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)!
About MODDC
If you aren't familiar with MODDC, we are 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.
About Becoming a Council Member
If you are interested in joining MODDC, the first step is to complete the short Become a Council Member form. The primary purpose of the form is to give you an opportunity 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.
Please note: At this time, MODDC has Council membership positions to fill by individuals residing in northern Missouri and rural counties throughout the state, and for a self-advocate who has lived in an institution so they can bring their unique experience to the Council. MODDC is not currently accepting applications from people living in St. Louis County or the City of St. Louis.
What to Consider When 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 to 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 local community in MODDC projects.
Click here to download a PDF visual explaining what you can expect: MODDC - What to Consider When Applying for Council Position
Diverse Membership
The makeup of the Council should be as diverse as the state it represents. In addition to looking for applicants who are self-advocates and family members of people with disabilities, we're also looking for:
- people of color,
- people who speak languages other than English,
- people from the LGBTQ+ community, and
- people who live in rural areas.
We would like a diverse mix of disabilities represented on the Council. Also, we are specifically looking for a self-advocate who has lived in an institution so they can bring their unique experience to the Council.
Are You Interested?
If you are interested and you think you would be a good candidate to be a Council member, get started by filling out the Become a Council Member form. If you need help completing the form or if you need the form in an alternative format, please email Vicky Davidson at vdavidson@moddcouncil.org. If you would like more information, check out the Council Member Application page.
MODDC is currently accepting Council member applications. The application period will close Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.
The Council has received a large number of applications for the 2023 selection period. Please be patient with us as we move through the application review and selection process.
Here is an overview of the Council selection process:
- 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 with final appointments.
