Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy Newsletter |
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Happy summer break everyone! What are you planning to do this summer? Most people take a bit of time in the summer to enjoy their favorite hobbies. So, we thought that this would be the perfect topic for this month's newsletter! Not only are we talking about hobbies, but how people with a variety of disabilities take part in them. If you have something you want to try, there's probably a way to do it! We hope that this newsletter is proof of that! Hobbies are not only fun, but they also help our physical and mental health. We talk all about this and more below. So, read on and get immersed in the world of hobbies! Have an awesome summer! |
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highlights of this issue...
Spotlights On: Kortinzea Rue and Aubrey May
Delegates Selected for 2023 KSYLF
Meet Our Newest Staff Member!
In Memory: Jason Gallagher
How Hobbies Can Lead to Finding Your People
Making Hobbies Work for You!
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We appreciate any and all support to help us keep changing lives! |
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Through Julia's Eyes
by Julia Connellis, Executive Director
"I Can. I Will!"
Living with various chronic health conditions has always limited my options of what I thought was fun things to do. My winters as a child meant staying indoors while I watched others play outside in the snow. As a young adult, my yearning to be physically active meant dancing alone in my room instead of playing sports. As a college student, I was afforded many opportunities to travel, which I absolutely loved, but, once I started working full time after graduation, my sole focus was working all the time. It was not until I went completely blind, and my health was declining, that I realized I needed a hobby.
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KYEA News
It's summer, and that means that things are hopping and oh-so-busy at KYEA! We have wrapped up our workshops for the school year and are now deep in planning for the 2023 KSYLF! And, we have a new face around the office :). Keep reading for all of the exciting news!
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Empower Me! Workshops Wrap Up After Completing 10 This Year
Our Empower Me! Workshops have concluded for a break over the summer, but we have lots to recap! These workshops are completely focused on employment and are a collaboration between KYEA and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). What a great year of workshops that we have had! It was so wonderful to be back in-person with the youth and Pre-ETS staff this year. We also were able to have some virtual workshops too. This allowed us to host 10 total Empower Me! Workshops in the last year! This year, we served 155 youth through these workshops.
April had us back on the road, and we met some fantastic youth! Here is a recap of our most recent workshops:
Log on #30… Virtual! Our final virtual workshop of this school year was held at the end of March. This one was hosted specifically for youth in the western part of the state. Eighteen youth attended and kept us on our toes throughout the day!
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Screen shot photo of the participants of the virtual Empower Me! Workshop held in March. The youth are on their own Zoom screens. |
Stop #31... Chanute! This trip was one of our more interesting ones as the city of Chanute had some extreme weather the night before the workshop… BUT, we continued on and enjoyed a great day with an awesome group of youth! Fourteen youth attended this workshop on April 5 and came from neighboring cities like Iola, Yates Center, and more. |
Participants of the Chanute Empower Me! Workshop gather with KYEA staff for a group photo. |
Stop #32… Wichita! We ended the year back at the location of one of our first workshops this year. This workshop, held on April 26, was attended by 19 energetic youth. It was great to end in one of our favorite locations! |
Participants of the Wichita Empower Me! Workshop gather with KYEA staff for a group photo. |
So, that’s a wrap for this school year! A huge thank you to the youth who attended our workshops, and, of course, to all of the Pre-ETS staff who assist us in so many ways!
We’ll be back on the road in the fall with a whole new schedule, ready to spread a message of employment success! If you are a youth Pre-ETS consumer, and you would like to attend a future Empower Me! Workshop, just reach out to your Pre-ETS Specialist and they will get you signed up!
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Kansas Youth Leadership Forum 2023 Delegates Announced!
The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF) is gearing up for its 22nd annual program. Twenty-three motivated young leaders have been selected to attend the 2023 forum. This year's KSYLF will be held July 17 - 22 at Washburn University in Topeka.
