American Karate, Judo and Guided Chaos Combatives for special needs students, with peer role models and KU Med Occupational Therapy students.
CHAMPS Achievers Foundation was founded in 1989 by Helen Dugan, a retired school nurse and 3rd degree American Karate black belt. After many years, Helen has stepped away from daily management of dojo activities, while remaining active in teaching and training. Helen understood that by adapting CHAMPS programs to the particular needs of its students, the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of
04/03/2026
Today is National World Autism Day. 💙
A day to celebrate and recognize the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. This whole month is also a reminder to continue creating spaces where every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.
02/28/2026
Heads up!
New email address has been added- [email protected]
University of Kansas Occupational Therapy Education
11/05/2025
Meet the OT students!
From left to right:
My name is Emma and I am a 1st year in the OTD program at KUMC. When I was assigned to CHAMPS for my Service Learning, I heard nothing but great things from the 2nd year students who were ar CHAMPS last year and, I have to say, CHAMPS has lived up to every bit of their hype! It is so much fun to be able to learn about practical aspects of learning to be an OT while spending time with all the CHAMPS participants. These kiddos and adults have taught me so much about how to connect with people and their families, and to understand the occupations meaningful to them. I look forward to CHAMPS every week and feel honored to learn in such an amazing and unique setting.
Hi! My name is Destiny Bergstresser and I’m from Rossville, KS. I received my undergraduate degree in Health and Human Performance from Fort Hays State University and now am a first-year graduate student at KU Medical Center studying Occupational Therapy. My areas of interest include working with the intellectual and developmental disability community and with pediatric populations! My goal is to have my own practice someday, and to support a group home for individuals with developmental disability. My experience at CHAMPS supports my learning and these professional goals because I am exposed to firsthand experience adapting activities to different abilities, promoting participation, and understanding motor, sensory, and social challenges. CHAMPS is the highlight of my week!
Hi, my name is Aaron, and I'm from Pleasant Hill, MO. I am 25 years old. I completed my undergrad at Northwest Missouri State University with a bachelor's in exercise science. My goal is to strengthen my skill set needed to become the best OT I can be, with the idea of hopefully establishing my own OT enterprise one day. CHAMPS has provided me with an experience I never thought I would have. It has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and has supported my learning through real interaction and developing stronger observation skills. Attending CHAMPS every Wednesday is easily the best part of my week.
Come see us at the Gardner Edgerton Student Resource Fair until 7pm!
10/02/2025
Come see us at Johnson County CDDO IDD Resource Fair until 7pm!
| 5pm - 7pm |