Coalition For Independence

The State of Kansas as a way to implement KanCare is asking the federal government to lift some of its current Medicaid restrictions.  The State is asking for approval for a 1115 demonstration waiver to develop and implement by 2013 an integrated care system, “KanCare,” to provide Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) services, including long term services and supports (LTSS)*, through managed care to all beneficiaries.

The State of Kansas has submitted its 1115 demonstration application to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and it will take public comments 30 days. Please take the time to comment on the KanCare proposal and let CMS know your opinion regarding the plan. There are a few things to know about how to use this site:

The CMS public comment forum is much like a “talk back” section for online media, which includes a social media component, i.e. you can ‘vote’ for or concur with others’ posted comments. Please note that you can concur a maximum of ten times.

Further, please note that your comments are limited to 5,000 words. It is important to be concise in sharing your concerns with CMS. https://cmsideas.uservoice.com/forums/161089-section-1115-demonstrations-kansas-kancare-new          

If you would like to read the State of Kansas’ full 1115 Waiver Submission, it can be found at the following link: http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Waivers/1115/downloads/ks/ks-kancare-pa.pdf

*long term support services (LTSS) includes services for the intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled. 

Today May 15, the U.S. Department of Education issued a publication that outlines principles for educators, parents and other stakeholders to consider when developing or refining policies and procedures to support positive behavioral interventions and avoid the use of restraint and seclusion.

The goal of this resource document is to help ensure that schools are safe and healthy environments where all students can learn, develop and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement.

“As education leaders, our first responsibility must be to make sure that schools foster learning in a safe environment for all of our children and teachers,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “I believe this document is an important step toward this goal. I also want to salute leaders in Congress for their vigilance on this issue.”

The 15 principles that frame the document ultimately highlight how schoolwide behavioral interventions can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of restraint or seclusion. These guiding principles offer states, districts and other education leaders a framework for developing appropriate policies related to restraint and seclusion to ensure the safety of adults and children.

The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) is conducting research on what factors are most important to riders with disabilities when deciding which transit mode to use.

Participate in the survey ( http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/882523/TransitChoices ).

The confidential survey results will be part of a national study called Transit Cooperative Research Project B-40: Strategy Guide to Enable and Promote the Use of Fixed-Route Transit by People with Disabilities. The goal is to develop strategies to improve bus and train systems for people with disabilities. DREDF's research partners are TranSystems Corporation, The Collaborative, and KFH Group.

Please take the survey, and encourage others to do so!  

Email Marilyn Golden ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) with any questions.

To facilitate positive and responsible independence for all people with disabilities by acting as an advocate for individuals with disabilities, providing services, and promoting accessibility and acceptance.

CFI is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) as mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, U.S. Department of Education.  As such, CFI offers the following five core services in the metropolitan Kansas City area.