What is Johnson County Developmental Supports?

Established in 1972 as Johnson County Mental Retardation Center, Johnson County Developmental Supports is a comprehensive community service agency. Our mission is to support people with developmental disabilities and their families from Johnson County. Through comprehensive, appropriate and quality services, Johnson County Developmental Supports will help individuals achieve their highest level of individual independence.

Assistance designed for the Individual

People have individual needs. For this reason, those requesting assistance from Johnson County Developmental Supports are asked to help define the supports they want and need.

Through a person-centered process called Action Planning, we're giving the people we serve a voice in deciding their life plans based on their own personal preferences, goals, abilities and interests. This planning activity also helps the individual build a circle of support that may include family members, friends, services providers, and others close to the individual. The Action Plan identifies lifestyle preferences, personal goals, employment goals, interests, needs, talents . . . and dreams.

What services are offered by Johnson County Developmental Supports?

We shape the services we provide to fit each individual's preferences instead of working from a pre-determined list.  Some examples of available supports include Residential Supports (ranging from a few hours of support to live-in, around-the-clock assistance, training and supervision), Employment Supports (facility-based, and community work options), Day Supports  (valued day activities including a retirement service), Professional Supports (including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technology and Behavior Supports) and Case Management.

Anyone with a developmental disability who lives in Johnson County may apply for services. Johnson County Developmental Supports provides direct supports to adults age 18 and older. Through case management services, Johnson County Developmental Supports assists families who care for their children with disabilities at home. Through our extensive network of affiliate service agencies and individual professionals, our case managers can make referrals and coordinate service access to meet a wide array of needs--even those outside the scope of services provided directly by Johnson County Developmental Supports.

How do I apply for JCDS?

To get information about applying for services, please visit our link to the CDDO. The CDDO, works with affiliate agencies to ensure easy access to quality, cost-effective services. The process includes providing a single point of contact (entry) and admission for people seeking services, and maintaining a county-wide service needs list for those waiting for certain services. Whatever your questions or needs, our Referral Coordinator is on hand to offer assistance.

How much do services cost?

The cost of services varies. Most services are covered through public funding while others are arranged on a fee-for-service basis. JCDS staff will explain the cost of each service and the available payment alternatives.

How is Johnson County Developmental Supports funded?

Funding sources include Federal, State and local annual allocations, fees for services, subcontract income, contracts with companies for workers, and donations. The agency also benefits from the support of a separate "Friends" organization dedicated to providing additional resources for priority consumer and community-centered projects where other funding avenues are not available.

How does Johnson County Developmental Supports operate?

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners appoints a seven-member Governing Board composed of parents, community advocates and professionals. Their role is to establish policy and provide direction for the center. The executive director and a staff of trained professionals design and implement Johnson County Developmental Supports’ services in response to individual needs.

Thanks to a coordinated network of service providers, one phone call to Johnson County Developmental Supports at (913) 826-2600 is the only one you need to make! By calling this central number  you can obtain information about services available in Johnson County. You can also request eligibility information, application forms and descriptive brochures on any agency from this central information source. For specific information or questions about JCDS Community Service Provider call or click the contact link below.