DRC Newsletter - Major Advocacy Win (SDMA) + Resources Inside

Thank You for Your Advocacy

After over seven years of advocacy, education, and persistence from advocates like you, Supported Decision-Making is finally going to become law in Kansas!

The contents of the Supported Decision-Making Agreements (SDMA) bill were inserted into SB 84 by the Judiciary Conference Committee. On March 27, it passed the Kansas Legislature unanimously, 123-0 in the House and 39-0 in the Senate. It has now headed to the Governor for signature. This is a major milestone for disability rights in our state! 

The SDMA bill creates a legal pathway for adults to choose trusted supporters to help them understand options and make decisions about things like health care, money, education, and housing. The person remains in control of their decisions while getting the support they need from people they trust. SDM can benefit people with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health needs, aging adults, and others who want support. The SDMA bill is complementary to the current Guardianship Law, and does not conflict with it. 

Kansas joins the majority of states that have passed SDMA laws.  As the majority of states have already found out, SDM is a valuable tool that helps people with disabilities obtain the supports they need to make effective decisions and to live more independent, empowered lives.  

DRC sent out a couple of action alerts on the SDMA bill.  Thanks to Kansans with disabilities and their families who responded to DRC’s action alerts, nearly 700 emails were sent to Kansas lawmakers. That advocacy made a big difference! THANK YOU for your advocacy! 

Thank you for raising your voice and helping move Kansas forward.

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Sexual Assault Awareness Month: 25 Years Stronger

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and this year’s theme is “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.” SAAM was first nationally observed in 2001. For 25 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has united survivors, advocates, and communities in the shared commitment to end sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. This milestone is both a celebration of progress and a call to keep moving forward. 
Via the National Sexual Violence Resource Center

At DRC, our Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) team supports people with disabilities and seniors who have experienced crimes, including but not limited to sexual assault. Our DACVU team helps individuals understand their rights, navigate complex systems, and access resources for healing. 

In one recent case, the DACVU team supported a woman through a years-long criminal court process after she was sexually assaulted in her home. After a long and difficult journey, the offender was ultimately sentenced to over 15 years in prison. The survivor’s strength and resilience made justice possible. Her DACVU attorney was proud to have been able to support her every step of the way. 

If you are a Kansan with a disability or a Kansas senior who has been the victim of a crime, the DACVU is here to help. Call us at (877) 776-1541 (Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm) or visit our website to use our online Help Form. 

You can also learn more through our resource “Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and the Disability Community” in our online Resource Center. 

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April is Autism Acceptance Month

Happy Autism Acceptance Month! 

Why is the term "acceptance" important to the Autism stakeholder community? This quote helps explain why April is Autism "Acceptance" Month: "Compared to 'awareness,' autism 'acceptance' emphasizes that autistic people belong - that we deserve welcoming communities, inclusive schools and workplaces, and equal opportunities." - Autistic Self Advocacy Network 

Attorneys and advocates at DRC Kansas work every day to protect and advocate for the rights of Kansans with Autism. DRC does things like fight illegal discrimination, ensure people can live independently in the community of their choice, and work to get people access to basic life necessities like healthcare, housing, employment, education, and more.

Here are just a few examples of DRC’s work in action for Kansans with Autism:
*Names and identifying details have been changed to maintain client confidentiality 

Access to the Right Education -

Mikey is an individual with Autism and ADHD. He attended a local community college through his Individual Plan for Employment (IPE), which was developed with his Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor at the Kansas Department for Children and Families. An IPE defines what services and supports VR will provide to the person with a disability. Mikey wanted to attend an out-of-state school that had a specialized curriculum in his major that was otherwise unavailable in Kansas. VR denied the request because they believed the services could be replicated in Kansas. However, the out-of-state services were unique and could not be replicated. A DRC advocate gathered information, facts, and evidence demonstrating that the out-of-state program was unique and not available in Kansas. VR reversed its decision and approved the out-of-state school under the IPE.  Mikey obtained the education he needed from the specialized curriculum.  

Restoring Critical Support Services -

Kate is a 35-year-old woman who has Autism and an intellectual disability. Kate’s mother/guardian contacted DRC for representation appealing a decision by Kate’s Managed Care Organization (MCO) to reduce her I/DD waiver supportive home care hours from 69 hours per week to 31 hours per week. A DRC attorney filed an administrative appeal on behalf of Kate and represented her at a fair hearing. The DRC attorney presented evidence and testimony that convinced the hearing officer to reject the MCO’s position and restore all but 9 hours per week. Kate’s new plan of care requires the MCO to pay for 60 hours per week. 

Protecting Independence and Financial Security -

Noah is a 29-year-old who has Autism and mental health needs. His mother was his legal guardian. Noah contacted DRC for assistance to terminate the guardianship because his mother had a history of financially exploiting him. As his representative payee, she had misused his Social Security benefits for years until the fraud was finally exposed and his payee was changed. She also had no ongoing involvement in Noah’s life and wouldn’t even tell him her home address. A DRC attorney represented Noah in filing a petition to terminate the guardianship and presented evidence that Noah no longer needed a guardian.  The court approved the guardianship termination.

Parent Testimonial: “My daughter is nonverbal, hard of hearing, and Autistic. She has turned 18, and I felt she needed to participate in the 18 to 21 program at her local high school. When I brought this up at her IEP meeting, it was glossed over and not discussed. I needed to know the right way to address the school so I would remain respectful while still getting heard. The information I received was just what I needed, and the example of what to put in the email to the school was very helpful. You have a fan!”

Are you having a disability rights issue, or do you have a question about your rights? Reach out to DRC Kansas! Call us at (877) 776-1541 (Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm) or visit our website to use our online Help Form.

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Know Your Rights: Fair Housing for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities have specific rights to find and keep safe, accessible housing!

DRC's Fair Housing resources cover: 

• What disability discrimination in housing can look like
• How to request reasonable accommodations 
• What to do if your rights are violated 

Explore these resources in our online Resource Center:

Disability Rights in Fair Housing Resources 

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Scam Alert: Solar Panel Scams  

DRC’s Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) team has received calls from Kansans who have been the victims of door-to-door solar panel scams. 

DRC's Avoid Solar Panel Scams resource covers:

• Scam warning signs
• Steps to take before you sign up for anything 
• Your rights in Kansas for solar energy disclosures and door-to-door sales
• What to do if you think you've been scammed 

Learn more about how to spot this scam and keep your money safe in our online Resource Center: 

Avoid Solar Panel Scams Resource

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National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline for Kansas Users 

NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise has a disability preventing the person from reading, holding or effectively using standard printed materials. This NFB-NEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more, including DRC Kansas’ newsletters!

Subscribers can access:

• National newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and USA Today
• Breaking news sources, including CNN, BBC, and ESPN Online
• Magazines, including Time, Consumer Reports, Guideposts, and Smithsonian
• Emergency weather alerts and forecasts 
• Over 100,000 job listings from two national job sources
• TV listings localized to your zip code and provider
• Retail ads
   

Kansas Publications on NFB-NEWSLINE:

• The Hutchinson News
• Salina Journal
• Topeka Capital Journal
• Wichita Eagle

If you would like to subscribe to Newsline, call the Kansas Talking Book Program at 800-362-0699 or send an email to ktb@ks.org.

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Zealously advocating for the disability rights of Kansans to protect their full participation as citizens. 

Want to support DRC's mission? Help us spread the word about our free services to Kansans with disabilities! Consider forwarding this email to your professional network, family, or friends. Ask them to subscribe as well!

Finally, please consider donating to DRC. DRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your donation is tax-deductible. Donate here.