Department for Aging and Disability Services
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Empowering Families. Strengthening Systems. Building Good Lives.
What is the Community of Practice?
Kansas is proud to be part of the National Community of Practice (CoP) for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). This initiative brings together families, self-advocates, providers, policymakers, and communities to promote person- and family-centered practices that help individuals with disabilities live meaningful lives in their communities.
Our goal is to make sure families are supported throughout the lifespan, not just at times of crisis or transition. We believe that all people and their families have the right to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations just like everyone else.
Our Vision
We envision a Kansas where:
- Families feel informed, confident, and supported.
- People with disabilities are leading their own lives with the supports they need.
- Service systems are responsive, inclusive, and person-centered.
Our Work
Kansas’ CoP is rooted in the Charting the LifeCourse™ framework, a nationally recognized approach that helps individuals and families:
- Think about what a "good life" means to them
- Explore options and choices across life domains (daily life, safety, relationships, health, etc.)
- Plan and problem-solve using tools that work in real life
Our Focus
- Sharing real stories and strategies from Kansas families
- Training and technical assistance for families and professionals
- Policy efforts that reflect family and self-advocate voices
- Promoting alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making
Get Involved
Whether you're a family member, professional, or advocate, there are many ways to connect:
🗓 Join an Event – Attend webinars, regional workshops, or family leadership forums
💬 Share Your Story – Help others by sharing how your family navigates supports and services
📚 Access Tools & Resources – Download LifeCourse materials, family planning guides, and more
🤝 Become a Family Leader – Learn how to mentor other families and guide change in your community
Partnering for Change
Kansas CoP is a partnership among:
- Families Together, Inc.
- Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD)
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
- Local family leaders and disability organizations across the state
- University of Missouri–Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development
Together, we are working to make family support a key part of our service systems, not an afterthought.
Questions?
KDADS HCBS Training Specialist
Certified Charting the LifeCourse TM Ambassador
NASDDDS Community of Practice for Supporting Families
Charting the LifeCourse Tools and Framework
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🔗 KCDD
This initiative is supported by the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) and aligns with Kansas’ Person-Centered Transformation efforts.