Eitas Empowering individuals through advocacy and support.

eitas connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services, resources, and opportunities so they can live full lives in their communities. Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a political sub-division of Jackson County that provides funding and services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services that respect their choices, increase their opportunities, encourage their independence, and assist their inclusion in all aspects of the community. OUR VALUE STATEMENTS
Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas:

-will advocate for a wide range of services and funding to meet the needs of persons with -developmental disabilities.
-will promote a culture of inclusion and individualized supports. will support individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge programs and empowered staff and providers.
-will provide the highest quality of supports and services by listening to the people it supports and the people who know them best.
-will support people to be active, full members of their communities.
-will be a Missouri leader in developing, supporting and furthering a community free of attitudinal and physical barriers and where persons with developmental disabilities participate in the full, rich life of their community without fear and prejudice.
-will conduct itself with integrity, propriety and honesty in carrying out the Board’s mission, values and responsibilities.
-will seek to insure the health, safety, and quality of life for the persons we support through proactive oversight of the programs we fund.
-will, whenever possible, leverage its resources to enhance funding and forge local, state and federal partnerships to expand available funding and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Save the date for Walk, Roll, Run! with Variety Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City!
03/17/2026

Save the date for
Walk, Roll, Run!
with Variety Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City!

📅 SAVE THE DATE!

Are you ready to walk ‘n roll?! ❤️

Join us the morning of May 2, 2026 for the first-ever Variety KC Walk, Roll, Run! Whether you stroll, sprint, roll, ride, or cheer from the sidelines, this event is all about moving together and celebrating every ability.

Bring your family, your friends, your team AND your energy! 🙌✨ Let’s come together to support Variety KC’s mission to help every kid Be Active, Be Social, and Belong.

🏅 Start gathering your crew now! Team sign-ups are coming soon.

Today is your lucky day 🍀The $50 early bird ticket for our Safe, Seen, Supported Trauma-Informed Care Conference has bee...
03/17/2026

Today is your lucky day 🍀

The $50 early bird ticket for our Safe, Seen, Supported Trauma-Informed Care Conference has been extended through April 1, 2026.

Join professionals, advocates, and community leaders on April 15 in Lee’s Summit to learn how trauma-informed practices strengthen support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Early bird: $50 through April 1

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/.../safe-seen-supported-trauma...

Questions about payment options? Contact Tracy Mauk at tracym@eitas.org

Good news!

The $50 early bird ticket for our Safe, Seen, Supported Trauma-Informed Care Conference has been extended through April 1, 2026.

Join professionals, advocates, and community leaders on April 15 in Lee’s Summit to learn how trauma-informed practices strengthen support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Early bird: $50 through April 1

Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-seen-supported-trauma-informed-approaches-in-idd-care-tickets-1980725505306

Questions about payment options? Contact Tracy Mauk at tracym@eitas.org

Transportation helps people stay connected to their community.Join us for a community conversation about transportation ...
03/17/2026

Transportation helps people stay connected to their community.

Join us for a community conversation about transportation and what it means for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

March 19
5:30–6:30 PM
6400 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO

This forum is free and open to the public.

Your voice matters. We hope to see you there.

Questions? Call 816-461-3654

Community participation looks different for everyone. It might be adaptive recreation, a volunteer role that matches som...
03/16/2026

Community participation looks different for everyone. It might be adaptive recreation, a volunteer role that matches someone’s strengths, or a local event where showing up as you are is enough. Getting started does not need to feel overwhelming. A low-pressure option could be visiting a familiar place during a quieter time or attending an event with no expectation to stay long.



https://bit.ly/4mJWtV5

03/16/2026
Thank you Governor Mike Kehoe for officially making March Developmental Disability Month.
03/15/2026

Thank you Governor Mike Kehoe for officially making March Developmental Disability Month.

Did you know that March 2026 is officially Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in our great state of Missouri?

Governor Mike Kehoe recently shared an important message in his Proclamation: disability is a natural part of life and makes our world stronger.

This month, we focus on breaking down barriers and ending the practice of keeping people with disabilities separate from others.

When our communities include everyone, we all benefit from the unique talents and skills of people with disabilities.

How we can take action:
- Change how people think: Help others see the value in every person.
- Demand fair rules: Support policies that give everyone an equal chance.
- Support independence: Work together so everyone can live a full, productive life.

03/13/2026

Communities are stronger when people work together.

🌟 Gold Sponsor Spotlight 🌟

We’re excited to recognize Life Unlimited as a Gold Sponsor of the SAFE, SEEN, SUPPORTED: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care Conference.

