Technology First for Kansans
Thanks to a $1 million award from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, the University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc. and project co-leads, the State of the States in I/DD, and Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities are pleased to announce the Technology First for Kansans (T1K) project.
T1K aims to address the barriers to technology access for people with disabilities across Kansas through statewide systems change and grassroots efforts led by the State of the State in I/DD and ATK. The Technology First Systems Change Model, developed by the State of the States in I/DD, has led the nation in transforming policy, practice, and innovation through state investments. Technology First Systems Change was recognized by the President’s Committee on Intellectual Disabilities 2024 Report as one of six principles “considered pivotal to strengthening and sustaining the nation’s HCBS infrastructure” (p.9). Now, Kansas has committed to becoming a “Technology First State” by investing in key components of the State of the States in I/DD Technology First Systems Change Model and collaborating with KU to lead strategic planning. As an established Assistive Technology Act Program, Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) is the leading statewide organization ensuring people with disabilities and health conditions of all ages have the opportunity to identify the assistive technology (AT) they need to learn, work, play, and participate in community life safely and independently. ATK will be the grassroots arm of the T1K project building their lending library, holding AT fairs, and supporting individuals to identify the technology that matches their goals and needs.
The T1K project incorporates a series of exciting activities and events.
As leaders in national Technology First Systems Changes efforts, the State of the States will:
- Establish a T1K Advisory Council comprised of eight self-advocates across the state to inform project efforts and develop accessible content, and
- Conduct a Technology Needs and Barriers survey with 500 adult Kansas HCBS waiver participants
- Provide four virtual trainings for Targeted Case Managers on Technology First topics,
- The Self-Directed Model for Identifying Technology Solutions for Goal Attainment
- Innovative and Emerging Technology Solutions for Domains of Living
- Kansas Resources for Technology Acquisition
- Technology Resilience, Agility, and Literacy
- Facilitate a Community of Practice for Targeted Case Managers dedicated to resource- and practice-sharing and long-term learning,
- Establish a T1K Advisory Council comprised of eight self-advocates across the state to inform project efforts and develop accessible content, and
- Host an invitation-only Think Tank in Fall 2025 to convene a dedicated group of stakeholders to generate creative, collaborative solutions to ongoing systemic challenges in technology access.
ATK, Kansas’ Assistive Technology Act Program will:
- Provide access to Assistive Technology (AT) through review and expansion of their device loan program, leveraging consumer and self-advocate preferences and expertise to guide device procurement,
- Host virtual AT Chats on Daily Living, Smart Homes, and Employment,
- Create and share video reels on AT,
- Coordinate nine AT device displays in communities across the state,
- Lead an AT Fair on September 9, 2025 in Topeka to offer hands-on demonstrations and access to technology for individuals with disabilities, older adults, families, service providers, and professionals, and
- Revise and share the AT Funding Manual offering up-to-date guidance and resources for getting AT in Kansas.
Learn more about ATK’s work here:
- www.atk.ku.edu
- https://www.atkloan.org/ - ATK’s device loan program
- https://www.youtube.com/@ATKansas – T1K playlist to come!
If you are interested in learning more about Technology First For Kansans please contact us at stateofthestates@ku.edu.