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About Us

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1. What do you do?

KCDC provides policy recommendations to the State of Kansas on changes to laws, regulations and programs that affect people with disabilities. We also provide information, training and referral to the public on many topics including: legislative activities and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and rights and people with disabilities.

We do not do case management, direct services, job placement, personal advocacy or enforce any laws.

2. Can you help with my Social Security / Disability claim or check?

No, You need to contact the Social Security Administration. (800) 772-1213

3. Does Kansas have disability insurance?

No, the only disability insurance available through the government is Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. Call (800) 772-1213.

4. I think I’ve been discriminated against. How would I know?

Call us at (800) 295-5232 and we will talk with you and refer you to the appropriate enforcement agency.

5. I have a disability and am having problems with my landlord. Can you help?

Call us at (800) 295-5232 and we will talk with you and refer you to the appropriate enforcement agency.

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ADA Information Network

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1. Is there any financial help for making my business or home more accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. You can see our brochure on Tax Incentives for businesses. For home modifications, look on page two under “State Access and Accommodation Incentives,” the Disabled Access Tax Credit. Tax Incentives for Businesses

2. Where can I find specific measurement information regarding bathrooms, parking, doorways, etc.?

The Great Plains ADA Center is an excellent resource for technical information. You can call them at (800) 949-4232 or look at their Web site.

3. If I’ve been discriminated against, who do I contact?

Call us at (800) 295-5232 and we will talk with you and refer you to the appropriate enforcement agency.

4. How do I get an accessible (handicapped) parking permit?

In Kansas, you go to the county treasurer’s office for the form and instructions, or you can dowload it here.

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Braille and Sign Language

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1. What is Real Time Captioning?

Real time Captioning, similar to court stenography, is the simultaneous process through which spoken-word English becomes readable English. A highly skilled Captionist, using the aid of cutting-edge computer software, listens and takes down all spoken communication in steno shorthand.

2. What is video interpreting service?

Working with a Video Interpreter is just as easy as working with an on-site interpreter, except the interpreter is working from a remote location. Video Remote Interpreters can be utilized in medical settings, business meetings, academic classes, and courtrooms.

3. What is video interpreting relay?

It allows deaf callers to relay their messages via video messaging, using a live American Sign Language/English interpreter to relay the call. The relay caller uses a Web camera to communicate via sign language. The on-screen interpreter then voices to the hearing caller—and signs the responses back to the relay user.

4. What is a TTY and how do you use it?

The relay user is typically using a text telephone (TTY) or other device that is used to type messages. The relay operator reads those messages to the hearing party on the other end of the line—and then types the hearing party’s responses for the relay user to read.

5. Who pays for the interpreter?

The business or organization providing the service will provide and pay for the interpreting service for the customer. Businesses concerned about cost can refer to the Tax Incentive Brochure for more information. Tax Incentive Brochure

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Disability Mentoring Day

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1. What is Disability Mentoring Day?

Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration. With leadership, coordination, and resource materials from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), local communities around the country organize activities that bring students and employers together for informational sessions about career opportunities and one-on-one mentoring with volunteers at public and private places of employment.

2. What are the goals of DMD?

To enhance internship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities
• To promote disability as a central component of diversity recruitment for a more inclusive workplace
• To dispel employers’ myths and fears about hiring people with disabilities
• To increase confidence of students and job seekers with disabilities

3. Who can be a Mentee?

A student or job seeker with any disability can participate. This would include students or job seekers with learning disabilities, developmental and/or cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental health disabilities.

4. What happens on Disability Mentoring Day?

Disability Mentoring Day is officially commemorated on the third Wednesday of October each year, and is implemented in locations around the country and internationally throughout the year. It is designed to benefit from local creativity, with each community planning activities to best suit the interests and abilities of its students, job-seekers and local employers. Although the core experience is one-on-one job shadowing, event planners may choose to open with a meeting for a group of students and job seekers featuring several presentations and/or close with a reception where students, job seekers and mentors can share their experiences. The type of mentoring experience will largely depend on the participants' interests, education level, and work experience. Job-seekers can focus on specific career advice and discuss potential internships and job openings.

5. How will students and job seekers with disabilities benefits from Disability Mentoring Day?

Disability Mentoring Day enables students and job seekers to spend part of a day visiting a business or government agency that matches their interests and have one-on-one time with volunteer mentors. It's an opportunity to underscore the connection between school and work, evaluate personal goals, target career skills for improvement, explore possible career paths, and develop lasting mentor relationships. History shows that participating in Disability Mentoring Day can result in an internship opportunity with the host employer or even function as a first interview on the way to a part-time or full-time employment offer!

