Policy and Advocacy Updates

Administration of Community Living Programs in Missouri: Impact Statement, April 2025

April 15, 2025

Missouri Impact Statement Administration on Community Living (ACL) and Health and Human Services Reorganization Programs under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide critical services to Missourians. The abrupt restructuring, including the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), will likely disrupt services that maintain the health and safety of our…

Learn more about the Olmstead Decision and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

October 11, 2023

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council invites you to learn more about the Olmstead Decision and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).  MODDC recently received a training on Olmstead and Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). The training covered: Olmstead is about a decision the Supreme Court made. This is called the Olmstead Decision. The Court…

Advocacy Opportunity: Share your experiences with healthcare and discrimination.

October 10, 2023

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a historic notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Once enacted, this rule will be a substantial federal advancement towards health equity and access for people with disabilities in American history. What is Section 504? What does this mean? Share your…

MODDC strives to create communities of equitable access and inclusion for Missourians with disabilities during Disability Pride Month

July 13, 2023

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council acknowledges the need for progress toward full and equitable access and inclusion for Missourians with disabilities during Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride Month is celebrated in July to acknowledge that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA prevents discrimination…

Let’s Celebrate: Ticket to Work and Employment First legislation signed into law!

July 7, 2023

Governor Parson signed all but one of the remaining Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP) bills into law.  The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) tracked legislation in each of our four priority areas through the legislative session. Of those priority areas, “Equitable Community Inclusion” saw some exciting legislation get signed into law yesterday by Governor Parson. We…

Advocacy Update: Ticket to Work and Employment First

July 6, 2023

Reminder: The Governor has 8 more days to either sign or veto bills that were Truly Agreed and Finally Passed (TAFP). SB45 and SB106 both contain language about Ticket to Work and Employment First. Both of these bills were TAFP. Ticket to Work Ticket to Work legislation improves the ability of people with disabilities to save for retirement,…

Advocacy Interviews: Reporting Abuse and Neglect

July 6, 2023

If you have experienced and reported abuse, we want to hear from you. We need your help in advocating for residents in long-term care in order to create elder-focused education and connect people to resources.  If you have experienced and reported abuse, we would love to hear from you. We will not ask questions about the…

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) supports organizations that are inclusive of race and ethnicity. 

June 30, 2023

In light of the recent decision from the Supreme Court, we are reminded that: Missouri public and private agencies and organizations should value and reflect the rich and diverse demographics of the state. This can be done by implementing policies and practices that are inclusive of  To create a state of inclusivity, Missouri should develop and…

The energy! The advocacy! The excitement!

June 16, 2023

On March 1, 2023, more than 500 disability self-advocates and advocates from across the state came together in person and virtually to have their voices heard. The day consisted of a rally, 3 virtual breakout sessions, and appointments with legislators. We are grateful to have the chance to advocate with you. This legislative session was…

May 5 Legislative Update: Things are moving fast!

May 5, 2023

It was a busy week at the Capitol and continues to be! With session wrapping up on May 12th, things are starting to move quickly. The Budget Conference Committee convened and engaged in final negotiations between the House and the Senate. There were some key budget points that came out of the Conference Committee:  The…