Every day, the team at Life Unlimited works alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help people live full, meaningful lives in their communities. Through residential supports, employment opportunities, and community programs, they help people build independence, relationships, and opportunity.

Partnerships like this help strengthen the entire I/DD community. When people come together to share knowledge and support one another, it creates better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Join us in thanking Life Unlimited for helping make this conference possible.

Learn more about their work:
https://www.lifeunlimitedinc.org/

Interested in becoming a conference sponsor?
Learn more here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_7WCySWAwkyC9nIwB9MJ5143SOhrfshCrfIG-k3VLTVUMlJMWkZFVVNTMElTS1NDS0ZVNDE0QTRIOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl



alt text:
Animated video recognizing Life Unlimited as a Gold Sponsor of the SAFE, SEEN, SUPPORTED trauma-informed care conference, featuring eitas branding and sponsor acknowledgement text.

03/13/2026

Community partners make this work possible.

🌟 Gold Sponsor Spotlight 🌟

A big thank you to TNC Community for supporting the SAFE, SEEN, SUPPORTED: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care Conference as a Gold Sponsor.

For decades, TNC Community has helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful lives through person-centered support, connection, and community inclusion.

Partnerships like this strengthen the entire I/DD community. We are grateful for their commitment to helping people live full, meaningful lives.

Learn more about TNC Community:
https://tnccommunity.org/

✨ Interested in becoming a conference sponsor?
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_7WCySWAwkyC9nIwB9MJ5143SOhrfshCrfIG-k3VLTVUMlJMWkZFVVNTMElTS1NDS0ZVNDE0QTRIOCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl



Alt text: Animated sponsor spotlight video recognizing TNC Community as a Gold Sponsor of the SAFE, SEEN, SUPPORTED: Trauma-Informed Approaches in I/DD Care Conference. The video shows conference branding in eitas colors with text highlighting TNC Community’s sponsorship and support of trauma-informed care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Text appears on screen recognizing the partnership and thanking TNC Community for supporting the conference.

Today we celebrated our incredible team at the eitas Staff Appreciation Luncheon.Staff gathered alongside some members o...
03/13/2026

Today we celebrated our incredible team at the eitas Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

Staff gathered alongside some members of the eitas Board, and a retired board member was present to receive a special recognition. Everyone enjoyed a catered lunch from Cupini’s and a fun surprise appearance from the eitas squirrel mascot, which brought plenty of smiles.

We are grateful for the dedication, compassion, and care our staff bring to the people we support every day. Thank you for the difference you make.

Help us celebrate our team drop a thank you in the comments for the staff who make this work possible









Support coordination starts by listening to what an individual or family wants and needs, then helping clarify goals, co...
03/13/2026

Support coordination starts by listening to what an individual or family wants and needs, then helping clarify goals, connect to helpful resources, and follow through so plans turn into action. It is not about knowing all the rules or having everything figured out. You do not need to know the system to start, that is what support coordination is there for.



https://bit.ly/4a5UvdX

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month — a time to recognize the many ways people with disabilities connect...
03/12/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month — a time to recognize the many ways people with disabilities connect, grow, and participate in their communities.

Programs like Jackson County Parks + Rec Special Population Services create inclusive opportunities through dances, day trips, sports, and more. These experiences help people build friendships, confidence, and community.

Learn more about how this program helps people connect and shine:
https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Sports/Special-Population-Services

Did you know March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? Jackson County Parks + Rec Special Population Services offer inclusive opportunities like dances, day trips and sports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Discover how this program helps people connect, grow and shine: https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Sports/Special-Population-Services

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Funded Provider Fair on March 11th. It was wonderful to see so many people c...
03/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Funded Provider Fair on March 11th. It was wonderful to see so many people connecting, sharing resources, and learning about services in our community.

There were also lots of prizes given away, and congratulations to all of our winners!

A special thank you to the providers who participated:

The Mattie Rhodes Center – Visionaries Program
Hulme Resources
Johnny Boy Foundation
Variety KC
Down Syndrome Innovations
Ability KC
Union Station
Easterseals Midwest
Job One
Southeast Enterprises
Children's Center for the Visually Impaired
Developing Potential, Inc.
Jackson County Parks + Rec – Special Population Services
Best Buddies Missouri
The Farmer’s House
Sherwood Autism Center
Paws & Pals
Life Unlimited
Exceptional Humans
Center for Developmentally Disabled
TNC Community
Hope Family Care Center

We are grateful for partners who help strengthen our community.

💬 Were you there? Tell us your favorite part of the day in the comments!

Address

8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO
64138

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18163632000

Alerts

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