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Links other web sites or documents

Please Note: The list of resources provided on this page are a collection that CDDO staff has found helpful in the past. We do NOT endorse any of these sites or their products, but provide this list in an attempt to assist our site visitors in locating additional information that might prove helpful. These sites are not part of the CDDO or TARC web site, and the content of these sites is not something controlled by the CDDO or TARC. Any questions or complaints about the contents of these sites should be directed to the organizations that host those sites.

Contents:

State of Kansas Web Site Resources :

  1. State of Kansas Government web site.
  2. Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) web site.
    1. BASIS Manual at the Kansas SRS web site.
    2. HCP/CSS CDDO Contract at the Kansas SRS web site.
    3. Frequently Asked Questions related to Developmental Disabilities Services at the Kansas SRS web site.
    4. Article 63 and Article 64 at the Kansas SRS web site.
    5. Developmental Disabilities Reform Act at the Kansas SRS web site.
    6. SRS DD Handbook at the Kansas SRS web site.
    7. HCP/CDDO Policies at the Kansas SRS web site.
  3. EDS Provider Manual
  4. Kansas Medical Assistance Program Web site (KMAP)
  5. The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns has received many requests from various agencies and organizations for contact information for alternative formats (Braille and large print) and sign language interpreters. In response to that, we have compiled information regarding sources for these services in Kansas. There are two files attached to this email, one with a table format and one with text only. These files are also available at the Kansas Department of Commerce web site at: http://kdoch.state.ks.us/public/index.jsp. Go to connect code KCDCREFR, go to documents.

