Advocacy in motion

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Letter from the Director of Advocacy Since my last message, the state budget has changed a little. The good news is that Representative Dirk Deaton, who leads the House Budget Committee, put back the money for personal assistance and medical personal assistance in the self-directed supports program. He also put back the funding for day…