Independence, Inc.

04/01/2026

What is ? What does it mean to be ? Here's three things to know:

1. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition. Autism is experienced and expressed differently across different individuals.

2. Autistic people have diverse strengths and face various challenges. This is often alongside conditions like speech and language disorders or medical concerns.

3. Support needs vary widely. Some autistic people live independently with minimal help. Others require intensive, around-the-clock support.

At the Life Span Institute, we believe that pursuing science leads us to better support all autistic individuals.

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

Join Project MounTaiN — a fully funded, supportive 2-year master’s program in Early Childhood Unified at the University of Kansas!

We’re now recruiting interested individuals who want to become early interventionists or early childhood special educators. Program begins in Fall 2026!

🌻 Learn more at: https://kucd.ku.edu/project-mountain

KU Special Education | Life Span Institute | Maria Lemler Hugh | Division for Early Childhood (DEC)

04/01/2026

Neurodiversity describes natural differences in how people think, learn, and interact. In the workplace, these differences may show up in the way people communicate, focus, or organize information.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can assist employers and workers by offering accommodation strategies that support productivity and performance, such as flexible schedules, written instructions, or quiet workspaces.

Read JAN's A to Z: Neurodiversity for other solutions: https://AskJAN.org/disabilities/Neurodiversity.cfm

04/01/2026

Inclusive, non-biased hiring practices benefit all - employers, employees and communities alike.

It’s a fact: business performance is closely tied to how well employees are supported at work. A growing body of research shows that employees are more productive, innovative, and committed when they feel safe, valued, and included. In our blog, we examine this data and explain how investing in an inclusive culture for all employees, including people with disabilities, improves staff morale while strengthening the bottom line.

Read part two of The Business Case for Inclusion: Benefits for Employees on our website: https://www.disabilitybelongs.org/2026/03/business-case-inclusion-employees/

04/01/2026

April is Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month! You can learn more about the history and meaning behind Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month here: https://pva.org/get-involved/paralyzed-veterans-of-america-awareness-month/

04/01/2026

We sure do love what we do and who and we get to do it with! F.L. Schlagle High School

03/25/2026

A University of Kansas research team is exploring challenges faced by lower extremity amputees, particularly in areas such as residual limb healing issues, infection, and daily living barriers when using prosthetic devices. To ensure their work is grounded in real-world experiences and needs, they conducted an interview with Rex Ellebracht, Independence, Inc. Independent Living Specialist. Rex is an with individual who has undergone two lower-extremity amputations due to complications from diabetes. We are grateful to have such fabulous partners and collaborators as we work towards a more inclusive, accessible and healthy community and beyond!


ID: Pictured left to right are Michael Latham, KU research team member wearing khaki pants and a dark polo, Dane Reinsch, KU research team member wearing blue pants and a tan button up shirt, Dr. Lisa Friis, PhD. Mechanical Engineer at KU, wearing gray shorts and a black sweater, and Rex Ellebracht, Independent Living Specialist at Independence Inc. wearing blue jeans and a dark blue tshirt. All are standing side by side in a conference room setting, smiling at the camera.

03/25/2026

We partner and collaborate with the best of the best! These local heroes at Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric are helping us train youth with disabilities on the ins and outs, opportunities and advantages of working in the fabulous field of

03/25/2026

Every business, every organization, every employer and every person should understand accessible, effective communication options and alternatives for people with disabilities. This is one small piece of the critical push towards true inclusivity for all.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses have a means of effective communication for individuals with disabilities. Explore different options for implementation here: https://adata.org/factsheet/communication

03/16/2026

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities has launched their Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Campaign!
"The campaign connects past, present, and future through a powerful storytelling framework:

Then: A time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.
Now: Individuals living full lives — working, building friendships, parenting, volunteering, participating in faith communities, and contributing to their neighborhoods.
Always: A future where community living is protected, expected, and funded – andnot viewed as a program, but as part of a whole life. "

This March, NACCD is proud to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Month with the launch of We’re Here: Then, Now, Always campaign. The national campaign recognizes a simple truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be.

03/16/2026

We will be testing the outdoor warning sirens today at noon. Take a moment to review your severe weather plan! EM3 3/16/26 1105