General Web sites

  • http://www.paws-up.net/. Paws-Up, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that promotes the use of non-aversive training methods and a positive relationship between humans and dogs.
  • http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/default.asp - The Center's for Medicare and Medicaid Services prescription drug partnerships page.
  • The CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/) has stared a new campaign called "Learn the Signs. Act Early." http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly/.
    • "It's time to change how we view a child's growth. Do you know all the ways you should measure your child's growth? We naturally think of height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential."
    • A press release is available at http://releases.usnewswire.com/printing.asp?id=43368.
  • Users Guide 2004 IDEA Reauthorization: This guidebook discusses the changes involved with the recent reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004. http://www.thearc.org/ideachanges/usersguide.doc
  • The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities (UCEDD), in collaboration with AUCD, is pleased to announce the development of a comprehensive, online resource guide focusing exclusively on victims of crime with disabilities. http://wind.uwyo.edu/resourceguide/.
  • This web site lists a variety of sources for scholarships and grants for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/3disable.htm.
  • Despite the current economic climate, demographics show that employers will again experience workforce shortages, particularly in the northeast. People with disabilities can be a source of qualified employees to fill those needs. The newsletter, developed with ICI partner The New England Council, shares statistics and employer success stories. Employers Tap the Emerging Workforce -- http://www.communityinclusion.org/publications/pub.php?page=newpubs#necnews2
  • Institute for Community Inclusion http://www.communityinclusion.org
  • Looking for a summer camp? You can access a summer camp site from the front page of Families Together web site at www.familiestogetherinc.org.
  • Here is a great web site on autism and Asperger syndrome. It also has information that addresses disabilities that have sensory issues. www.thegraycenter.org/ask_the_experts.htm
  • The Jim Mullen Foundation provides free computer for people with disabilities. The organization specializes in providing computers for anybody, especially for those individuals who think that they are unable to use one. www.jimmullen.com/index_new.asp
  • National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - This site provides resources to improve the lives of people with mental illnesses and their families. Legal issues, medical information, and many other fact sheets are included in the web sitewww.nami.org
  • Communication Options for Children who are Deaf or Hard-of Hearing - The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) web site offers clear and concise information for parents and practitioners. www.nidcd.nig.gov/health/parents/commopt.htm
  • The Fisher Price site at www.fisher-price.com/US/special_needs/default.asp offer tips on selecting and using Fisher Price toys with children with a range of abilities and interests.
  • www.nichcy.org - National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
  • www.healthCareCoach.com – This web site is dedicated to helping people with health insurance get what they need out of the health care system.
  • www.ksdisability.com - This web site contains a wealth of information regarding eligibility for services in Kansas, how to access services and contact information for all licensed providers in Kansas.
  • www.kpirc.org - Provides numerous parent and education resources and links specific to educational rights under the legislation.
  • www.disabilityresources.org/CAMP - This web site provides information on summer camps for individuals with disabilities.
  • www.kslegislature.org/bills - Kansas Legislature
  • www.thearc.org – Arc of the US – National organization on mental retardation provides local chapter links and information on projects, services and education.
  • www.ancor.org - ANCOR – (The American Network of Community Options and Resources) – Advocacy and lobbing organization for private providers who provide supports and services to people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
  • www.familiestogetherinc.com - Families Together
  • http://drckansas.org – Disability Rights Center of Kansas. The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC), formerly Kansas Advocacy & Protective Services (KAPS), is a public interest legal advocacy agency empowered by federal law to advocate for the civil and legal rights of Kansans with disabilities.
  • www.interhab.org - InterHab – Resource network for Kansans with Disabilities
  • www.bigtentcoalition.org - Big Tent Coalition
  • www.fsgctopeka.com - Family Service and Guidance Center
  • www.thenadd.org - (National Association for the Dually Diagnosed) This is an association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
  • www.srskansas.org/hcp/css - Community Supports and Services (CSS) manages a system of community-based supports and services for persons with disabilities.
  • www.Valeotopeka.org – Valeo Behavioral Health Care
  • www.TheArcLink.org
  • The Center for Health and Health Care in Schools has a great web site for accessing important information and resources related to children and adolescent health in schools.  Created within the web site is the Parent's Resource Center which provides two types of information: 'Learn How' - a section that provides valuable links to parent-friendly resources on child and adolescent health, and 'Act Now' - a guide written by the Center to help parents assess health-related services and programs at their child's schools.  This site offers health issues news, surveys, fact sheets, health tips, and more for parents and professionals.  Check it out at www.healthinschools.org
  • Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) - http://www.kpirc.org
  • http://www.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/osep/index.html#adhd-res: A US Dept of Education Document: ADHD — Teaching Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Instructional Strategies and Practices. The report, designed for teachers, other school staff, and families, describes an overall strategy for successfully instructing students with ADHD. Suggestions of research-based academic instruction, behavioral interventions and classroom accommodations are provided. MS Word [912K] | PDF [4.1M].
  • Family friendly fun - enhancing the quality and fund of family life for special needs families. - www.family-friendly-fun.com
  • Parents Helping Parents - meeting children's special needs through parents helping parents - www.php.com
  • Our-Kids - devoted to raising special kids with special needs.  The Our-Kids web site support the Our-Kids email list.  Our-Kids is a "family" of parents, caregivers and others who are working with children with physical and/or mental disabilities and delays. - www.our-kids.org
  • VA is a co-sponsor of the 2004 Consumer Action Handbook, a free 180-page guide designed to help citizens find the best and most direct solutions for their consumer problems and questions. Syndicated advice columnist Dear Abby wrote in her column that a copy of the Handbook "belongs in every household." Produced by GSA's Federal Citizen Information Center, the handbook offers tips on topics such as buying and leasing cars, protecting your privacy, avoiding fraud and shopping from home. It also includes a sample complaint form to use as a guide from writing letters, faxes and e-mails. The directory portion of the handbook lists thousands of names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for Better Business Bureaus, corporate consumer contacts, federal agencies, and state and local consumer protection offices. You can access the Web edition of the Handbook and order a free copy at <http://www.consumeraction.gov/ >.
