Great Job ACT: Wichita Forum on KanCare and Kansans with I/DD

Congratulations to members of the ACT (Advocates in Communities Team) group who hosted a great public forum in the Wichta area on Saturday.  Over a hundred community members were present to learn more about KanCare implementation as it relates to Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The event kicked off with a presentation by Matt Fletcher, Associate Director of InterHab and was followed by David P. Rundle an individual with a disability and David's brother.  David and his brother shared the impacts of KanCare implementation and the chaos surrounding the many attempts to rectify changes that were recently made in David's daily care.  The Rundles were followed by a Wichita mother who shared her experiences so far with KanCare.  Her story showcased the stark contrast between being able to rely on a current I/DD system Case Manager (someone who can aid you in finding community resources/activities to provide your child with fulfilling a lifestyle) versus a KanCare coordinator who is unfamiliar with her son and the community they live in.

Many local providers also shared their experiences and concerns regarding the impending inclusion of long-term supports for Kansans with I/DD, which will take place on January 1, 2014.