Help Shape the Future of Disability Advocacy in Kansas!
Our Draft Five-Year State Plan (2027–2031) is officially open for a 45-day public comment period.
KCDD DAY
AT THE CAPITOL
February 10, 2027
KCDD Invites You to Join us at the
SPEAK Up! Conference
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 8am - 3pm
Venue: Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview,
Wichita, KS
All people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, learn, work, play, belong, and thrive in the community they choose.
About KCDD
The purpose of the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) is to support people of all ages with developmental disabilities so they have the opportunity to make choices regarding both their participation in society and their quality of life.
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Become a Change Agent
Join forces with the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) to advocate for Kansans with IDD .
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Have You Applied for an IDD Waiver Crisis Exception in Kansas? We Want to Hear From You!!
The Council is collecting feedback from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families about their experiences with the IDD Waiver Crisis Exception process. Your feedback will help KCDD identify barriers, improve education, and advocate for a clearer, fairer, and more consistent statewide process.
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New & Expectant Parent Guide
This guide includes information on first steps to take, state and local disability organizations to connect with, and benefit programs that can help your child.
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Women's Health Guide
An easy-to-understand resource that helps women with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn about their bodies, make healthy choices, and feel confident speaking up for their care.
New effort in Kansas works to make 988 hotline more inclusive
WIBW Topeka - Watch KCDD’s Whit Downing discuss the benefits of the new hotline and how it can save lives.
Meet the Council
The members of the KCDD are responsible to carry out the provisions of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act).
Serving a maximum of two four-year terms, the 40-member Council represents the state and is composed of 60% of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD) or family members or guardians.
MEET THE KCDD TEAM
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Sara Hart Weir
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Allyson Infante
DEPUTY DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR OF THE KCDD HEALTH EQUITY AND OUTCOMES COALITION
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Lola Kernell
ADVOCACY COORDINATOR
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Whit Downing
VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY & PROGRAMMING
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Laura Gaffney, MD
CO-CHAIR, KCDD HEALTH EQUITY & OUTCOMES COALITION
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Mallory Taylor
SUMMER INTERN
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Reva Wywadis
Administrative Assistant/Project Coordinator
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Rachel Hiles
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
Upcoming Events
SPEAK Up! Conference
Friday, November 6, 2026
8 am - 3 pm*
Wichita, KS
Early Conversations Matter: Prenatal and Postnatal Diagnosis, Family Support, and Resources
Friday, October 9, 2026
12:00-1:00pm
KCDD Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
9:00am - 3pm
Perri’s Legacy: Mental Health & Crisis Training for the IDD Community
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Self-Advocate Training: 5:30-6:30 PM
Family & Caregiver Training: 6:45-7:45 PM