Eitas Empowering individuals through advocacy and support.

eitas connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to services, resources, and opportunities so they can live full lives in their communities. Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a political sub-division of Jackson County that provides funding and services for Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. OUR MISSION
Our mission is to supp

ort individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with services that respect their choices, increase their opportunities, encourage their independence, and assist their inclusion in all aspects of the community. OUR VALUE STATEMENTS
Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas:

-will advocate for a wide range of services and funding to meet the needs of persons with -developmental disabilities.
-will promote a culture of inclusion and individualized supports. will support individuals with developmental disabilities through cutting-edge programs and empowered staff and providers.
-will provide the highest quality of supports and services by listening to the people it supports and the people who know them best.
-will support people to be active, full members of their communities.
-will be a Missouri leader in developing, supporting and furthering a community free of attitudinal and physical barriers and where persons with developmental disabilities participate in the full, rich life of their community without fear and prejudice.
-will conduct itself with integrity, propriety and honesty in carrying out the Board’s mission, values and responsibilities.
-will seek to insure the health, safety, and quality of life for the persons we support through proactive oversight of the programs we fund.
-will, whenever possible, leverage its resources to enhance funding and forge local, state and federal partnerships to expand available funding and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

We are happy to help. Looks like memories were made. Thank you Southeast Enterprises Packaging & Assembly Specialists, w...
07/30/2026

We are happy to help. Looks like memories were made. Thank you Southeast Enterprises Packaging & Assembly Specialists, we enjoy partnering with you.

It takes a community to create opportunities.

Thank you to Englewood Arts for leading another fantastic art class as our associates prepare for Art Westport, and to Eitas for providing transportation so everyone could be part of the experience.

We're grateful for partners who help make meaningful experiences like these possible.

Accessible voting is a right.The Americans with Disabilities Act requires voters with disabilities to have a full and eq...
07/30/2026

Accessible voting is a right.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires voters with disabilities to have a full and equal opportunity to participate in elections.

Missouri voters may ask for:

• An accessible voting system with features such as an audio ballot or enlarged text
• Help from a person they bring or a bipartisan team of poll workers
• Curbside voting when limited mobility makes entering the polling place difficult
• Reasonable changes needed for access, including using a service animal or sitting instead of standing in a long line

Contact your local election authority before voting if you have questions about accessibility:

• Kansas City residents: kceb.org
• Jackson County residents outside Kansas City: jcebmo.org

Learn more from the Missouri Secretary of State and ADA.gov.

Access is part of participation.

She could not find a main character who looked like her, so she created one.When  Author Jeanne Knapp was in fourth grad...
07/29/2026

She could not find a main character who looked like her, so she created one.

When Author Jeanne Knapp was in fourth grade, she noticed something missing from the books she read: a lead character with a visible disability. That realization stayed with her.

Today, Jeanne is the author of four mystery books featuring Megan Mattson, a curious and capable 12-year-old with spina bifida who uses a wheelchair. Megan follows clues, trusts her observations and helps solve each mystery herself.

In 2025, Jeanne was recognized as the eitas Author of the Year for her writing and her work to bring Megan’s mysteries to readers. During a recent visit to the zoo, Jeanne may have even discovered the first clue for Megan’s next adventure.

Read Jeanne’s story and learn more about her books:

Meet Jackson County Missouri author Jeanne Knapp and discover how she created the Megan mystery series to bring disability representation to children’s books.

“This isn’t just a musical. It’s a celebration of belonging and the transformative power of inclusive theatre.”
07/28/2026

“This isn’t just a musical. It’s a celebration of belonging and the transformative power of inclusive theatre.”

After weeks of rehearsals, countless hours of hard work, and memories made along the way, the curtain is almost ready to rise on Oliver! 👏💫

This isn’t just a musical. It’s a celebration of belonging and the transformative power of inclusive theatre. ❤️

Don’t miss your chance to cheer on this remarkable cast as they take the stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

✨ Performances begin THIS FRIDAY! ✨

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours today through the link in our bio!

Election Day is one week away.Before you vote:• Confirm your polling place• Review your sample ballot• Bring an accepted...
07/28/2026

Election Day is one week away.

Before you vote:

• Confirm your polling place
• Review your sample ballot
• Bring an accepted photo ID

Voting early in person is also available through August 3. No reason is needed.

Find information for your area:

• Kansas City residents: kceb.org
• Jackson County residents outside Kansas City: jcebmo.org

A little planning can help make voting easier and less stressful.

Planning Ahead Can Help in an EmergencyA recent situation reminded us how important it is for individuals, families and ...
07/27/2026

Planning Ahead Can Help in an Emergency

A recent situation reminded us how important it is for individuals, families and support teams to learn about voluntary safety resources before an emergency happens.

Take Me Home programs allow people with developmental disabilities, communication disabilities, dementia or other support needs to voluntarily provide law enforcement with helpful information. This may include a recent photograph, emergency contacts, identifying information and guidance about how best to assist the person.

The information is confidential and may help officers respond appropriately if an enrolled person is found alone, becomes disoriented or is reported missing.
Jackson County resources:

• Blue Springs Take Me Home Program
https://www.bluespringsgov.com/2108/Take-Me-Home-Program

• Lee’s Summit Take Me Home Program: https://cityofls.net/police-department/programs-and-services/take-me-home-program

If you live elsewhere in Jackson County, contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency or community services unit and ask whether it offers a similar registry.

If someone is missing or in immediate danger, call 911. Missouri does not require someone to be missing for a certain length of time before a report can be made. Keeping a recent photograph and updated personal information available can also help responders. Missouri State Highway Patrol guidance: https://apps.mshp.dps.mo.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/MIAC/Units/MissingPersonsJuvenileUnit/reportMissingPerson.html

Missouri is also developing a statewide Purple Alert System for missing people with developmental disabilities. The law takes effect August 28, 2026, with implementation required by July 1st, 2027

Please share!

Update: He has been reunited with his family! Please share and see below post for more information on how to help.
07/27/2026

Update: He has been reunited with his family!

Please share and see below post for more information on how to help.

07/26/2026
July 26th marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law signed in 1990....
07/26/2026

July 26th marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law signed in 1990.

The ADA helps protect people with disabilities from discrimination in employment, schools, transportation, public spaces, services, and community life.

At eitas, we know access is about everyday life.

It is about getting to work, connecting with community, using transportation, accessing services, making choices, and having the opportunity to live the life you choose.

During Disability Pride Month, we honor the advocates who fought for change and the people with disabilities who continue moving disability rights forward today.

Access is not extra. Access is part of belonging.

Address

8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO
64138

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18163632000

Alerts

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