  • http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu
  • http://http://www.KeepKidsLearning.org
  • http://www.GetReadytoRead.org
  • http://www.SchwabLearning.org
  • Learning Disabilities Association of America
    http://www.ldaamerica.org
    LDA is a national, non-profit, volunteer organization including individuals with learning disabilities, their families and professionals. LDA is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families, to alleviating the restricting effects of learning disabilities, and to supporting endeavors to determine the causes of learning disabilities. LDA seeks to accomplish this through advocacy, education, research and service, and through collaborative efforts.
  • National Center for Learning Disabilities
    http://www.ncld.org
    The mission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is to increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their potential. NCLD accomplishes its mission by increasing public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, conducting educational programs and services that promote research-based knowledge, and providing national leadership in shaping public policy.
  • National Head Start Association
    http://www.nhsa.org
    NHSA provides a national forum for the continued enhancement of Head Start services for poor children ages 0 through 5, and their families. It is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community.
  • National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education
    http://www.ncpie.org
    The National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE) is dedicated to developing effective family/school partnerships in schools throughout America.
  • The Tech-Soup website, http://www.techsoup.org, is a technology resource for not-for-profit organizations. The website has technical articles, user forums, and a reduced cost on-line shopping area. Techsoup works with many manufacturers to coordinate donations of computer software and hardware to 501(c)(3) charities.
  • The mission of the Capper Foundation is to enhance the independence of people with physical disabilities, primarily children.  http://www.capper.org
  • SparkTop is a website created just for kids ages 10-12 who have LD and ADHD.  The BrainPop movies are fun for kids and deal with real life issues like internet safety and bullies.  http://www.sparktop.org/explore/brainpop.html
  • EnabledOnline.com's mission is to creat an enabled community online.  The primary goal of EnabledOnline.com is to provide persons with disabilities, their loved ones and caregivers a place to connect. http://www.enabledonline.com/
  • LIFE WITH TBI  (Traumatice Brain Injury) The LIFE WITH TBI web site is a resource for survivors, developed and maintained by Daniel Windheim.  The purpose of this website is to reach survivors of traumatice brain injury and those individuals who are interested in knowing about the impact on an individual's life following one, and to provide a guide on living one's life after such an injury.  www.tbilife.com
  • Check this website: www.act4disability.com   Information specific to south central Kansas and disability issues in general.
  • If you are the parent, guardian or family member of a deaf-blind child, we need your help!  The Kansas Deaf-Blind Consortium is made up of many organizations that provide services to people with vision and hearing loss.  They meet about every six weeks to discuss services and supports available in the community for deaf-blind individuals and their families.  The KDBC would like to have more families involved so the KDBC members get a good picture on what the needs in the community really are.  For more information about the Deaf-Blind Consortium, visit the Kansas State Project for Deaf-Blind Youth's website at: http://www.kansped.org/ksde/deafblind/deafblind.html
  • Ability Awareness is the promotion of education about abilities of persons with challenges.  The Department of Health and Human Services has a division called the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  The website for CDC has a vast amount of information about Health and Safety topics, including disabilities.  You can find information on numerous national programs, too, one of which is the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD).   Within the website, you can access information by topic, or other featured items, one of which is called "KIDS Quest".  The "KIDS Quest" designe is kid-friendly, and provides information about disabilities and ability awareness.  The site also contains links to other resources for children, youth, and adults to access information about numerous disabilities and conditions.  See Kids' Quest at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids.htm
  • The Transition Timelines for Children and Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs have been translated to Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and Chinese.  They are available on the AHTP website: http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/Timeline/timeline_instr.htm
  • Hear My Voice - Hear My Voice is a unique coalition of volunteer child advocates and professionals in the areas of law, mental health and media.  List the recent success stories of difficult child advocacy cases. www.hearmyvoice.org
  • DisabilityInfo.gov - your gateway to the federal government's disability-related information and resources. This easy-to-use Web portal is a directory of government Web links relevant to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and other community members. President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative directed federal agencies to create DisabilityInfo.gov . This interagency Web portal offers people with disabilities the knowledge they need to pursue their personal and professional ambitions - delivering on America' promise of equal access to opportunity for all citizens.
  • Disability History Project - The Disability History Project is a community history project and we welcome your participation. This is an opportunity for disabled people to reclaim our history and determine how we want to define ourselves and our struggles. People with disabilities have an exciting and rich history that should be shared with the world. www.disabilityhistory.org/dshp.html
  • The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City - www.rehabkc.org
  • Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc - www.tsa-usa.org
  • Down Syndrome: Health issues - www.ds-health.com
  • National Down Syndrome Congress - www.ndsccenter.org
  • National Down Syndrome Society - www.ndss.org
  • Autism Society of America - www.autism-society.org/site/pageserver
  • National Autism Association - www.nationalautismassociation.org/. The National Autism Association has several useful programs for individuals and families. Of particular intrest is their "helping hands" grant program to assist families with medical costs http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/helpinghand.php.The goal of the Helping Hand Program is to provide families with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child, as well as basic living expenses for families under extreme financial stress. Do not apply if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swing sets, trips to Disney World, etc. This program is intended only for those in dire need. Priority is always given to single parents.
  • TAP, The Autism Perspective Magazine, was founded upon the passionate philosophy that those living with and treating autism spectrum disorders and pervasive development disorders should have a single resource that presents the full perspective of options for therapies, new understanding, treatments, and services--a resource that would also include personal accounts and inspirational stories to encourage and inspire us and make every family feel a little less alone in its struggles, hopes and dreams. - http://www.theautismperspective.org/
