WORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Kansas Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to People with Developmental Disabilities

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

Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Docking State Office Building, 9th Floor
Topeka, KS ? 66612
Phone: ? 785-296-6140
Fax: ? 785-296-0557

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) also within the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) 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

Toll-free Customer Service Line: 866-213-9079

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered employment is offered in Kansas through Community Service Providers (CSPs) contracted through the regional Community Development Disability Organization (CDDO).

Phone: SRS Statewide Access Line - toll Free: 888-369-4777

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.

Phone: SRS Statewide Access Line - Toll Free : 1-888-369-4777

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.

Kansas Consultation Project
Industrial Safety and Health Section
700 SW Harrison, Room 420
Topeka, KS 66612-1227
Phone: 785-296-4386
Fax: 785-296-1775

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.

Wichita Area Office
U. S. Dept. of Labor
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
271 W. 3rd Street North, Room 400
Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: 316-269-6644
800-362-2896 (KS residents only)
Fax: 316-269-6185

Kansas Department of Labor
Industrial Safety and Health Section
700 SW Harrison Street, Room 420
Topeka, KS 66603-3929
785-296-4386

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 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 Council on Developmental Disabilities
Docking State Office Building, Room 141
915 S.W. Harrison Street
Topeka, KS 66612-1570
Phone: 785-296-2608

The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) is a public interest legal advocacy agency empowered by federal law to advocate for the civil and legal rights of Kansans with disabilities. DRC is the Official Protection and Advocacy System for Kansas and is a part of the national network of federally mandated and funded protection and advocacy systems. As such, DRC advocates for the rights of Kansans with disabilities under state or federal laws.

Disability Rights Center
635 S.W. Harrison Street, Suite 100
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3726
Voice: 785-273-9661
Toll Free: 877-776-1541
Toll Free TDD: 877-335-3725
Fax: 785-273-9414