Community Connections in Kansas City Receives Two Visits in September

In September, Easterseals Midwest’s Community Connections program in Kansas City welcomed two special guests as part of Safety Week: KU Medical Chief of Police Brad Deichler on September 21 and the Gladstone Fire Department on September 29. Each visit lasted about an hour and gave individuals time to learn, share, and connect with the people who help keep their communities safe.

Building Trust Before an Emergency

For the Community Connections team, these visits had a clear purpose. They wanted individuals to meet first responders in a calm, welcoming setting before they might need their help during an emergency.

“There's a lot of stigma around these individuals,” said JJ, a Community Services Specialist in Kansas City. “Getting our fire, EMS, and first responders into our building, with our community getting exposed to them. It's so empowering to them.”

Staff prepared individuals ahead of each visit. They held a morning lesson, explained what to expect, and wrote questions on a whiteboard so everyone had a chance to take part.

When the firefighters arrived, individuals asked about their uniforms, equipment, and emergency response. They also asked what happens when someone who uses an electric wheelchair needs to go to the hospital.

The firefighters explained that they could bring the wheelchair to the station. They also offered one individual the chance to sit in a fire truck.

The conversation went both ways. Firefighters asked how they could better serve people with disabilities and communicate with them. Staff shared information about American Sign Language (ASL), and firefighters learned basic signs such as “fire” and “help.” One firefighter was so interested in an ASL app that they asked to see it and downloaded it during the visit.

Learning From a Police Chief's Experience

Earlier in the month, Brad Deichler, KU Medical's Chief of Police, visited Community Connections to talk about his work as a police officer and trainer.

His personal experience helped shape the conversation. After his son, Chase, was born, Deichler gained a deeper understanding of the challenges people with disabilities can face when interacting with law enforcement.

That experience led him to specialize in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. He also worked to expand CIT training across Kansas City so officers could better respond to people experiencing a crisis.

During the visit, Deichler shared his knowledge and experience with individuals and staff. His presentation helped show why officers need to understand disability and how to respond to different needs.

For Faith, an individual in the Community Connections program, the visits offered a chance to learn and connect. When asked what stood out, Faith highlighted making connections and learning about CIT training.

Making Community Safer and More Inclusive

These visits gave individuals a chance to ask questions, share their experiences, and help first responders better understand their needs.

Staff also saw how meaningful the visits were. Individuals stayed engaged, listened, and took part in conversations — providing an important opportunity to practice communication and self-advocacy in a real-world setting.

The BRIDGE program also joined the conversation during the firefighters’ visit, creating another opportunity for people to learn together.

Community Connections helps adults build independence, social skills, and self-advocacy through real-world experiences. By bringing community partners into the program, staff help individuals strengthen relationships and feel more comfortable taking part in their communities.

When first responders and people with disabilities get to know one another before an emergency, they can build understanding that matters when it counts.