Beyond Barriers

Beyond Barriers We provide employment services, resources for independent living, vision services, as well as advocacy and education—all free of charge for our consumers.

Beyond Barriers has offices in Pratt, Dodge City and Hutchinson, and serves consumers across 15 counties: Harvey, McPherson, Reno, Pratt, Kingman, Harper, Barber, Kiowa, Clark, Stafford, Edwards, Ness, Hodgeman, Comanche, and Ford.

At Beyond Barriers, we serve people of all abilities—no diagnosis required. ♿❤️​​And we don’t just serve people with dis...
12/11/2025

At Beyond Barriers, we serve people of all abilities—no diagnosis required. ♿❤️​

And we don’t just serve people with disabilities… we are people with disabilities.​
(We mean that. 100% of our staff are people with disabilities.)

Our impact speaks for itself. According to a recent consumer survey:
✨ Nearly 100% reported a positive experience​
✨ Over 80% reported better quality of life​
✨ Nearly 100% would recommend us​

Our services are FREE, but state grants only cover part of our costs.​

Your support ensures we can continue offering free, life-changing services to anyone who needs them. 🙏💛

Learn more and give today at https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate​

(Image is Mignon Luckey, Independent Living Specialist from our Dodge City office, wearing a black Beyond Barriers t-shirt. Beside her is text that says: "Give today. We don't just serve people with disabilties..we are people with disabilities.")

We’ve got a couple of the Beyond Barriers grandbabies visiting the office this afternoon! 🎄💚These two cuties are both 4 ...
12/10/2025

We’ve got a couple of the Beyond Barriers grandbabies visiting the office this afternoon! 🎄💚

These two cuties are both 4 years old, just two months apart — and full of energy!

Photo description:
On the left is Luka (green sweats and Mario shirt), Heather’s grandson. Next to him is Camden (navy pants and gray Nike shirt), Erica’s grandson — both smiling in front of the Christmas tree.

Employment Specialist Anthony Frischenmeyer had the opportunity to talk with some students at Hutch High today and had t...
12/10/2025

Employment Specialist Anthony Frischenmeyer had the opportunity to talk with some students at Hutch High today and had this to share:

"Working with and teaching youth with disabilities has become something I really enjoy. Today I was asked to come speak with the youth at Hutch High about self advocacy and why it's important. This will become a monthly thing I do. We will cover systems advocacy, disability history and disability pride. It was a blessing to do this work and hope to grow this and speak to more youth through out the county!"

Learn more about the many ways Beyond Barriers serves our communities! https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

(Image: a white male with glasses in a gray zip-up hoodie and a royal blue shirt points at a screen talking in front of a group of people.)

12/08/2025

Help us stay on track to deliver the gift of independence across our community. 🚂

Here's how your donation can help:

$100 – Cover the cost of a screen reader 🧑‍💻 for a person with low vision for one year
$500 – Help a high schooler 👩‍🎓 access job shadowing and training
$2,000 – Build a new wheelchair ramp 🛠️ at a consumer's home ♿
$5,000 – Modify a consumer’s bathroom with grab bars and a walk-in shower 🚿🧼

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Beyond Barriers can offer services FREE of charge , meaning one less obstacle for those seeking independence.

Learn more and give today at https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate

12/03/2025

📢 Kansas LIEAP 2026 Application Update
The 2026 LIEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) application period will officially open on January 20, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and close on March 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
🔸 No applications will be accepted before the opening date.
🔸 No payments will be issued until the program season officially begins.
If you need help completing the application, contact Beyond Barriers at 620-663-3989 — we would love to assist you!

🌟 Beyond Barriers is recruiting new Board Members! We’re looking for people with experience (or interest!) in: 💛 Fund...
12/02/2025

🌟 Beyond Barriers is recruiting new Board Members!

We’re looking for people with experience (or interest!) in:
💛 Fund development
💛 Finance
💛 Marketing
💛 Disability services
…or anyone who wants to grow those skills!

♿ We don’t just serve people with disabilities—WE ARE people with disabilities! Our bylaws require that over 50% of our board members have a disability, and we’re proudly seeking leaders who reflect the community we serve.

Why join the Beyond Barriers board?
✨ Boost your resume
✨ Gain meaningful experience
✨ Volunteering improves mental health
✨ Make a positive difference in your community
✨ Minimal time commitment—just one hour every other month, in person or on Zoom!

