Independence, Inc.

11/21/2025

This article does a good job of balancing the understanding of how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) "transformed special education services for children with disabilities" while also underscoring the need to "confront the urgent work still needed to fulfill its promise."

Fifty years after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act transformed special education services for children with disabilities, it is important to both celebrate its legacy and confront the urgent work still needed to fulfill its promise.

11/17/2025

Lawrence area community partners and service organizations joined together for a community resource fair at the Lawrence Public Library Saturday, November 15.
Our Independent Living Specialists Grace Starr and Rex Ellebracht (pictured below), had a great day sharing resources and discussing the programs and services we have to offer to our communities. As a reminder, Indpendence, Inc. serves not only Douglas County, but Jefferson and Franklin Counties through our Lawrence office, and Wyandotte and Johnson Counties through our Kansas City, KS office.


ID: Two people sitting at a banquet style table with Independence, Inc. program and services flyers and brochures to hand out to resource fair participants.

11/10/2025

Independence, Inc. will be CLOSED Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. This includes our transportation department.

ID: A flag is draped against a rustic wood background and a chalkbord in the forefront reads "Thank you, Veterans"

11/10/2025

Our KC crew is hard at work partnering with other service organizations to bring youth transition services into USD 500 schools to support students with disabilities and assist them with ther post-secondary education goals.

11/10/2025

The Shutdown showdown continues - it appears progress is being made, though most Senate Democrats are holding their ground, unwilling to move forward on the deal as it does not address the tax credits, their key demand throughout the shutdown fight.

The Senate returns on Monday to continue work on a bipartisan deal to end the government shutdown, now on Day 41. Follow live updates here.

11/10/2025

November 7 updates on the Federal Government Shutdown - full November have been issued for all Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutriction Assistance Program Food Assistance.

Visit https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Agency/Pages/2025-Federal-Government-Shutdown.aspx for more information.

11/04/2025

This is a great reminder to be attentive to the needs of people with disabilities after the time change. No joke - daylight savings often affects cows causing stress and confusion, low milk production and increased vocalization. Farmers prepare for this and care for their cows accordingly during this change. Yet children and family members with disabilities often go unnoticed in their stress, discomfort and disregulation. Be aware and learn how to help those in distress.

When clocks “fall back,” many kids with learning and thinking differences need extra time to adjust. Sticking to steady routines can ease afterschool meltdowns. Learn more about ADHD and sleep and get tips for better rest: https://u.org/3JFiQMG

11/04/2025

Caregivers have some of the hardest jobs - but often the most rewarding. Thank you all for stepping into the gap!

This November, as part of National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month, we're honoring those who dedicate their hearts and skills to making a difference. Ability360 is proud to support and empower these selfless individuals so they can thrive in their careers and continue to spread love and kindness.

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about how assistive technology supports people with disabilities. Many people use various types of assistive technology to write, type, learn, communicate, move, hear, and much more. Under the ADA’s reasonable accommodation and modification requirements, employers, government entities, and public accommodations must provide or allow people with disabilities to use assistive technology to access and participate in different activities and services.

But what exactly is assistive technology? Does it only refer to high-tech or computerized tools? Who benefits from assistive technology?

To learn more about the basics of assistive technology, check out this resource from the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): bit.ly/assistive-tech-atia.

10/23/2025

Our Kansas City crew had a fabulous Disability Mentoring Day event in Olathe Wednesday with a record attendance of over 200!

10/17/2025

For our Kansas City, KS friends

Independence, Inc. is actively recruiting a Youth Transition Specialist to provide direct transition-related services to youth and young adults in Wyandotte County. This is a full-time position with great benefits and generous paid time off. This person will also assist in producing and editing our IEP Podcast. Direct experience working with youth/young adults, the ability to create individualized transition plans and find or create relevant training material, experience in logging work into a database, an understanding and adherence to the Independent Living Philosophy and the technical ability to produce a podcast is required. Experience working with and training people with disabilities and a college degree are strongly preferred. Please reach out to Amy Ballinger aballinger@independenceinc.org with questions or to further discuss. Scan the QR code below to learn more about our Kansas Youth Transition Network Program.