SILCK Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas 700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 212 Topeka, KS 66603-3758 785-234-6990 Voice/TDD 785-234-6651 FAX
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"YOU HAVE THE POWER"

"LIVE THE DREAM"

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 8TH KANSAS DISABILITY CAUCUS

2003

Justin Dart, known to everyone as the "Father of the American Disabilities Act" called for each of us to focus on the power within to create an equal and just society through advocacy.  Justin's leadership resulted in every disability advocacy group joining together to advocate for the passage of the ADA.

Participants at the 2003 Kansas Disability Caucus gathered to celebrate their power and sharpen their advocacy skills to keep Justin's dream alive!

Nationally recognized keynote speakers: Susan Daniels, Andy Imparato, and Stephanie Thomas energized the crowd of over 500 with  their message of empowerment. 

Caucus Sessions

The real backbone of the conference is the Caucus sessions where participants speak out about continuing needs of all people with disabilities in Kansas.  On two occasions participants met according to what area of the state they live to discuss emerging disability issues.  These Caucus sessions encourage people to suggest action planning for making real change take place. 

Issues identified where diverse and heartfelt.  Each region felt very passionate about their issues and strongly voiced their concerns:

• The right of parents with disabilities in child custody and education cases are highly at risk.  Often times when a parent has a disability they are seen as unable to adequately parent and care for their children.  Parents with disabilities are at risk of losing their children from the moment they are born.
• Employment... people with disabilities want to work but still lack personal assistance services through the Working Healthy program to reach gainful employment opportunities. 
• Civil Rights... there is a need to review all state policies and programs to enforce civil rights protections and encourage people with disabilities to take action and file complaints with the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development when discrimination occurs. 
• Home and Community Based services... eliminate the waiting lists, de-segregate programs and services, offer benefits and better pay for personal assistants, and remove institutional bias in long term care.  Kansas needs an Olmstead plan!
• Cross Age Initiatives... youth and elderly need to be more involved in our movement.

Awards Banquet

Outstanding advocates and legislators who have contributed to the disability rights movement were recognized on Thursday evening. 

"We will continue to work to free our people"

"To empower and provide our brothers and sisters with the tools necessary to live independently."

A WORD OF THANKS:

SPONSORS

Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas, Inc.
Kansas Social & Rehabilitation Services 
RCEP Region VII
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living 
Department of Education Student Support Services

CONTRIBUTORS

Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation
Walmart,Topeka
Walmart, Manhattan 
Kansas Elks Training Center
Kansas Department on Aging
Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns
Columbian Bank, Topeka
City of Topeka, Mayor's Office
UMB Bank, Manhattan
UMB Bank, Topeka
Rex's Tire Store, Topeka
Gold Bank, Clay Center
Union State Bank of Clay Center
Clay County National Bank

ADVERTISERS

Dick Edwards, Manhattan
Heartland Works
Kansas Commission on Disability Concern
Capitol Federal Savings and Loan
Resource Center of Independent Living, Inc.
Coalition for Independence, Inc.
Living Independently In Northwest Kansas, Inc.
Southeast Kansas Independent Living Center
Independent Living Resource Center, Inc
ADAPT
Independence Inc.
Prairie Independent Living Resource Center
Three Rivers, Inc.
Topeka Independent Living Resource Center Inc.
Independent Connection/OCCK, Inc.
The Whole Person, Inc
Center for Independent Living for Southwest Kansas
Independent Living Center of Northeast Kansas
Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living
Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas Inc.
Topeka Convention & Visitors Bureau

Caucus Committee: 

Shelia Nelson-Stout, Chairperson
Marty Wooten, Fundraising 
Lou Ann Kibbee, Regional Caucus Coordinator
June Campbell, Funding Coordinator
Donna Scott, Fundraising 
Nancy Scott, Speaker Coordinator
Mary Lou Dunn, Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas 
Shannon Jones, Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas

Statewide Independent Living Council of Kansas
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