6. How will employers benefit from Disability Mentoring Day?

Disability Mentoring Day provides public and private employers an opportunity to recruit interns, tap a pool of potential future employees, learn more about the experience of disability, develop lasting relationships with disability community leaders, demonstrate positive leadership in their communities, and attract positive media attention. Employers can get involved by enabling employees to serve as volunteer mentors, functioning as a Local Coordinator for a community, and sponsoring Disability Mentoring Day at the local level.

7. How is Kansas involved?

2007 is the 7th year anniversary for Disability Mentoring Day in Kansas!! In past years our state had participants from over 33 counties involved in DMD with over 700 students and job seekers with disabilities! This year our goal is to have over 52 counties participating – that is half of the state! The State Organizing Committee works to develop awareness and resources in local communities to encourage new local coordinating committees as they begin planning for their Disability Mentoring Day.

8. How do communities get involved?

Local coordinators and the local coordinating committee are the key to the success of Disability Mentoring Day as they match students and job seekers with disabilities with local employers. Communities wishing to participate in any capacity – as an employer, organization, educator, job-seeker or student – should review the Local Coordinators list on Kerrie Bacon, DMD State Coordinator.

9. What is AAPD’s role?

As “National Host,” AAPD provides leadership by encouraging employers, students, educators and organizations to get involved; supporting a National Organizing Committee; encouraging the development of State Organizing Committees; recruiting, training and supporting Local Coordinators (who serve in a strictly voluntary capacity for AAPD); developing a Toolkit on how to plan Disability Mentoring Day activities; referring individuals to published lists of Local Coordinators and participating employers; and generating media attention.

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DMD Community Liaison FAQ

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1. How can I become a Local Coordinator for DMD?

If you have connections to students and/or job-seekers with disabilities, you can become a Community Liaison for DMD. As a Community Liaison, you are the local connection between Mentees and Mentors and help facilitate the match for their on-site job shadowing experience.

To become a Local Coordinator in your area, visit the Local Coordinator section of the website and fill out the Community Liaison application form. Local Coordinator Link

2. What resources are available to me to help me organize DMD activities in my area?

Community Liaisons receive a variety of resources from both the AAPD and the Kansas DMD Committee to implement DMD activities in their areas. These include many resources on this Web site, the National DMD Web site, and promotional materials available through state and national committees:

• Community Liaison Toolkit - information about coordinating DMD activities, suggested timelines, tips on matchmaking and sample application materials
• Promotional materials - recruitment brochures, posters, Save-the-Date postcards, sample DMD proclamation and more (also in the toolkit).
• Recognition materials - certificates for Mentees and Mentors
• Online support is available on this site and the national DMD Web site.
•Conference calls - regular meetings to help answer questions, provide updated information and support networking among Community Liaisons

3. What if I live in a rural area and don’t have many options for job-shadowing opportunities?

Many small communities feel there are limited job shadowing opportunities. However if you look at some of the places of employment in most rural communities, there are pockets of employment that cover a broad area of job shadowing opportunities. A key component will be to have someone on your Local DMD Committee who represents or has good contacts with these employers.

Local schools have:
• School bus system: bus drivers, routers, radio systems
• School cafeteria: cooking, nutrition, maintenance
• Information Technology, business office

Hospitals have:
• Environmental control: housekeeping, janitorial
• Cafeteria: cooking, nutrition, maintenance
• Office Management: finance, record keeping
• Other: volunteer services, physical therapy, nursing (all levels)
• Information Technology

City and County Governments have:
• Judge, Marshall, court recorder, attorneys, secretarial
• County Appraiser, County Clerk, County Surveyor, County Treasurer, Coroner, Corrections, Health Office, Public Works,
• Law Enforcement: City Police, Sheriff, Records, Traffic

Nursing Homes have:
• Food Service, Nursing (all levels), technology, housekeeping, maintenance, mechanical.

Also check out local TV and Radio stations, electrical and air-conditioning companies, auto repair, etc.

4. What are the requirements to becoming a community liaison for DMD?

To become a Community Liaison in your community you MUST be affiliated with a school, employer or disability-related organization.

5. How do I inform the community and people with disabilities about DMD?

The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns along with AAPD, will provide you with promotional materials, sample press releases and other resources to help you promote DMD. Visit the DMD Resources in the Community Liaison section of the website to download these materials.

6. Is there a cost for me or my organization to participate?

Costs depend on the activities your local committee plans. Possible costs might include food, transportation, printing, advertising, and so on. Your Local DMD Committee should determine what types of activities you will coordinate for DMD and plan a budget accordingly. The Community Liaison Toolkit has suggestions on developing a budget, raising in-kind contributions and generating support from local sponsors. Also, you should be aware that coordinating DMD efforts in your community can be very time consuming, so you will have extra responsibilities outside of your regular job. This is another reason to have a strong Local DMD Committee.

