Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Disability Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DSNWK stresses employment, services and waiting‑list pressure in regional disability programs
Summary
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas asked the county to maintain prior funding levels ($250,000) and outlined regional service demand: about 561 people served across 18 counties, 224 in Ellis County, a regional shortfall near $194,000 and a lengthy wait list for services.
Jerry Michaud, president and CEO of Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, presented the organization's 2027 funding request and program performance. Michaud said DSNWK serves roughly 560–561 people across the region, with about 224 of those in Ellis County, and reported an economic direct impact estimate and employment numbers tied to services.
"We serve about 560, 561 people throughout the region. Ellis County is where the lion share where things are happening," Michaud said. He asked the commission to continue funding at the same $250,000 level and explained the region faces an unmet cost (gap) of about $194,000. Michaud noted recent state actions raised waiver rates by 6% effective July 1 and said that should help staff pay, but the agency still has 28 open positions across the region (20 in Ellis County).
Michaud also introduced Sarah Biggs, who described KidLink early intervention for birth‑to‑3 children: in the period Jan. 2025–March 2026 KidLink served 76 children, had 96 referrals and expects a roughly $10,000 shortfall covered from reserves. Commission members asked clarifying questions about funding sources and the interlocal formula; Michaud said Medicaid and grant revenues are core funding sources and that state and federal dynamics will affect planning.