Throughout the week of the KSYLF, delegates will learn what leadership means in their life. They will also learn about how to write and successfully achieve goals. Delegates will be exposed to community resources and leaders that can help them achieve these goals. They will be encouraged to celebrate their disabilities, use their voice to advocate for their wants and needs, and create their own future. A diverse group of delegates were selected to attend the 2023 KSYLF, including students from a variety of cities in Kansas with a wide range of disabilities.
The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its 22nd 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 and small sessions, delegates are able to learn about and explore various topics related to leadership. They are able to set goals for the future and develop their very own Personal Leadership Plan. A trip to the Capital is always a highlight of the week, as well as a mentor luncheon where delegates are paired with an adult mentor from their community. Other fun activities include a recreation session, a real life fair, a barbecue, a talent show, and a dance!
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KYEA Seeking Award Nominations
We are still seeking nominations for our three annual KYEA awards. Consider nominating someone that you know! Nominations are due by JUNE 16! Check out the awards below:
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JUSTIN COSCO AWARD
This is given out to a KSYLF alumni who has demonstrated progress toward their goals and growth as a leader. Alumni can either nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Learn more
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MENTORING MATTERS AWARD
This award is given to individuals in our state who have made a difference serving as a mentor to a youth with a disability. This could include one-on-one mentoring, job shadowing, group mentoring, or e-mentoring. Learn more
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SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD
This award is for champions of young people with disabilities in our state... they promote the contributions of youth and have a passion for empowering our next generation. Examples could include being a volunteer at KYEA, involvement in another youth program, actively sharing a message, etc. Learn more
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Meet Our Newest Staff Member! |
Kirstianna Guerrero
Administrative Assistant
How have you been involved with KYEA in the past?
I am an Alumni of the 2018 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, I went on to volunteer putting together mailings and being a part of presentations, and I was a part of the 2019-2020 Faces of Change Class.
What are your disabilities?
I have Epilepsy, Chronic Migraines, Functional Neurological Disorder/Functional Mobility Deficit, OCD, Autism, and I am Hard of Hearing. In 2020 I went into a Coma following complications with Epilepsy, which led to Functional Mobility Deficit, so I am now Wheelchair Mobile.
Why did you want to work at KYEA?
Ever since I was introduced to KYEA and experienced the atmosphere of empowerment that was cultivated at YLF, I have loved this organization and wanted to be a part of what they were doing. I only ever thought that would be as a participant or a volunteer, but working here has turned out to be the perfect opportunity at the exact time that I needed it. I am so grateful that being on staff at KYEA is now a part of my life and story.
What has been your favorite thing about your job so far?
My life has been forever changed because of the work that KYEA does, so my favorite part about this job is that I get to contribute to that impact in the lives of so many other youth, even when it’s behind the scenes. My favorite office tasks so far have been opening mail with my coworkers, organizing resource brochures, and writing newsletter articles.
What is one thing that everyone should know about you?
Learning at YLF that I could be a leader not only with my specific passions, but also my specific challenges was the catalyst in becoming the leader I am today and continuing to grow. One thing I want everyone to know about me is that I am passionate about Self-Love and Disability Pride because, through embracing every part of who I am, I have come alive in the way I help others and impact the world. I love sharing my life with others to demonstrate the difference embracing all of who you are can make and celebrate that we are all created Beautifully Different.
Welcome, Kirstianna, to the team! We are so thankful for your skills, passion, and what you bring to KYEA!
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Want to Help with the KSYLF?
If you have a desire to help with this year's Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, then we've got many options for you! From helping with prep work to donating items; from helping take supplies to Washburn to serving as a mentor, we can use all the help we can get!
Here are the many ways that you can help us:
- Volunteer your time to help us prep for the week. This could involve mailings, putting backpacks or manuals together, data entry, picking up donations, making phone calls, etc.
- Volunteer your time during the week of YLF (help transfer totes to/from Washburn, help set up Mentor Luncheon, provide transportation for a delegate, pick up meal donations, etc.)
- Help us find sponsorships or donate yourself!
- Help us find donated goodies for the delegate backpacks, dance prizes, group totes, etc. Get us connected with a store owner that you know or donate goodies yourself!
