Inside BHA’s Welcoming New Environment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Environment shapes people’s behavior. – B. F. Skinner

B. F. Skinner, one of the leading figures in behavioral science, believed that the physical spaces people occupy are not simply backdrops – they are environments that actively shape human behavior.

A room design, for instance, can encourage or discourage certain behaviors, much like a retail store’s design can influence a customer’s browsing or purchasing decisions.

“We take that kind of thinking to heart,” said Erin Wiercinski, CEO of Behavioral Health Allies (BHA). “We want every individual we serve to feel safe and supported in a creative, stimulating, or calming environment – whatever they need to thrive. Our new building has been expertly designed to meet those needs and give families peace of mind.”

The grand opening for BHA’s new building – an 84,000-square-foot building located at 4400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the heart of Kansas City – is set for August 27. The new space is home to BHA’s educational, clinical, and community living behavioral health services for individuals with developmental disabilities – bringing the full spectrum of BHA’s services together under one roof.

The new building also offers a community space, envisioned for special events, family education opportunities, resource fairs, and more. These spaces are designed to make information and support accessible, while fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Altogether, this expansion enables BHA to serve more individuals with developmental disabilities than ever before with double the amount of space – and also expand its local workforce.

A Reflection of BHA’s Commitment

A great deal of thought and creative design has gone into this next-level expansion of BHA’s Academy. From selecting a mascot and developing children’s books centered around its story to designing a grand central staircase in the atrium as a central gathering place, every detail reflects BHA’s commitment to creating a warm, functional, and inspiring environment.

Doug Loveland, Principal in Charge and Planner, said the mix of diverse areas that needed to be calming and focused, interspersed with adult office spaces, all in a centralized location, created a unique challenge. “That combination of behavioral healthcare and administrative focus really required consulting from both our Learn and Heal Studios,” he said. “Our project team combined experienced staff from both studios to design the best of both worlds.”

The Academy’s purpose-built design creates immersive experiences with age-appropriate, thematic designs that take you “under the sea” or “into the prairie,” and much more. These spaces are intentionally designed to spark curiosity, reduce stress, and support positive social and emotional growth.

Improving Access for Those We Serve

BHA has historically had a wait list for the Academy, but the new building will allow the BHA team to serve many more individuals with developmental disabilities who need these services. Families will no longer have to wait as long for specialized support, and they can access a comprehensive range of resources all in one place.

“BHA has put the brightest minds, hearts, and souls into this new space to make it everything it needs to be to serve the next generation of BHA’s families, care teams, and the community,” said Mia Gonzalez, JD, BHA’s Director of Business Development.

Anyone interested in attending BHA’s upcoming open house, which will take place in October, can contact Gonzalez at [email protected].