Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities

06/19/2026

State offices will be closed Friday June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

has always been more than a holiday. The day stands as a testament to and celebration of the unyielding spirit of a people. Learn more and join in the celebration with .

06/18/2026

What does healthcare access look like when the nearest provider is hours away?
In UMKC Institute for Human Development latest episode of the Accessible Podcast, they sit down with Libby Trammell from the Missouri Rural Health Association to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities across Missouri.

What does healthcare access look like when the nearest provider is hours away?

In our latest episode of the Accessible Podcast, we sit down with Libby Trammell from the Missouri Rural Health Association to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities across Missouri.

We discuss:
- Findings from Missouri's 2026 Rural Health Needs Assessment
- Why disability rates are higher in many rural communities
Workforce shortages and hospital closures
- Transportation and healthcare access barriers
- Medicaid policy changes and what they could mean for rural residents
- How advocates can influence policy decisions

One statistic that stood out: all 27 Missouri counties with disability rates above 21% are rural.

As Missouri works to transform rural healthcare systems, disability inclusion must be part of the conversation.

🎧 Listen now: linktr.ee/accessiblepod
🎥 Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/

06/18/2026

Staff Appreciation Month Spotlight: DMH team members from the Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities and from Children's Services won awards last month for their contributions to the well-being of Missouri families!

06/16/2026

June is Men's Mental Health Month. There is often a strong focus on men’s physical health: fitness, annual checkups, and heart health. Mental well-being is equally as important. Mental health IS health!

06/16/2026

Are you a parent, family member, or person with a disability who has experience navigating challenges or caring for someone with a disability or special health care need? Want to make a meaningful impact in someone else’s life? Join the Sharing Our Strengths (SOS) program as a Peer Mentor!
July 16, 2026 | 10 a.m. CT

Are you a parent, family member, or person with a disability who has experience navigating challenges or caring for someone with a disability or special health care need? Want to make a meaningful impact in someone else’s life? Join the Sharing Our Strengths (SOS) program as a Peer Mentor!

July 16, 2026 | 10 a.m. CT
Register 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2s3jdbp3

Suggested Audience:
Individuals and Families interested in becoming a Peer Mentor.

06/15/2026

Learning Disability Week, observed during the third week of June, raises awareness, promotes understanding, and celebrates the strengths and contributions of people with learning disabilities. Thanks for sharing good information Missouri Behavioral Health Council!

Learning Disability Week, observed during the third week of June, raises awareness, promotes understanding, and celebrates the strengths and contributions of people with learning disabilities.

While individuals with learning disabilities may experience challenges such as low self-esteem, stigma, or social exclusion, it is important to recognize that a disability does not define a person. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in supportive and inclusive communities.

Learn more and access resources:
• https://www.mobhc.org/behavioral-health-and-intellectual-developmental-disability-bhidd-program-3
• https://ow.ly/pPPT50VSLR7
• https://ow.ly/XaAQ50VSLQX
• https://ow.ly/p5C250VSLR8

06/15/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder abuse is a silent problem that robs older adults of their dignity, security, and--in some cases--costs them their lives. Get the facts and learn how NCOA supports reauthorization and funding of the Elder Justice Act and elder abuse protections in ...

06/12/2026

Check out the fun at Central Office this past week!

06/11/2026

MACDDS is offering up to 10 scholarships for people with developmental disabilities to attend this year’s conference on October 8-9 in Columbia, MO. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 2026 MACDDS Annual Conference will be held on Thursday, October 8 and Friday, October 9, at the Wyndham Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri. A copy of the agenda may be viewed by clicking here. MACDDS is offering up to 10 scholarships for people with developmental disabilities to attend this....

06/11/2026

To celebrate Staff Member Appreciation Month, DMH wants to showcase talent from the DMH team! Statewide Business and Data Manager, Samantha Cook, recently won DMH's t-shirt design contest with the theme of "More Good Days Together."

To celebrate Staff Member Appreciation Month, DMH wants to showcase talent from the DMH team! Statewide Business and Data Manager, Samantha Cook, recently won DMH's t-shirt design contest with the theme of "More Good Days Together." The theme was inspired by Mental Health America's 2026 theme for Mental Health Awareness Month.

"I wanted to create something simple, professional, and uplifting that highlighted this year's theme," Sam said of her creative process. "I ended up choosing between two designs and selected the one I felt would appeal to the widest audience."

Samantha joined the DMH team in the Division of Developmental Disabilities in November of 2024 after 27 years of working with Medicaid. Thank you for the awesome t-shirt design, Samantha!