About EDK

(End Dependence Kansas)

EDK is a 5-year initiative to increase employment of Kansans with disabilities. Five state agencies are collaborating to implement EDK.

• Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) – LEAD AGENCY
• Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
• Kansas Department of Commerce
• Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
• Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC)

EDK has issued 15 performance based contracts with entities that are implementing 1 of 3 different evidenced based or promising practice employment models for individuals with disabilities.  The models include:

• Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
• Individualized Discovery/Customized Employment (ID/CE)
• Vermont Progressive Employment (VTPE)

There are five target populations contractors may work with, they include:

• Youth with disabilities transitioning from high school to employment
• Individuals interested in employment as an alternative to Social Security or other benefit programs
• Persons with disabilities exiting Kansas correctional facilities
• Persons with limited or no work experience
• Persons being served or pursuing services through Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waivers.  

To be an EDK participant, individuals must be determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services.

All participants must be employed a minimum of 90 days of stable employment to be considered successful in the program.