Share Your Feedback on MODDC 2027-2031 Five-Year State Plan

Public Comment period runs from March 27, 2026 through May 11, 2026

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is required to create a Five-Year State Plan to address the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. This plan guides MODDC's daily work, sets priorities for the developmental disabilities community, and holds MODDC accountable to specific goals.

In 2025, MODDC partnered with the UMKC Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD) to conduct a Comprehensive Review and Analysis (CRA)Β to inform the next 5-year plan. Read the details about this review.

Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act), MODDC focuses on strategies that promote integration and inclusion in the community:

  • Advocacy – Supporting policies and practices that help people with disabilities live self-determined lives.
  • Capacity Building – Strengthening systems so people can make choices and feel included in all areas of life.
  • Systemic Change – Influencing how organizations and communities create policies and programs, ensuring people with disabilities and their families are part of the process.

For the next five years, MODDC has identified three priority areas:

  • Advocacy, Empowerment, and Policy Engagement
  • Dignified Community Access
  • Employment

Provide Your Input!

At MODDC's January and March 2026 meetings, Council members drafted goals and objectives for these priorities. Now we want your input! Please review the draft plan and share your feedback by taking the survey.

About the State Plan

The mission of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is to assist individuals, families, and the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life. We are committed to expanding access to resources and demanding society respect all people, including people with developmental disabilities. During the development of our 2022-2026 State Plan, we:

  • conducted a statewide needs assessment,
  • received extensive public input,
  • reviewed data and trends
  • researched best practices, and
  • partnered with UMKC-IHD to compile a 2025 Comprehensive Review Analysis Report

The Council used this information to develop a state plan with goals that focus on self-advocacy, quality of life across the lifespan, and leading systems change. The plan also places health equity, racial bias, and discrimination at the forefront of its activities to achieve these goals.

The 2022-2026 State Plan begins October 1, 2021, and ends September 30, 2026.

MODDC 2022-2026 State Plan

Goal 1: Self-Advocacy Advances Rights and Inclusion
Effective self-advocacy strategies secure the rights to self-determination and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

  • Objective 1a: By September 30, 2026, the DD Network (MODDC, Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services, and UMKC Institute for Human Development) will develop five resources to build capacity for alternatives to guardianship.
  • Objective 1b: By September 30, 2026, implement five best practices that will increase self-determination, leadership and participation of self-advocates in cross-disability or culturally diverse coalitions.

Goal 2: Healthy, Educated, and Connected People Thrive
Missourians with developmental disabilities live in safe communities that enhance the quality of life across the lifespan. This includes, but is not limited to, barrier-free access to transportation, technology, healthcare, education, employment, housing, social services, cultural activities, and recreation.

  • Objective 2a: By September 30, 2026, implement three systems change activities that deliver enhanced equity of people with developmental disabilities.
  • Objective 2b: By September 30, 2026, create and implement 10 promising practices that connect individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan with inclusive networks.

Goal 3: Informed Leaders Make Change Happen
People with developmental disabilities and family members guide changes to Missouri laws, policies, and practices by informing decision-makers and educating the public about challenges and solutions.

  • Objective 3a: By September 30, 2026, provide ten grassroots activities that inform people with developmental disabilities and their family members of current systems barriers and opportunities so they become more informed leaders in their communities.
  • Objective 3b: By September 30, 2026, implement recommendations that resulted from Latinx Seeds grants and Partners Latinx work, to develop two projects that will result in solutions to eliminate challenges and barriers experienced by the Latinx community.
  • Objective 3c: By September 30, 2026, educate and advise policymakers on at least 15 federal or state bills, executive orders, or regulations that impact people with developmental disabilities.