- Serve as a mentor. If you can't commit the whole week, we might be able to use you as a mentor!
- Spread the word about this program and our organization- everyone needs to know about KYEA!
- Think good thoughts the week of July 17-22! We will take any positive vibes coming our way :).
Contact us at 785-215-6655 or carrieg@kyea.org to find out more about these opportunities! If you want to help, we can find a spot for you!
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Congratulations Graduates!!
Congratulations to all of our alumni, volunteers, friends, and supporters who have recently graduated! You have worked hard to get to where you are at right now. You should be proud! The future is YOURS!
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In Memory: Jason Gallagher
September 8, 1980-April 29, 2023
KSYLF Volunteer 2003, Past KYEA Board Member
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We were really sad to hear of the passing of one of our awesome past KSYLF volunteers and former board members. Jason Gallagher volunteered at the KSYLF in 2003 and also served as a board member for our organization for a few years. Jason was a wonderful volunteer who was a great role model for our youth. He was an even better advocate and person! Jason believed that people with disabilities should be living independently and creating their own life... he did just that with his own life. Jason taught us about politics, resources, technology, and so much more. He will truly be missed within KYEA and in the disability community of Kansas. |
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Spotlight On: Being Adaptive... Sewing with a Visual Disability
Kortinzea Rue (Hutchinson)
by Kirstianna Guerrero, KSYLF '18 and Faces '20 Alumna, KYEA Administrative Assistant
When Kortenzia Rue’s great-grandmother first brought her to her sewing room, her face lit up. She’s now been sewing for three years. Kortinzea, who is a KSYLF alumna from 2021, loves how sewing has become her passion and a way to cope with life as she has multiple anxiety disabilities. It's also shown her that she can do more than she thought she could with her vision disability.
“Don’t say you can’t just because you don’t know how; there is going to be a way,” Kortinzea said.
She shared the advice her Great-Grandma Day gave her when she wanted to learn how to sew- “If you can find a way, there is a way. If you say there’s not, you just don’t have a way yet. If you’re not willing to try, then you are putting a barrier on yourself. Sewing can be for anybody.”
To learn, they started sewing together every week. The first time they tried hand guiding. Then they tried painter’s tape as a visual guide. Neither of those worked, but, when she tried again, they had popsicle sticks and rulers to try as tactile guides. By the 3rd try, they found a way it could work and went for it!
Kortinzea shared the accommodations that she uses today. Painter’s tape didn’t work because it was too dark, so now she puts bright green masking tape along the seam allowance to show her where to sew. She also tapes on popsicle sticks, making an edge to stay against. By marking it in a way that fits her needs, she can sew independently!
Kortinzea has made pillowcases, stuffed animals, and dresses, but her favorite sewing projects are quilts. She’s made two and has two more in progress. She loves seeing the quilt come together in the beginning by laying out everything to see what she likes, and, as she finishes each quilt, she sees the hard work pay off. She’s accommodated quilting by using yarn to “knot quilt” in the beginning.
If you want to find or adapt a hobby for yourself, Kortenzia has some encouragement for you.
“Don’t be afraid to try something if you’re told you can’t. Even if you don’t think you’re capable, but you’re interested in it, do it! It can be frustrating, but keep trying different things when you don’t know what will help. We never thought that putting popsicle sticks on a sewing machine would actually work, so don’t be afraid to try anything.”
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The Many Ways to Adapt Sewing...
Check out these other examples of people with disabilities enjoying sewing:
Maybe you have chronic pain, fatigue, or illness... sewing is still for you!
And, here are representations of other disabilities as well!
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Spotlight On: Being Adaptive... Acting with a Physical Disability
Aubrey May (Olathe)
by Dallas Hathaway, Faces Alumni '16 and KYEA Board President
Aubrey May recently completed her junior year at Olathe West High School. She is an active student with a disability and spends much of her time acting. Aubrey first got a taste of acting during a middle school play. She initially had an interest in acting and singing. Over time, her passion for performing grew difficult because of her disability. In 2018, Aubrey had the opportunity to perform in a play with Theater League KC at the Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Aubrey performed in the Wizard of Oz as a munchkin.
