Texas v. Kennedy Settlement
A federal judge in Texas v. Kennedy approved a proposed settlement. The settlement removes some Section 504 community-integration rules from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations. MODDC strongly disagrees with this decision.This decision does not remove the long-standing protections that support the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities.…
Advocacy in MOtion – October 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director We didn’t send a newsletter in September, but now we are back to our normal monthly schedule. I’m excited to share MODDC’s two Policy Priorities for 2026–2027 that our Council Members approved in September. Priority 1: Protect Medicaid Access and Home and Community Based Services This priority means we will…
MODDC Welcomes Four New Council Members
Governor Kehoe appointed four members to the Missouri Council on Developmental Disabilities (MODDC) on Friday, September 11, 2026. Council members serve three-year terms, and the Council meets every other month to make important decisions about projects and policies that impact people with developmental disabilities. Please join us in welcoming our newest members! Christian Powers is…
Advocacy in MOtion – August 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director We had another great Coffee for Change in Springfield on August 5, 2026. Almost 50 people came! Thank you to Springfield resident and Council Member Scott Steelman-Rhoden for planning and leading the event. We also want to give a big thanks to our community partners and sponsors. Thank you to…
Advocacy in MOtion – July 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director Happy Disability Pride Month! Every July, we celebrate disability identities and our community. July is also the month we remember when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed. We have great news! Governor Kehoe did not cut pay rates for Personal Assistants, Medical Personal Assistants, or Day Programs. Thank…
Advocacy MOtion – June 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director Dear MODDC Advocate, On June 3, we held our first “Coffee for Change” event in Perryville, MO. We had fun, talked about what advocacy means, practiced writing to legislators, and enjoyed some tasty donuts. If you want to join a future Coffee for Change event, you can find them on…
Advocacy in MOtion – May 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director Thank you, MODDC advocates, for paying close attention and helping during the Missouri Legislative Session. It has been a busy time! Because of your help, we sent thousands of emails to lawmakers to explain why cutting services for people with developmental disabilities would be harmful. We also met with important…
Advocacy in MOtion — April 2026
Letter from the Advocacy Director I’d like to start this early Spring edition by welcoming Roger Crome to the Policy Team at MODDC. Roger is our new Policy Advocacy Specialist. He’ll work with me on any advocacy we do, including legislative work and administrative support for the program. Roger has a track record of improving…
