Friends of JCDS :: Assistive Technology Aids Employment and Independent Lifestyle for Developmentally Disabled

what we do

Doing Work

Friends of JCDS Promotes Partnerships with Local Businesses

For 35 years, JCDS has been helping men and women with disabilities become valuable employees. Today, more than 100 Johnson County companies have counted on the capabilities and strong work ethic of JCDS workers.

Friends of JCDS supports the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities into the workforce by funding recognition programs that acknowledge area businesses who offer much-needed jobs to JCDS workers. Friends of JCDS has also helped expand employment prospects by funding “job tryouts” – opportunities for JCDS workers to stretch beyond center-based employment and experience real community jobs.

Breaking Barriers

Friends of JCDS Helps Transform Lives through Assistive Technology

Increasing opportunities for community employment and a more independent lifestyle is what the Friends of JCDS is all about. The use of assistive applications (many of them custom-designed by JCDS staff) has redefined “possibility” for hundreds of JCDS workers by expanding everyday and work-related skills.

Each year, Friends of JCDS funds the purchase of assistive devices, supplies and tools needed to customize work and home spaces to meet the unique physical requirements of nearly 100 individuals. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded in partnership with JCDS and Johnson County government provide a portion of the funding used to support this project.

Donna has been able to overcome serious physical challenges and land a competitive job making pizza boxes with the help of an assistive “jig.” Her employer, Bill Huff, Shawnee Kansas Pizza Shoppe owner said, “Although I was initially hesitant to hire Donna, she has become a true asset to the business and a joy to work with. Giving Donna this opportunity has also allowed us to demonstrate that we are a caring and inclusive place to work.” Donna’s response is simple – “Thank you for giving me a chance!”