Kansas Neurological Institute

The Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) began its existence as the Winter Veteran's Hospital, built in 1942 to house and care for World War II veterans. In 1959 the federal government relinquished the land and buildings of the Winter Veteran's Hospital to the state of Kansas so that a neurological facility could be established. After a year of renovation to the old hospital buildings, KNI opened its doors on January 5, 1960.

In 1966, a plan was drawn up to replace the old buildings with modern facilities. In 1981 the last of the new buildings, Wheatland, was completed.

KNI has been home to many people over the years, and has operated under several different philosophies of treatment. For the last 20 years, KNI has embraced a person-centered philosophy and way of doing business. We support the people who live at KNI so that they can have the quality of life they deserve by recognizing their individuality, honoring their choices, protecting and maintaining their health, helping to build and maintain their relationships with others, and making sure that they are included in every aspect of their lives: in their homes, in their jobs, and in the community.

KNI’s staff is frequently called upon by community-based organizations to help with needs that cannot be met through resources available within the community. Some of the areas in which KNI has been able to provide assistance are dental care, positive behavioral support, assistive technology and accessibility issues, and medical evaluation and care. KNI has also provided occasional short-term admissions to address issues that cannot be effectively addressed through the provision of outreach services.

Services from KNI, including outreach services, must be requested and approved through the Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) for the county in which the person lives and must be services that cannot be provided or arranged through the community services system. For more information, contact the CDDO for your county.

Printable location listing

If you have questions about accessing these services you can contact:

Shawn Kilian, LBSW
Community Support Director / Social Work
Kansas Neurological Institute
3107 SW 21st Street
Topeka, KS 66604-3298
785-368-8269 office
785-368-7476 fax
[email protected]