Reflecting on 50 Years of Service
It’s been 50 years since a mother desperately searched for adequate care for her son with disabilities.
It’s been 50 years since KenCCID opened its doors to individuals with disabilities, including those from the infamous Pennhurst Institution.
It’s been 50 years since KenCCID has provided safe housing to individuals with disabilities.
It’s been 50 years since KenCCID met the basic healthcare needs of individuals with disabilities.
It’s been 50 years since KenCCID ensured individuals with disabilities secured gainful employment.
We welcomed 2024 with joyous hearts knowing that our founder’s mission had remained alive for 50 years. As the decades have come and gone, one thing has remained true – our devotion to the highest quality care and service to individuals with disabilities.
Where do we go from here?
It is sobering to realize that in July this year, the ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act – has only been in existence for 34 years. KenCCID has been serving the same group of individuals most impacted by this act for nearly twice as long. We want to remain a beacon of hope for this community as we look ahead to another 50 years and more.
New, unseen challenges have started to crop up as the world has turned more and more digital. Just like the battles won in the physical world for equitable access to buildings and other public spaces, we are prepared to seek the same level of access in the digital world.
We stand with numerous organizations and groups who have already made a call for equity in all things digital. This includes everything from how we interact with websites, to the ethical utilization of AI tools to make the world easier to navigate for individuals with disabilities.
We were excited to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sister organization, Autism Speaks, for their annual walk on November 3, 2024. We recognize many of the challenges faced by individuals with autism. We look to the day when all individuals with disabilities and/or learning differences are treated with the same level of respect, care, and dignity like any other. In the meantime, we are honored to step into the gap and continue to provide housing, job support, and basic medical care for individuals with disabilities in our immediate community.
Looking Ahead
Our continued success for 50 years could not have been realized without the individuals who chose to receive their care from KenCCID, provided by the tireless commitment of our KenCCID staff. We remain indebted to their commitment to outstanding service.
For the last 50 years, we have remained steadfast in fulfilling our mission:
To promote dignity and choice to empower Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities reach their full potential.
Support Our Mission
Consider making a donation to KenCCID today to ensure we continue providing the highest standard of care for individuals with disabilities for many more decades to come.
$5 gives an individual with a disability the opportunity to visit a coffee shop and engage with their local community.
$100 puts an individual through a community art class to expand their curiosity.
$500 provides themed personalized bedrooms and bedding to bring their imagination and dreams to life.
No donation is too small – or too large!