ABOUT SACK

WHO WE ARE

The Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) is a statewide advocacy group made up of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, the majority of whom receive services through the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Service System. SACK encourages and teaches people to speak up for themselves and to obtain the highest possible level of independence.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to promote empowerment and independence for adults with developmental disabilities.

OUR VISION

SACK’s vision is that all Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to express opinions and make choices in order to create a life where they are treated with the same dignity and respect as persons without developmental disabilities.

SACK supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

SACK supports Employment First and believes all people have the right to work in the community at a competitive wage.

SACK representatives posing for a group shot

Our team

Get to know our awesome team below! Swipe left or right or use the circles below our staff to view all of our team members.

OUR PRIORITIES

Expanding
KanCare

SACK believes that healthcare for all is a basic human right. We support the full expansion of Medicaid and won’t stop till everyone is covered!​

Preventing Sexual Violence
& Abuse

Too many people with disabilities are put in harm’s way because they don’t know their rights, lack sexual education, and live in social isolation. SACK is taking a stand against the victimization of people with disabilities.​

Voter Access
& Registration

People with disabilities have the potential of making up the largest voting block in our country. Our voice is powerful and we’re here to let self-advocates know! ​

Supported
Decision-Making

SACK believes that people with disabilities have the right and the power to make their own life decisions. SACK firmly believes in supported decision-making, and is working hard to train people with disabilities, providers, and  policymakers just exactly what that means.

Integrated, Competitive
Employment

SACK believes that at the end of the day, all people should earn a decent living. People with disabilities face higher levels of unemployment and underemployment. It’s a fact. SACK is calling for the end of sub-minimum wages and equal opportunities to punch the clock!

Increased Wages for Direct Support Professionals

SACK knows that people with disabilities across Kansas rely on a quality workforce to help them get through their day and participate in their community. That’s why SACK is calling for increased wages for the hard-working DSPs that help us accomplish our goals and dreams!

SACK self Advocates and allies at the Kansas Leadership Center

Our Activities

Learn more about what we do

Our Chapters

Find a SACK chapter near you.

Our Funders

We couldn’t do what we do without the generous support of
SACK is eternally grateful for the in-kind support provided by The Arc of Douglas County.

Twelve Steps To the Future of Self-Advocacy

A Vision of the Future by The Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas

1. Individuals will have the opportunity to participate in independent self-advocate groups and to know their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

2. People with disabilities will have access to flexible, adequate and available services that create a seamless service system from birth to death.

3. Policy-makers, advocates and providers will be accountable first to the people they serve. Politics has no place in serving people with developmental disabilities.

4. Staff and others who support people with developmental disabilities will be qualified and well-trained.

5. Self-advocates and consumers will be involved in making decisions about how services are delivered and in making decisions about policies that impact people with developmental disabilities.

6. People with developmental disabilities will have knowledge of and access to all parts of the service system.

7. People with developmental disabilities will direct their own services with any and all the supports they need.

8. There will be better interagency communication and referrals to better serve people with developmental disabilities.

9. Individuals will have an opportunity to have real jobs and to fulfill their hopes and dreams to the best of their ability.

10. All individuals will have access to adequate dental, medical and prescription drug health care.

11. People with mental illness and dual diagnosis will have sufficient, flexible services.

12. All individuals will have access to flexible, affordable transportation.