Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

09/07/2026

El empleo inclusivo significa un lugar de trabajo donde todos son bienvenidos y apoyados.

Queremos mostrar por qué son importantes los empleos inclusivos. ¡Puedes ayudar compartiendo tu historia laboral con nosotros!

Si tienes una discapacidad del desarrollo, cuéntanos qué haces en el trabajo. Cuéntanos cómo tu trabajo te ayuda a ti y a tu equipo.

Compartir tu historia es tu decisión. La mayoría de las preguntas del formulario son opcionales.

Por favor, comparte tu historia antes del 18 de septiembre de 2026.

¡Compartiremos tus historias durante el mes de octubre para celebrar el Mes Nacional de Concientización sobre el Empleo de Personas con Discapacidad!

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

09/07/2026

Inclusive employment means a workplace where everyone is welcome and supported.

We want to show why inclusive jobs matter. You can help by sharing your work story with us!

If you have a developmental disability, tell us what you do at work. Tell us how your job helps you and your team.

Your story is your choice to share. Most questions on the form are optional.

Please share your story by September 18, 2026.

We will share your stories during October to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

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

09/06/2026

MODDC’s own Jada Turley-Winchester has been elected to serve on the APSE Missouri Board! Please join us in celebrating her!

APSE Missouri Board Election Results Are In!

We’re excited to announce the newly elected and re-elected members of the APSE Missouri Board! Please join us in celebrating the leaders who will help guide our mission of advancing competitive, integrated employment for all.

👏 Congratulations to our 2026 Board Members:
Amy Gessert, UMASS Boston Institute for Community Inclusion
Cassidi Jobe, Summit Future Foundation
Sandy Keyser, Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities
Candace Cunninham, UMKC Institute for Human Development
Jada Turley-Winchester, Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

Thank you to all candidates who stepped forward to serve, and to our members who participated in the election. Your engagement strengthens Missouri’s employment community and fuels positive change across the state.

We look forward to a productive and inspiring year ahead!

09/04/2026

Community living doesn’t only mean that people should not be in an institution.

It also means:
- The ability to live, work, and spend time in their communities with the appropriate services and supports.
- Having real choices in their daily lives, like where they go, who they spend time with, and how they receive support.
- Having services that respect their rights, privacy, independence, and ability to make their own decisions.

That’s the standard. Not the exception.

Read more on the MODDC Olmstead White Paper here: https://moddcouncil.org/our-work/current-projects/olmstead-sub-committee/

09/03/2026

In Missouri, many people with disabilities cannot find or keep support workers. Over 67% of families surveyed said it is very hard to find staff. Almost 30% said the shortage makes them worry about their health and safety.

Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, provide essential care every day. Without staff, lives are put on hold.

We need to hear from you!

Tell us how the DSP worker shortage impacts your safety and daily life here: https://forms.gle/ZWnX1xBRKCcVEYwG6

09/02/2026

Missouri DD Community, we're hosting Coffee for Change in Sikeston next week 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)

Visit the Coffee for Change page on our website to find more events and register: https://bit.ly/CoffeeforChange

08/31/2026

Before Olmstead, it was legal to separate people with disabilities from their communities.

After Olmstead, states must support people to live, work, and participate in everyday life.

That promise still matters today.

Read more on the MODDC Olmstead White Paper here: https://moddcouncil.org/our-work/current-projects/olmstead-sub-committee/

08/28/2026

MODDC's latest edition of the Advocacy in MOtion newsletter is now available! Check it out here: https://moddcouncil.org/advocacy-in-motion-august-2026/

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/

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/