  • Spectrum Magazine for Parents of children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Our award-winning staff brings you into the world of parents, children, medical professionals and educators. Get advice from our experienced professionals on staff. Find out the latest on treatments, studies and events in your area. And of course keep up with up to the moment news on the special needs community. Spectrum was created to educate, advocate and unite our readership. - http://www.spectrumpublications.com
  • Muscular Dystrophy Association - www.mdausa.org
  • Multiple Sclerosis Association of America - www.msaa.com
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - www.ninds.nih.gov
  • National Organization for Rare Disorders - http://www.rarediseases.org
  • Disability Resources, Inc. - Disability Resources, inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to promote and improve awareness, availability and accessibility of information that can help people with disabilities live, learn, love, work and play independently - www.disabilityresources.org
  • Financial Aid for students with Disabilities - www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
  • Children with Special Health Care Needs Program www.kdhe.state.ks.us/shs/services.html#eligible - Conditions that are eligible for treatment include:
    • Spina bifida
    • Cleft palate/cleft lip
    • Acquired or congenital heart disease
    • Burns
    • Major orthopedic problems
    • Limited gastrointestinal or genitourinary conditions requiring surgery
    • Genetic and metabolic conditions (PKU, sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism, galactosemia, hemophilia)
    • Hearing loss
    • Vision disorders
    • Craniofacial anomalies (selected)
    • Seizures
    • JRA
  • ERC Resource & Referral - ERC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resource and referral services to persons in northeast Kansas with special emphasis in the areas of child care, employment and affordable housing.
    www.ercrefer.org
  • Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc. - HCCI assists the community by helping consumers achieve housing and financial goals and resolve related difficulties with dignity. www.hcci-ks.org
  • CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate of Shawnee County) - The mission of CASA of Shawnee County, Inc. is to advocate for the best interest of children and youth involved in the court system. The purpose of this advocacy is to provide a voice for these children in an effort to have informed and expedient decisions made about their futures. www.kscourts.org/programs/casa.htm
  • The Consortium - Located in Topeka, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, designed, delivered, and managed by the people of Kansas for the people of Kansas. www.ksmhc.org
  • Kansas Children's Service League - Located in Topeka, KCSL's mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children by strengthening the quality of their family life.  www.kcsl.org
  • Kansas Family Partnership - Located in Topeka, KFP supports the healthy development of Kansas families through prevention of high-risk behaviors. www.kansasfamily.com
  • Meals on Wheels - Located in Topeka, Meals on Wheels mission is to afford homebound, elderly and disabled individuals the opportunity to live independently by providing nutritionally balanced meals and related services. Services are provided in Shawnee and Jefferson counties.  www.meals-on-wheels-inc.org
  • Topeka Housing Authority - Started in 1961 to serve the housing needs of low-income people in our community. www.tha.gov
  • Nutrition and WIC Services - www.kdhe.state.ks.us/nws-wic/index.html
  • Children's Developmental Services - www.kdhe.state.ks.us/cds/index.html
  • Keys for Networking, Inc. - Kansas Parent Information and Resource Center - www.keys.org
  • Red Cross - www.redcross.org
  • Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Topeka - Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Topeka will educate and assist single parent families in developing confident, caring, competent and community minded youth; facilitate mentoring relationships between children and volunteer adults and collaborate with other organizations to empower youth in Kansas. www.bbstopeka.org
  • Kansas Action for Children - The mission of Kansas Action for Children is to act as a change agent of policies and systems to ensure that the needs and rights of children in the state of Kansas are met.  Quite simply, our mission is "speaking up for children." www.kac.org
  • Ronald McDonald House - www.ronaldmc.org/
  • United Way of Topeka - (Success by 6 program - birth to age 6, Bridges to Success program - ages 6-18 and Success 4 Life program - for adults)  www.unitedwaytopeka.org
  • Topeka Rescue Mission - The Topeka Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter for anyone without a home: men, women, and families. www.trmonline.org/trm/
  • Kansas Family Partnership -  Promotes positive youth behaviors by supporting Kansas families and communities through education, networking and advocacy - www.kansasfamily.com
  • YMCA - www.ymcatopeka.org
  • YWCA - www.ywcatopeka.org
  • Topeka Housing Authority - providing accessible affordable housing - www.tha.gov
  • Professional Fit Clothing - Provides adaptive clothing and apparel for the disabled. Our special needs clothing company has been providing our fashions to those who are in state developmental centers, intermediate care facilities, group homes, and the physically challenged for over 15 years. Our company specializes in clothing for the disabled such as adult bibs,elastic waist pants, wheelchair clothing and much more. Call 1-800-422-2348 or visit the web site http://www.professionalfit.com.
  • National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: Transition Planning: A Team Effort. http://nichcy.org/pubs/transum/ts10txt.htm.
  • National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Parent Brief: Age of Majority: Preparing Your Child for Making Good Choices. http://www.ncset.org/publications/viewdesc.asp?id=318.
  • GAO has released a new report, "Special Education: Children with Autism." This report was submitted to Rep.Dan Burton, who has been holding a series of hearings over the last few years on autism (he has a grandchild with autism). The report can be downloaded from: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05220.pdf.
  • The House Education and Workforce Committee has posted two documents, Frequently Asked Questions About IDEA and Frequently Asked Questions About No Child Left Behind. Both documents can be downloaded by going to the Committee's homepage at http://edworkforce.house.gov/. Remember that these are not official interpretations of the law as that responsibility still resides at the Department of Education.
  • The Community Access Network, Inc. (CAN) is a not-for-profit collaborative initiative comprised of representatives from various Kansas government organizations and community partners. The purpose of CAN is to gather data and information about programs and service sand provide information about related social topics. http://www.cankansas.org/
  • Disability is Natural - http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/ - The Disability is Natural website is brought to you by BraveHeart Press, the family-owned business of Kathie Snow. The mission of this website is to encourage new ways of thinking about disability and to help create a society in which all people are valued and included.
  • The Family Center on Technology and Disability (www.fctd.info) is a superior web site with innovative and valuable info about the importance of assistive technology (AT), and includes helpful articles about AT for children with disabilities in schools and social settings. Parents: direct your children's teachers to this site---there are some great articles written by educators that can help teachers learn strategies to better educate children who use AT devices in school!
  • www.scfrc.com - Shawnee County Family Resource Center.
  • www.autismcares.org - Leading autism organizations have come together to form AutismCares. AutismCares Participating Organizations:

