August 21, 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 the Arc of the Ozarks and empower: abilities. You brought great food and helped bring out the Springfield community. We appreciate you!
We will have more Coffee for Change events through December. Please come when you can. Everyone is welcome! Information about upcoming dates and locations is found at https://moddcouncil.org/coffee-for-change/.
We will keep watching for any harms to the Integration Mandate. Take action now in any way you can. Read the “Stay Tuned for More About the Integration Mandate” article in this newsletter for more information.
The general election is on November 3rd. Make sure you are registered to vote and have any accommodations you need to use this important right. More voting information is in this newsletter.
Thank you for all you do to help people with disabilities get the services and access they deserve.
Onward,
Christina Ingoglia
MODDC Policy Advocacy Director
Attendees from the Coffee for Change event held in Springfield on August 5, 2026
Stay Tuned for More About the Integration Mandate
We are still watching what is happening with the Integration Mandate and the rights of people with disabilities to get services in their communities. Remember: the laws have not changed. A memo is not a law. Memos matter, but the law still supports Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS).
Here is what you can still do:
- Ask questions about Missouri’s waitlist and processing list for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Make sure people are moving into the community.
- Keep teaching state leaders and lawmakers why community services are better than nursing homes or state institutions.
- Explain to allies and lawmakers that institutions cost a lot of money. Missouri’s budget is very tight. More Medicaid cuts are expected because of last summer’s federal HR 1 law. States will have less money for HCBS and other Medicaid programs.
More updates to come soon!
November 3rd General Election — What You Need to Know
Early Voting
Between October 20th and November 2nd, you can vote early in person.
Missouri allows no-excuse in-person absentee voting during the two weeks before Election Day. You can visit your local election authority’s early voting sites and cast your vote! Be sure to check to see where the early voting location is. It is often NOT your usual polling place.
Find Your Local Election Authority
Election Day
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you’re in line by 7:00 p.m., you have the right to vote.
No matter when you vote, don’t forget to bring a valid ID.
To vote in person, bring one of these:
- Missouri driver’s license
- Missouri non-driver ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military or veteran ID
- Another photo ID issued by the State of Missouri or the U.S. government that meets state requirements
If you don’t have one of these IDs, you can ask for a provisional ballot.
Learn What’s on Your Ballot
Before you vote, you can:
- Find your polling place
- View your sample ballot via your local election authority
- Learn about statewide constitutional amendments
Accessible Voting
Missouri law offers several ways to make voting more accessible:
- Curbside voting: Vote from your vehicle. Have someone notify election workers, and they’ll bring a ballot to you.
- Alternate polling location: If your assigned polling place isn’t accessible, you can request a different site or vote at a central accessible location.
- Accessible voting systems: Every polling place must offer one, with features like audio ballots and enlarged text.
- Permanent absentee voting: Voters with a permanent physical disability can apply to receive an absentee ballot application automatically before each election.
Need help? Contact your local election authority or call (800) NOW-VOTE.
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