InterHab

Our Story

Independence. Inclusion. Innovation.

For more than 50 years, InterHab has worked to improve the lives of Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 1969, community service professionals formed an alliance with skilled family advocates to form the Kansas Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (“KARF”). They came together to collaborate for the extension of civil rights to Kansans with IDD. From time immemorial to that point in time, Kansans with IDD and their families had suffered 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 led a national movement towards de-institutionalization.

Now called InterHab, the association has become the predominant voice in Kansas for persons with IDD, their families, and the providers of services and supports needed to live independently and inclusively. 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 community-based services and employment opportunities for Kansans with IDD. In the last few years, InterHab has been instrumental in securing needed funding for IDD services in Kansas.

“We continue to educate lawmakers and communities about the benefits of community inclusivity.”

We Believe

  • In the inherent dignity of all individuals.
  • Community services, employment, and housing should be available to Kansans, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability.
  • Community services should reflect the needs of the individual, and that they should reflect a reasonable response to the whole community’s needs.
  • Supports and services for Kansans with IDD should be available in their respective communities or geographic regions of choice.
  • Government, businesses and IDD service providers should form partnerships to create and promote employment opportunities for Kansans with IDD.
  • We are all 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.

STAFF

Janet Middendorf | Director of Member Services

Janet has been with us for more than 20 years and keeps her finger on the pulse of all things InterHab! As Director of Member Services, she handles accounting, membership and meeting planning. Janet attended both Highland Community College and Allen County Community College, but ultimately got her business accounting certificate from Johnson County Community College. When she can sneak away from the office, she is most likely enjoying the sun on a lake or traveling to the Caribbean.  

Nick Wood | Associate Director

Nick 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.

Meghan Shreve | Director of Education and Communications

Meghan joined InterHab in 2018 as our Director of Education and Communications. She organizes and executes InterHab’s education and training program as well as the yearly conference. She is responsible for anything and everything surrounding our communications. 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 twelve-year-old, Maci, three-year old, Holden, and her husband, Brandon.

Matt Fletcher | Executive Director

Matt has spent his career dedicated to health and human services in Kansas, including over 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, serving as Associate Director, and returned to InterHab in 2018 to assume the Executive Director position. Matt, his wife Erin and their son Theodore live in Topeka.

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