Environmental Accessibility Services in Kansas 


1.Program Definition and Services 

Environmental Accessibility Services in Kansas focus on making physical environments accessible for individuals with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life. These services include: 

  • Installation of ramps, lifts, and stair glides 
  • Widening doorways and hallways 
  • Modifications to bathrooms (e.g., roll-in showers, grab bars) 
  • Adjustments to kitchen layouts for accessibility 
  • Installation of accessible switches, outlets, and environmental controls 
  • Structural modifications to improve mobility within the home 

These services are often provided through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers or other state-funded programs. 

 

2. Regulations 

The primary regulations governing Environmental Accessibility Services in Kansas include: 

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessibility 
  • Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R.) related to HCBS waivers and accessibility
  • Section 508 compliance for electronic accessibility under state guidelines 

 

3. Licensing or Certification 

No specific license is required to provide environmental accessibility services in Kansas. However: 

  • Contractors performing structural modifications must hold the appropriate local or state contractor licenses. 
  • Providers must meet Medicaid provider enrollment requirements if services are funded through Medicaid HCBS waivers. 

 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) oversees Environmental Accessibility Services as part of HCBS waiver programs. Additionally, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) provides guidance on accessibility standards 

 

5. Application Process 

The application process depends on the funding source: 

  • Medicaid HCBS Waivers: Applications are submitted through local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). 
  • Local Accessibility Programs: Applications may be submitted through county-level programs or outreach services like Johnson County’s Accessibility Program. 

 

6. Required Documentation 

Applicants may need to provide: 

  • Proof of disability or medical necessity (certified by a licensed professional) 
  • Home ownership or lease agreement 
  • Functional assessment report detailing the need for modifications 
  • Cost estimates from licensed contractors 
  • Financial eligibility documentation (if applying through Medicaid or other assistance programs) 

 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for approval varies depending on the program: 

  • Medicaid-funded modifications typically require prior authorization, which can take 30–60 days after all documentation is submitted. 
  • Local programs may have varying timelines based on funding availability and program-specific requirements. 

 

8. Pre-Application Process 

While there is no formal pre-application process, individuals often undergo an assessment by case managers or occupational therapists to determine their specific needs for environmental modifications. 

 

9. Pre-Application Training 

No pre-application training is required. However, providers or contractors performing the work may need training on ADA compliance and accessibility standards. 

 

10. Additional Notes 

  • Eligibility: Environmental accessibility services are available to individuals with disabilities who require home modifications to improve mobility and safety. 
  • Funding Sources: Services may be funded through Medicaid HCBS waivers, local government programs, nonprofit organizations, or private insurance. 
  • Compliance: Modifications must comply with ADA standards, including proper ramp slopes, doorway widths, and accessible controls. 
  • Community Support: Programs like Johnson County’s Accessibility Program advocate for full access to community life for individuals aged 18–59 with physical disabilities 

 

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