Following this experience, Aubrey wanted to explore acting further. She became involved with the Spinning Tree Theater. According to their website, the Spinning Tree Theater provides opportunities for young artists- with or without disabilities- to collaborate with professional artists in creating, rehearsing, and performing plays and musicals. They go on to say that participating in the arts allows people to build relationships, develop creativity, and increase confidence.
Aubrey's disability is congenital muscular dystrophy. This is a disability that causes muscle weakness and decreases mobility over time. During my conversation with Aubrey, she mentioned that she has had to learn how to act with her face and her body.
“I focus on delivering my lines or facial expressions,” she said. “I focus on my words and expressions and how I emphasize them. This helps me excel as an actress."
Aubrey considers herself to be an extrovert. She does not shy away from the limelight and describes the stage as her happy place. She is inspired by the first Tony award-winning actress in a wheelchair, Ali Stroker.
Aubrey has some good advice for others who want to pursue acting as a hobby.
“Don't let your disability define you,” she said. “I have gained social skills and made my best friends.”
When it comes to acting, Aubrey states that what she feels is most important is being a good person.
“It's what goes on behind the scenes that really matters,” she said.
People often assume that acting comes easy. However, it takes a lot of effort and commitment. Aubrey admires those who are truly able to step into the characters they portray. She works hard to avoid improvising by memorizing her lines and music.
Thank you, Aubrey, for sharing your story with me. I know that you will continue to be successful on and off the stage. For those looking to try a new hobby, just know that you don't have to be perfect. All that matters is you are bringing yourself joy.
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The Many Ways to Adapt Acting...
Check out these other examples of people with disabilities enjoying acting:
There are two really cool groups in and around Kansas that ensure that people with disabilities are involved in acting... check them out and consider getting involved:
And there are so many other examples out there!
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Why Hobbies??
The Perks and Benefits of Having Hobbies in Your Life
by Carrie Greenwood, KYEA Program Coordinator
Hobbies. Do you have them? If you answered no, we highly recommend that you find some! Why? Because hobbies are an important part of life and can help us in many ways.
When looking up the definition of hobby, you will find words like relaxation, pleasure, and enjoyment. This might lead us to think that hobbies really are not a big deal. You’re probably thinking… “I have too much on my plate to think about fitting in hobbies too!” I get it. Life is busy. There is so much to get done. And this is exactly why we need hobbies- to balance the things in life that we HAVE to do. Here are just a few reasons to find at least one hobby that you enjoy:
- Hobbies are great self-care. As we’ve talked about in previous newsletters, we each need down-time to do things that we just enjoy. This is where your favorite hobby comes in!
- Hobbies can help us “find our people.” This is a term stated by our awesome Kirstianna Guerrero… and she’ll tell you all about it in her article to the right (make sure you check it out!).
- Hobbies help us grow and learn. Even though hobbies are meant to be fun, that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn from them. Doing any activity on a regular basis helps us get better and better at it. Or, you might discover something new that you are good at!
- Hobbies get our minds off of everyday life. If you’re stuck in your everyday routine of work or school or something else, a hobby can give us a break from that. And, in the process, it will probably help you relax!
- Hobbies are fun! One of the best reasons to do them… they will make you happy and will put a smile on your face!
Having hobbies can make us a more well-rounded person. They can add a lot to our lives. And, the best part is… they can be adapted to work with your disability! There are so many different hobbies out there and so many ways to make them accessible. So, find what you love to do and go make it work for you! You’ll be glad that you did.
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Not sure which hobby to try?
Maybe you are thinking of picking up a new hobby or you just want to explore your options. There are SOOO many hobbies out there!
Or, want to explore something more interesting and unique?
Maybe you're on a budget. No problem! Here are fun ideas for you:
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Finding Your People!