“I've really enjoyed my time on the board. Our meetings are lively and upbeat as we work to make a difference in our community.” - Bob Gilbert, Board Treasurer

📍 Main office: 115 E 4th St, Hutchinson
📍 Satellite offices in Dodge City & Pratt

Ready to help us break barriers? Apply for a board position today! https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/board-member-application

(Applications are accepted year-round but appreciated before our next board meeting on January 7, 2026.)

Image is a black background with the Beyond Barriers logo and words that read: Board Member Wanted: If you believe that people with disabilities deserve equal access to possibility, and have a desire to serve your community-our board might be right for you! People with disabilities highly encouraged to apply.)

12/01/2025

As the Executive Director for Circles Reno County, Sarah Haworth knows the value of strong partnerships to create a community-wide safety net. 💪 That's why she feels confident referring people to Beyond Barriers for disability resources.

"I think that it's the above and beyond approach where it's not just 'here's the resources for you to go to,' it's going to those different resources and really helping people."

🤔 Curious to know about how Beyond Barriers can partner with your organization?

Connect with us today! Visit https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

No matter your age or ability, staying physically active is one key to a healthier life. Take a brisk walk or join a fun...
11/25/2025

No matter your age or ability, staying physically active is one key to a healthier life. Take a brisk walk or join a fun activity with friends.
Learn more about the benefits of physical activity: https://bit.ly/49ErqE9

Immediate and long-term benefits of physical activity

11/24/2025

At Beyond Barriers, we not only provide disability resources for independence free of charge, we offer them free of judgment or shame. 💛

Just ask consumer Anna:

"They are a huge resource for people with disabilities. I consider them my second family. There's no judgment.” 🥰

Whether it's help finding housing, filling out paperwork, gaining job skills, or securing food—we're here for you.

➡ Any disability. Any age. Any background.

Ready to learn more? Visit https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

(Video is a woman with curly, shoulder-length brown hair and a blue shirt speaks directly to the camera outside on a sunny day.)

❄️ Help our consumers stay warm this winter! ❄️We need (all sizes):🧥Coats🥾Boots 👟Shoes⚠️ Please note: We are UNABLE t...
11/21/2025

❄️ Help our consumers stay warm this winter! ❄️

We need (all sizes):

🧥Coats
🥾Boots
👟Shoes

⚠️ Please note: We are UNABLE to accept other donations at this time, Please DO NOT drop off anything else, as we are busy sorting and distributing items we already have. ⚠️

Please drop off at any Beyond Barriers Location, 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday (closed November 27, December 24-31):

📍 Hutchinson, 115 East 4th Street
📍 Pratt Office, 400 South Main Street
📍 Dodge City 236 San Jose Dr, #4

🔗 For more information about Beyond Barriers, check out https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

(Image is a combination of coats and snow boots, with text that says: We Need: Coats, Boots, Shoes.)

11/18/2025

The youth know what's up! 🙌 "Beyond Barriers is awesome!"

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on why accessibility is good for everyone! 😍

At Beyond Barriers, we provide disability resources for independence. We serve people with ALL disabilities, free of charge.

Learn more: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

(Video of teen girl in glasses and a tie-dye blue shirt, speaking directly to the camera outdoors on a sunny day. )

Parents: You can do a lot to help prevent type 2 diabetes in your kids. Drinking more water and limiting sugary drinks l...
11/17/2025

Parents: You can do a lot to help prevent type 2 diabetes in your kids. Drinking more water and limiting sugary drinks like fruit juice drinks and soda are two ways.
During American Diabetes Month, take action to help your kids prevent type 2 diabetes:

More kids are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but families can help prevent or manage it.

Address

115 East 4th Street
Hutchinson, KS
67501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16206633989

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PILR History

Prairie Independent Living Resource Center (PILR) began operation on January 15, 1997. At that time, PILR was being mentored by Topeka Independent Living Resource Center (TILRC). They referred to us as “The Hutch Center”. The center became a separate entity June 16, 1998 and was named Prairie Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. or (PILR). In 1997, there were 6 full-time and 1 part-time staff. Over the years, the staff has increased and PILR now has three offices. In addition, the center has numerous volunteers and provides services to consumers in various counties across the state. To better meet consumer needs, PILR opened a satellite office in Pratt in late 2006 and in Dodge city in the summer of 2011. In April 2001, PILR moved the Hutchinson office from its original building to a larger more accessible and prominent location to accommodate additional staff and a growing number of consumers and services. In 2017, PILR was able to open a part time office in Newton, as well.