Life Span Institute

10/16/2026

📅 Mark your calendars! KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities partner The Arc of Douglas County is hosting its annual Film Festival and Silent Auction on 2-5 p.m. Nov. 1 in Lawrence, Kansas. The event features short films about, starring, and by people with .
Link in comments!

10/15/2026

People of any age can benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) when speech alone isn’t enough. AAC tools range from speech-generating devices to letter boards and more.

Curious about the options? Kansans can learn more through Assistive Technology for Kansans . Based at the KU Life Span Institute, the program has offices across the state to help Kansans find tools that support communication, connection and independence.

10/13/2026

Did you know 60-90% of AAC intervention is focused only on making requests? Storytelling is key to developing literacy and communication skills, says director of Juniper Gardens Children's Project Trina Spencer, whose Story Champs language program for educators includes an AAC expansion.

Want to encourage narrative storytelling skills? Here are some simple ideas to try with your child — whether or not they use AAC.
1. Read a short story together. Then, ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
2. Have your child to draw or make something. Then ask them to explain it. Listen patiently, use open ended questions to encourage them to share.
3. Build a "What if" story together. What if we took a trip to the moon? How would we get there? What would we see?

10/10/2026

In honor of Mental Health Awareness day, we're sharing an early Save the Date for the Oct. 23 Open House at the Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors. Meet scientists and staff and get to learn more about their research.

Community partners at the event will have information on medical care, nutrition, wellness and mental health. Screening for eating disorders will be available with referral information.



(Link to details in the comments!)

10/09/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces. The KU Life Span Institute works with community and state partners to expand employment opportunities for Kansans with disabilities.

While employment rates have improved over time, significant gaps remain. As the nation's first Employment First state, Kansas has led efforts to ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to work in their communities alongside their peers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a reminder that there is still work to do to improve access to meaningful employment for all.

10/07/2026

You are not invisible.

Share your story at https://kuhealthsurvey.org !

10/07/2026

Reminder! Tomorrow is the annual Fall Festival at KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Guests can meet researchers and staff, and help shape the future of disability research, education, and supports in Kansas.

The event is free and open to all form 4-6 p.m. Thursday on the 7th Floor of Pearson Hall, 1122 West Campus Road in Lawrence. See you then!

10/05/2026

There's still time to register for the KU Transition to Postsecondary Education session in Salina tomorrow. Learn how KU can be in your kid's future. Curious? Don't wait! Register at bit.ly/4qshcyZ

Hey Salina, Kansas!!👋
Happy Friday Eve! Register today to hear all about KU TPE, meet staff, get your questions answered and get a t-shirt on Tuesday! Register at bit.ly/4qshcyZ
Check out our events page on our website for more information! tpe.ku.edu/events
Share with your friends! Rock Chalk!

10/05/2026

The Cofrin Logan Center is hosting Jeff Boissoneault, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Boissoneault will present “Understanding Pain as a Proximal Antecedent of Alcohol Use” at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 9.

Want to join but can't be there? A livestream will be available for remote viewers at the link posted in the comments.

10/02/2026

Hi Salina, Kansas! Happy Friday Eve! Register today to hear all about KU TPE, meet staff, get your questions answered and get a t-shirt on Tuesday! Registration link - bit.ly/4qshcyZ

Check out our Events page on our website for more information: tpe.ku.edu/events

Share with your friends! Rock Chalk!