Advocacy Resource Center - Kansas Disability Rights (2026 & Beyond)

The OCCK Disability Advocacy Resource Center brings together new Kansas law changes taking effect in 2026 and ongoing advocacy resources in one place. These tools are designed to support informed decision-making and effective advocacy, whether you are planning ahead or responding to a situation happening now.

These resources were created by the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) and are shared on our site with support from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

KS Disability Rights Page

Here you’ll find Kansas-specific guidance on:

  • The new Kansas guardianship law (effective January 1, 2026)
  • Supported Decision-Making (SDM) and other alternatives to guardianship
  • Kansas Medicaid (KanCare), including Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) rights for children and youth
  • Special education and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act rights
  • Assistive Technology and the Telecommunications Access Program (TAP)
  • Employment services, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Client Assistance Program (CAP)
  • Housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
  • Crime victim support, including scams and identity theft prevention

You don’t need to be an expert — these resources are here to help you take the next step!

Use the links below to jump to each section on this page.

Advocacy Resource Center – Frequently Asked Questions

Advocacy Skills & Self-Advocacy Tools

Learn the core skills to advocate effectively in Kansas—how to speak up, prepare talking points, communicate assertively, and navigate disability service systems. These tools help people with disabilities, families, and providers address issues in education, healthcare, housing, employment, and community supports.

Advocacy Skills & Self-Advocacy Tools From Advocacy Packet (PDF)

Guardianship & Decision-Making in Kansas

Kansas is adopting a major update to its guardianship laws on January 1, 2026, strengthening protections for choice, autonomy, and rights. This section explains the new requirements, including guardianship plans, substitute decision-making, limits on guardian authority, and the new grievance process, along with alternatives such as Supported Decision-Making (SDM), durable powers of attorney (DPOAs), and limited guardianships. These resources help Kansans choose the least-restrictive option and understand the new law.

Special Education Rights

Kansas students with disabilities have strong rights under IDEA and Section 504. This section explains evaluations, IEP and 504 meetings, behavior supports, discipline rules, and transition planning. The downloadable Special Education Rights Guide helps families and schools understand protections for Kansas students.

The Know Your Special Education Rights Guide is a collaborative resource developed by the Disability Rights Center of Kansas and Families Together, Inc. It features more than 30 flyers that provide just-in-time information for each major step of the special education process. Designed for busy parents and students, the guide cuts through the noise and delivers clear, practical guidance to support effective advocacy when it’s needed most.

Employment, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) & Client Assistance Program (CAP)

This section explains Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, how to develop an IPE, what to do when services are denied, and how the Client Assistance Program (CAP) can help. Resources also address disability employment rights and myths about working while receiving SSI or SSDI.

Kansas Medicaid (KanCare)

Learn how to navigate KanCare Medicaid, including grievances, appeals, and State Fair Hearings. This section covers the five-part “medical necessity” standard, EPSDT benefits for youth under 21, and how to advocate for services needed to improve or maintain health.

The sections below are from the full Advocacy Packet. 

Housing & Fair Housing Act (FHA) Rights

This section explains disability protections under the federal Fair Housing Act, including reasonable accommodations, modifications, assistance animal rules, and how to respond to discrimination.

Resources also cover how to file housing complaints with HUD or KHRC.

Crime Victims, Scams & Safety

Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU) supports Kansans with disabilities and seniors who experience crime or exploitation. This section includes resources on identity theft, money mule scams, reverse mortgage scams, solar panel scams, squatter issues, and other fraud targeting vulnerable Kansans.

Get Help & Local Support

Understanding your rights is an important first step—but you don’t have to navigate these systems alone. The organizations below work together to support Kansans with disabilities, families, and caregivers as they advocate for services, independence, and community inclusion.

  • OCCK, Inc.

    OCCK, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) organization serving north central Kansas since 1970. We partner with people with short- or long-term disabilities to remove barriers to employment, support independent living, and promote full participation in community life. With more than 300 employees, OCCK supports over 5,700 people each year through services rooted in dignity, choice, and community connection.

    While OCCK does not provide legal advocacy, we work closely with trusted partners—such as the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas), Independent Connection, Area Agencies on Aging, and state systems—to help people understand their options and take informed next steps.