Local School Districts

Recreation Resources for People with Disabilities

  • Special Olympics Kansas - www.ksso.org
  • DRM Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet - www.disabilityresources.org
  • Directory of Sports Organizations for Athletes with Disabilities - http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/athletes.htm
  • Disability Travel and Recreation Resources - www.makoa.org
  • National Center on Physical Activity and Disability - www.ncpad.org
  • American Camping Association - www.acacamps.org
  • Kids Camp - www.kidscamps.com
  • Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center - www.boec.org
  • Wilderness Inquiry. Inc. - www.wildernessinquiry.org
  • North American Riding for the Handicapped Association - www.narha.org
  • Campfire USA - www.campfire.org
  • Boy Scouts of America - www.scouting.org
  • Girl Scouts of America - www.gsusa.org/
  • 4-H Club of America - www.4-h.org
  • Kansas Deaf-Blind Consortium - http://www.kansped.org/ksde/deafblind/deafblind.html
  • Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) - DS/USA now offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent physical disability. Activities include winter skiing, water sports, summer and winter competitions, fitness and special sports events. Participants include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, dwarfism, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, and other neuromuscular and orthopedic conditions. www.dsusa.org
  • Work Support: Information, resources, and research about work and disability issues. The purpose of the Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention is to study those supports that are most effective for assisting individuals with disabilities maintain employment and advance their careers. The primary stakeholders for this project are persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on those who are unemployed, underemployed or at risk of losing employment. http://www.worksupport.com/

