Developmental Disabilities

Kansas Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

Services for citizens with developmental disabilities are located in the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS). The Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDOs) serves as the single point of entry for obtaining services through the developmental disabilities system. The CDDOs are responsible for determining whether a person qualifies for services and will assist in locating services and providers, working with the person and/or their family or guardian in choosing from an array of service options, and referring those persons to other agencies if additional supports are needed. Kansas currently has 28 CDDOs covering all 105 counties in Kansas. Each CDDO is assigned a particular county or counties in which they are the primary provider of "gatekeeping" services.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) also within the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities become employed and self-reliant. The program emphasizes individualized community-based services, integration and consumer choice. Services may include vocational assessment; counseling and guidance; physical and mental restoration; training; rehabilitation technology; job placement, supported employment, and transition planning services for students with severe disabilities

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) also within the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities become employed and self-reliant. The program emphasizes individualized community-based services, integration and consumer choice. Services may include vocational assessment; counseling and guidance; physical and mental restoration; training; rehabilitation technology; job placement, supported employment, and transition planning services for students with severe disabilities

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered employment is offered in Kansas through Community Service Providers (CSPs) contracted through the regional CDDO. An interactive map of CDDOs can be found at the following website:

Competitive Employment

Supported employment and job placement services are offered through Vocational Rehabilitation and by the CSPs contracted by the CDDOs. An interactive map of vocational rehabilitation access points is located at their web site.

Health and Safety

Employers can request a free On-Site Consultation to find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their occupational safety and health management systems, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.

In Kansas all employees working in for a private sector employer are covered by Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Under state law K.S.A. 44-636, Industrial Safety & Health, through its Public Service Unit, will respond to public employee complaints concerning unsafe working conditions. If public service employees have complaints concerning safe working conditions while performing their jobs, they may register a complaint by contacting the Kansas Department of Labor.

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

If you suspect that an elderly or disabled adult may be in danger of harm from abuse, neglect, exploitation or fiduciary abuse, there is something you can do to help. The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Adult Protective Services works with other community agencies to assist adults at risk who may be unable to protect themselves from harm. To report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult in the community, telephone the Kansas Abuse and Neglect line at 1-800-922-5330. Telephone lines are staffed 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. In the event of an emergency contact your local law enforcement or call 911.

Protection and Advocacy

Another source of advocacy for citizens with developmental disabilities is the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Kansas Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (KAPS) is a private, nonprofit corporation, independent of state government and providers of disability services; KAPS works with individuals with disabilities to protect and advance their human, legal, and service rights PADD was created as part of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1975 (DD Act). KAPS is required by the DD Act to pursue legal, administrative and other appropriate remedies to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities under applicable federal and state laws. KAPS has an office in Topeka. To ask for PADD's services anywhere in Kansas, call the toll-free message line.