Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council MODDC is federally-funded and directed by a Council of 25 self-advocates and family members. Comments should be respectful and promote accurate information.

This is a non-partisan space to share resources, inspire advocacy, and connect. MODDC reserves the right to determine if comments fit within our guidelines. Content that is assessed to be disrespectful or promotes misinformation will be removed. The council's mission is to assist individuals, families, and the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life.

Values Statement:
MODDC cares about what people with developmental disabilities and their families go through in their everyday lives. MODDC works hard to make a difference by standing up for what we believe in and improving disability systems. In our work, we advocate for and expect the following:

Collaboration: Collaboration means working with others on the same goal to get something done. Empowerment: Empowerment means people having the confidence to make choices and taking action in their lives. Equity: Equity means everyone gets what they need to succeed, not just the same things. This is because everyone is different and has different needs. Fulfilled, dignified lives: This means:
• Being treated with respect.
• Being valued for who you are.
• Having the chance to make choices and living your life to the fullest. Inclusion: Inclusion means everyone feels welcome and part of the group. Everyone has the chance to participate and learn. Integration: Integration means people with disabilities having the same rights and access to community resources as anyone else.
• Neighborhood
• School
• Work
• Transportation
• Recreation

Leadership: Leadership means a person or group that gets people excited to work together, to get something done. Opportunity: Opportunity means everyone has the chance to do something they want to do. The chance to be a part of something and to be your best. Respect for lived experienced: This means a person’s life story is:
• Important to hear and understand.
• The person’s truthful view of the situation.
• Just as important as anyone else’s life story.

¿Tienes un trabajo que disfrutas? ¡Queremos saber de ti!Buscamos historias de trabajadores con discapacidades del desarr...
08/26/2026

¿Tienes un trabajo que disfrutas? ¡Queremos saber de ti!

Buscamos historias de trabajadores con discapacidades del desarrollo. ¡Queremos celebrar tus habilidades y lo que aportas a tu trabajo!

Cuando compartes tu historia, ayudas a que otros vean por qué contratar a personas con discapacidad es bueno para todos.

La encuesta es fácil. Toma unos 10 minutos completarla.

Completa el formulario antes del 18 de septiembre de 2026.

Empieza aquí: https://moddcouncil.org/value-talent-story-collection/

Do you have a job you enjoy? We want to hear from you!We are looking for stories from workers with developmental disabil...
08/26/2026

Do you have a job you enjoy? We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from workers with developmental disabilities. We want to celebrate your skills and what you bring to your job!

When you share your story, it helps others see why hiring people with disabilities is good for everyone.

The survey is easy. It takes about 10 minutes to finish.

Fill out the form by September 18, 2026.

Get started here: https://moddcouncil.org/value-talent-story-collection/

It’s back-to-school season! For families of children with DD, preparing for the school year often includes getting ready...
08/25/2026

It’s back-to-school season!

For families of children with DD, preparing for the school year often includes getting ready for and finalizing their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Thanks to a grant from MODDC, the National Association of Educational Translators and Interpreters of Spoken Languages has created an online library with resources for families.

Each resource is available by text and audio in 18 different languages! This is the largest library of special education multilingual family resources in the nation.

New materials are added regularly; check out the latest tools to support family–interpreter communication and share them with your communities! Go to https://naetisl.org/multilingual-family-resources/.

Additional information is available for Spanish-speaking families here: https://padlet.com/NAETISL21/banco-de-recursos-informaci-n-para-familias-multiling-es-ueec90qvo2k18l55.

Action Alert: Take the DSP Crisis Survey!Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, are paid workers who help people with di...
08/24/2026

Action Alert: Take the DSP Crisis Survey!

Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, are paid workers who help people with disabilities in daily life. Missouri has a big shortage of these workers. This is called the DSP crisis.

When there are not enough workers, people cannot get the daily help they need. This happens even when they have Medicaid or waiver services. A waiver is state support that helps pay for care in the community.

How has the worker shortage affected you and your family? Share your story in our survey here: https://forms.gle/ZWnX1xBRKCcVEYwG6

Community living is not a privilege—it’s a civil right.Since 1999, the Olmstead decision has said people with disabiliti...
08/22/2026

Community living is not a privilege—it’s a civil right.

Since 1999, the Olmstead decision has said people with disabilities should not be forced to live in institutions when community supports are possible. MODDC has issued a White Paper to explain why this matters and how it impacts real lives.

Disability rights are civil rights.

You can learn more about the Olmstead Decision by watching this three-minute video: youtube.com/watch?v=m3gpmiWwS5A&feature=youtu.be

Read more on the MODDC Olmstead White Paper here:https://moddcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MO-Olmstead-White-Paper.pdf

08/19/2026

Missouri DD Community, we're hosting Coffee for Change in Sikeston next month and we want to meet YOU!

Coffee for Change is an event series for people with DD and their families to network, learn about policy issues, and explore ways to get involved with advocacy.

Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 4 PM
Location: Sikeston Public Library
121 E. North Street
Sikeston, MO 63801

Sign up link: https://forms.gle/TKFsmZyeLjfe2FEs8

Visit the Coffee for Change page on our website to learn more and find the newest event dates: https://bit.ly/CoffeeforChange

¡MODDC se está preparando para celebrar el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad,...
08/18/2026

¡MODDC se está preparando para celebrar el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad, un momento para celebrar a los trabajadores con discapacidad!

¡Y queremos compartir historias sobre tus habilidades, valor y talento en el lugar de trabajo!

¡MODDC está lanzando su recopilación de historias de Valor y Talento para reunir tus historias! Tu historia puede ayudar a que otros aprendan por qué son importantes los empleos donde todos son bienvenidos.

Puedes compartir tu historia usando nuestro formulario corto.

Envía tu historia antes del 18 de septiembre de 2026.

Empieza aquí: https://moddcouncil.org/value-talent-story-collection/

MODDC is getting ready to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate workers with dis...
08/17/2026

MODDC is getting ready to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate workers with disabilities!

And, we want to share stories about your skills, value and talent in the workplace!

MODDC is launching its Value and Talent story collection to gather stories from you! Your story can help others learn why jobs where everyone is welcome are important.

You can share your story using our short form.

Submit your story by September 18, 2026.

Get started here: https://moddcouncil.org/value-talent-story-collection/

Address

1706 East Elm Street, P. O. Box 687
Jefferson City, MO
65102

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