cards, color blindness glasses, live captioning, noise-cancelling headphones, portable seating, and more!

18th & Vine Arts Festival: September 26–28,, 1512 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 : https://www.18thandvineartsfestival.com/accessibility-and-inclusion
Accessibility: Festival grounds are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. ASL interpreters are available for workshops, panel discussions, and performances upon request. Quiet zones are provided for attendees needing a calm space away from the crowds. Volunteers and staff are trained to provide support for sensory sensitivities and other neurodiverse needs.

09/09/2025

Looks like a great event to showcase the lives of people with intellectual disabilities!

SAVE the DATE 📆

It's time for The Arc of Douglas County's annual Film Festival and Silent Auction!

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a festival featuring films
that celebrate the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

See you on November 1 🎥

09/09/2025

Time for Tip Tuesday! Today we are talking about why is exercise important so lets drive right in. Comment other topics you would like to see posted!

09/04/2025

Join Scott at Down Syndrome Innovations for their fitness tour! A great way to get moving outside and connect with your community!

09/04/2025

Lets meet Annie Rice!

Her Position? Clinical Research Coordinator.

How long have you worked with us? I have worked at KUMC for 6 ½ years!

What led you to this career path? Annie has always wanted to help people which led her to this job. She liked that she could be hands on helping others and seeing how research impacts everyday lives. Annie also really enjoys the team environment.

Whats your favorite snack? A cheese stick with apples and grapes!

09/03/2025

A big THANK YOU to all our followers for supporting us and helping us grow! We are excited to see what the future holds and happy you all are here to follow along!

Stay tuned for our brand new podcast - Chip Chat! Dropping it's first episode very soon.

09/02/2025

Most Tuesdays, we’ll be sharing fun and helpful tips related to health and wellness.

I think protein is important because it helps keep you fuller for longer and its good for your muscles.

Have tips or topics you'd love to see us cover? Drop your ideas in the comments!

09/02/2025

Check out this awesome opportunity! The 2026 SPEAK Up Conference on November 8th! ✨

🎉 We’re getting excited for KCDD and Down Syndrome Innovations’ 2026 SPEAK Up Conference on November 8th! 🎉

This isn’t just another event — it’s an opportunity to understand the Kansas I/DD system and how to navigate benefits, the legal system, and tools to become a more effective advocate 🗣️✨

✅ Inspiring speakers from two speaker tracks = self-advocates and families/caregivers

✅ Hands-on workshops

✅ Time to connect and have fun with friends

Bring your voice. Bring your energy. We can’t wait to see you there! 💜

📅 [11/8/25 from 8 am - 3 pm]

📍 [KU Edwards Campus - 12610 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213]

☀️ Agenda: https://www.kcdd.org/speakup2025

🔗 Save your spot: https://form.jotform.com/251474110377150