The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF) is currently searching for motivated young leaders to attend the nineteenth annual forum held July 8-13, 2019 at Washburn University in Topeka. We are also searching for adults to serve as volunteers for the week of the KSYLF.

The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its nineteenth year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment! Through various large sessions, delegates are able to hear from community leaders on such topics as disability history, advocacy, goal setting, leadership, resources, and much more. Students are also able to share life experiences, goals, and ideas during breakout sessions with small groups. By week's end, all delegates will have stated their future plans and career goals in their very own Personal Leadership Plan.

Aside from large and small group sessions, students participate in a variety of fun activities as well. A trip to the Capitol is always a highlight of the week. Students are able to tour the Capitol building, as well as participate in a legislative activity in the Senate Chambers. Other activities include a mentor luncheon where delegates are paired with an adult from their area who has a similar career interest, and a talent show where participants are able to share their unique abilities with the group. Other fun activities include a recreation session, real life fair, a barbecue, and a dance, which is always a delegate favorite!

All students who are interested in attending the KSYLF must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Kansas.
• Have a disability as defined with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Be in the 11th or 12th grade as of December 31, 2018. Please note: Students who are in an 18-21 transition program qualify to apply as well.
• Have demonstrated leadership potential or interest in school and the community. Remember, leadership comes in many forms!

There will be no cost for students who are selected to attend. All lodging, food, and accommodations are paid for through KSYLF funds. Accommodations such as personal care attendants, sign language interpreters, large print or Braille materials, and other accommodations will be provided for those delegates who need them.

Students must fill out an application that will be reviewed through a competitive selection process. About 20 - 25 delegates will be selected to attend. The delegate application deadline for the 2019 Forum is December 15, 2018.

KSYLF is also accepting applications for volunteers for our 2019 Forum. We are searching for committed, enthusiastic people who are willing to devote a week to this great program. Do you have the skills and passion to help facilitate groups and motivate youth with disabilities? Then consider serving as a volunteer at this year's KSYLF.

Past volunteers, KSYLF alumni, and new volunteers are encouraged to apply! Volunteer applicants must fill out our application form, as well as two background checks, and send to the KYEA office. Volunteer applications are due by February 5, 2019.

Delegate and volunteer applications, as well as other information, can be downloaded from our website at www.kyea.org/upcomingksylf. More information can also be obtained by contacting Carrie Greenwood, Program Coordinator, at 785-215-6655 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Apply to be a KSYLF Delegate or Volunteer

Learn more about the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum

Many SKIL employees who use the Global Cash card have not gotten paid today. This is a problem happening with many companies who rely on Netspend/Global Cash all over the state of Kansas. Today no one has been paid and no one is getting a direct answer as to why. Netspend holds millions of dollars from many companies across the state. SKIL is far from the only one.

Here's a link to an article explaining more about the issues:
https://www.americanbanker.com/news/few-answers-for-netspend-customers-unable-to-access-paychecks

MetaBank of Sioux Falls, SD is the main bank involved. This is a link to the news story about their issue:
https://www.kdlt.com/2018/10/16/metabank-working-to-resolve-nationwide-direct-deposit-issue/

So what should you do?
We are working on it from our end, but we would advise everyone to call and voice their complaints ASAP. Like the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The numbers to call are as follows:

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission): 877-382-4357

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 855-411-2372

Global Cash: 949-751-0360

Also, you can call the Texas State Attorney General's office (Netspend who controls these entities, is located in Texas). Their number is 1-800-621-0508.

Global Cash/Netspend is holding millions of dollars of people's hard-earned money. We need to speak out and demand our money.

The KS Disability Caucus, Inc. Board announces five Board positions up for election each beginning January 1, 2019 for a two year term. The Board wants to make sure that it represents the faces of Kansans with disabilities, therefore we need applicants from various parts of our population, such as race, ethnicity, disability, age, geographic, sexual orientation, and gender identification. We will review all applications from individuals wanting to join the group to organize and coordinate activities that promote independent living of all people with disabilities through collaboration, networking, education, planning, and peer-to-peer interaction, including the Caucus during even numbered years. We need individuals that are very committed to work hard in both planning and the hands on work needed to have a successful Caucus. We will contact you if you are chosen to join the Board or if we have more questions for you.

In 1988, a small group of Kansans with disabilities came together to organize the first Kansas Disability Caucus when ninety people attended in Salina, KS. It was these united voices that helped to pass the first self directed personal care assistance program in Kansas. The Caucus has attracted many national presenters in independent living and disability rights through the years. There have been numerous purposes for holding the Caucus including education, advocacy, and planning. The KS Disability Caucus supports and encourages successful outcomes for people with all types of disabilities of all ages, especially encouraging the involvement of young adults.

If you are interested in continuing these activities, please submit your application. The deadline for submission is October 31, 2018 at 11:59 p.m.

PARSONS, Kan.—The head of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) visited the SKIL Resource Center on Monday, Oct. 8, kicking off a statewide get-acquainted tour of Kansas independent living centers.

DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel and part of her administrative staff met with SKIL President/CEO Shari Coatney, SKIL staff and customers at the Parsons independent living center, touring SKIL’s facilities and learning about SKIL’s programs and services.

“Secretary Hummel’s leadership team met with our leadership team to talk about how we can enhance our relationship and better serve people in Southeast Kansas going forward,” Coatney said.

Hummel and her team toured all Parsons SKIL facilities, including the independent living center’s downtown headquarters, assistive technology site, K-LOAN and Independent Strides.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to build a partnership with DCF, and that Secretary Hummel and her team are truly interested in collaborating with SKIL and other Kansas independent living centers,” said Coatney. “It was so nice to see the Secretary and her administration taking an interest in our customers and the programs that we provide.”

SKIL is a multi-faceted independent living center that helps people with disabilities or those whose environments are disabling. Headquartered in Parsons, it has branch offices in Chanute, Columbus, Fredonia, Independence, Pittsburg and Sedan.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is a state agency that offers Kansans a variety of programs to enhance people’s lives. The agency has service center offices in Topeka and throughout Kansas. Gina Meier-Hummel was appointed to her position with DCF in November of 2017.