Support Groups and Resources

  • Considering Autism: KU Life Span Institute Community Conversations The new KU Work Group on Autism will introduce itself to the public on Tuesday, September 25, 6:30-8:30, in a panel presentation at the KU Edwards Campus' Regnier Hall Auditorium. The panel will also include other professionals and parents from the Greater Kansas City autism community. Considering Autism: KU Life Span Institute Community Conversations will be the first of a series of Life Span Institute “community conversations” held at the Edwards Campus. The event is free and no registration is required, but RSVPs are much appreciated. To RSVP and for more information, please call 785 864-4295 or email kahenry@ku.edu
  • Partners in Policymaking was created in 1987. Partners is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of the program is twofold: To teach best practices in disability, and the competencies of influencing public officials.
  • Grandparent/Kinship support meeting
         YMCA - the Chapel
         421 Van Buren
         Topeka, KS 66603
    Meeting held every third Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Childcare provided. Sponsored by the Kansas Children Service League. Call (785) 286-2329 for number of children that will attend 24 hours prior. For more information call Sharla Pfeffer at (785) 286-2329 or email her at kay4454@aol.com.
  • Cerebral Palsy Support Group - contact Lorraine Cannistra at (785) 832-0527
  • Asperger Syndrome Support Group
         TARC, INC.
         2701 SW Randolph Ave.
         Topeka, KS 66611.
    Meetings the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am. Day care is available but you must call ahead to make arrangements. Contact Brad or Linda Sloan at (785) 234-2494 or at aspieparents@aol.com
  • Beginnings for People of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Parent Group - Beginnings was established to provide emotional support and access to information as a central resource for families with deaf or hard of hearing children, ages birth through 21.  Beginnings provides an impartial approach to meeting the diverse needs of these families and professionals who serve them.  Services are also available to deaf parents who have hearing children.  1-800-541-4327  http://www.beginningssvcs.com/index.htm
  • Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Parent Group - Gathers and disseminates information on hearing loss.  Promotes early detection of hearing loss in infants.  Encourages the use of speech and speech reading.  www.agbell.org
  • American Society for Deaf Children Parent Group - Membership organization providing information to parents and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Promotes the use of sign communication for deaf children and their families.  PARENTDEAF-HH - An internet discussion group for parents found by ASDC.  1-800-942-2723  http://www.deafchildren.org/
  • Diabetes Support Group contact Hazel Burget at (785) 843-1464 (Lawrence area)
  • Muscular Dystrophy Support Group (& Families) contact Wylma Mortell (785) 843-1257 (Lawrence area)
  • Tourette Syndrome Support Group - contact Karen Warner at (785) 842-3050 or Susan Pomeroy (785) 842-3367 (Lawrence area)
  • SPUnK Special Parents: Unique Kids - A group for family members of young children with disabilities contact Jennifer Schwartz at (785) 832-8353 or (785) 841-0333.
  • Midland Hospice Care Support Groups
          Tuesdays  5:30pm-6:30pm or Thursdays 3:00pm - 4:00pm
         Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle in Topeka.
    Support groups are also offered in Ottawa, Onaga and Lawrence.  The groups are geared toward adults and open to anyone in the community.  Feel free to attend one of the groups or call the Grief Counseling Center at (785) 232-2044
  • Community Resource Council - (785) 233-1365
       501 SE Jefferson , Suite 30
       Topeka, KS 66607
  • Kansas Disability/Violence Awareness Project: http://www.kdhe.state.ks.us/dva
  • To apply for SRS Services (Cash assistance, child support, child care, energy assistance (LIEAP), Food assistance, medical assistance, vocational rehabilitation services) go to http://www.srskansas.org the click the blue button titled "Apply for Services"

Membership Based Organizations

The list below contains information about and links to various national, state, and local membership based organizations. We hope you find the list useful.

