We Believe

InterHab is founded upon certain shared beliefs and values which are an expression of our mission and purpose as individuals, as professionals, as organizations and as a voluntary association.

  • We believe in the inherent dignity of the individual.
  • We believe community services, employment or housing should be open to all; regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability.
  • We believe that community services should reflect a reasonable response to the whole communities needs.
  • We believe that individuals should receive the services they need within their own communities or within their community of choice or geographic region of choice in order to promote integration and to prevent segregation and institutionalization.
  • We believe that government, business and industry should form partnerships to foster economic opportunities for all citizens in the community.
  • We believe it is the responsibility of society to enact and enforce the laws which prohibit discrimination through education and training, incentives for the initiation of needed programs and resources to assist individuals to live as independently as possible.

InterHab Staff

Tom Laing, Executive Director

Send Tom e-mail
Tom has served as the Executive Director of InterHab for more than 17 years. A long-time statehouse advocate and former legislative staffer, Tom leads InterHab members in strategic advocacy efforts with Kansas legislators and stakeholders. Prior to InterHab, Tom's career has focused on working with state agencies and community-based social service organizations. Tom has also consulted with the Clinton Administration to assist state governments to facilitate public-private collaboration for improving community services for persons with disabilities.

Matt Fletcher, Associate Executive Director

Send Matt e-mail
Matt has been with InterHab for more than a decade. Among many duties, Matt is our communications expert and grassroots advocacy coordinator. Matt works with members to communicate advocacy strategies to promote various legislative efforts in communities across the state. Prior to his arrival at InterHab, Matt pursued a variety of career interests, including working as a case manager and vocational trainer for persons with severe and persistent mental illness. Matt also worked for many years as a radio announcer, served as a public information officer for a large public health entity, and as a cartoonist whose work was published in several newspapers around the country.

Christa Murphy, Training & Conference Coordinator

Send Christa e-mail
Christa provides coordination for the InterHab Division of Professional Development by working with members to determine the training needs of professionals in the DD and human services fields. Christa has been with InterHab for more than 10 years, working with dynamic and knowledgeable speakers to present information in a variety of mediums including webinars, on-site trainings and even video instruction. Christa has a degree in Public Relations from Kansas State University. In addition to being a mother of three and a small business owner, she enjoys running, teaching pilates, reading and art.

Erin Roberts, Membership & Marketing Coordinator

Send Erin e-mail
Erin organizes communication among the Association for professional development activities, advocacy events, and general announcements. She also coordinates incoming members and develops partnerships among Associate Members. Erin has worked with InterHab for more than 3 years. In her spare time, Erin enjoys a variety of creative interests and spending time with friends.

J.J. Matzek, Financial Manager

Send J.J. e-mail
J.J. is the Finance Manager for InterHab and has been with us for more than 10 years. J.J. oversees all financial processes for the Association including budget planning and financial reporting. JJ is a mother of two and a small business owner.

Janet Middendorf, Office Manager

Send Janet e-mail
Janet keeps her finger on the pulse of all things InterHab! Janet has been with InterHab for more than 12 years. As Office Manager, she provides coordination for a number of InterHab Board Meetings and other activities. Janet also provides critical, up-to-date information to InterHab members.

Independence. Inclusion. Innovation.

Photo of advocates speaking with Senator Bob DoleInterHab was established in 1969 by a small group of organizations that provided services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The nation was addressing several civil rights challenges at the time and Kansas wasn’t any different. InterHab began as a unified voice for human rights for persons with developmental disabilities. We fought for their rights to education, rights to employment, and rights to live an independent and fulfilling life.

Photo of advocates signing the Wall of DreamsFor more than 40 years, we’ve taught communities in Kansas to be inclusive to all. Our members have created community-based supports, homes in residential neighborhoods, and jobs in local business. We’ve made every library in America a source for information on the Americans with Disabilities Act. In just the last few years, we’ve generated more than $50 million for the continued improvement of DD services. Hand-in-hand with community leaders, lawmakers and individuals with disabilities, we have changed our state forever. And we will continue to do so!

Photo of person wearing a 166 Good Deeds t-shritWe promise to continue to promote independence for individuals with disabilities. We promise to continue to encourage inclusion among all communities all across the state! And we promise to continue to provide innovative strategies to provide the best possible support to individuals with disabilities in the state of Kansas. This is the InterHab promise and through this promise we continue to build a bright future for persons with disabilities.

Membership = Opportunity

InterHab Membership means opportunity: the opportunity for you to gain the latest information in an ever-changing field, the opportunity for you to continue to provide the best services possible to the persons you serve and the opportunity for our collective voice to grow stronger in support for all Kansans with disabilities.

InterHab has plenty of opportunities to get involved. Click here to learn more about InterHab membership.