A Three-Part Series Presented by OCCK, Inc. & Disability Rights Center of Kansas
SALINA, Kan. — OCCK, Inc. is partnering with the Disability Rights Center of Kansas (DRC Kansas) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) to host The Power of Advocacy: From Awareness to Action, a three-part community series featuring Rocky Nichols, Executive Director of DRC Kansas.
As Kansas’ statewide agency for protecting and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, DRC Kansas empowers people, families, and natural supports to navigate systems, understand new laws, and access services that promote independence and inclusion.
Each session will explore practical advocacy tools and current issues — including the new person-centered guardianship law taking effect in 2026, Medicaid rights and appeals, and strengthening natural supports such as families, caregivers, and community networks.
“We look forward to our advocacy presentation in Salina,” said Nichols. “We will cover everything from how people with disabilities and their supports can benefit from the new person-centered guardianship law and to
use it to more effectively protect disability rights, to Medicaid rights and navigating Medicaid appeals, to Housing Rights, Assistive Technology, and the skills you need to better advocate for yourself as a Kansan with a disability.”
Shelia Nelson-Stout, President and CEO of OCCK, added:
“Empowerment begins with understanding your rights and having the confidence to speak up. Through this series, we’re partnering with DRC Kansas to help people, families, and community supporters turn awareness into meaningful action.”
Event Details
All sessions will be held at OCCK, Inc. (1710 W. Schilling Ave., Conference Room 6) and live via Zoom.
- October 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- November 6, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- December 2, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM*
*The final session coincides with OCCK’s Disability Culture Series, which is also funded by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Service.
Registration: Free and open to the public.
RSVP, access Zoom links, or request accommodations at occk.com/2025/10/14/the-power-of-advocacy-2025
This educational series is made possible through support from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).
About OCCK, Inc.
OCCK, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping North Central Kansans with short- or long-term disabilities remove barriers to employment, live independently, and fully participate in their communities. In operation since 1970, OCCK has more than 300 employees from diverse backgrounds who serve more than 3,000 people each year through a broad range of services, including transportation, employment, home health, and assistive technology.
