
By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas has rented a space in downtown Hays, which they hope to use to showcase the talents of the people who they serve.
Jerry Michaud, DSNWK president, said the exact plan for the space is still being developed by a DSNWK team, but he hopes the building can be a hub where people who have disabilities can connect with the community.
"It has been our desire to have a presence on Main Street, and this has come together in a movement in that direction," he said.
DSNWK is renting 1107 Main, which is next door to Couture for Men. The space is undergoing remodeling, and DSNWK does not intend to occupy the space until October.
The community will need to "stay tuned" to learn the details of the programming that will be offered at the new location. Several options are being considered.
"We envision that this space will be a learning space. We envision that this space will be a front door or a window into the sharing of talent," Michaud said. "You may have seen the stuff with Custom Creations, but there is a number of individuals who we support who have wonderful talents."
DSNWK has individuals who upcycle furniture and sell it through a small business called EC Custom Creations. The organization has thought about moving that operations from its Employment Connections building, which is the near the Hays airport, to the downtown location.
DSNWK has also partnered with the art department at Fort Hays State University on a collaborative arts project. That could be located in the downtown location, as well.
"It is our desire that this could not only be a window in to see the reality of the talents people have, but it is also a window in to people seeing a little bit more about what individuals with disabilities do and can do," Michaud said.
The building could host a small retail space for the individuals's creations to be sold. It could be a learning site. It could also be a location to display art, said Sara Biggs, DSNWK director of programs and services.
The program doesn't have to be limited to Hays residents. Biggs said DSNWK serves individuals with development disabilities from 18 Kansas counties.
She said she hoped the location would help individuals with disabilities to become more involved in downtown events, including Hays Arts Walks.
"Just that ability to connect with our community and truly be in the heart of downtown Hays on the Bricks, I think that's so important for us and to bring people together," Biggs said.
"A lot of our individuals, I think, will be super excited to be able to connect with other people downtown."
Michaud said the downtown project is continuation of DSNWK's mission and rebranding process.
"For far too long, people with disabilities have been on the outside edges of society," Michaud said. "Unfortunately, that is just part of our history. Any ways that we can build bridges and close that gap is beneficial for them, but it is also beneficial for the community.
"Once you get to know some of the people we serve I think people will get really excited and be like 'Wow! I had no idea.' That's what's exciting."