How Hobbies Can Lead to Finding Your Community
by Kirstianna Guerrero, KSYLF '18 and Faces '20 Alumna, KYEA Adminstrative Assistant
It was through trying out new hobbies that I unlocked activities that bring me such joy in life. From crocheting, to poetry, to embroidery, to art journaling, and even more, hobbies have not only given me a way to express myself, but also brought me to others in a way I didn’t expect. Community not only comes from shared locations, experiences, or a common history. Community can also come from shared passions. This means that finding a hobby can also be a step to “finding your people.”
When I wanted to work on my writing, I found a nonprofit that hosted Zoom meetings to create connections with other creative people. I had been crocheting for about a year when I found a flyer in my library for a group that meets in person locally to crochet things for charity. When I wanted to get into junk journaling, I found multiple groups on Facebook with that focus and, after joining a few to explore, I found one full of people sharing their projects in a way that encouraged and inspired me in my journey. Not only did the different groups strengthen my skills and grow my passion for each craft, but the people I have met through these hobbies have become my friends and enriched my life even more than each activity alone. So, if you not only want to explore new skills, but also want to make new friends, hobbies can be an awesome way to do that!
Here are few ideas for how you can find opportunities to do this:
Check out Meetup.com
This website was actually designed to find friends through common interests! You can create a free account and search based on your interests and location to find events happening online or near you.
Search Locally
Whether it's on a coffee shop bulletin board or a library community calendar, there may be opportunities in your very own community that you just don't know about yet. So, keep your eye out and don't be afraid to call resources like community centers to see if they have any classes or groups for a hobby that you’re interested in.
Browse Facebook Groups
Go to the Groups tab in Facebook and enter the hobby you’re looking for in the search bar. You may need to join a few different groups to find the right fit for you, so don't be discouraged if the first one you find isn't the one that you're looking for.
Do a Google search
Even a Google search can turn up opportunities for you to look through. You can try phrases such as "(hobby) groups in (city, state)" or "virtual (hobby) groups.”
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Making Hobbies Work for You! |
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A hobby should be something that you enjoy doing AND that you CAN do! Just because an activity may seem difficult because of your disability, there are so many ways to adapt a hobby to fit you. The adults below are perfect examples of that! Read on to see how each of these people have found hobbies that are accessible to them... |
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Haley Linnell
Kansas City, KS
Disability: Visually impaired
Hobby: Jewelry making
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
I've been making jewelry for years, but, just in the last couple of years, I have started working more with metal, glass, crystal, and stone beads.
What do you like best about it?
I love that I get to be creative and make something that other people get to enjoy.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
I adapt to do the hobby by having lots of light, and I also take my glasses off so I can get the beads up close to my eyes.
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Carrie Sunday
Overbrook, KS
Disability: Spinal cord injury
Hobby: Photography
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
I have been doing photography for about 15 years altogether.
What do you like best about it?
I get to look at things differently and use my imagination to set up shots that I would like to see. I get to use my creativity.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
The camera I use is pretty heavy, so I had to work up some muscle to even be able to hold it up for longer periods of time. I am much more efficient with it now.
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Katie Horrell
Leawood, KS
Disability: Hearing, learning
Hobby: Baking
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
I started out helping my mom in the kitchen when I was younger. Then, once the pandemic hit, I started doing it more. We bake something every week.
What do you like best about it?
I would say I like the smell of the cookies (or whatever I've made) once they're done. I also love the excitement/joy when people taste my cookies.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
One way I can adapt this hobby is to make sure the measurements are correct. This is particularly true when I'm making half a batch. But, my work with fractions has gotten better!
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Josh Edwards
Pensacola Beach, FL
Disability: Autism
Hobby: YouTube Channel
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
Well, I had done this off and on before for a few years, but this was my first video in 2 years. I've been back at it for a month at least how long it took for me to finally film.
What do you like best about it?