    OCCK, Inc. may be able to support you with:

    • Assistive technology services

    • Employment and workforce supports

    • Vocational Rehabilitation coordination

    • Transportation services

    • In-home and community-based supports

    • Independent living supports

    • Service navigation and resource coordination

    • and so much more!

  • Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas)

    The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) is the state’s federally designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency. DRC Kansas provides free, statewide assistance to people with disabilities and seniors who are experiencing discrimination, denied services, abuse, neglect, or rights violations. Their work includes legal advocacy, self-advocacy support, information and referral, and the Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU).

    Contact DRC Kansas:
    1-877-776-1541
    DRC Kansas Website
    Services available statewide in Kansas

    DRC Kansas is the best starting point for legal rights questions, appeals, guardianship concerns, Medicaid issues, housing discrimination, and education rights.

  • Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

    The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is the state agency responsible for administering programs that support Kansans with disabilities, older adults, and people with behavioral health needs. KDADS oversees services related to Medicaid long-term supports, home- and community-based services (HCBS), aging services, and disability programs across Kansas. The advocacy resources on this page were created by the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) and shared with support from KDADS to help Kansans better understand their rights, services, and options.

    Learn more about KDADS:
    KDADS Website

  • Families Together, Inc.

    Families Together, Inc. is a statewide nonprofit in Kansas that supports families who include children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs. Families Together provides free, individualized assistance, training, information, and resources to help parents navigate early intervention, education, health care, transitions to adulthood, and community supports. Through programs such as Parent-to-Parent mentoring, Parent Training and Information, and the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, Families Together empowers families to understand their rights, advocate effectively, and connect with services that meet their child’s needs.

    Find Support & Resources:
    Toll-Free Kansas Parents Line: 1-800-264-6343 (or 1-800-499-9443 for Spanish)
    Visit the Families Together website: familiestogetherinc.org

  • Independent Connection, Inc.

    Independent Connection, Inc. is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving North Central Kansas, with offices in Salina and Concordia. Independent Connection is a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, non-residential private nonprofit organization operated primarily by people with disabilities.

    The organization supports people with disabilities in living independently and directing their own lives. Services include peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training, and advocacy focused on choice, control, and community participation.

    Contact Independent Connection:

    Website

    Salina Office

    Phone: (785) 452-9580

    Address: 436 S. Ohio St., Salina, KS 67401

    Concordia Office

    Phone: (785) 262-9730

    Address: 204 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS 66901

  • Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

    Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are regional organizations that support older adults and caregivers by coordinating aging services at the local level. In Kansas, AAAs help connect people age 60 and older with programs such as nutrition services, caregiver support, benefits counseling, in-home services, and long-term care options. AAAs can be a helpful starting point for older adults who need assistance navigating services, planning for aging in place, or accessing community-based supports.

    Find Your Local AAA Office:
    1-800-677-1116
     Eldercare Locator website

Power of Advocacy Training Series (3 Sessions)

The Power of Advocacy is a three-part training series created by the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) and shared with support from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Presented for OCCK in 2025, each session covers a different area of disability rights in Kansas—including self-advocacy skills, the new 2026 Kansas guardianship law, Supported Decision-Making (SDM), Medicaid and EPSDT appeals, Fair Housing protections, special education rights, assistive technology, and employment and VR/CAP services. These presentations provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help Kansas families, providers, educators, and people with disabilities understand their rights and navigate state and federal systems with confidence.

  • Advocacy Skills & Disability Rights Overview

    Session 1

  • New Kansas Guardianship Law & Alternatives

    Session 2

  • Medicaid, Housing, SPED, Employment & AT Rights

    Session 3

  • About the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas)

    The Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) is the state’s federally authorized Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, providing free help to Kansans with disabilities. DRC Kansas protects civil and legal rights, offers self-advocacy support, and assists with issues involving discrimination, education, Medicaid, housing, employment, and abuse or neglect. They also operate the Disability & Aging Crime Victims Unit (DACVU). All resources in this center were created by DRC Kansas and are shared with support from KDADS. To request help, call 1-877-776-1541 or use their online intake form.

    Want to Request Services From the Kansas DRC?

Not Sure? We Can Help!

If you’re not sure what to choose or where to start, we would love to help. Contact us at (785) 827‑9383 or 1‑800‑526‑9731 to speak with someone from our team.

Contact Us