We Care and Connect Heartland

09/09/2026

Here is a chance to volunteer!

WE’RE ALMOST THERE.

Our volunteer sign-ups are looking great, but we have one shift we need to fill the most:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3RD | 10 AM–3 PM

If you’ve been wondering where your time can make the biggest difference, this is it.

Give us five hours. Bring a friend. Jump in and help us make Parade of Stars an incredible experience for our families and community.

Can you help us fill 10–3?
Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/KS/Wichita/paradeofstars

09/09/2026

If you are looking to volunteer...

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Help us bless and serve our community. We need volunteers to serve in a variety of roles, including being a one-on-one buddy to an individual with special needs, siblings group leader, crafts, sensory, medical, security, and more.

09/06/2026

SOAR is looking for models of ALL ages and ALL disabilities to shine in our 5th Annual SOAR Fashion Show! This magical event celebrates confidence, individuality, and the unique beauty of every person.
Interested in being part of this unforgettable experience? Contact us at [email protected] for more information!

09/05/2026

The University of Kansas Health System will be hosting 'Deaf Awareness Month' this month at Olathe Medical Center Lobby (OMC). MDHAC is one of the partnership organizations and will have a booth on September 15th so come visit us! PLUS - you can take a picture with Marquee Lights of 'Love (heart) ASL'!!

08/15/2026

07/20/2026

06/25/2026

Heartland.help is free to use.
Free to join. Free to access. Free to connect.

Verified resources are available through our website and phone line at no cost, and we never use your personal information.

We’re here to strengthen and connect our community.

Call or text 816-936-5258
Visit heartland.help

06/13/2026

Change starts with conversation and coffee.

The Missouri Council on Developmental Disabilities is bringing Coffee for Change to Kansas City, and you are invited to be part of it.

This free event brings together people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, advocates, and community members to connect, learn about current policy issues, and talk about ways to take action.

Whether you are new to advocacy or have been using your voice for years, this is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

Coffee for Change: Kansas City
July 10, 2026
9 a.m.
eitas Corporate Office
8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO 64138

Hosted by the Missouri Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Sponsored by eitas and Life Unlimited.

The event is free, but registration is required.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4wWPVYq

Who do you know who should be part of this conversation? Share this post or tag someone who may want to attend.

06/13/2026

The agenda for NCIL’s 2026 Annual Conference on Independent Living has been updated with new details, and the full workshop schedule is now available on our website.

- Workshops: https://bit.ly/49LbS2F
- Agenda: https://bit.ly/4fuIZvn

Workshops are organized into tracks such as Advocacy in Action, Empowered to Lead, Building Resilient Organizations, and Strengthening Connections. Tracks help attendees find sessions that match their interests. Each listing includes a description, presenter bios, target audience, and experience level to support planning.

Sessions will cover timely topics like funding strategies for the disability rights movement, protecting independence in the age of surveillance technology, strengthening services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so much more.

These interactive workshops emphasize practical strategies, collaboration, and real-world impact. Visit the conference website to explore the agenda.

We can’t wait to welcome you this July!

Image: National Council on Independent Living logo features a multi-colored fingerprint.

06/13/2026

🗣️ Your Voice Matters!

Although our Community Needs Assessment survey has ended, there's still time to participate in an EMAA Community Listening Session.

We're looking for community members and customers who are willing to share their thoughts about local needs, challenges, and opportunities. Your feedback helps shape the programs and services that support families throughout our region and helps ensure community voices are at the center of the work we do.

✅ Sessions are about 1 hour long
✅ Participants receive a $25 gift card as a thank-you for their time
✅ Your input helps guide EMAA's future planning and services
✅ Multiple sessions are available throughout our service area
✅ Only 10 to 15 spots per session!

We want to hear directly from the people who live, work, and raise their families in our communities. Whether you've received services from EMAA or simply care about the future of your community, your perspective matters.

📅 Check out the schedule of upcoming listening sessions by county below and sign up for the location that works best for you. To register please email [email protected] or [email protected].

Help us identify needs, celebrate strengths, and build stronger communities together. We hope to see you there!