The Problem
Kansas faces a severe shortage of Direct Support Workers (DSWs), threatening access to community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSW wages average only $14 per hour—among the lowest in the region—and workforce growth has been just 0.3% over the past decade. As a result, even families who leave the IDD waiver waitlist often cannot find providers. Without a stable workforce, people with disabilities risk losing access to essential support needed to live and work in their communities.
Action
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) convened the Health Equity and Outcomes Coalition, bringing together self-advocates, families, providers, researchers, and policy partners. Using research from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and workforce models from other states, the coalition developed evidence-based policy recommendations. These recommendations shaped the Kansas CARES Act (HB 2310)—a legislative proposal designed to strengthen the DSW workforce through career pathways, training, and sustainable workforce strategies.
Results
HB 2310 was introduced on February 11, 2025, with strong support from self-advocates, Direct Support Workers, caregivers, and disability organizations who provided compelling testimony on the workforce crisis. Their stories elevated the issue as a statewide priority and increased legislative awareness of how workforce shortages limit access to services for people with disabilities.
The initiative resulted in the development of the first comprehensive, research-driven policy proposal in Kansas focused on strengthening the Direct Support Workforce. More than 65 advocates participated in KCDD Day at the Capitol, engaging directly with lawmakers and building bipartisan awareness and support.
Although the bill did not pass during the 2025 session, the effort successfully established a unified, cross-sector coalition aligned around workforce solutions and positioned the Kansas CARES Act for reintroduction in 2026. Policymakers, stakeholders, and advocates are now mobilized with a shared strategy to advance sustainable workforce reforms that will improve access to services and reduce strain on family caregivers.
What Made the Council’s Role Unique
KCDD’s trusted relationships with self-advocates, families, providers, and researchers at KU and the UCEDD uniquely positioned the Council to unite stakeholders, translate research into policy solutions, and elevate the voices of people directly affected by the workforce crisis.