People with disabilities deserve to live independently
Making our own decisions, navigating life at our own will, and pursuing passions and purpose as we desire. To put it simply, people with disabilities deserve equal access to possibility.
We don’t just serve people with disabilities;
We ARE people with disabilities.
We believe that no decisions should be made “about us without us.”
MISSION.
We provide employment services, resources for independent living, vision services, as well as advocacy and education—all free of charge for our consumers.
At Beyond Barriers, we feel strongly that individuals are healthiest and happiest when they’re connected and contributing to their community. We strive to:
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Help facilitate safe and independent housing situations for people with disabilities and aging populations
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Increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities
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Increase awareness about disabilities among employers and in the community at large
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Position Beyond Barriers as a local resource for information about disability and aging.
Independent Living is a psychological idea much more than a physical concept. I'm paralyzed from the neck down, but I am completely in control of my own life. I make decisions about what I want. And when you begin to believe that, it's very empowering and powerful. And then it becomes… It's almost, ah… Well, it catches on with other people. They say, "Well, if he can do that, why can't I?"
- ED ROBERTS,
Activist, Founder of Independent Living Movement
What makes Beyond Barriers different?
We serve people with ALL types of disabilities, free of charge, regardless of their disability “status.” Our approach is “zero entry,” meaning one less barrier between you and the independence you deserve.
INVOLVEMENT.
We’re proud to be active members of The National Council on Independent Living – ”the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. The NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals including that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States.”
Community involvement is an important part of our outreach and advocacy efforts, and we’re proud to be active members of these local, county and state boards.
TRANSPARENCY.
Beyond Barriers Kansas, Inc. is a federally and state-funded, disability-led, community-based, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). Beyond Barriers Kansas receives federal funding through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of financial assistance award 2507KSILCL, authorized under Title VII, Part C of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Beyond Barriers Kansas also receives funding through Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS), the state vocational rehabilitation agency in Kansas, as well as grants, donations, and other non-governmental sources. CILs promote independence, self-determination, consumer control, inclusion, and the full participation of individuals with all types of disabilities in their communities.
The contents are those of Beyond Barriers Kansas, Inc. and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, Kansas Rehabilitation Services, the State of Kansas, or the U.S. Government.