Danielle Eads

This annual report for the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council highlights its 2024 activities and achievements. The council focuses on promoting the rights and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities through self-advocacy, ensuring healthy, educated, and connected lives by advocating for barrier-free access to essential services, and influencing policy changes through informed leadership. Key initiatives include projects on alternatives to guardianship, comprehensive dental health, digital inclusion, emergency management, disability awareness, sexuality education, and language access. The report also details partnerships and projects like the "We Care" program for caregivers and the "DB 101" program to support employment for people with disabilities.

The 2024 Annual Report of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council outlines the council's projects and initiatives focused on education, healthcare, self-determination, interdependence, security, advocacy, and the rights of people with disabilities. It details partnerships with organizations like D UM K D O Protection and Advocacy, and highlights projects addressing alternatives to guardianship, dental health, digital inclusion, emergency management, and self-advocacy. The report also covers the council's goals for promoting rights and inclusion, ensuring healthy and connected communities, and informing leaders to drive change in laws and policies.

The meeting includes discussions on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Olmstead, HCBS authorities and requirements, community settings, and advocacy points. It covers specific institutions under Medicaid, the definition of community placement, and the rights of individuals to live in the community rather than institutions. The meeting also addresses the complexities of Olmstead litigation and the differences between the HCBS Rule and Olmstead requirements.

The strategic plan is a coordinated statewide effort to prepare state, county, and local governments for an aging population. It includes needs assessments, town halls, and scans of state departments to identify gaps and overlaps in services. Key areas of focus include transportation, housing, safety, caregiver support, and access to services, with the goal of creating a "No Wrong Door" system. The plan also emphasizes engaging stakeholders through surveys, a website, and advisory committees to gather feedback and integrate lived experiences into the planning process.

The Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities (MPCDD) strategic plan focuses on assisting the community to include all people with developmental disabilities in every aspect of life. The plan aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities can make informed choices about their lives, receive flexible and culturally sensitive support, engage in productive employment, experience personal growth, live in supportive homes, are treated with dignity, attend school with peers, and are part of powerful advocacy networks. The plan emphasizes community inclusion and improved quality of life through active participation and equal opportunities.