“My disability exists not because I use a wheelchair, but because the broader environment isn’t accessible” – Stella Young, Australian comedian, journalist and disability rights activist, d. 12/06/2014

CDC Simplifies COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations, Allows Older Adults & Immunocompromised to get Second Dose of Updated Vaccine - April 19 CDC release

The Center for Disease Control has issued new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, taking steps to allow additional doses of the updated booster for older adults and those with weakened immune systems... Continue Reading ►

Join our Monthly Long-COVID Support Group!

If you have had Covid-19 and have since experienced long-term, lingering, worsening or new symptoms that are affecting your physical, mental or emotional health and well-being, contact us today! Peer Support can help! Continue Reading ►

image of a female seated at a desk engaged in a zoom meeting on her laptop

Meet our New Team Members!

Female with long dark hair wearing a black cardigan and gray shirt looking at the camera and smiling

Amber Otten,

Independent Living Specialist

I am from the Abilene/Salina area and have a six-year-old son. I am a full-time virtual student at Fort Hays State University in pursuit of my Bachelor’s in Social Work. In May of 2022, I received my Associate’s in Interdisciplinary studies from Cloud County Community College. From 2017 to 2021, I worked as a CNA in a long term care facility in Salina.

I have always had a passion for helping others, which has led me to pursue my degree in Social Work. My parents are my biggest inspiration and support throughout my endeavors, both of whom I have always watched effortlessly help anyone they can throughout my entire life. When I had my son at 17-years-old and became a single mom at 18-years old, it gave me a new perspective on how valuable life really is. Everyone deserves to live the highest quality life achievable, and I want to be a part of that journey for other individuals. I am beyond excited to apply my core values and ethics to my career and looking forward to new adventures here at Independence Inc

Female with shoulder length reddish brown hair wearing a gray cardigan standing in front of a colorful painting smiling at the camera

Patricia Graham,

Transportation Operator

I am a mom of three kids and have five grandkids that I love spending time with. I'm also a fur mom to four German Shepherds.

In addition to spending time with my family, I love taking long walks along country roads.

I am grateful to be part of this wonderful team of transportation operators and the staff at Independence, Inc. as a whole and I'm excited to serve the public through the essential service of public accessible transportation!

Data Spotlight: Employment of Women with Disabilities in Skilled Trade Professions

An interesting look into U.S. Department of Labor data on women with disabilities employed in the skilled trade workforce, through the lens of the Biden Administration’s Good Jobs Initiative to increase equitable pathways to sustainable employment in infrastructure for underrepresented groups, including women, people of color and individuals with disabilities...Continue Reading ►

A Journey Through Twenty Two: Our '22 Annual Report is Published and Ready to View Online!

Journey through 2022 with us as we look back at the people, the services, the stories and stats that made 2022 a year of impact, strategy, vision and change.

We want to share our work through the challenges and success with YOU because YOU make us who we are and why we are here!

View the Online Flipbook Version

Visit our Website

Download a PDF Copy

U.S. Attorney’s Office Reminds Healthcare Providers of ADA’s Effective Communication Requirements; Offers Review Opportunity to Strengthen Awareness and Understanding

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced today that it has sent a Dear Colleagues Letter reminding healthcare providers of the effective communication requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is offering a review of the requirements and is inviting the public, including personnel at healthcare providers, to a virtual informational meeting that will be held on June 6, 2023, at 1 p.m. Visit the online Press Release for more information and how to register .

As Warm Weather Sets In and Outings Increase, Schedule Rides with our Accessible Public Transportation!

Shopping? Visiting Friends and Family? Medical appointments? Whatever you have going on this Spring and Summer, we have your transportation needs covered with our local rides within Douglas County and Medical Rides to the Greater Kansas City and Topeka Areas.

Our fabulous drivers will get you where you need to go great care and a friendly smile!

To find out more and book your ride, visit our website!

Whose Taking Care of the Caregiver? Free Panel Discussion at Lawrence Public Library for Care Partners of Those Living with Memory Loss

Upcoming event Alzheimer's and Dementia: Whose Taking Care of the Caregiver?

Wednesday, May 3

Lawrence Public Library Auditorium

6:00-7:30 pm

Or Livestream via Zoom

This event is a panel discussion format featuring Senior Resource Center staff, professional care providers and community members who have cared for family members or loved ones with memory loss.

Come join this important discussion to learn about caregiver wellness and to gain information and resources on how to support caregivers.

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Executive Order Calls for Increase in Critical Services to Support Caregivers, Older Adults and People with Disabilities.

Above: President Biden signs Executive Order expanding support for caregivers and strengthening the care infrastructure that allows older adults and people with disabilities to live and fully engage in the communities of their choice.

President Biden signed an executive order (EO) April 18, that includes more than 50 directives to federal agencies to increase access to affordable, high-quality care, and provide support for care workers and family caregivers. The new executive order calls for an increase in critical services that make community living possible for millions of people, including actions to improve support for family caregivers who provide long-term support to older adults and people with disabilities. It also directs actions to expand availability of home and community-based services, including those funded by Medicaid and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Transit Planning for All: Virtual Town Hall

TP4A virtual townhall Zoom sessions will be held Tuesday, May 9, 10:00-12:00 and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Register online by Wednesday May 3

The Transit Planning 4 All (TP4A) program is hosting 2 Virtual Town Halls to identify unmet and emergent transportation accessibility barriers, obstacles and needs for people with disabilities and older adults across the nation. Attendance by people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers is encouraged, to learn about their lived experience of transportation accessibility and inclusion in transit planning and operations as consumers. Organizational employees and volunteers with transit agencies, regional planning organizations, government agencies, and human service agencies are welcome.