KDADS roll-out clarifies 14c-to-CIE wage‑match grant: applications due April 14

The Kansas Department for Aging & Disability Services and Hospitals (KDADS) on a March briefing outlined a new 14c‑to‑CIE grant program created under Senate Bill 15 to help sheltered‑workshop providers bring employees paid under a 14(c) certificate up to the state minimum wage and to support later transition to competitive integrated employment.

KDADS presented the program with technical assistance from Public Consulting Group (PCG) and said the grant will be delivered in two phases: Phase 1, already open for applications, covers dollar‑for‑dollar wage reimbursement to reach the state minimum wage; Phase 2, contingent on available funding, will reimburse costs tied to providers’ transition plans to CIE (competitive integrated employment).

The program purpose and eligibility

Megan Shepherd, the policy and program oversight director for long‑term services and supports at KDADS, said the grants are intended to “ensure that everyone, individuals who are living with disabilities, are paid equitable wages” and to support transitions to integrated community employment. COREY LITWILER of Public Consulting Group described the opportunity as “the 14c to CIE grant opportunity.”

The grant draws from the state’s sheltered‑workshop transition fund established by Senate Bill 15. Phase 1 targets providers that operate under a 14(c) certificate: one application per National Provider Identifier (NPI) is required regardless of how many locations a provider operates.

Key deadlines and process

Questions from applicants are due March 24; the application portal opened earlier in the month and applications must be submitted by…