Ability KC

Ability KC is built on a strong founding legacy that continues to inspire the work done each day for children, adults and families with disabilities.

In 1947, Mary Shaw Branton, Jeanette Luhnow and Jane Dick founded the therapeutic preschool for children with special needs. At the same time, Vivian Shepherd worked to provide outpatient medical rehabilitation and employment services for veterans returning home from World War II.

In 2016, our founding organizations, Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center and Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, came together as Ability KC. As one organization we are uniquely positioned to provide a continuum of care for individuals with disabilities at every stage of life.

Today, Ability KC serves more than 3,000 individuals and families with disabilities. Our mission is to build brighter futures for children and adults with disabilities by providing comprehensive educational, vocational and therapeutic services.