I like how I use the web series as a tool to showcase myself and my insight about living in the world and how people can see through example my strengths and weaknesses as someone with Autism and as a human in general. That is something I feel we all need more of to relate to and not feel so alone or like we have to measure up.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
I wouldn't say my disability has caused much of a need for adaptation, but I have recognized the benefit of reaching out to all people I know so that kind of energy has really paid off. I would also say my attention to detail has helped, and, when you can't get something perfect, you go with what you have available just because, if you keep trying to prepare for a job, it will never get done.
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Brooke Ziegler
Wichita, KS
Disability: Friedreich's Ataxia
Hobby: Art, horseback riding, working out
I have been doing some form of art my entire life, but I would say more so often over the last 10 years. I mainly paint and do a lot of texture. I do mainly abstract, but my mom helps a lot. She is there helping set up and clean up, and she even helps draw the outlines for me. If we are not painting, then we often find different stuff for us to do together every week whether it be something with clay or jewelry, or some kind of art class.
Another hobby is my love for riding. My horse that I am currently riding is KC. She is beautiful, and a wonderful horse! I get to spend about 45 minutes a week with her. I have been with her for about six months; however, I have been riding with a Freedom Hooves for about eight years now! They have a special sling that moves me over.
My third and probably favorite hobby is working out. I have been with Kristy, my personal trainer, for almost 10 years now! In 2020, after the lockdown got lifted, we decided to continue working, but at my house. Thankfully, I had a pretty decent home gym set up. I have a ton of videos of different exercises that have been adapted for me!
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Seth Wagner
Manhattan, KS
Disability: Developmental
Hobby: Streaming/gaming
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
I've been enjoying being a gaming and streaming content creator on a content gaming streaming site called Twitch. The site has multiple charity organization channels who stream on the platform. The most recent charities that I've been gaming and raising money for on the platform are called Extra Life. It is a charity for gamers to help multiple hospitals around their state to help sick kids and kids who have cancer. The money gamers raise goes to their hospital closest to their state and helps families pay for medical bills and medications and games for kids to play with while in the hospital. Another charity that I'm very close to is called Katie's Way, that was founded in Manhattan, Kansas. It is a non-profit mental health organization for kids and adults who deal with depression, suicide thoughts, and other mental health problems.
What do you like best about it?
What I like about it is, I get to spread the love I have for charities and spreading love for others who are struggling with stuff and playing games while I spread the love.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
How I adapt to streaming and gaming with my disability is there is different tags on the platform that suits your channel, like mental health streamer, autism, religion tag and other tags that tell about your channel.
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Brooke Brown
Phoenix, AZ
Disability: Cerebral Palsy
Hobby: Podcasting
How long have you enjoyed this hobby?
I published my first episode of the Rolling in Grace Podcast on February 28th of this year. I’d hoped to be interviewed on someone’s podcast during my reign as Ms. Wheelchair AZ 2022, but it never panned, so I felt called to start my own.
What do you like best about it?
My favorite part of hosting a podcast is that it offers so many options to connect with, encourage, and educate people. People can just listen or they can watch the video and send me questions if they have any. I can just share personal experiences, or I can also interview other people. I’m not locked into one format.
How do you adapt the hobby in order to work with your disability?
Adapting the recording process to work my disability took a little creative thinking. But, it comes down to these basics. I have a designated area in my home office where I record/film with an iPad Mini as my camera, so I don’t have to constantly move my laptop or iPad Pro. I have an Amazon Echo Dot speaker connected to my phone to make my communication app clearer and louder, with a microphone next to it to ensure the volume. I also have a small remote clicker to start and stop the camera. I type what I want to say in my communication app and gesture along for the camera, as I would when verbally speaking once I hit play. It’s nice because, if I ever want to speak in my natural voice, I can have my assistant join me on the recording to clarify, or I can just have the app repeat after me. That way, people can start to understand how to listen to people have speech difficulties and it’s not so intimidating.
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And Even More Examples...
compiled by Kirstianna Guerrero, KSYLF '18 and Faces '20 Alumna, KYEA Administrative Assistant
If the examples above were not enough to show that so many hobbies can be accessible to those of us with disabilities, check out the videos below. We searched YouTube and found many examples of people with disabilities all over our nation who enjoy a variety of hobbies. You might just be surprised by some of them!
