Latest News

06/27/25

DSNWK and Masons award grant for stander

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce a grant award of $2,707.11 to an Oberlin family who has a child with developmental disabilities. 

The money awarded will be applied to the purchase of a special standing device for the child to help them learn to walk. The Easy Stand Bantam is specifically designed to support the child as they learn to bear weight and gain independence.  

“DSNWK is proud to offer this grant award.” states Jerry Michaud, President of DSNWK. “This is exactly what this fund was meant to do. Help children in Decatur County, to live with greater independence and purpose.”

A special fund has been established by The Kansas Masonic Foundation and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc (DSNWK) for children residing in Decatur County Kansas who have physical disabilities. This fund, called the Mountain Slope Masonic Lodge Special Needs Fund for Decatur County, has been established at DSNWK through a generous anonymous estate gift. 

All interested parties must complete an application. The intended recipient must live in Decatur County, Kansas, be 18 years of age or younger and have a diagnosed physical disability. A complete list of criteria is available on DSNWK’s website www.mydsnwk.org.

06/25/25

ACCESS Public Transportation faces 2026 budget shortfall

Posted Jun 25, 2025 5:01 AM

By TONY GUERRERO, Hays Post

ACCESS General Public Transportation in Hays is bracing for a 2026 funding gap after state funding fell short to keep rides rolling.

Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, said KDOT has provided some funding for 2026, but it falls short, and with the city and county also unable to fully cover the deficit, a significant gap remains.

Michaud said the gap is about $161,000, with the city of Hays contributing $82,500 and Ellis County providing $50,000.

"We definitely appreciate the support of the county and the support of the city. They've been great partners all along the way," Michaud said.

ACCESS offers public transportation primarily to low-income, elderly and disabled individuals. Michaud said the service provided about 28,000 rides in 2024, with more than 11,000 of those trips related to work.

Michaud said there are no plans for immediate changes to the service.

"We've been able to make it work through 2025, but for 2026, we are seeing a deficit of which we're trying to find a solution to that," Michaud said.

05/21/25

Dash 4 Disabilities Fast Approaching

The Hays Recreation Commission’s 14th Annual Dash 4 Disabilities is right around the corner.  The fun run is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th at 8:00 a.m. on the West side of the Hays Aquatic Park (4th and Main).  Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m.  This run will consist of your choice of a 1 mile run/walk or a 5K run/walk. 

There is still time to register for this fun event for an entry fee of only $10 on or before June 4th. Cost after June 5th is $12. 

The run is for people of all abilities, will not be timed, and the proceeds will go to help support the programs coordinated by the Hays Recreation Commission that support people with intellectual and developmental   disabilities.   The run helps make the programs free or inexpensive for participants.  

Dash 4 Disabilities is sponsored by Hess Services, Papa Murphys and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

For a registration form, map of the course, or any other information, contact Haley Nixon at 785-623-2650, haley@haysrec.org or go to www.haysrec.org.

05/01/25

DSNWK benefits from generosity of RCCF

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK) is proud to announce that they are the recipients of a Rawlins County Universal Grant: “A Seat at the Table” in the amount of $649.95. The grant will go toward the purchase of new chairs for DSNWK’s College for Living program at Prairie Developmental Center (PDC) in Atwood. 

As College for Living participants age, they require additional mobility support to remain engaged and as independent as possible. The need for new chairs was identified through staff observations and participant feedback, highlighting the importance of having seating with armrests for easier transitions between sitting and standing.

“Many of the persons served at PDC face mobility challenges as they age and the current chairs do not provide the needed support because they lack the arm rests,” states Jerry Michaud, DSNWK President. “Having chairs with arm rests aid in their transition from sitting to standing and also minimize fall risks.”

04/14/25

Dancing Together for DSNWK raises more than $21,000!

A check for $21,306.45 was presented to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas from the Dancing Together for DSNWK event held on Sunday, March 2nd at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Hays. Hays High School senior Allison Dreiling and Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Macara Rohr along with Alyssa Dechant with Styles Dance Centre presented the check on Thursday, April 3rd.

Styles Dance Centre has hosted the event for several years with this year raising the most money of any other year. A large raffle with a variety of donated prizes was also a contributing factor to the success of the recital.

37 individuals served by DSNWK participated in the recital which featured dances by both the dancers at Styles, HHS Cheer, FHSU Tiger Debs as well as special group dances featuring individuals served by DSNWK. 

“This event is really inspiring,” said Dechant. “ It's truly my favorite show of our season.”

04/07/25

Hays Lions Club supports DSNWK with grant

Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas is proud to announce that they have received a $500.00 grant award from the Hays Lions Club for the vision needs of the people they serve who have developmental disabilities. The grant will go to support DSNWK's Consumer Medical Fund. This Fund assists individuals with the cost of medical items and care that are not covered by Medicaid, items such as eye glasses and other vision needs. The Hays Lion’s Club has consistently supported our mission for 17 years and impacted many individuals whom we have served.  DSNWK would like to thank the Hays Lions Club for their continuous support of people with developmental disabilities.