The right to vote for Missourians, with or without a developmental disability, is a civil right – what happened in Phelps County and what we learned
On May 26, 2022, Phelps County clerk, Pamela K. Grow, told the Phelps County Commission, that she would be deleting the voter registrations of individuals who have guardians; even if a court order expressly states that, those individuals retain their rights to vote. Fortunately, because of the work of Sheltered Workshop advocates and self-advocates throughout…
MODDC aims to disrupt Missouri’s School to Prison Pipeline with a $275,000 funding opportunity
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) has approved $275,000 to fund a three-year project titled “Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline (SToPP)” for students of color who have developmental disabilities. MODDC is currently seeking a partner to develop and implement a series of restorative justice trainings for educators and school resource officers. This project will…
MODDC seeks Partners in Policymaking graduate for upcoming advocacy project
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is seeking an advocate to guide Missouri laws, policies and practices. The advocate’s role will be to inform decision-makers and educate the public about challenges and solutions for people with developmental disabilities. Project Details MODDC has approved funding for a one-year project of $10,000 for up to two grantees…
MODDC’s Legislative Summary for the 2022 Legislative Session
This legislative session saw 44 bills that were Truly Agreed to and Finally Passed (TAFP), 21 of which were policy bills. MODDC focused on three legislative priorities for the 2022 Legislative Session. Below each area has been summarized. 1. Broadband Access and the Digital Divide While no piece of broadband legislation made it through this…
HB1878 will disproportionately impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
House Bill 1878 is currently headed to the Senate Floor for a vote. HB 1878 modifies provision for voter identification. What Advocates Should Know: There are a number of provisions in this bill that could disproportionately impact people with disabilities. This bill is currently moving quickly and headed to the Senate Floor. If this bill…
HB1606 in St. Charles County will disproportionately impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
House Bill 1606 (Representative McGaugh) has passed in the Senate and has now been assigned to a conference committee. “HB1606 reduces funding for every entity that receives property tax. This includes libraries, schools, police departments, ambulance, and fire, without any replacement for revenue. Everyone will take a hit – not just those affected by disability,” said…
MO ABLE celebrates five years of providing tax-advantaged savings and investment plans to individuals with disabilities
MO ABLE, administered by the Missouri Treasurer’s Office, allows individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $16,000 per year, tax-free, without losing federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI. The program has nearly 3,000 accounts and more than $22 million assets under management, making it one of the largest ABLE programs in the…
MODDC reimagines sexuality education for people with developmental disabilities with a $150,000 funding opportunity
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) has approved $150,000 to fund a three-year sexuality education project for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). MODDC is currently seeking a partner to implement a comprehensive sexuality education training for self-advocates and advocates. The deadline for project applications is 5 p.m. CST, Wednesday, June 8. “The Council…
Vicky Davidson appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters
Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) Executive Director Vicky Davidson was recently appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. The National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and guidance to…
MODDC supports integrated and competitive employment for people with developmental disabilities
The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) supports integrated and competitive employment for people with developmental disabilities. The Council’s position is that everyone who identifies work as a goal is employable, with the right opportunities and support. Therefore, people with disabilities have the right to, and should, receive services and supports to help them prepare for…
