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Eitas Empowering individuals through advocacy and support.

eitas connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services, resources, and opportunities so they can live full lives in their communities. Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a political sub-division of Jackson County that provides funding and services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services that respect their choices, increase their opportunities, encourage their independence, and assist their inclusion in all aspects of the community. OUR VALUE STATEMENTS
Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas:

-will advocate for a wide range of services and funding to meet the needs of persons with -developmental disabilities.
-will promote a culture of inclusion and individualized supports. will support individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge programs and empowered staff and providers.
-will provide the highest quality of supports and services by listening to the people it supports and the people who know them best.
-will support people to be active, full members of their communities.
-will be a Missouri leader in developing, supporting and furthering a community free of attitudinal and physical barriers and where persons with developmental disabilities participate in the full, rich life of their community without fear and prejudice.
-will conduct itself with integrity, propriety and honesty in carrying out the Board’s mission, values and responsibilities.
-will seek to insure the health, safety, and quality of life for the persons we support through proactive oversight of the programs we fund.
-will, whenever possible, leverage its resources to enhance funding and forge local, state and federal partnerships to expand available funding and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

She could not find a main character who looked like her, so she created one.When  Author Jeanne Knapp was in fourth grad...
10/21/2026

She could not find a main character who looked like her, so she created one.

When Author Jeanne Knapp was in fourth grade, she noticed something missing from the books she read: a lead character with a visible disability. That realization stayed with her.

Today, Jeanne is the author of four mystery books featuring Megan Mattson, a curious and capable 12-year-old with spina bifida who uses a wheelchair. Megan follows clues, trusts her observations and helps solve each mystery herself.

In 2025, Jeanne was recognized as the eitas Author of the Year for her writing and her work to bring Megan’s mysteries to readers. During a recent visit to the zoo, Jeanne may have even discovered the first clue for Megan’s next adventure.

Read Jeanne’s story and learn more about her books:

Meet Jackson County Missouri author Jeanne Knapp and discover how she created the Megan mystery series to bring disability representation to children’s books.

Your work goals matter. Understanding your SSI benefits can help you plan your next step.Join eitas Community Outreach a...
10/19/2026

Your work goals matter. Understanding your SSI benefits can help you plan your next step.

Join eitas Community Outreach and presenter Jennifer Seidel for an online session on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and work incentives. Learn how a job may affect your benefits and explore rules that can support your work goals.

Tuesday, Nov. 17th | 6–8 p.m. CST
Online event

This session is for people receiving or exploring SSI, families and supporters.

Register on Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssi-and-work-incentives-tickets-1999719192937?aff=oddtdtcreator).

Share this opportunity with someone who has questions about SSI and working.

We were proud to be apart of this to share how eitas can support youths with disabilities.
10/16/2026

We were proud to be apart of this to share how eitas can support youths with disabilities.

TTA recently brought together five amazing community organizations to share what support is available for youth with disabilities in Kansas City:

✅ ReDiscover
✅ EITAS
✅ Center for Developmentally Disabled (CDD)
✅ Easterseals Midwest
✅ Vocational Rehabilitation

From mental health services and Medicaid navigation to job coaching, summer work programs, and day habilitation, this session covers it all.

If you have a young person with a disability approaching the end of high school (or already there), this video is worth watching. Share it with a family who needs it. 👇

🎥 The full workshop video and blog about key takeaways are on our website thetransitionacademy . org click on "what we do" and then news

Looking for support with employment? Start by learning what is available in our community.The eitas Employment Fair will...
10/16/2026

Looking for support with employment? Start by learning what is available in our community.

The eitas Employment Fair will bring local employment service providers together in one place. Individuals with disabilities, families, support coordinators and support teams are invited to attend.

Come meet providers, ask questions and learn about services that can help people prepare for, find and maintain employment.

📅 Wednesday, Nov. 18
⏰ 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
📍 eitas Training Center
8508 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO 64138

Stop by anytime during the event. It is free to attend, and community members do not need to register.

Please share this invitation with someone who may benefit!

Invest in your team. Strengthen the support they provide.From helping someone safely take medication to responding in an...
10/16/2026

Invest in your team. Strengthen the support they provide.

From helping someone safely take medication to responding in an emergency, the skills your team builds matter every day.

This November, eitas is offering training to help providers and their teams build confidence, solve problems and grow as leaders:

• Nov. 2–4th: Medication Aide
• Nov. 6th: Working Well Together: Thinking It Through
• Nov. 20th: Data with Purpose: Better Decisions Without Losing the Human Side, with Dr. Tammy Ogren
• Nov. 24: Adult First Aid / CPR / AED

Whether you’re welcoming new staff or supporting experienced team members, make time for learning this fall.

Explore class details and register: https://www.eitas.org/training)

Share these opportunities with your team!

Understanding your benefits can help you plan your next step.Join eitas for a free, in-person workshop on Social Securit...
10/15/2026

Understanding your benefits can help you plan your next step.

Join eitas for a free, in-person workshop on Social Security Benefits and Work Incentives. Presenter Jennifer Seidel will explain how working may affect your benefits and share information about work incentives.

Wednesday, Oct. 28th | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
8508 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO 64138

- 10 a.m.–noon: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and work incentives
- Noon–1 p.m.: Lunch break
- 1–3 p.m.: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and related benefits

Hosted by the eitas Community Outreach Department, this workshop is for people receiving or exploring benefits, families and professionals.

[Register for free on Eventbrite]https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-security-benefits-and-work-incentives-tickets-1999580100909?aff=oddtdtcreator

Know someone who could use this information? Share this opportunity with them.

A free community event with Sherwood Autism Center!
10/14/2026

A free community event with Sherwood Autism Center!

You’re invited to celebrate fall with us at Sherwood Autism Center! 🍁

Our Fall Festival is all about community, connection, and enjoying a fun afternoon together. We can’t wait to welcome students, clients, families, staff, and friends for a special day filled with seasonal fun and shared moments.

Mark your calendar and come be part of it.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 22, 4:30-6:30pm
📍 Sherwood Autism Center
All are welcome. Free admission

“Everyone needs an SC like ours!”That’s a thank you worth sharing!This Support Coordinators Week, we’re celebrating the ...
10/14/2026

“Everyone needs an SC like ours!”

That’s a thank you worth sharing!

This Support Coordinators Week, we’re celebrating the relationships that help people feel heard and supported in making their own choices.

Thank you to our SCs for listening and following through and to the people and families who share what matters to them. Your voices help shape better support.

Happy Support Coordinators Week!

Every child deserves to feel remembered at Christmas.This year, eitas Angel Tree will provide gifts for 100 children wit...
10/14/2026

Every child deserves to feel remembered at Christmas.

This year, eitas Angel Tree will provide gifts for 100 children with disabilities in our community. Each gift carries a powerful message:

“You matter. You were remembered.”

We need our community to help us reach all 100 children.

🎄 Adopt a child or family
💛 Donate by scanning the QR code
📣 Share this post and invite others to participate

To adopt a child or family, email [email protected]) by Nov. 6.

Help this message travel farther. Share this post and tag a friend, business or community group that can help make Christmas brighter.

Address

8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO
64138

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18163632000

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