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Amerigroup Kansas Contributions Paying Dividends for Individuals With Disabilities Around the State
[July 28, 2015]

Amerigroup Kansas Contributions Paying Dividends for Individuals With Disabilities Around the State


This week marks the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since 2013, when Amerigroup began funding services in Kansas, Amerigroup and its Foundation directed more than $110,000, to health-improving causes, organization and programs supporting individuals with disabilities. During the first half of 2015, Amerigroup kicked-off this year's anniversary with a variety of community events and committed to donations that have enabled individuals of all abilities to accomplish milestones around the state.

Donations and events include:

  • Special Olympics Kansas 2015 Summer Games to provide health screenings for athletes during games in Wichita. During the last month's kick-off event at Wichita State University, Amerigroup provided about 400 screenings for approximately 200 athletes.
  • Independent Living Resource Center in Wichita and iCan Shine Foundation in Baldwin to benefit their iCan Bike Camps that teaches children, teens and adults with a disability how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle, without training wheels. Almost 100 Kansans have learned how to ride a bike during this year's bike camps alone.
  • Kansas Association of Centers for Indeendent Living to support the Kansas Disability Caucus, which gathers individuals from various counties across Kansas, who gather feedback from the disability community via regional session to determine what are major issues facing Kansas with disabilities, and to elicit solutions for issues that are identified. The ultimate goal of this contribution is to increase people with disabilities independence, involvement and employment of each participant.
  • Families Together, Inc. to provide physical activities for children with disabilities and their families at a community park with an accessible playground where all children and their families can play and network with other families and service providers.



"The assistance provided by trainers at the bike camps, who have experience working with individuals with disabilities, is crucial," said Patricia Hileman, mother of iCan Bike campers. "Watching my twin boys realize that they could ride a bike encouraged me that they may one day be independent," said Hileman.

"Amerigroup is proud to support the organizations and programs working to help Kansans of all abilities increase opportunities for social, recreational and community involvement," said Laura Hopkins, Amerigroup Kansas president.


Amerigroup associates also volunteer their time with organizations that improves the lives of individuals with disabilities Amerigroup's Dollars for Doers Program, which encourages year-round volunteerism and allows associates to turn volunteer hours into contributions for charities.

About Amerigroup Kansas

Amerigroup Kansas helps improve health care access and quality for approximately 130,000 low-income Kansas citizens by developing innovative care management programs and services. Amerigroup Kansas members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. It provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their health care.


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