Beyond Barriers

01/23/2026

⚠️ Weather Closure Notice ⚠️

Due to inclement weather being forecasted, Beyond Barriers will be closing today at 12:00 PM.

We plan to reopen Monday at 8:00 AM, weather permitting. Please stay safe and warm. 🤍

If you or someone you know needs a warm place, the Salvation Army of Reno County will be offering warming stations:
🕗 Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🕗 Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Take care, everyone!

"Scripture directs us to do more than wishing someone to be warm and well fed, it asks us to do something about it when we are able to do so.” - Major Paul James.

Our doors will be open during the cold weather to provide a safe and warm resource. Please do not get out in the expected weather conditions unless it is absolutely necessary.

We will have hot chocolate and coffee each day.

This would not be possible without the donations we receive each year. There is $61,697 left of The Salvation Army's $300,000 goal. Please reach out for more information on how to make a donation.

01/20/2026

Employment Specialist Caren Kerr in our Pratt office is proud to serve in our Older Kansans Employment Program (OKEP) role. 😍​

She loves meeting and speaking with consumers and assisting them in finding employment opportunities.​
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"They often express their appreciation for Beyond Barriers and the OKEP program. I look forward to coming to work each day, not only because of the rewarding work but also because of the supportive and pleasant coworkers. It’s truly an honor to be part of a program that serves individuals aged 55 and older." ​
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➡ Learn more about Beyond Barriers here: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/​
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(Image is Caren, a woman with short, dark hair wearing a blue shirt. The words beside her read: "I look forward to coming to work each day, not only because of the rewarding work but also because of the supportive and pleasant coworkers." Below her is a black graphic with the Beyond Barrier logo on top of it.)

01/12/2026

Meet Information and Referral Specialist Tracy Speice, who works in our Hutchinson office. 👋​
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Tracy serves as the first point of contact for consumers—whether they walk in or call our office. She assists with a variety of tasks, supporting the loan closet program, and helping ensure that every person who reaches out to us is connected with the resources they need.​
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"What I love most about my role is the people we help. No two days are ever the same, and I find it deeply rewarding to be part of the positive impact we make in our community. After being out on medical leave, it meant so much to return and be welcomed back so warmly—many of the consumers expressed how glad they were to see me again, which truly reminded me of the connections we build through our work."​
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➡ Learn more about Beyond Barriers here: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/​
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(Image is Tracy, a woman with short, gray hair wearing a black Beyond Barriers t-shirt. The words beside her read: "What I love most about my role is the people we help. No two days are ever the same, and I find it deeply rewarding to be part of the positive impact we make in our community." Below her is a black graphic with the Beyond Barrier logo on top of it.)

01/05/2026

Whether it’s a brisk walk 🚶🏽‍♀️, a yoga session 🧘🏽‍♂️, or even some indoor activities 🏊🏽‍♀️, staying physically active keeps us energized all winter long! Here are more ways to stay active this winter: https://bit.ly/3SEYwwr

Don't let colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours keep you from being physically active.

01/02/2026

On National Motivation & Inspiration Day, who better to highlight than Barb Mashak, Independent Living Specialist in our Hutchinson office. 🤩

Barb helps consumers with their phones by installing apps like Seeing AI, which supports their independence by providing visual assistance. She also assists with placing bump dots on microwaves, enabling them to prepare meals more easily and safely, among may other services.

"My favorite part of the job is seeing a consumer smile—knowing that I’ve helped them stay independent by working with various OB electronics and being a supportive friend along the way."

Learn more about Beyond Barriers here: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/

(Image is Barb, a woman with short, dark hair and glasses wearing a gray Beyond Barriers/Disability Mentoring Day t-shirt. The words beside her read: "My favorite part of the job is seeing a consumer smile—knowing that I’ve helped them stay independent by working with various OB electronics and being a supportive friend along the way." Below her is a black graphic with the Beyond Barrier logo on top of it.)

12/23/2025

✨ Happy Holidays from Beyond Barriers! ✨​
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This season, we’re celebrating possibility — the belief that every person with a disability deserves the freedom to live independently, make their own choices, and pursue their purpose.​

As we wrap up the year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to provide free employment services, independent living resources, vision services, advocacy, and education to our community. ​

Please note these holiday closures as we take time to celebrate with our families:​
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🎄 Our offices will be closed December 24–26​
✨ We will also be closed on New Year’s Day.​

⏰ And don’t forget — it isn’t too late to GIVE before the end of the year! Your support helps break down barriers and expand possibilities for people with disabilities.​
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Please donate today: https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate
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From all of us at Beyond Barriers, happy holidays! ❤️​

(Image is a graphic that says "Happy Holidays! Beyond Barriers offices will be closed December 24-25, and New Years Day.)

12/22/2025

🚨 THERE'S STILL TIME TO GIVE IN 2025! 🚨

Steve* spent years feeling cut off from the world—until donors like you made independence possible. ​
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With your support, he finally accessed rural internet and now uses Oracam, a voice-activated device that helps him navigate daily life with confidence. 👓✨​

While state grants cover part of our costs, they don’t meet the growing demand for services. Every dollar you give helps us provide free, life-changing support to anyone who needs it. 💙​
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Learn more and give today at
https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate
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*Name changed to protect privacy. ​

(Image is a man with white hair and goatee wearing smart glasses and a dark gray sweater, holding a white cane. The text beside him reads: "Give Today: Your Support Matters. You can help provide: Independence, Technology, Education, Advocacy.")

12/19/2025

Traveling this holiday season? Whether by land or air, you can stay healthy while you’re on the go! Carry healthy snacks and build in a walking break. 🚗✈️ Check out more tips:

Stay healthy as you travel by land or air and take breaks at rest stops or convenience stores.

12/18/2025

🚨THERE'S STILL TIME TO GIVE BEFORE YEAR END! 🚨

This year, Beyond Barriers served 770 consumers—45 more than last year. 📈​
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Demand is growing across all 60 counties we serve!
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State grants help, but they don’t meet the increasing need. Your gift keeps our services free, accessible, and life-changing for all who rely on them. 🔑💙​
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Learn more and give today at
https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate

​(Image is a black background with text that reads: Give Today. Demand is growing across all 60 counties we serve!)

12/15/2025

Trisha* is mastering essential skills—budgeting, scheduling appointments, communicating with her landlord, preparing meals—skills that allow her to live independently and with dignity.​
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Your generosity makes stories like hers possible. And while state grants help, they don’t keep pace with rising needs.​
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Your gift ensures these services remain FREE for every person who needs them.​ 🆓 💛
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🙏Learn more and give today at
https://www.beyondbarriersks.com/donate
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*Name changed to protect privacy. ​

(Image is of a woman with brown curly hair smiling toward the camera, wearing a blue and white striped shirt, and glasses. The text beside her reads: "Give Today. Your Support Matters. You can help provide: Independence, Technology, Education, Advocacy.")

12/11/2025

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

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.