News | Johnson County Kansas

Developmental Supports

Contact | 913-826-2626

Mark D. Elmore Center

10501 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219

Department News

Congratulations Project SEARCH graduates!

The fifth year of Project SEARCH is in the books! Twelve interns recently graduated from this program, which is facilitated each year by Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS). Friends and family attended the ceremony on June 1 at Johnson County Community College. Photos from the event are below.

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BOCC proclaim April as National Autism Awareness Month in JoCo!

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners presented a proclamation on April 18 in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

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JCDS had a strong showing at Advocacy Day 2019

More than 60 JCDS staff and individuals served were in Topeka, Kasnas on March 26 for InterHab's Advocacy Day 2019.

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BOCC proclaim March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day in JoCo!

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed March 21 World Down Syndrome Day in Johnson County. Allie Reim, who is served by JCDS, gave a moving speech followed by proud grandpa Ronnie Metsker who spoke about his grandson who has Down syndrome.

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BOCC proclaim March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in JoCo!

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Emerging Artist Brad Friedman's design wins statewide contest

Brad Friedman Design

Please join us in congratulating JCDS Emerging Artist Brad Friedman who has won the InterHab t-shirt design contest!

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Mandy Flower hired as new CDDO director

Mandy Flower

We are pleased to announce that Mandy Flower is the new Johnson County CDDO director. Mandy replaces Shelly May who is now the deputy director of JCDS. Mandy will be starting with the CDDO on Monday, March 18, 2019.

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Fulfilling a drive to drive

How did Drew, Ryan, Cory and Tyler reach their goal of getting their driver’s license? Angela Walsh-Fisher, a JCDS community employment specialist, recalls how the idea got off the ground.

“At one of our self-advocacy meetings, when we asked our group what they would like to advocate for in their own lives, a majority said they wanted to learn to drive,” said Walsh. “Before we left I promised them that I would make some calls to see what I could find out.”

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JCDS employee wins national award

Forrest Austin, a Direct Support Professional with Johnson County Developmental Supports, received the 2017 National Direct Support Professional of the Year award from The American Network of Community Options and Resources. ANCOR gives this award annually for exemplary work in furthering community inclusion for people living with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. Judges look at nominees’ success in helping people with disabilities build social networks, participate in the community and advocate for themselves.