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"Supine Bed Yoga for Spoonies"
Disability: Chronic Illness
Hobby: Yoga
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"BEAUTIFUL, TASTY, BEAUTIFUL, EP.1- 'Spaghetti Bolognese'"
Disability: Down Syndrome
Hobby: Cooking
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"I Tried To Be The Blind 'Gangsta Gardener' Let's Plant Veg"
Disability: Blind
Hobby: Gardening
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"Courage is Contagious"
Disability: Autism
Hobby: Spoken Word, Poetry
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"D&D: Reroll"
Disability: Deaf
Hobby: Dungeons and Dragons
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"Jordan Nicholson Interview"
Disability: TAR Syndrome
Hobby: Photography
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A Hobby for Everyone!
Geocaching... is it a fit for you?
by Johnna Godinez, KYEA Program Assistant
Have you ever thought of taking a walk or a hike as a hobby? How about adding a trail where you look for specific markers or hidden items off a map on your smart device? Does this sound cool and different? This is called Geocaching- a hobby that’s not a sport, but more like a puzzle / scavenger hunt that involves walking, or, in some cases, hiking. Oh, and you follow a map on your smart device to find each Geocache item that is left for you to locate and put back before moving onto the next Geocache on the trail or map.
I was able to research Geocaching a bit and feel that this could be a hobby that may be adapted to the challenges that our disabilities may present. When doing some research, not all websites for Geocaching consider the needs of the disability community. BUT, I found one that does a good job of considering the need for adaptability. Click the link below to check out the map and all the good descriptions for each trail.
This website has Kansas trails that have photos, descriptions, and picture labels that designate whether each path is accessible or not. Other picture labels include one designating the presence of a body of water (lake, river, stream, etc.), for running and/or walking, and where bike riding is welcomed. Just a warning, but if you are able to make the Geocache in Cottonwood Falls accessible for yourself, watch out for any cow patties!
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"DIY mini jam jars"
Disability: Limb Difference
Hobby: DIY Miniatures
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"How to improve self love with journaling"
Disability: ADHD, PTSD
Hobby: Art Journaling
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"How I crochet with only one hand"
Disability: Aphasia/Stroke Survivor
Hobby: Crocheting
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“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’
then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
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Community Power!
Highlighting helpful resources throughout the state
Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF)
by Elizabeth Wright, KSYLF Alumna '18 and Faces Alumna '20
The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) is based in Wichita and offers various services to people all over Kansas of any age with all types of disabilities including, but not limited, to cerebral palsy. In addition to their wheelchair clinic, they also provide job placement, adult day care, and other services. Kacee says that CPRF provides, what she calls, “wrap-around services.” In her words, CPRF’s mission is “To provide employment and training opportunities to people with all types of disabilities by providing programs and support that benefits them on a foundational level and helping them find employment.”
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CIL Calendar
Want to get involved with your local Center for Independent Living? Here are exciting upcoming opportunities...
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Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL)
RCIL Youth Transition Club
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 pm
Osage City Public Library (515 Main Street)
Youth with disabilities, ages 18-24, come together for fun, group activities, learning, and peer support!
Contact: Adam Burnett at 785-528-3105
Three Rivers Inc.
Three Rivers is busy gearing up for Disability Mentoring Day activities in October 2023! They will be hosting DMD in Wamego, Junction City, and Atchison.
Three Rivers also has monthly youth game nights and the first will be on June 11! Contact Three Rivers for information- 785-456-9915.
Independence, Inc.
Multiple virtual peer groups are available at Independence, Inc! All participants must have an intake with the CIL before joining any of these events. A consumer must live in Douglas, Jefferson, or Franklin counties to participate. For more information about any of these groups, contact Independence, Inc. at 785-841-0333. Consider attending one of the following virtual groups:
Peer Support: Meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Monday of each month from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Participants take part in free-flowing conversation. Topics range from the most recent NFL game to funny stories and rants about work, from asking for advice about personal coping strategies to dealing with stressors of day-to-day life.
