Connecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to information, resources, and community supports that help them plan for and live a good life.
Kansas participates in the Community of Practice for Supporting Families through collaboration among state agencies, family support organizations, and community partners.
Facilitated by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the state’s Community of Practice brings together organizations working to improve access to information, strengthen family connections, and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives.
Kansas is focused on strengthening family support networks, expanding access to community-based services, and connecting individuals and families with the information and resources they need.
Through monthly state team meetings, partners share information, explore opportunities for collaboration, and learn from family experiences to improve supports across Kansas.
The state’s efforts include connecting families with peer support, promoting opportunities for independent living, and sharing resources that help individuals and families navigate services and plan for the future.
Kansas brings together state agencies and community organizations to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through shared learning and collaboration.
Ali Braun
Family Systems Consultant
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Allyson Infante
Deputy Director; Director of the KCDD Health Equity Outcomes Coalition
Kansas Commission on Developmental Disabilities
Corby Lockwood
I/DD Waiver Program Manager
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Corbym.lockwood@ks.gov
Kelsey Stock
Communication Access Services Program Manager
Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
kelsey.stock@ks.gov
Stacie Martin
Education Program Consultant
Kansas Department of Education
smartin@ksde.org
Stephanie Coleman
Autism Family Outreach Manager/Family Discipline Mentor
Kansas Family Support Center, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Tami Allen
Co-Executive Director
Families Together
tami@familiestogetherinc.org
Teresa Sowell
IDD/BH Crisis Stabilization Coordinator
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
teresa.sowell@ks.gov
Facilitator
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
theresa.singh@ks.gov
Kansas continues to strengthen family leadership and collaboration through its Community of Practice for Supporting Families.
In April 2026, the Kansas Community of Practice brought together a group of family leaders to connect, share experiences, and learn about innovations in family support across Kansas and the nation. The gathering created opportunities for shared learning and dialogue among family leaders, helping strengthen connections and support continued collaboration.
Kansas offers a variety of programs and resources to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families connect with support, navigate services, and plan for the future.
A community-based resource offering free support to individuals and families whose lives are touched by autism.
Launched October 1, 2026, the Community Supports Waiver is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not require 24-hour support. The program helps individuals live more independently in their homes and communities.
The Parent Empowerment Peer Project connects families involved in the child well-being system with trained parent peers who offer guidance, encouragement, and support based on lived experience.
Families Together serves as a Parent Training and Information Center and Family-to-Family Health Information Center, offering resources and guidance to help families navigate education, health care, and disability services.
Families Together’s Parent-to-Parent program connects parents who have experience raising a child with a disability with other parents seeking encouragement, understanding, and support.
Connects individuals and families to caregivers in the state of Kansas.
A virtual space where families can connect, explore possibilities, and plan for the future together.
