Building Brighter Futures
We help the organizations that provide medical and vocational rehabilitation to children and adults so they can live successful and fulfilling lives
Building Brighter Futures
We help the organizations that provide medical and vocational rehabilitation to children and adults so they can live successful and fulfilling lives
The Rehabilitation Institute Foundation
Vivian Shepherd and Merrill Joslin Scholarship Fund
The Rehabilitation Institute Foundation established the Vivian Shepherd and Merrill Joslin Scholarship in 2023 to support education in the field of rehabilitation. The foundation partners with the University of Kansas School of Health Professions, the University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Ability KC in this endeavor.
Vivian Shepherd served as the first director of The Rehabilitation Institute in Kansas City. The Rehabilitation Institute was established in 1947 to serve returning veterans of World War II and polio survivors with disabilities.
Merrill Joslin served as a board member and President of the board of The Rehabilitation Institute. Under his leadership, The Rehabilitation Institute Foundation was established as a separate organization in 1990, to support ongoing medical and vocational services for individuals with disabilities in the Kansas City area.
University of Kansas School of Health Professions Recipients
"On behalf of the entire School of Health Professions, we extend our deepest gratitude for the generosity and unwavering support extended by the Rehabilitation Institute Foundation. Your contributions have made a profound impact on the lives of these deserving students, and we are sincerely appreciative of your partnership and commitment to excellence." Abiodum Akinwuntan, PhD., Dean KU School of Health Professions
2024 - 2025 scholarship recipients
Ana Astoquilca – Speech-Language Pathology
Abriel Jarrett -Occupational Therapy
Faith Rottinghaus – Physical Therapy
2023 - 2024 Recipients
Lindsay Garcia – Physical Therapy
Makenna Snyder Hood -Occupational Therapy
Alina Ward – Speech-Language Pathology
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Humanities and Social Sciences Recipents
"We are immensely grateful for your continued support and generosity, which has made it possible for these students to pursue their academic endeavors. Your investment in their education not only empowers them but also contributes to the advancement of the field." Shelly Doucet, Assistant Vice President, UMKC Foundation
2023 - 2025
Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disabilities Studies Graduate Certificate Program
Scholarship Recipients
Angelina
Ashley
The Ability KC Beth Shand Hall Staff Education Fund
2023
To enhance the skills and knowledge of rehabilitation healthcare professionals in the Kansas City region, Ability KC utilized scholarship funds to host a conference with experts from outside of Kansas City to discuss:
-The ethics of consent and discharge.
-Cancer’s impact on cognition.
-Rehabilitation’s role in interventions and enhancing functional and quality of life for the oncology client.
The conference was attended by 45 participants, including 15 Ability KC clinicians and staff.