Independence. Inclusion. Innovation.

For more than 50 years, InterHab has been working to improve the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities ("I/DD"). In 1969, an alliance of community service professionals and skilled family advocates formed the Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (“KARF”). They found common purpose in collaborating for the extension of civil rights to Kansans with I/DD. From time immemorial to that point in time, Kansans with I/DD and their families had suffered through profound isolation and discrimination. Through KARF's efforts to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and the value of investing in home and community-based services, Kansas lead a national movement towards de-institutionalization.

Now known as InterHab, the association has become the predominant voice in Kansas for persons with I/DD, their families, and the providers of the services and supports they need to live independently and inclusively within their communities. We continue to educate lawmakers and communities about the benefits of community inclusivity. Our 40+ member organizations have long been the vanguard of innovation for home and community-based services ("HCBS"), employment opportunities, and life enrichment activities for Kansans with I/DD. And, in just the last year, we've led the battle to increase funding for all HCBS services in Kansas - the first in 10 years!

We believe in the inherent dignity of the individual. We believe community services, employment, and housing should be available to all Kansans, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability. We believe that community services should reflect the needs of the individual, and that they should reflect a reasonable response to the whole community's needs. We believe that supports and services for Kansans with I/DD should be available in their respective communities or geographic regions of choice. We believe that government, industry, and business should form partnerships to create and promote employment opportunities for Kansans with I/DD. We believe that all persons are responsible for advocating against discrimination through education and training, promoting needed supports and services, and providing resources to assist individuals to live as independently as possible.

InterHab Board of Directors 2020

President — Doug Wisby, Multi Community Diversified Services
Past President — Chad VonAhnen, Johnson County Developmental Supports
Vice President — Deb Voth, Rainbows United, Inc.
Treasurer — Mieke Hoeffner, DPOK
Secretary — Jerry Michaud, DSNWK
At-Large — Eileen Doran, TARC
At-Large — Kathy Walter, Flinthills Services
At-Large — Kirk Davis, Lakemary
At-Large — Jon Prescott, Sunflower Diversified
At-Large — Colin McKenney, Starkey
At-Large — Patrick Gardner, COF
At-Large — Shelly May, JCDS

InterHab Staff

Matt Fletcher | Executive Director
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 Matt Fletcher has spent his career dedicated to health and human services in Kansas, including nearly two decades in support of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That experience includes work within the IDD service field where he was responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery to more than 400 persons with I/DD. Matt previously worked for InterHab for 16 years. During that time, Matt led grassroots advocacy efforts to ensure the best possible outcomes for providing services to Kansans with IDD. Matt, his wife Erin, and their dog Sophie, welcomed a new baby boy, Theo, to their family in May 2019.

Janet keeps her finger on the pulse of all things InterHab! Janet has been with InterHab for more than 20 years. As Director of Member Services, Janet makes sure that all membership events run smoothly. Janet attended Highland Community College and Allen County Community College.  When she can sneak away from the office, Janet is most likely enjoying the sun on a lake.

Meghan Shreve | Director of Education and Communications
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Meghan serves as InterHab's Director of Education and Communications, managing messaging internally with InterHab members and externally with the public as well as organizing and promoting InterHab's education and training program. She joined us most recently from Payless ShoeSource, and has a history in nonprofit communications work in Kansas with the Red Cross, Independence, Inc., and the March of Dimes. She received her degree in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas in 2006 and is a lifelong Jayhawk fan. When she isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her ten-year-old, Maci, one-year old, Holden, and her husband, Brandon.

Nick Wood | Associate Director
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Nick Wood has 18 years of experience working in the disability community in Kansas. As Associate Director, he assists with government relations and the administration of the organization. He also works with Interhab members to solve an array of IDD systems issues and coordinates Interhab's grassroots advocacy strategy. Prior to his role at Interhab, Nick directed grassroots advocacy in support of Medicaid Expansion, he worked for several years as a disability rights advocate, and he also managed a home and community based behavioral health waiver for children for the State of Kansas. Nick graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and History, and the University of Kansas with a master’s degree in Public Affairs and Administration.