Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

06/17/2026

Missouri DD Community, you are invited to join us for Coffee for Change, a new advocacy and networking event!

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.

Join us for our next event in Kansas City!

Date: July 10, 2026
Time: 9AM CT
Location:
Eitas Corporate Office
8511 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO 64138

Sign up link: https://bit.ly/4wWPVYq

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

06/16/2026

The Olmstead Decision: What is it, what does it mean, and why does it matter?

People with disabilities should have the same opportunities as anyone else to live their best lives. They should have the supports they need to live in the community of their choice.

This includes public spaces, housing opportunities, education, and work. Before Olmstead, these rights of people with disabilities were not protected by law.

Swipe through to learn more about the Olmstead Decision, a 1999 Supreme Court decision establishing the rights of people with disabilities to live a full life in their community.

Visit our website and read the full Olmstead White Paper here:https://moddcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MO-Olmstead-White-Paper.pdf

06/05/2026

: Advisory groups like the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) and Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC) exist so people with disabilities and families can help shape Medicaid services. In Missouri, the BAC is called MO HealthNet Community Connection (MCC).

At least 25% of the MAC members are people who serve on the BAC to help create change for Missouri Medicaid services.

Your voice belongs at the table.

Read more here: https://mydss.mo.gov/mhd/community-connection

06/03/2026

Missouri DD Council's Medicaid Advocacy NOFA ends on June 8th — just a few days a way!

MODDC is accepting applications for a two-year project to support Medicaid advocacy for Missourians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Application Deadline: June 8, 2026

Learn more: https://moddcouncil.org/grants-nofas/

06/01/2026

Missouri DD Community, you are invited to join us for Coffee for Change, a new advocacy and networking event!

Coffee for Change is an event series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to network, learn about policy issues, and explore ways to get involved with advocacy.

Our first event will be in Perryville, with more events planned across the state through October.

Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 10AM CT
Location: Robinson Construction Event Center, 2411 Walters Lane, Perryville, MO 63775
Sign up link: https://bit.ly/MODDCPerryville

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

05/29/2026

MODDC has always partnered with federal and state administrations. We appreciate the current administration’s desire to continue to work with us. MODDC is concerned that Missouri is a part of a lawsuit that could hurt the rights of people with developmental disabilities. If the lawsuit is successful, it will negatively impact Missourians with disabilities and their right to live and receive services in their own communities.

Texas v. Kennedy is the name of the lawsuit. Missouri is 1 of the 7 states in the lawsuit. The lawsuit is trying to stop a rule that helps people with disabilities be part of their communities. The rule comes from an important law called Section 504 and a Supreme Court decision called Olmstead v. L.C. These protections make sure people with disabilities can live where they want, have jobs, and join in community activities. If Missouri wins the lawsuit, it could take away these important rights and make life harder for people with disabilities.

How to share your thoughts:

Use MODDC's Fast Democracy Action Alert Link to advocate to Attorney General Hannaway and Governor Mike Kehoe.
Link: https://fastdemocracy.com/campaigns/i9dEeSbKI/MO-Needs-to-Avoid-Unintended-Outcomes-of-the-Texas-v--Kennedy-Lawsuit

- Explain why this lawsuit could have a negative impact on people with disabilities.
- Share how it could affect people with disabilities' access to their services and health care needs.

If you would like to learn more, visit MODDC’s website: https://moddcouncil.org/our-work/position-statements/texas-v-kennedy/

The Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit (also known as the 504 lawsuit) will hurt the rights of people with disabilities in Missouri. The lawsuit tries to stop a rule that helps people with disabilities live, work, and get services in their own communities. This rule is based on Section 504 and a Supreme Court...

05/27/2026

Missouri DD Council's Medicaid Advocacy NOFA closes in two weeks!

MODDC is currently accepting applications for a two-year project to support Medicaid advocacy for Missourians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

Application Deadline: June 8, 2026

Learn more: https://moddcouncil.org/grants-nofas/

05/22/2026

MODDC's May edition of Advocacy in Motion is available to read now!

Read the newsletter at this link: https://moddcouncil.org/advocacy-in-motion-may-2026/

05/20/2026

Nicole from empower: abilities recently tried out a new driving simulator during the organization’s annual meeting.

The simulator is part of Road Ready Transportation Training, a partnership between empower: abilities and MODDC. The program helps people with developmental disabilities build confidence and learn safe, independent transportation skills through hands-on training.

empower: abilities is a Center for Independent Living that serves people with all types of disabilities across southwest Missouri.

Pictured: Jada Turley-Winchester (MODDC staff), Angelica Fisher (empower: abilities Director of Independent Living Services), and Nicole Rokusek (Youth Specialist)