Eitas Empowering individuals through advocacy and support.

eitas connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services, resources, and opportunities so they can live full lives in their communities. Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a political sub-division of Jackson County that provides funding and services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to supp

ort individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services that respect their choices, increase their opportunities, encourage their independence, and assist their inclusion in all aspects of the community. OUR VALUE STATEMENTS
Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas:

-will advocate for a wide range of services and funding to meet the needs of persons with -developmental disabilities.
-will promote a culture of inclusion and individualized supports. will support individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge programs and empowered staff and providers.
-will provide the highest quality of supports and services by listening to the people it supports and the people who know them best.
-will support people to be active, full members of their communities.
-will be a Missouri leader in developing, supporting and furthering a community free of attitudinal and physical barriers and where persons with developmental disabilities participate in the full, rich life of their community without fear and prejudice.
-will conduct itself with integrity, propriety and honesty in carrying out the Board’s mission, values and responsibilities.
-will seek to insure the health, safety, and quality of life for the persons we support through proactive oversight of the programs we fund.
-will, whenever possible, leverage its resources to enhance funding and forge local, state and federal partnerships to expand available funding and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

💼 Did you know eitas is on LinkedIn?Follow us on LinkedIn for:• Organization news• Community partnerships• Career opport...
08/29/2026

💼 Did you know eitas is on LinkedIn?

Follow us on LinkedIn for:
• Organization news
• Community partnerships
• Career opportunities
• Annual reports and agency updates
• Advocacy and thought leadership

If you enjoy following eitas on Facebook, we'd love to connect with you there too.

Follow eitas on LinkedIn and stay connected with our mission.

College classes. Ice cream scoops. Grocery lists. KISS records. Chiefs games.For Sam these everyday details are connecte...
08/28/2026

College classes. Ice cream scoops. Grocery lists. KISS records. Chiefs games.

For Sam these everyday details are connected by something bigger: the opportunity to learn, work and build greater independence with support centered on his choices.

Sam loves his job at Howdy Homemade Ice Cream and is preparing for his final year in the THRIVE program at the University of Central Missouri. He is developing workplace skills, practicing everyday routines and preparing for new responsibilities.

Sam’s story offers a practical picture of inclusion. Education, employment and person centered support can work together as someone’s goals and circumstances change.

His advice is one we can all appreciate:

“Learn how to do something you like.”

Our newest community feature, Meet Sam Laws: College, Work and What Comes Next, is now available.

Read Sam’s story below: https://www.eitas.org/blog/samsstory

Please share it with employers, educators and community partners who believe people with disabilities should have opportunities to learn, work and shape what comes next.

Meet Sam and see how employment, college and steady support are helping him build skills, confidence and a life shaped by his own choices.

What is a Woman of Distinction?She does not simply stand in the spotlight. She uses it to help others shine.That is why ...
08/27/2026

What is a Woman of Distinction?

She does not simply stand in the spotlight. She uses it to help others shine.

That is why we are proud to celebrate Jorgi McNamara, Executive Director of eitas, for being named one of the 2026 Women of Distinction.

Jorgi leads with purpose, compassion and a deep belief in people. She empowers staff to share ideas, grow as leaders and use their strengths to make a difference. She creates space for others to step forward while keeping people with developmental disabilities and their families at the center of the work.

Her leadership reaches beyond eitas. It helps build a stronger Jackson County where people with disabilities are heard, valued and supported in living the lives they choose.

This recognition honors not only what Jorgi has accomplished, but how she leads: by opening doors, strengthening voices and helping others see what is possible.

Congratulations, Jorgi! We are grateful for your leadership, proud of the difference you make and honored to have you leading eitas. 🧡

Please join us in celebrating Jorgi in the comments!

Accessibility is not an extra. It is part of belonging.Eitas was proud to join Union Station Kansas City and Science Cit...
08/27/2026

Accessibility is not an extra. It is part of belonging.

