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information, education, and public awareness on disability issues

Independence, Inc. Speakers Bureau is a panel of people with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities who are available to make presentations at various classes, organizations, trainings, or job sites. These presentations are available to civic groups, schools, churches, and other organizations to increase awareness of disability issues. The speakers bureau provides an opportunity to hear directly from people about the reality of their disability experience rather than from mass media or textbooks.

When you arrange for a presentation by the speakers bureau, you may request a presentation on a specific disability, or hear a panel of individuals discuss a specific topic as it relates to their disabilities. We can tailor our presentation to meet the needs of your audience or your organization. There is always time allowed for questions and answers.

Frequently the speakers will tell something about themselves; their disability and how it affects their lifestyle; personal, environmental, or societal barriers they have overcome; and what everyone can do to help create more integrated and accessible community.

We will make every effort to accommodate the needs of your program. Topics available through the Speakers Bureau include, but are not limited to:

• Sensitivity training on disability issues at job sites.
• Helping service providers understand how they can best serve consumers with disabilities.
• Insights and suggestions on being supportive to a family member or friend with a disability
• Ideas on advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities.
• Information about accessibility and the Americans With Disabilities Act (AD A).
• Education on the independent living movement and success stories about people with disabilities moving from institutions to the community.
• Information for landlords about the application of fair housing laws in regard to tenants with disabilities.
• Disability and sexuality.

Previous presentations

• Rotary Club
• Pilot Club
• Lions Club
• Lawrence Sertoma Club
• Lawrence high school
• central junior high school
• Hillcrest elementary school
• University of Kansas
• School of Social Welfare
• Department of Human Development and Family Life
• Visiting Nurses Association
• Social and Rehabilitation Services
• Lawrence Police Department
• Schwegler Elementary School

The views expressed through the Speakers Bureau do not necessarily reflect those of Independence, Inc.. Operating funds are from the U.S. Department of Education, Kansas rehabilitation services, Douglas County, United Way and private donations.

Scheduling a Presentation

If you would like more information about the Speakers Bureau or would like to schedule a presentation, contact:

Independence, Inc.
Attn: Peer Counseling Specialist
2001 Haskell Avenue
Lawrence, Kansas 66046

785/841-0333 (voice)

785/841-1046 (TDD)

When scheduling a presentation, please make a request one-month advance.