KU researchers expand Kansas Employment First project for disabled Kansans
Updated
Updated · news.ku.edu · Apr 30
KU researchers expand Kansas Employment First project for disabled Kansans
8 articles · Updated · news.ku.edu · Apr 30
Backed by $967,500 from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Phase II follows a first phase that helped nearly 200 Kansans gain jobs by end-2025.
The University of Kansas-led effort will widen training and technical assistance for state agencies, service providers and employers to increase competitive integrated employment at fair wages.
Kansas adopted Employment First in 2011, and researchers say stronger statewide data tracking is needed as disabled workers face persistent barriers, including segregated workshops and legal subminimum wages.
As new tech creates jobs for people with disabilities, who will fill the low-wage support roles they depend on?
Can Kansas's disability employment model survive federal funding cuts and a national support worker crisis?