October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness of disability employment issues and celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) supports employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping participants gain and sustain meaningful work.

Part of KDHE’s Working Healthy program, the Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) initiative helps Kansas residents with permanent disabilities work while keeping their healthcare. STEPS provides support services to those who are motivated to seek, obtain, and maintain employment.

Also under the Working Healthy program, Work Opportunities Reward Kansans (WORK) allows residents with permanent disabilities to work and retain their healthcare benefits. WORK offers personal assistance services at no cost to help individuals live and work in their communities.

Employers interested in becoming a provider or scheduling a STEPS program presentation can contact Erin Sanders-Hahs, while those interested in the WORK program can reach out to Sherry Marney.