Eitas was proud to join Union Station Kansas City and Science City for the ribbon cutting of their newly expanded restrooms and family amenities.

Through this partnership, eitas provided two universal changing tables at Union Station. These tables give children and adults with disabilities, their families and the people who support them a safer and more dignified place to take care of personal needs while enjoying time in the community.

We are grateful to Union Station and Science City for making accessibility an important part of the guest experience. Improvements like these help more people explore, learn and participate with greater comfort and confidence.

The celebration included plenty of smiles and even a toilet-shaped cake that kept everyone laughing. More importantly, it marked another meaningful step toward a Kansas City where everyone has greater access to the places and experiences our community offers.

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to life!

Wait. Why is there a holiday tree on my facebook feed?Yes, it is still warm outside. But Angel Tree planning starts now....
08/26/2026

Wait. Why is there a holiday tree on my facebook feed?

Yes, it is still warm outside. But Angel Tree planning starts now.

Over the years, eitas Angel Tree has reached hundreds of children. The reason it exists is simple: Every child deserves to feel remembered at the holidays.

This year, our goal is to provide gifts for 100 children with disabilities in our community.

Why begin now? Wish lists, adopters, donations, shopping, wrapping and delivery all require thoughtful planning.

You can help today:

🎄 Follow the Angel Tree campaign
💛 Scan the QR code to donate
📣 Share this post
👥 Tag a friend, business or community group that may want to participate

Help us spread the word.

Quick Chat may have lasted one hour, but the connections made can continue long after the event.Thank you to everyone wh...
08/25/2026

Quick Chat may have lasted one hour, but the connections made can continue long after the event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! People with lived experience, officials, community leaders, service providers and eitas team members came together for honest conversations about disability services and supports in Jackson County.

Attendees shared their experiences, asked thoughtful questions and listened to one another.

“I really appreciated that it was quick and I could meet people from different areas.”

Another attendee appreciated the opportunity to talk with current and prospective representatives about their experiences.

Thank you to attendees and everyone who helped make Quick Chat welcoming and meaningful. The conversation continues!

Don’t forget to register!Our Voter Resource Linkage Session is coming up soon. Join us to connect with trusted resources...
08/24/2026

Don’t forget to register!

Our Voter Resource Linkage Session is coming up soon. Join us to connect with trusted resources, check your registration, find your sample ballot, and ask questions about voting access and options.

Wednesday, September 16
12:30–2:30 p.m.
eitas Training Center
8508 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, MO 64138

Scan the QR code to save your spot and come prepared with your questions.

This is a nonpartisan voter resource session.

See the post below for more information. 🍦Stop  #9 is here! 🍦Jackson County Parks + Rec & Eitas  Ice Cream Trail is almo...
08/21/2026

See the post below for more information. 🍦

Stop #9 is here! 🍦

Jackson County Parks + Rec & Eitas Ice Cream Trail is almost complete! Join us at Custard's Last Stand for the ninth stop on our Special Populations Ice Cream Trail.

Be sure to bring your Ice Cream Trail passport and get one step closer to completing all 10 stops!

📍 Custard's Last Stand
1950 N SW State Rte 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014
📅 August 24 · 4:30–6:30 PM

Just one more stop after this to complete the trail!

Stop #9 is here! 🍦

Jackson County Parks + Rec & Eitas Ice Cream Trail is almost complete! Join us at Custard's Last Stand for the ninth stop on our Special Populations Ice Cream Trail.

Be sure to bring your Ice Cream Trail passport and get one step closer to completing all 10 stops!

📍 Custard's Last Stand
1950 N SW State Rte 7, Blue Springs, MO 64014
📅 August 24 · 4:30–6:30 PM

Just one more stop after this to complete the trail!

Thank you to Kemp Strickler for joining us today!
08/20/2026

Thank you to Kemp Strickler for joining us today!

Address

8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO
64138

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18163632000

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