About Developmental Supports
Johnson County Developmental Supports is an agency of Johnson County Government that facilitates career and personal development for Johnson County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A developmental disability is a chronic condition present before age 22 due to physical and/or mental impairments such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or Down syndrome, among others.
Designated as Johnson County's Community Developmental Disabilities Organization, JCDS also offers a single point of entry for those seeking IDD services, determines eligibility for services, and coordinates a network of over 70 Johnson County providers.
JCDS benefits from the support of a separate Friends of JCDS organization dedicated to providing additional resources for priority individuals and community-centered projects where other funding is not available.
JCDS is guided by a seven-member governing board appointed by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.
See also: 2020 Annual Report
Our Mission and Vision
MISSION
Johnson County Developmental Supports serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We focus on individuals’ abilities, provide choice-driven supports, and advocate alongside people to live and work in our community.
VISION
We aspire to build a community that promotes, supports, and embraces people of all abilities.
Our History
JCDS was established in 1972 through the committed efforts of parents and other developmental disability advocates. Since that time, the agency has grown as a Community Support Provider to serve over 500 people daily through a broad array of community-based programs and supports.
Engagement
In addition to receiving services, there are many ways to engage with JCDS.
Get Started
Contact the CDDO
If your loved one has an IDD diagnosis, your first step is to contact the CDDO. The CDDO is the single point of entry for IDD services in Johnson County.
Intake
The CDDO will send you an intake packet to complete. If you have questions, CDDO staff will be happy to assist.
Eligibility
The CDDO will review records for IDD eligibility. If you are eligible, you will meet with a CDDO staff member to complete a functional assessment, discuss service options and the waitlist. Depending on capacity, JCDS may be an option for you to receive services.
Services Handbook
A digital pdf of the 2024 Services Handbook can be accessed here. To request a printed copy, please contact Shelly.May@jocogov.org.
Credentials
- Accredited by CQL, an international rehabilitation accreditation commission
- Licensed and partially funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services and Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Member of ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources
- Member of InterHab, the Resource Network for Kansans with Disabilities