7. What will my role be during and after DMD?

As a Community Liaison, you will coordinate the plans and activities of the Local DMD Committee. The committee will want to make sure that all of your matches follow through on DMD. Follow up with your Mentees and Mentors before, during and after DMD to ensure that everyone arrived at their worksite on time and had a positive experience. After DMD, send evaluations to all Mentors and Mentees and use their feedback to compile your final report to be turned into The Kansas DMD Committee and AAPD (see Community Liaison section for details on final report). Such feedback helps the Kansas DMD Committee know how DMD can be improved upon year after year.

8. Am I required to set up a committee or will one be provided for me?

It is strongly recommended that Community Liaisons recruit volunteers for a Local Organizing Committee to help share the work load of DMD activities. Having people on your committee from the three main areas of involvement (education, employment, and service providers) expands your network of contacts within the community and spreads out the work that needs to be accomplished. As a general rule, a committee will help you be more efficient in organizing DMD activities and educate your community about DMD. Be sure to read your Community Liaison Toolkit to find suggestions on establishing a Local Organizing Committee.

9. Are Community Liaisons eligible to be Mentors too?

Community Liaisons can be Mentors, but it is important that you do not overburden yourself with responsibilities on DMD. Your priorities are to make sure all of your Mentees reach their worksites smoothly and safely, and also to be available to answer any questions or address any last minute concerns. It is important to make sure you have enough time and availability on DMD before you commit to serving as a Mentor.

10. What types of jobs are available for shadowing?

Mentees have the opportunity to observe a variety of jobs in a number of careers, depending on what types of Mentors you recruit and what employment opportunities are available in your town. Past participants have shadowed veterinarians, radio station DJs and staff, government officials, firemen, policemen, carpenters and hospital employees.
The type of Mentoring experience depends in large part on the participants' career interests. You should have your Mentee complete the application to determine his/her interests, and then match him/her with an appropriate Mentor.

11. What if our committee wants to have DMD on a different day?

It's great if everyone can celebrate DMD on the same day. However, each community has different needs and may find that a different day works better. That's fine, just keep the state coordiantor in the loop.

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DMD Employer FAQ

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1. How can I or my company benefit from DMD?

Disability Mentoring Day provides public and private employers with an opportunity to:
• Gain access to a pool of emerging talent
• Recruit for short or long-term employees
• Demonstrate your company's leadership within your community
• Share firsthand job experiences with someone interested in pursuing a career in your particular industry or business
• Help Mentees build confidence about their own employability
• Develop lasting Mentee relationships

2. How can my company get involved?

Employers interested in participating in Disability Mentoring Day are connected with a Community Liaison in their community. This Community Liaison will assist your company with becoming a workplace Mentor. Whether you have one employee or several interested in participating in DMD, there is an opportunity for you.

3. Do I or my company choose the Mentee, or is he/she chosen by the Local DMD Liaison/Committee?

Community Liaisons and Committees are responsible for matching you with a Mentee(s) who best suits your career field.

4. What types of mentoring experiences are available?

One-on-One Job Shadowing
In communities across Kansas, Mentees with disabilities are matched with workplace Mentors according to expressed career interests. You will be sharing information about your typical workday and providing insight on how to prepare for your particular career field.

Group Mentoring
Mentees with disabilities can tour a workplace, meet with various employees on the job and learn first hand about different types of jobs and related opportunities within that career field.

5. Will my Mentee be visiting the entire day?

Typical DMD activities are either half or full workdays, depending on everyone's schedules and needs.

6. Will I be given information about the disability my Mentee has?

The Community Liaison will inform you of your Mentee's disability prior to DMD if it is necessary to ensure your Mentee has the proper accommodations to participate in the event (for example: making sure your job site is wheelchair accessible or providing a sign language interpreter.)

7. Are there resources available to me if I have to make an accommodation for my Mentee's disability?

Community Liaisons can assist you with the resources available in your area that provide sign language interpreting services, materials in alternative formats, etc. Some employers choose to cover these costs for the Mentees; others work with the local disability service providers to make these arrangements.

8. Are there resources available to me to learn how to better communicate with people with disabilities?

The Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns offers a variety of resources free to employers. Whether you need information on disability etiquette, tips on accommodations or employment resources, you can find what you need at the Disability Resource Web site for employers. For quick tips, you can also visit our DMD employer resource section.

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DMD Student FAQs

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1. How do I sign up to be a mentee?

