Sunflower Diversified Services representatives learned up-to-date information about ways to prevent being scammed by strangers asking for personal information.

            Fourteen Sunflower individuals and three staff members traveled to Topeka for the recent SACK meeting where they heard about scams and many other topics. SACK stands for Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas.

            Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults with developmental disabilities and delays.

            “Scam prevention was one of the big topics,” said Brandon Wiig, residential services facilitator. “It was a good venue for talking about who to trust and what kinds of information may be shared and what shouldn’t be shared.

            “For example,” he continued, “Social Security numbers should not be given to just anyone for the asking.”

            Other topics at the annual meeting included bullying, parenting, exercise and nutrition.

            “SACK provides all this information and more,” Wiig said. “Because it is a statewide organization that advocates for people with disabilities, it’s a great resource for new information and reminders on a variety of topics.

            “Each session is designed to show people ways to live as independently as possible,” he added. “We stress that individuals have rights and options, and to stand up for themselves. Their voices deserve to be heard.”

            The fringe benefit to SACK attendance is meeting new people and making new friends, Wiig noted, adding that everyone has fun too.

            The event was held at the Ramada Inn in downtown Topeka.

            Sunflower serves people in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 51styear.