Special Needs News
2026 – January
IN THIS ISSUE:
ABLE Age Adjustment Act
Hero Highlight
Heartland Happenings
Special Needs News
Heartland Resources
Newsletter Sponsor
ABLE Age Adjustment Act
ABLE Accounts are a powerful resource for individuals with qualifying disabilities. These accounts protect access to public benefit programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and Medicare and provide access to tax-advantaged earning, saving, and investing. With that said, effective January 1, 2026, these accounts have new eligibility standards and contribution limits!
ABLE Accounts have new eligibility standards. Previously, ABLE Accounts were available to individuals with qualifying disabilities which started before they turned 26 years old. Now, ABLE Accounts are available to individuals with qualifying disabilities which started before they turned 46 years old, potentially allowing millions more individuals with qualifying disabilities to take advantage of this powerful resource.
ABLE Accounts have new contribution limits. Previously, ABLE Accounts were able to collect and protect up to $19,000 each year. Now, ABLE Accounts are able to collect and protect up to $20,000 each year, and even more with earned income, making ABLE Accounts even more useful for individuals with qualifying disabilities.
Remember—you can learn more about these state-sponsored plans through the ABLE National Resource Center.
Special Needs News
Kansas City continues to prove that it is a supportive and inclusive place for individuals with disabilities and special needs. In 2024, Overland Park ranked 12th nationally among the best cities for people with disabilities, while Kansas City placed 25th in WalletHub’s national rankings—an encouraging reflection of our region’s commitment to accessibility, resources, and community support. These rankings highlight factors such as healthcare access, employment opportunities, and community inclusion, all areas where our region continues to grow.
For families navigating special needs planning, these rankings affirm what many already know: Kansas City is a place where collaboration matters. From inclusive schools and adaptive recreation to strong nonprofit and professional networks, our community works together to support individuals with disabilities at every stage of life. At Heartland Special Needs Foundation, we are proud to be part of a region that values inclusion and remains committed to strengthening opportunities for those with special needs—today and in the years ahead.
Hero Highlight
Titus Elton
I was born in: Olathe, Kansas
My Hobbies: Video games and researching true crime.
My Favorite Restaurant: The Big Biscuit
I am good at: Art. I like Stop Action Animation and drawing.
Heartland Happenings
Winter Games Ski Clinic – Weston, MO
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Snow Creek, 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO 64098
Contact: Tim Rehder | [email protected]
Get ready to hit the slopes at the Winter Games Ski Clinic with Special Olympics Kansas!
Designed for athletes interested in developing their skills in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing ahead of the 2026 Winter Games season. Whether you’re new to winter sports or preparing for competition, this clinic offers hands-on instruction, confidence-building practice, and fun on the snow with coaches and peers. Athletes will receive guided training from experienced instructors focused on technique, safety, and skill progression in a supportive and encouraging environment.
This clinic is open to Special Olympics Kansas athletes who are registered for or interested in participating in winter sports.
Volunteers Needed!
Heartland Special Needs Foundation is growing, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to serve on our committees in 2026. Whether your strengths are in community connections, education, or fundraising, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful impact.
You can make a difference!
Winter 2026
Kansas City’s Special Needs Resource Help
Connect in KC
As we look ahead through 2026, Heartland Special Needs Foundation is actively seeking business partners who share our commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Business partnerships help fuel our education initiatives, expand our grantmaking, and strengthen community connections across Kansas City. Whether through sponsorships, workplace giving, KC Special Needs Conference event support, or collaborative programming, our partners play a vital role in advancing our mission.
If your business is looking for a meaningful way to make a local impact in 2026, we would love to connect.
Camp Encourage
- March 21-22 (at Heartland; ages 10-18)
- June 11-14 (at Heartland; ages 10-18)
- June 29-July 2 (NEW! Tall Oaks! For campers 14-18)
- July 25-28 (at Heartland; ages 10-18)
- August 29-30 (prior camper, ages 19+)
- October 10-11 (at Heartland; ages 10-18)
Click here to register for Camp Encourage.
KC Special Needs Conference
Save the Date: KC Special Needs Conference | May 4–5, 2026
We are excited to announce that the 2026 KC Special Needs Conference is expanding to a two-day event for the first time!
Overland Park, Kansas
May 4–5, 2026 at the Overland Park Convention Center
This annual conference brings together legal and financial professionals, advocates, and community leaders for education, resources, and connection—all while benefiting Heartland Special Needs Foundation. With expanded programming in 2026, attendees can expect even more valuable insights and opportunities to engage with experts in special needs planning and support.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you there!
December 2025 Grants
As we closed out 2025, Heartland Special Needs Foundation was proud to award two additional grants in December, bringing our year to a meaningful close. These grants reflect our continued commitment to filling the critical gaps that exist between government benefits and special needs trusts.
Each grant provided direct financial support to helping ensure individuals with disabilities could access essential resources that enhance dignity, stability, and quality of life—needs often not covered by Medicaid or SSI alone.
Because of our donors and community partners, we were able to respond to real, immediate needs at a time of year when financial strain can be especially challenging for families. These grants represent more than dollars—they represent hope, security, and a community that shows up.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible and look forward to expanding our grantmaking impact in 2026.
For more information on applying for grants through Heartland Special Needs Foundation click here.