October 16, 2025
Kirsten Robinson Receives Statewide Outstanding Personal Growth Award
Many personal and health accomplishments led to the award
AbilityPoint employee and self-advocate Kirsten Robinson has been recognized statewide for her remarkable journey of growth and perseverance. On October 10, Robinson was honored with the Outstanding Personal Growth Award at the 2025 InterHab Power Up! Conference Art and Awards Ceremony in Manhattan, Kansas.
The award celebrates Kansans who have demonstrated exceptional personal development and advocacy within the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. For Robinson, the honor reflects years of hard work, faith, and determination to live independently and inspire others to do the same.
Robinson’s story is one of overcoming tremendous odds. After growing up in the foster care system and facing behavioral and developmental challenges, she dedicated herself to building a meaningful, independent life. Through persistence, faith, and the support of her AbilityPoint community, she has become a confident leader and role model.
Over the past several years, Robinson has gone from receiving services to leading as a self-advocate. She serves on the Transition Council of South-Central Kansas and frequently shares her story with legislators, county commissioners, and community leaders to strengthen awareness and support for people with disabilities.
Her accomplishments include being crowned Miss Unstoppable in 2022, successfully petitioning the court to restore her legal rights, and becoming her own payee after gaining full-time employment at AbilityPoint. She now lives independently without case management and has achieved significant health milestones—losing over 180 pounds and no longer requiring diabetes or psychotropic medications—through dedication to self-care and wellness.
“Kirsten’s strength and perseverance inspire everyone who knows her,” said Kevin Fish, Executive Director of AbilityPoint. “She is living proof that with faith, determination, and the right supports, people can overcome enormous challenges and lead lives full of purpose and independence.”
Today, Robinson continues to advocate for others while remaining active in her church, where she was baptized earlier this year. Her journey embodies the true spirit of resilience and self-determination—values at the heart of AbilityPoint’s mission.
