News and Events

Staff participation helped connect 16 area students with disability history, advocacy resources and mentors from across Kansas Hutchinson, KS (August 7, 2026) - Beyond Barriers recently supported the participation of 16 local high school students with disabilities at the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, a statewide program of the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy. The 2026 forum was held July 13–18 at Washburn University in Topeka. Beyond Barriers sent Employment Specialist Anth

Beyond Barriers is proud to recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), observed each year on the third Thursday in May, as a reminder that digital access is essential to full participation in modern life. 

Leadership is often defined not during easy seasons, but in moments of uncertainty, loss, and change. For Erica Rivera, resilience has become a defining characteristic of her six years as Executive Director of Beyond Barriers and her 19-year commitment to the organization overall.  Headquartered in Hutchinson with offices in Dodge City and Pratt, Beyond Barriers provides employment services, independent living resources, vision services, advocacy, and education. All services

Beyond Barriers served 770 individuals in 60 Kansas counties in 2025, responding to 3,744 requests for assistance.

As the year comes to a close, Beyond Barriers is inviting community members to make a year-end contribution to help individuals with disabilities and aging Kansans achieve greater independence across the 60 counties it serves. In 2025 alone, Beyond Barriers empowered 770 consumers—45 more than in 2024—to overcome obstacles and live fuller, more self-sufficient lives. Thanks to donor support, clients were able to achieve greater independence. Here are a few examples (names of

Nearly 100 high school students from the Pratt area participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), hosted by Beyond Barriers and the SCKSEC on October 29. The event connected high school students with disabilities to local businesses for hands-on career exploration and mentorship.

​Nearly 80 students from schools across Reno County participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in Hutchinson, hosted by Beyond Barriers on October 15. The event connected high school students with disabilities to local businesses for hands-on career exploration and mentorship.

56 high school students from the Dodge City area participated in this year’s Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), hosted by Beyond Barriers on October 15. The event connected high school students with disabilities to local businesses for hands-on career exploration and mentorship.

Beyond Barriers, in partnership with the City of Hutchinson Human Relations Commission, invited the Hutchinson community to join in a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Friday, July 25, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Avenue A Park, 100 S Main St, Hutchinson, KS.

Celebrate 35 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride Month on July 25 at Avenue A Park with Beyond Barriers...

We have durable medical equipment available for loan.

Beyond Barriers wants to raise awareness of the availability of its Medical Loan Closet, a community service providing access to essential durable medical equipment for individuals in need.

“I had to leave a career in radiology due to loss of my eyesight. I really didn’t know where to go or who could help, or what I could do...

Hannah learned basic job skills including job search, interviews, and how to be a part of a team, and gained confidence along the way.