When it comes to supporting Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), InterHab has long been a trusted leader and powerful voice. Founded in 1969, InterHab serves as the state association for organizations that provide IDD services, with 46 member agencies across Kansas. Though their team is small—just four full-time staff—their reach and impact are vast, fueled by a strong network of passionate professionals and advocates.
For over 50 years, InterHab has worked to ensure that Kansans with IDD are fully supported through advocacy, education, and connection. Their core focus is legislative advocacy, ensuring that service providers—and most importantly, the individuals they support—have a voice at the state Capitol. Through regular communication, policy engagement, and resource sharing, InterHab empowers its members to deliver person-centered, community-based services that enhance the lives of those with disabilities.
Partnering for Change: InterHab and Pathways to Oral Health
InterHab’s involvement in the Pathways to Oral Health initiative is a natural extension of its mission. As Meghan Shreve, Associate Director at InterHab, put it, “Dental care for people with disabilities is just as important, if not more so, than for the general population.” Individuals with IDD often face greater oral health risks due to medication side effects, sensory sensitivities, or physical limitations that make daily care and regular dental visits more challenging.
That’s why InterHab was quick to join Pathways to Oral Health as a key partner. Through this collaboration, InterHab has been instrumental in raising awareness of the barriers to care—especially around access and communication—and promoting the My Dental Care Passport across its network.
“We’ve shared the Passport through our newsletter and social media,” Meghan explained. “But we’re also looking ahead to more targeted outreach—especially to case managers who work directly with individuals and families. They are a crucial link in connecting people with tools like the Passport and helping them prepare for successful dental visits.”
Tackling Barriers One Step at a Time
InterHab’s work with Pathways has also highlighted systemic challenges that people with IDD face in accessing oral health care. In rural areas, families are often forced to travel long distances—sometimes over 3 hours each way—for a dental appointment. This adds stress, fatigue, and logistical hurdles to an already difficult experience.
Beyond physical access, communication remains a major barrier. Many individuals served by InterHab’s members are nonverbal or have difficulty expressing pain or discomfort. Others may have behavioral health or sensory needs that complicate dental care. These situations require providers who are not only trained in clinical techniques, but who also understand how to deliver trauma-informed, patient-centered care.
According to Meghan, “Every person’s needs are unique. But the good news is, the solutions—like better communication tools, provider education, and coordinated care—are within reach if we all work together.”
Building Toward a Better Future
InterHab is helping shape a more inclusive future for oral health care in Kansas. From encouraging legislative support to engaging their statewide membership, their advocacy is grounded in collaboration and action.
Meghan summed it up: “When we combine forces—educators, dentists, advocates, families—we actually can move the needle. Inclusive dental care isn’t an abstract idea. It’s achievable. It just takes partnerships like Pathways to make it happen.”
Through Pathways to Oral Health, InterHab is not only amplifying the needs of people with IDD—they’re helping create solutions that ensure every Kansan, regardless of ability, has access to the care they deserve. To learn more about how you can help please visit us at https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/.
