Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities

What if someone had taught you about mental health sooner?

What if someone had explained stress, emotions, coping skills, and self-care in a way that actually made sense?

That's exactly why we're hosting Mental Health Matters.

This FREE event was created specifically for self-advocates with IDD and the families who support them.

📅 July 15, 2026
📍 Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
🍦 Free ice cream from The Golden Scoop
📘 Free Behavioral Health Toolkit
💙 Free Mental Health Training

Please register and join us at bit.ly/KCDDmentalhealth

[Image description: Event flyer with text and photos of presenters: Mental Health Matters:
Trainings for Self Advocates with IDD & Their Families + Caregivers
Only 50 participants
Whit Downing, VP of Policy and Programming at KCDD
Chandra Gordon, LMSW, Facilitator & Social Work Educator
Scan to register or visit bit.ly/KCDDmentalhealth
July 15th, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 PM Self-Advocates
6:45 - 7:45 PM Families
Johnson County Arts And Heritage Center,
Overland Park, Kansas
Questions?
Contact Whit at [email protected]]

🌟 Your story matters. Your voice matters. YOU matter.

At SPEAK Up, self-advocates lead important conversations about disability rights, leadership, inclusion, and advocacy. Parents, caregivers, and professionals are also invited to learn and grow alongside us! 💙

This conference is a place to:
🎤 Speak up
📚 Learn new things
🤝 Meet amazing people
✨ Feel empowered

♿ Accessibility supports and travel assistance are available as needed at https://form.jotform.com/260894462960164.

📣 Don’t miss this exciting opportunity — register today! Register at https://form.jotform.com/260695890287170



[Image description: Flyer image with a photo of attendees in a large room with the SPEAK up logo + text details about the event and partner logos]

KCDD is excited to present at the upcoming National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) Community of Practice on July 1!

This webinar will explore how ABLE accounts can support people with disabilities in achieving greater financial independence while pursuing and sustaining employment. KCDD Executive Director Sara Hart Weir and Vice President of Policy & Programming Whit Downing will share Kansas' innovative approach to financial empowerment through partnership, outreach, and lived experience.

Whit will share her personal journey with a Kansas ABLE Account and how it helped her save money from every paycheck as she transitioned into full-time employment and prepared for a major life milestone: moving from Topeka to the Kansas City area.

"As a self-advocate, my ABLE account has been one of the most important financial tools available to me. Every paycheck, I automatically save a portion of my earnings through direct deposit. My ABLE account helped me prepare for my move, build financial security, and continue planning for my future. I'm excited to share my story and show how ABLE accounts can help people with disabilities achieve their goals while working and building independence."

Sara and Whit will also highlight KCDD's partnership with the Kansas State Treasurer's Office and KDADS, including the Kansas ABLE Roadshow, outreach to more than 5,100 Kansans on the IDD Waiver Waitlist, and efforts to expand financial literacy and asset-building opportunities across the state.

"Financial empowerment is an essential part of community inclusion and self-determination," said Sara Hart Weir. "We're proud to share how collaboration, innovation, and lived experience have helped connect Kansans with disabilities and their families to resources that support employment, financial stability, and greater independence."

We hope you'll join us for this important conversation about employment, benefits, and financial empowerment!

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yBEjFAG_Tq-uLk8K5GXj-g #/registration

[Image description: NEON National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network in large letters above details about webinar followed by photos of Sara Hart Weir and Whit Downing from KCDD.]