KYTN Councils 

The KYTN project is being implemented through innovative local partnerships of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), employment services providers, and other organizations that serve children and youth. There are KYTN Council pilot programs across the state. Learn more about the KYTN Councils below.

Kansas City (USD 500, USD 203, USD 202, USD 204)

Pilot Program: The Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County (YTAWC)

About: The Youth Transition Alliance of Wyandotte County (YTAWC) is here to serve and support youth and young adults with disabilities in Wyandotte County as they prepare for life after secondary education – whether that’s meaningful employment, higher education or technical training.

We are comprised of local services providers, advocates, educators, students and families who share the same mission of connecting youth with disabilities to essential resources within the community. We foster a supportive environment of respect, diversity, and uniqueness and are ready to assist you in identifying strengths, needs, interests and goals and to use that information as a roadmap to help get the services you need.

We use individualized training, programs and resources to equip youth for an integrated, independent and thriving future!

Council Members: Independence, Inc., Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK), Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Families Together

Southeast Kansas

Pilot Program: Kansas Empowering Youth in Southeast Kansas (KEYS) 

About: At KEYS, we’re united by a powerful mission: to uplift and empower youth and young adults with disabilities across five Southeast Kansas counties—Labette, Crawford, Cherokee, Wilson, and Montgomery—as they prepare to launch their futures beyond high school. Whether their path leads to employment, college, or technical training, KEYS is here to walk alongside them.

We are a passionate coalition of local service providers, educators, advocates, parents, and students—all committed to one shared vision: that every young person deserves the tools, support, and confidence to become a thriving, active member of their community.

In a world that often focuses on limitations, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. KEYS fosters an inclusive and affirming environment where youth can identify their strengths, explore their interests, and build the skills they need to succeed.

Through personalized training, real-life opportunities, and collaborative programming, we’re not just preparing students for graduation—we’re preparing them for life.

At KEYS, we don’t just support futures. We help shape them.

Manhattan

This pilot site is in the early stages of development. More details will be shared as they become available.

Salina (USD 305)

Pilot Program: Saline County Transition Council

About: The Saline County Transition Council is dedicated to supporting youth and young adults with disabilities as they plan for life after high school.

Our council brings together local agencies, young people, and their families who work collaboratively to ensure strong connections to resources that support success in post-secondary education, integrated employment, and independent living.

Together, we aim to create a seamless transition into adulthood by empowering individuals with disabilities to pursue further education or technical training, find meaningful employment, and fully participate in their communities.

Council Members: Independent Connection Inc., DCF, KDHE, OCCK, Salina Area United Way, USD 305, CAPS, Central Kansas Mental Health Center, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and more!

Beloit and Concordia (USD 273 and USD 334)

This pilot site is in the early stages of development. More details will be shared as they become available. 

Phillipsburg (USD 325)

This pilot site is in the early stages of development. More details will be shared as they become available.

Dodge City (USD 443)

Pilot Program: Transition Council of Dodge City

About: The Transition Council of Dodge City helps identify the needs of youth with disabilities. We do things like:

• Assist with suggestions on how to help youth develop a career/life path.
• Share insights from other organizations/partners perspectives,
• Review progress and address barriers, 
• Refer and consult as needed.

Using foundations of independent living philosophy, including individual choice and goal setting strategies, we will help youth make a plan. As part of the process, parents will have the opportunity to learn more. We help youth become more independent, further their education, attend a trade school, find a job, become more involved in their community and more. Any youth between the ages of 10-21 with a disability can enroll in the Transition Council of Dodge City. Students don't need to be in a special program to qualify.

Council Members: Vocational Rehabilitation, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Representatives from USD 443, Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College, Kansas Family Advisory Network, Arrowhead West, BlueCross BlueShield, Dodge City Public Library, Santa Fe Trail Community Corrections, and Catholic Charities

Goodland (USD 352)

This pilot site is in the early stages of development. More details will be shared as they become available.