Are you a person with a developmental disability (DD) or a family member who is passionate about improving the lives of people with DD in Missouri? Are you interested in advocacy and disability policy issues? Do you have lived experience or technical expertise that could inform projects or policies that impact people with DD? If you answered "yes" to these questions, consider applying to become a Council member with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC)!
MODDC is a federally funded state government agency. Our mission is to assist individuals, families, and the community to include all people with DD in every aspect of life. Our work is guided by 23 governor-appointed Council members, 60% of whom are people with DD or family members. Each person on the Council brings their unique perspective and experience to the full Council. 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 DD.
What to Consider Before Applying
A Council member term is three years and can be renewed for a second term, totaling six years as a Council Member. There are six Council meetings each year. The meetings include virtual and in-person meetings hosted in central Missouri. Attendance at the six Council meetings is required.
Outside of the six Council meetings, Council members are expected to:
- Complete any prep work such as reading documents and responding to emails.
- Participate in additional meetings organized and set by the Council Chair.
- Represent MODDC on non-MODDC committees.
- Attend conferences and trainings.
- Engage your local community in MODDC projects.
Download this Council Member Resource that explains what you can expect if you become a Council member.
Complete an Interest Form
If you are interested in joining MODDC, the first step is to complete a short Become a Council Member Form(opens in new tab). This is not the application. Instead, it’s a form for you to express your interest in becoming a Council member. After you complete the form, we will determine if you are eligible to serve on the Council.
If you are eligible, we can follow up with you so you can learn more about what it's like to serve on the Council. If it sounds like you would be a good candidate, we can help you submit your official MODDC Council Membership application to the Governor's Office.
Apply to Become a Member
After completing the Interest Form and getting MODDC feedback, complete the Council Member Application Form(opens in new tab). For assistance with the application or if you need an alternative format, please email moddc@moddcouncil.org.
The selection process includes the following:
- The Council Selection Committee reviews applications.
- Selected applicants interview with Council Members.
- The Council will make recommendations to the Governor.
- The Governor’s Office will contact the Council directly regarding their decisions for appointments.
- The Council will inform selected Council member applicants of final appointments.
Membership includes:
- People with developmental disabilities and their family members
- Representatives of state agencies and service providers
- Advocates and other interested citizens
The Council is mandated through Public Law 106-402 to assure that 60 percent of its membership consists of individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. At least one of the individuals or family members shall be an individual with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution or an immediate relative or guardian of an individual with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution. The remaining 40 percent is made up of representatives of state agencies that develop policy and support programs utilized by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. These include representation from Vocational Rehabilitation, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Older Americans Act, Titles V and XIX of the Social Security Act, University Centers of Excellence, and Protection and Advocacy. In addition, Missouri state statute 633.020 appends that at least one member shall be a manager or a member of the board of directors of a sheltered workshop.
