The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities training program (KU LEND) at the University of Kansas Medical Center is starting a new monthly Family Education Series for Kansas families who have a loved one with autism or related disability. This will be on the 2nd Thursday of every month (with the exception of July and December) starting March 14th with a session on IEP Development presented by Leia Holley from Families Together, Inc. This will be broadcast live on the KU LEND Facebook page for families across Kansas to be able to view in real time and ask questions as well. Future topics include transition, advocacy, self-determination, supported-decision making and therapies. Registration is not required but is helpful for planning purposes and getting materials out those who are not able to attend in person. Any questions can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

by Andy Rausch and Joe Reinecker

Bill Bolinger is a 43-year-old Parsons SKIL customer. Bill’s disability story began in 1988 when he was injured in an automobile accident that left his stepfather dead and Bill with several serious injuries, including many broken bones and a life-altering head injury. The thirteen year old now faced a new and then-unrecognizable life with many new difficulties. He then spent the next year at Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital in Gardner. After being discharged, Bill returned to school at Oswego High School in Oswego. After graduation, he started receiving services from a competing independent living center, where he remained for several years.

Beginning in 1996, Bill became a part of the SKIL family. With SKIL’s assistance, he would eventually lead an independent life, enjoying the same freedoms and success as his able-bodied counterparts. Today Bill owns his own home, which he shares with a roommate. He enjoys spending time with friends and playing video games. His hobbies include collecting aluminum cans, coins, and bottle caps.

“I am thankful for everything SKIL has done for me,” says Bill. “Thanks to their help, I have been able to do many things I might not have been able to do otherwise. I am especially thankful for being able to be a productive member of the community. SKIL and [President and CEO] Shari Coatney have been very good to me over the years. They treat me like family.”

By Andy Rausch and Joe Reinecker

Everyone hates bad weather. Sure, you'll run into the occasional person who says, “I love this weather,” but everyone else sliding around on the ice, wrecking their cars and falling, aren’t fans. Lately Southeast Kansas has seen its share of severe weather, and there may be more on the way.

Poor weather and the dangerous conditions it causes are problematic for everyone, but they can be especially tough for disabled people, many of whom are frail or have conditions that make them more vulnerable than most. The bad news is, cold weather is here to stay; it may go away for a couple of seasons, but it will inevitably come back. But there is good news, a silver lining. What is that, you ask?

There are things disabled individuals can do to prepare for bad weather and miserable conditions to make their situations slightly better. They won’t magically fix everything, but they’ll help.

“One very important thing people can do is to have their heating elements, whatever those might be, checked each year so they will know they’re dependable and won’t break down and leave them in a bad situation,” explains Chanute Independent Living Coordinator Sharon Traylor.

Another thing people can do is to keep candles and flashlights (with batteries) on hand in case the power goes out.

Traylor also says disabled people should be wary of venturing out into potentially dangerous weather if it’s not absolutely necessary. There are some disabilities, such as people who rely on crutches or have conditions rendering them fragile, that are especially dangerous in icy conditions.

Traylor also says having sufficient food on hand is important, and she stresses the importance of having an abundant supply of blankets.

Beyond these things, it should also be noted that SKIL employees and customers should pay close attention to the organization’s Facebook page, and the Joplin Television stations, when weather is bad to find out if offices are open those days.

Seeking an energetic individual who recognizes the importance of the role of assistive technology in the lives of people with disabilities. This position provides the opportunity to take a leadership role in developing a direct service program based in Parsons, Kansas.

Requirements: Knowledge of assistive technology or technology for people with disabilities/health conditions

Preferences:

• Degree in a field related to assistive technology (education, special education, SLP, OT, PT, etc.)
• Demonstrated skills in teaching, organization, and leadership
• Expertise in assistive technology for individuals who are blind or have low vision
• Experience supervising staff or taking the lead on team projects

Qualified candidate could have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with University of Kansas staff.

Submit resumes to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.