Janesville, Wis. (August 1, 2023) – KANDU Industries Inc., a Rock County, Wis.-based non-profit organization that provides programs and services to people with disabilities and disadvantages, announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has awarded KANDU a $184,000 grant to provide ADA-accessible transportation for its clients with disabilities. This grant is part of a statewide effort intended to improve Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that help older adults and people who have disabilities.
KANDU Industries will use the funding to purchase two ADA-accessible buses that will provide transportation for KANDU “clients” (people with disabilities) to access necessary care and employment services, as well as participate in community outings and activities.
“Inclusion and community involvement are core components of our mission to promote and provide diverse opportunities for people with disabilities,” said KANDU Executive Director Kathy Hansen. “The two ADA-accessible buses we will purchase with this grant will expand client opportunities to travel to and from work and participate in community activities, the same life-enriching opportunities that most of us who do not face transportation barriers take for granted. We are grateful to the DHS for recognizing the importance of transportation in promoting a fair and equitable lifestyle for people with disabilities and their families.”
In total, DHS provided $30 million over two rounds of funding with the goal to enhance, expand, and strengthen home and community-based services. A total of $12.75 million was awarded to 91 of the 449 organizations that applied during the second round, including KANDU.
This funding comes at a critical time, as KANDU continues to expand services to accommodate the needs of the community. KANDU recently announced the purchase of a new facility in Milton, WI and increased transportation options will allow more residents to access support.
The grant funding was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To learn more about this opportunity and other funded projects, visit the DHS website. Questions about these awards or ARPA funding can be sent to the DHS media team at DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
