Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities

10/30/2026

Missouri DD: NDEAM is almost over. Employment goals are not. Keep work in the plan. Keep employers at the table. We will keep celebrating value and talent after October.

10/30/2026

Trick-or-Treat with Inclusion! 🎃

As Halloween approaches, let’s work together to ensure that every ghost, goblin, and superhero in Missouri can join in the fun! 🕸️✨

Here are a few quick tips to make your home or neighborhood more accessible for trick-or-treaters with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
🍁 Clear the Path: Keep sidewalks and porch steps well-lit and free of obstacles like decorations or wires.
🍁 Offer Alternatives: Consider handing out non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, or small toys for children with dietary restrictions or sensory preferences.
🍁 Be Patient and Flexible: Some children may not say "trick-or-treat" or may use communication devices. A welcoming smile and a patient pause make a world of difference!
🍁 Keep a Level Option: If your front porch has high steps, consider setting up a treat station at the end of your driveway or walkway.
Let’s ensure that community participation is a treat for everyone this year! 💜

10/29/2026

Missouri DD: when people with ID/DD work, they pay taxes, spend locally, and add to community life. Celebrating value and talent also means celebrating stronger Missouri communities.

10/29/2026

From the Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities: to every Missourian with ID/DD who went to work this month, thank you. You are the reason we observe NDEAM. We see your value and your talent.

10/28/2026

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and Missouri’s Employment First Model Agencies!

While NDEAM is coming to an end, the Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities is spotlighting agencies leading the way in person centered employment practices. This week, we celebrate Choices for People, an Employment First Model Agency committed to promoting opportunities, independence, and meaningful employment for the individuals they support.
Choices for People promotes employment through “individualized support, community partnerships, employer outreach, education, and advocacy”. Choices for People has supported individuals who were unsure about working or did not initially believe employment was an option for them and have watched them become successful employees. Those successes are a reminder of why Employment First matters.

Thank you, Choices for People, for championing Employment for All!

https://www.choicesforpeople.org/

10/28/2026

Great explanation! Ready for more details on what a CIL does!

SO…WHAT DOES A CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING ACTUALLY DO?
You may have heard the term “CIL” before, but what does it really mean? A Center for Independent Living helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible and participate fully in their communities.

💡 SO…WHAT DOES A CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING ACTUALLY DO?
You may have heard the term “CIL” before, but what does it really mean? A Center for Independent Living helps people with disabilities live as independently as possible and participate fully in their communities.

At On My Own, our Independent Living services are built around five core areas:
🤝 1. PEER SUPPORT
Sometimes the best person to talk to is someone who has been there, too. Peer support connects people with others who understand the experience of living with a disability.
-Currently OMO has a Parent Support Group at OMO for families in Nevada and El Dorado Springs.

🗣️ 2. ADVOCACY
We help people learn how to speak up for themselves, understand their rights, and address barriers that may be getting in the way of living the life they want.
-Check our Facebook for current voting assistance

🏠 3. INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS
Independent living looks different for everyone. We can help people develop skills and strategies that support greater independence in everyday life.
-Currently OMO has Independent Living Skills classes available each month in Nevada and El Dorado Springs

📚 4. INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Sometimes you don't need someone to do something for you—you just need to know where to go or who to ask. We help connect people with resources and services in their communities.
-OMO has a resource guide for Bates, Cedar, Hickory, St. Clair, and Vernon counties
Resource Guides: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16JDrsqNofLlc-UhVdtdtz0AwYMS85jrUh5wnFXmykjc/edit?usp=sharing

🚪 5. TRANSITION SERVICES
We help people with disabilities explore options for moving from institutions into community living, and we work with people who are at risk of institutionalization to help them remain in their communities.

And here's something important:
You don't have to know exactly what you need before reaching out.

Sometimes the first step is simply saying,
“I'm not sure what my options are. Can you help me figure them out?”
That's part of what Independent Living is all about. ❤️

Independent Living isn't about telling someone how they should live.
It's about helping people have the information, skills, resources, support and opportunity to make their OWN choices.
🏠 Choice.
🗣️ Voice.
🤝 Connection.
🌎 Community.
That's what a CIL does.

What part of Independent Living was new to you? 👇

10/28/2026

Missouri employers: Build a reflective workplace with talent from all communities! MODDD’s Employment First Specialists offer guidance on initiatives and resources to hire individuals with developmental disabilities. Align with ’s Celebrating Value and Talent and our policy for independence.

https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/programs/employment/first-specialists

10/27/2026

Election day is Tuesday, November 3.
Now is the time to make a plan to vote, whether it's voting early or on Election Day!

Need voting information or resources? Visit Easterseals Midwest Know Your Missouri Voting Rights page for key dates, voting options, and accessibility information.

Missouri's November 3 General Election is almost here. Learn key dates, accessible voting options, and how to prepare before Election Day.

10/27/2026

Use the Disaster Preparedness for Individuals guidebook to prepare for the unexpected http://dmhmolearning.com/.../disaster-preparedness.../

It's important to include everyone in your family when planning for disasters! Use the Disaster Preparedness for Individuals guidebook to prepare for the unexpected dmhmolearning.com/courses/disaster-preparedness-individual-planning-guide/

10/27/2026

Stay Connected with Missouri DDD! 💙

Want to stay up to date on the latest news, resources, events, and updates from the Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities? We’ve got you covered! 🙌

📬 Sign up for our weekly DDD newsletter! It’s an easy way to stay informed, discover helpful resources, and keep up with what’s happening across Missouri’s developmental disabilities community.

Whether you’re an individual receiving services, a family member, a provider, or a community partner, there’s something for you!

💻 Don’t miss out! Sign up today and have the latest DDD updates delivered straight to your inbox.
🔗 https://dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities/ddd-weekly