  • The Alliance for Kansans with Developmental Disabilities - (http://www.theddalliance.org/)
    • The Alliance Mission is to work together to empower children and adults who have developmental disabilities to lead personally fulfilling lives in the community through maximization of Kansas resources.
    • The Alliance
      Stephanie Wilson, Executive Director
      2113 Delaware St.
      Lawrence, KS 66046-3149
      (785) 865-5520 x 119
      (785) 865-5695 fax
  • American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) - (http://www.ancor.org/)
    • ANCOR is a nonprofit trade association representing private providers who provide supports and services to people with disabilities.
    • ANCOR
      1101 King St, Suite 380
      Alexandria, VA 22314
      Phone: (703) 535-7850
      Fax: (703) 535-7860
  • Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) - (http://www.apse.org)
    • The APSE Network on Employment is a membership organization formed in 1988 to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.
    • APSE
      1627 Monument Avenue
      Richmond, VA 23220
      Phone: 804.278.9187
      Fax: 804.278.9377
  • The ARC of the United States - (http://www.thearc.org/)
    • The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
    • The Arc of the United States
      1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 650
      Silver Spring, MD 20910
      Phone: 301-565-3842
      Fax: 301-565-5342
    • Some North East Kansas Chapters of the ARC:
    • Some ARC sites in other parts of the nation:
  • Interhab - (http://www.interhab.org/)
    • InterHab is a resource network which serves its members through support, technical assistance and advocacy and, through its members, provides leadership at the local, state, and national level to support people with disabilities.
    • InterHab
      Jayhawk Tower
      700 SW Jackson, Suite 803
      Topeka, Kansas 66603-3737
      785-235-5103
  • The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) - (http://www.tash.org)
    • TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm. TASH is an organization of members concerned with human dignity, civil rights, education, and independence for all individuals with disabilities.
    • TASH
      29 W. Susquehanna Avenue, Suite 210
      Baltimore, MD 21204
      phone: 410-828-8274
      fax: 410-828-6706

Venders / Manufacturers

The list below contains information about and links to various individuals or companies who sell products or services that might be of interest. We hope you find the list useful.

  • The Parent Side T: A campaign for inclusion, and against exclusion! http://www.theparentside.com
  • Music from the Heart: Jeff Moyer - Internationally known songsmith, performer, and writer! http://www.jeffmoyer.com/. Awesome music for all ages - educates, entertains, inspires and unites!

Funding Opportunities

The list below contains information about and links to various individuals or companies who have funding opportunities that might be of interest. We hope you find the list useful.

 

Wish Organizations

The list below contains information about and links to various organizations who help to grant wishes for children with life-threatening conditions.

  • Give kids the World - Grants trips to Disney in Florida.  Give Kids the World Village partners with over 250 wish-granting organizations and foundations to make the Disney trip a reality for children with life-threatening illnesses.  www.gktw.org
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation of America - International in 27 countries outside US.  www.worldwish.org
  • Believe in Tomorrow National Children's Foundation - Provides wishes and on-going programs to reduce stress and anxiety in the lives of children 18 years old and under, being treated for life-threatening illnesses.  Includes support groups, wilderness retreats & respite house, in-house entertainment, provides lodging while in the hospital and grants wishes.  www.grant-a-wish.org
  • Kids Wish Network - Fulfills the wishes of children ages 3 to 18 with life-threatening medical conditions.  Grants wishes for travel, a computer, or a visit with a celebrity.  Kids Wish Network actively seeks out children who have no parents or other advocates.  www.kidswishnetwork.com
  • Sunshine Foundation - Children ages 3-21 with disabilities or life-threatening chronic illnesses.  Information materials, Matching with other families.  www.sunshinefoundation.org
  • The Dream Factory - 30 chapters across the US with over 5,000 volunteers who work to deliver dreams, visit children in the hospital and their homes, arrange special celebrations and conduct fundraising events from individual children.  Informational materials, conferences.  www.dreamfactoryinc.com
  • A Special Wish Foundation, Inc. - Only wish-granting organization in the United States that grants wishes from birth through 20 years.  www.spwish.org/contact.htm

Please Note: The list of resources provided on this page are a collection that CDDO staff has found helpful in the past. We do NOT endorse any of these sites or their products, but provide this list in an attempt to assist our site visitors in locating additional information that might prove helpful. These sites are not part of the CDDO or TARC web site, and the content of these sites is not something controlled by the CDDO or TARC. Any questions or complaints about the contents of these sites should be directed to the organizations that host those sites.

© 2006 - TARC, 2701 SW Randolph Ave, Topeka, KS 66611. (785) 232-0597