Community liaisons are based throughout Kansas to help connect participating mentees with an employer mentor for the day. To find out if there is a community liaison near you Contact Us.

2. What types of jobs are available for job shadowing?

If you participate in DMD, you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of jobs in a number of industries. Past participants have shadowed veterinarians, radio station DJs and staff, government officials, firemen, policemen, carpenters and hospital employees.
Your mentoring experience depends on your career interests. You should complete the mentee application to determine your career interests, and then your community liaison will match you with an appropriate mentor.

3. Is transportation provided for DMD?

Transportation issues are addressed at the local level with the Community liaisons. If you have challenges with transportation, be sure to let your Community liaison know so he/she can work with the Employer Mentor, the local transportation coordinators and other appropriate organizations to help you with your needs.

4. Is there an opportunity to visit with more than one work site?

It is suggested that you only visit one work site during DMD in order to get the most out of your experience. Staying at the same place will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the workplace, gather insight into job opportunities and learn more about that particular business and industry without being rushed or on a time limit. Also, visiting only one work site will help to limit transportation barriers.

5. Is there an age limit to participate?

You must at least be a high school student to participate in DMD, but there is no maximum age limit.

6. Are there employment opportunities with the company I shadow?

Past DMD experiences have resulted in internship opportunities, and others have functioned as first interviews for that particular job-seeker and employer. Some DMD activities have even resulted in job offers at the end of the day!

7. Does DMD occur in other states?

Yes, DMD is a national event. For more information about DMD activities in other states, visit the national DMD Web site.

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Emergency Preparedness

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1. How do I find my County Emergency Manager?

Go to the Kansas Disaster Emergency Management Web site.

2. I’m overwhelmed. How do I do all of this?

We understand. We have felt that way as well. We recommend finding a friend and working on it together. Break it down into manageable steps like: food, first aid, important documents, medications, etc. Don’t feel like you have to do this all in a day. If you have a case manager, make them a partner.

3. Why do I need an emergency plan?

As people in Kansas have found in recent tornadoes and flooding, having key information, a plan, and a kit empowers a person to feel a little more in control. It also improves chances of survival and quality of life immediately following an emergency situation.

4. If there has been a disaster, how do I find someone who I know is in a disaster area?

Check on the Red Cross Web site.

5. I’m concerned an emergency shelter won’t meet my needs. Who do I talk to about my concerns?

A great question! Your county emergency manager should be able to answer your questions or refer you to the organization in charge of your local shelter. If they haven’t planned for people with your needs, this is your opportunity to inform them and help them plan for you. If you find resistance, call the Kansas Adjutant General’s office at (785) 274-1001.

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Home

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1. How do I find out about getting on disability?

Contact Social Security Benefits at their Web site or call (800) 772-1213.
Also check out the two flyers from the Social Security Office; Jump Start Your Disability ClaimOnline and Speed Up Your appeal Online

2. Who do I call if my Social Security(disability) check is late or other problems?

Contact the Social Security office you normanlly deal with. Or call (800) 772-1213. Social Security Web site

3. My disability claim is still pending. What do I do?

Contact Disability Determination Services at (800) 685-0122 or (785) 267-4440. DDS Web site

4. Does Kansas have disability insurance?

No. Disability insurance is through Social Security, or if you are injured on the job, Workers Compensation, or through work-based or personal disability insurance.

5. What if I need help starting a business?

Look under Employment Information on our Web site.
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Legislative Information and Updates

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1. Who is my Representative or Senator and how can I contact them?

You can find that information on the Kansas Legislative Web site. Go to the bottom left corner under Hot Items and look for “Find Your Legislator”.

2. I’m interested in this bill. How do I find out what’s going on with it?

You can find that information on the Kansas Legislative Web site. Go to the right side under Quick Search and look for “Track a Bill”. That will tell you where the bill is in the process.

3. I want to testify on a bill. What do I do?

To testify at a hearing on any bill, you should contact the committee secretary whose name and telephone number also appear with the Committee Agenda. To find the committee agenda, go to the Kansas Legislative Web site and look under Current Happenings for House Agenda and Senate Status/Agenda. Specific information on testifying and working wit

4. If my organization wants training on the legislative and advocacy, who do I contact?

Email Pat Eakes

5. I want to make a change in a law. How do I do that?

Contact your local representative or senator and talk to them about your issue. Only a representative, senator, or committee can introduce a bill. You can find find your legislator on the Kansas Legislative Web site. Go to the bottom left corner under Hot Items and look for “Find Your Legislator”.

6. I don’t know the bill number. How do I find it?

Call the State Library at (800) 432-3924.