Music Therapy: Takes place on 2nd Mondays of each month from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. The host, a music therapist, incorporates everyone’s favorite music and the group plays games, creates their own songs, takes part in challenges, and more. Participants are not forced to do anything that they aren’t comfortable with, so singing is not required.
Art Group: Meets every Friday from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Participants take part in a planned art activity, complete coloring pages, or do their own art. The art instruction is a fun way to challenge yourself in new ways. They even have a Consumer Art Gallery on their website where participants can take pictures of their artwork to submit for people to see and admire. Art supply packages can be delivered to participants upon request, free of charge.
Independent Living Resource Center
Shout out to ILRC this month as they are doing some awesome work outreaching to youth in their area! ILRC has been participating in many fairs at local high schools and local events. They have also been presenting at several high schools and at the Workforce Center to reach young adults and tell about their services.
ILRC also hosts various classes that people of all ages can participate in, but many youth take part in as well! Once a month, they have students from Northwest High School participate in Independent Living Skills/Cooking classes. They are working to expand this to other schools and are hoping that more local schools will become aware of ILRC. The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation GILA (Guided Independent Living Assessment) classes come two times in a six-week cycle where their consumers participate in cooking classes and an advocacy class.
Another exciting thing- one of the ILRC staff has brought in several new youth consumers from the Hispanic community. These youth are now involved in cooking, art, music, movement, and reading skills classes. As part of the reading class, they learn how to read better, but also how to speak English to help them participate in job searches and employment in the future.
Way to go ILRC! To learn more about these opportunities, contact ILRC at 316-942-6300.
*To have your CIL's event dates and youth news listed in future issues, contact Johnna at johnnag@kyea.org.
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The Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) Conference is back! You won't want to miss this exciting gathering of people with disabilities in our state! This year's theme is "Taking Care of Business." Self-advocates from all across Kansas come together to hear keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions on issues that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can learn a lot and have a lot of fun doing it! The Conference will be on June 30-July 2 and it will be held in downtown Wichita this year. Learn more and register
And another conference that you might be interested in... the SOAR Conference! This is a 5-state conference that is being hosted in Kansas City this year on October 27-29. Mark the dates on your calendar and more details will be available soon. Learn more
SCHOLARSHIP! More Than You Think Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by OCCK and recognizes and honors students from Saline, Ottawa, Cloud, Republic, Jewell, Mitchell, Lincoln, Ellsworth or Dickinson Counties, who have a disability and are looking to further their education by enrolling in some type of post-secondary learning opportunity (college, university, community college, vocational school, cosmetology school, etc.) Applications are due by June 5. Learn more
Opportunities on a National Level
The 2023 AAPD Fall Internship Program Application is now open. This opportunity places students and recent graduates with disabilities in paid internships. Interns build leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and connect with the disability community. The 2023 AAPD Fall Internship Program will be fully virtual and they will select eight interns. Interns will complete remote internships at pre-selected placement sites. The application is due by the end of the day on June 8. Learn more
Would you like to know more about ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts? Whole Story Planning is hosting a virtual workshop on this very topic! Learn about the differences between each account, planning considerations, and more. This virtual workshop will be on June 22. It is led by a parent of a youth with a disability. Register to attend
Have you ever wanted to learn more about studying abroad as a person with a disability? MIUSA has gone live with this year's Access To Exchange Summit (AES), an online work shop for people with disabilities with limited to no international experience, who want to learn how to study or volunteer abroad. The Summit is free and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 24. Learn more
If you are someone who works with students with disabilities, then you might consider attending PACER's Symposium on Students with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. Join PACER for a full day of informative, engaging sessions on current best practices related to children’s mental health and learning disabilities. Parents, educators, administrators, and other professionals will learn strategies to more effectively support students at school and at home. The Symposium will be on Wednesday, August 16, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
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Thank you for reading our newsletter!
Look for our next issue in August!
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