Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

10/15/2026

Missouri DD Community, we're hosting Coffee for Change in Moberly 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: November 14, 2026
Time: 2 PM
Location: Moberly Main Library and Online (hybrid event)
111 N 4th Street
Moberly, MO 65270

Sign up link: https://forms.gle/mBpr6n6XXU7nuZnX9

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

10/14/2026

The Texas v. Kennedy (Section 504 Lawsuit) has been settled. Here is what changed, what stayed in place, and why MODDC is concerned.

What happened?
- A federal judge approved a settlement in Texas v. Kennedy.
- The agreement was proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- The settlement removes some Section 504 rules about helping people with disabilities live and receive services in their communities.
- MODDC strongly disagrees with the judge’s decision.

What did not change?
- The judge did not rule that Section 504 invalid or unconstitutional.
- The judge did not rule that Section 504 integration rules are invalid or unconstitutional.
- The judge did not remove the right to live in the community.
- Section 504 and its regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision are still in effect.

Why is MODDC concerned?
- The removed rules clearly said that people with disabilities should live in the most integrated setting that meets their needs.
- The rules also made clear that people should not be placed in more restrictive settings when they can live and receive services in the community.
- Removing these rules makes protections less clear.
- MODDC considers this decision a serious setback for people with disabilities.
- MODDC will continue working with people with disabilities, their families, and its partners to protect the right to live in the community.

For more information: https://moddcouncil.org/texas-v-kennedy-settlement/

10/13/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also known as NDEAM, and MODDC celebrates the value, skills, and talent of people with DD in the workplace.

During September, MODDC asked Missourians with I/DD to share their employment stories. Now you can read real-life stories shared by 14 people with I/DD from across Missouri! These stories help others understand why inclusive employment matters and how it helps everyone, whether or not you have a disability.

Learn about their work and the value and talent that they bring to Missouri's workforce here: https://moddcouncil.org/value-talent-story-collection/

10/12/2026

New Podcast Alert!

MODDC’s Director of Policy Advocacy Christina Ingoglia and Council Member Dr. Tony Taylor were recently guests on The Whole Podcast.

Here’s some of what they talked about:

Listening to Lived Experiences

It is important to listen to people with disabilities and their families. Especially about HCBS – services that help keep people with disabilities living, working and learning in their own communities, instead of being locked up in institutions.

The Power of Advocacy

Advocates are extra strong when they work together! The federal government has been trying to make changes to laws that could remove protections for disability rights. Cristina shared how strong advocacy from Missourians successfully helped the state leave the Texas v. Kennedy lawsuit. Now, advocates are fighting to keep Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act safe.

Watch the podcast on YouTube to hear how advocates are working to protect people with disabilities, and what you can do to help advocate too!

What does meaningful inclusion really look like, and how can we cre...

10/12/2026

MODDC's latest edition of the Advocacy in MOtion newsletter is now available!

Check it out here: https://moddcouncil.org/advocacy-in-motion-october-2026/

10/12/2026

People with disabilities have the right to live in their homes and communities.

H.Res. 1586, a bipartisan resolution introduced in the U.S. House, reaffirms the right of people with disabilities to live in their homes and communities rather than in segregated institutions.

The resolution recognizes the importance of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead v. L.C. decision and Congress’s longstanding commitment to community integration.

Take action: Now is the time to make your voice heard. Contact your U.S. representative and U.S. senators and tell them what the right to community living and access to home and community-based services means to you or someone you know.

Learn more about H.Res. 1586 and contact your legislators here: https://fastdemocracy.com/campaigns/XkoXE1eOL/Help-Advocate-for-Bipartisan-Resolutions-to-Reaffirm-Olmstead-and-HCBS/

10/05/2026

Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Missouri Partners in Policymaking class!

Are you ready to build your leadership skills, learn more about disability policy and advocacy, and make a difference in your community?

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership and advocacy training program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents or legal guardians of young children with developmental disabilities.

Participants will learn about disability history, education, employment, housing, public policy, assistive technology, community organizing and more. The program includes national speakers, interactive training and a major advocacy project.

Program: January–September 2027
Application deadline: November 16, 2026
This is a competitive opportunity to connect with advocates from across Missouri and strengthen your skills to create meaningful change.

Apply today: https://forms.gle/kTcZFHxKi4THAJa6A

Questions or need help with the application? Contact Courtney Leader at [email protected].

09/29/2026

DSPs are very important workers. They help people with disabilities live in their own homes and be part of their communities.

With help from DSPs, people with disabilities can:

- Live on their own

- Get jobs

- Spend time with family and friends

- Be active in their neighborhoods

Right now, there aren't enough DSPs to help everyone who needs them. But there is a federal bill that may be able to help. It's called the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211) and the bill asks the government to make a special job code for DSPs.

If the government creates this special job code for DSPs, it will help:

- Count how many DSPs there are

- See where more DSPs are needed

- Make new rules to help hire more DSPs

- Create more DSP jobs

Share your DSP story with lawmakers using our Fast Democracy form! Please personalize and edit the message. More legislators pay attention to personalized messages. You could add how DSPs have helped you or how not having enough DSPs in your life has been difficult.

Fast Democracy link: https://fastdemocracy.com/campaigns/JL7EUrOLg/Share-why-Direct-Support-Professionals--DSPs--Should-Be-Given-a-Job-Code-/

09/29/2026

How can we solve the DSP crisis in Missouri?

Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, do essential work each day. But low pay makes it hard to keep good staff.

People with disabilities need steady care. They need staff they can trust.

To fix the DSP worker shortage, we need clear steps:
- Raise pay and offer full benefits
- Give clear job training
- Allow paid parent caregiving
- Give travel help for staff

Help advocate for real change. Share your thoughts in our DSP crisis survey here: https://forms.gle/ZWnX1xBRKCcVEYwG6