People with Disabilities, Advocates and Service Providers Express Deep Concern Over the "Dramatic Restructuring" of the HHS | |
The "Dramatic Restructuring" announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on March 27, is leaving more questions and uncertainty than answers and stability. Here's what you need to know:
US Department of Health and Human Services Fact Sheet: HHS Transformation to "Make America Healthy Again"
"The restructuring of HHS is proceeding in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order, "Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” Over the past four years, during the Biden administration, HHS’s budget increased by 38% and its staffing increased by 17%. Continue Reading...
Statement from Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF):
"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is undergoing cuts of about 20% of full-time personnel and a massive restructuring in the name of “efficiency.” Whether you read about these proposals in a news article, read HHS’s press release, fact sheet, or heard about it from Secretary Kennedy himself, there is no question that the proposed changes will hurt critical services and the civil rights of people with disabilities of all ages." Continue Reading...
Health and Human Services Media Release: HHS Announces Transformation to "Make America Healthy Again"
Washington, D.C. — March 27, 2025 — Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a dramatic restructuring in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative.” Continue Reading...
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) announcement:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a major restructuring that will shift programs from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to other agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration for Children and Families. Continue Reading...
| |
Celebrate April:
Social Awareness Days, Celebrations and of course, SPRING!
Here are just a few awareness campaigns taking place in Ap... (click on each for more information)
| | |
Governor Kelly Signs Proclamation, Declaring April as Limb Loss Awareness Month for the State of Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly (pictured left with with staff and board members from Steps of Faith Foundation), holds up a Proclamation declaring the month of April to be "Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month" for the State of Kansas. Governor Kelly signed the proclamation following advocacy from people with disabilities and organizations that support people with disabilities, including Steps of Faith Foundation and Independence, Inc. Thank you to Rex Ellebrecht, Independence, Inc. Independent Living Specialist and facilitator of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Limb Loss Support Group for your involvement and advocacy!
City of Lawrence Mayor, Mike Dever, will read the proclamation April 8 at the City Council Meeting, 5:45 at 6 East 6th St. Lawrence, KS.
| | Lawrence Journal-World Article: One Lawrence Man is Using his Experience as a Double Amputee to Give Hope to Others in a Limb Loss Support Group | | |
Rex Ellebrecht, center, helps run a limb loss support group at LMH Health as a Peer Advocate. Rex is an Independent Living Specialist at Independence, Inc.
Photo, story and caption - Bremen Keasey, L J-World
"Rex Ellebracht has been doing social work across Kansas for nearly 30 years by his own estimate, but it became even more personal for him after he lost a leg. Ellebracht has diabetes, and around 10 or 12 years ago when he was facing complications from the disease, the doctors — after initially thinking they could potentially save his left leg — eventually decided it needed to be amputated. Ellebracht said it was a trying time, and hard to face initially during that time. “You’ve had this a part of your life all your life and then it’s whacked off,” Ellebracht said. “It’s not growing back.” Not only was it physically taxing, but it could be mentally overwhelming to navigate the bureaucracy of applications for disability and Social Security benefits or convert his living space to be more accessible, Ellebracht said. It was even tougher when two years ago he lost his other leg due to complications with his disease. Instead of letting that slow him down, Ellebracht used it as an impetus to help others who have lost limbs. Since May 2024, he has been hosting a limb loss support group at LMH Health, a space for them to talk through the unique problems and issues they face."
| | Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County Seeking Members! | | |
The Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County (YTAWC) is a network of advocates, families and services organizations working together to connect youth with disabilities to essential resources within the community. We focus on life skills, employment and transition from high school to post-secondary life.
Independence, Inc. has joined the alliance as part of our Kansas Youth Transition Network program - a federal grant-funded program aimed to bring innovative and individualized services and opportunities to youth ages 10-24 as they develop skills to move them through their elementary, junior high and high school years and on into independent living, higher education, technical training and meaningful employment.
To have the most inclusive and well-rounded alliance able to serve, plan and advocate, we need YOU! Wyandotte County and USD 500 youth, young adults, parents, caregivers etc. - we encourage you to get involved! Interested? Contact Amy Ballinger, KYTN Manager and YTAWK Social Media and Engagement Coordinator aballinger@independenceinc.org
Do you live in Wyandotte County and know someone who would benefit from our Kansas Youth Transition Network Program? We love referrals!
| | | |
A Day at the Capitol for Independent Living!
Sharing the work we do, our advocacy initiatives and the impact we have on the lives of Kansans with disabilities
Several Independence, Inc. staff spent the day at the Kansas State Capitol March 4th for IL Day at the Capitol! We had a productive day meeting one-on-one with representatives from Wyandotte, Johnson, Douglas, Franklin and Jefferson counties, sharing information and enjoying the scenery!
left top: Sara Comstock, Independent Living Specialist and LaNeece Jardon, KCK Core Services Manager, greet the public as they pass our table in the rotunda of the visitor center.
Left: Independence, Inc. Director, Jill Dudley, visits with Deone Wilson, Executive Director, Resource Center for Independent Living at their table in the rotunda of the visitor center during Independent Living Day at the Capitol.
| | | Douglas County Commision Proclaims March 16-22 as Transit Driver and Worker Appreciation Week | | |
County Commissioners proclaimed March 16-22 as Transit Driver and Worker Appreciation Week - a well deserved honor for those that keep our local transportation systems running smoothly and effectively to meet the needs of Douglas County residents! Residents and visitors of Douglas County are encouraged to incorporate public transit into their daily routines and while you're doing so, take time to express gratitude to the dedicated drivers and workers who keep our communities connected and get people where they need to go!
Pictured above: Douglas County commissioners and local transit workers gather to present and receive the Transit Driver and Worker Appreciation Week Proclamation in the Douglas County Commission Chamber. Bryan Chasteen, Independence, Inc. Transportation Manager is in the front with tan pants and a blue pullover.
| | We're Here for YOU with Programs, Services, Advocacy and Information to Help Guide You Through Your Independent Living Journey | | |
Do you want to connect with us and learn more about our programs and services? Clink the links below!
| |
We LOVE Our Supporters!
If you're interested in financially supporting the work we do in our communities, please click the Donate Now button. We appreciate all donations!
| | | | |
