Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disability Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission proclaims March 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month; AbilityPoint and families recognized
Summary
Sedgwick County proclaimed March 2025 Developmental Disability Awareness Month; AbilityPoint executive director and family members described services, long waiting lists and programs that support employment and inclusion.
Sedgwick County commissioners proclaimed March 2025 as Developmental Disability Awareness Month and invited AbilityPoint representatives and self‑advocates to the meeting.
Chairman Ryan Beatty read the proclamation noting that the county’s population includes thousands of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and that public awareness enhances community acceptance and inclusion. Kevin Fish, executive director of AbilityPoint, accepted the proclamation and described local supports, long waiting lists for services and collaboration with the county’s Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO).
Why it matters: Speakers emphasized lifetime services for people with developmental disabilities and the role of local providers in filling gaps. Didi Roofhorn, a parent, said her son Chris — a 33‑year‑old Mays High graduate with Down syndrome — participated in a Wichita State University photo-voice project and regained joy through work with Goodwill after years on a waiting list. "When Chris graduated from Mays High School, he was still on a waiting list for services for six more years and he lost much of his joyous spirit. Through his work at Goodwill, he has absolutely regained that," Roofhorn said.
AbilityPoint representatives described programs including summer youth programs, mentoring in schools, targeted case management (serving about 700 people) and advocacy work at the state capitol. Commissioners thanked AbilityPoint staff and noted legislative attention to waiting lists and provider capacity.
Action: The commission adopted the proclamation by voice vote and invited AbilityPoint representatives and participants to a brief photo recognition in the chamber atrium.
