Tri-Ko celebrates 50 years of inclusion for people with disabilities [Video]

KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.

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Fifty years ago, a group of families in Parker, Kansas, created an organization to provide better opportunities and services to the intellectually disabled.

Tri-Ko, Inc. was founded on the dreams of those who need extra guidance in Miami, Linn and Anderson counties.

“Just keep being who I want to be and keep doing great,” said Miranda Thummel.

For nearly a decade, Thummel has utilized employment services and weekly in-home help from Tri-Ko.

Thummel has a passion for art and expresses her talents through making loom bands. She told KSHB she’s made too many to count.

This summer, she donated nearly 1,000 bracelets to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for his charity foundation. Along with the donation, she wrote a letter explaining she …