Marina
Nancy Jensen recalls her time at Kaufman House in Newton—a facility that was supposed to offer care but instead concealed horrific abuse.
It was the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC) that helped bring those violations to justice. Today, she fears that federal budget cuts could strip away the vital services provided by DRC, leaving abuse unchecked and survivors without recourse.
What’s at Stake: The Proposed Cuts
| Program | 2025 Funding ($M) | Proposed 2026 Funding ($M) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection & Advocacy for Mental Illness | 40.0 | ~14.1 | –65% |
| Client Assistance Program (vocational rehab) | 13.0 | 0 | –100% |
| Voting Accessibility Advocacy | 10.0 | 0 | –100% |
| Protection & Advocacy for Individual Rights | 20.15 | 0 | –100% |
| Developmental Disabilities Network | (unknown) | 0 | –100% (eliminated) |
| Assistive Technology & TBI Advocacy | ~5 each | Maintained | No Change |
| DRC Total Funding | (aggregate) | ~–62% to –87% overall | Severe Reduction |
The estimates suggest DRC may face anywhere from a 64% to 87% reduction in federal resources, depending on whether some programs remain partially funded or are entirely zeroed out.
How Cuts Could Cripple DRC’s Mission
- Investigations halted: DRC, as a Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency, has the rare authority to conduct unannounced visits and investigate group homes—powers that could vanish with the cuts.
- Legal defenses dismantled: Services helping people file appeals, navigate Medicaid, and fight for discrimination claims could be suspended.
- Support systems dismantled: With over 56,000 Kansans relying on Medicaid, loss of advocacy support risks forcing vulnerable individuals into institutionalization.
- Community safety at risk: Survivors like Nancy warn, “If PAIMI goes away, there’s no accountability. Abuse could happen again unchecked.”
Voices of Concern
Rocky Nichols, DRC’s executive director, cautions that such funding losses would be devastating, dramatically impairing legal services for Kansans with disabilities.
Advocates like Malinda Barnett highlight how Medicaid waiver cuts—tied to broader budget changes—could further erode support systems essential for keeping people out of institutions.
With the Protection & Advocacy for Individual Rights, Voting Access, and Client Assistance programs facing termination, tens of thousands of Kansans may lose the support that prevents isolation, discrimination, and neglect.
Timeline & Legislative Outlook
- Budget implementation may begin as early as October 1, 2025.
- Senate has shown resistance to these cuts, but the final outcome depends on broader congressional negotiations.
- Advocacy remains crucial—DRC and disability rights partners are pressing lawmakers to preserve funding and avert a national rollback of protections.
As federal budget proposals threaten to reduce disability rights funding by up to 87%, Kansas stands at a crossroad.
Disability survivors like Nancy Jensen and advocates emphasize that without robust legal advocacy—from investigations to Medicaid appeals—abuse and neglect may recur.
The Disability Rights Center of Kansas serves as a lifeline for over 56,000 Kansans; cutting it would strike a devastating blow to civil rights, safety, and dignity. A collective call to action remains vital to uphold protections and honor the promise of justice for all.