Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

ALT Who am I? My name is Angel. I am 22 years old and I live in Marshall. I have a developmental disability. I work as an Ambassador in the Dietary Department at a local hospital. My value and talent at work: I think one of my strengths is that I pay attention and try to do things the right way. I am good at remembering numbers and codes, and that helps me when I have to go to different parts of the hospital. I like to double-check things to make sure patients get the right food and drinks. If I do not understand something, I ask questions so I can learn. My advice: Do your best, keep trying, and ask for help when you need it.

ALT Who am I? My name is Beth. I am 41 years old and I have a developmental disability, and I also help support other people with developmental disabilities. I work for Waynesville Transportation. I take care of 16 elementary school kids while they ride on my bus to and from school. My value and talent at work: I love my job! People see me for who I am, not my disability, and that makes me happy. I think I do a great job. Because I have a disability, I can understand my kids in ways that others might not. I am a natural caregiver. My talent is that I am good at reading people and understanding them. My advice: Be yourself. Be kind and respectful. If I can get a job I love, you can too. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—people won’t know you need help unless you tell them. Let yourself be free and grow in the job. Enjoy the moment. Breathe. It will be okay.

ALT Who am I? My name is David. I am 36 years old and I live in Chilhowee. I have a developmental disability. I work as a dishwasher at Heroes Restaurant in Warrensburg. My value and talent at work: I am a dishwasher and I am proud of my job. My boss, coworkers, and job coaches have told me that I am doing a good job at work. I like coming to work, and I try my best every day. My advice: Get some support and services. Learn through experience and not being discouraged by making mistakes. Keep going after making mistakes. Learn from things that go wrong. When you feel like giving up, it’s not worth giving up. You just gotta keep trying until something good comes.

ALT Public Policy Fellow Opportunity for 2027. MODDC now accepting applications from self-advocates with I/DD Applications close November 5th.

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ALT Applications open for MODDC's next Partners in Policymaking class! Apply by November 16, 2026.

ALT Who am I? My name is Adeline. I am 24 years old and live in Webster Groves. I have a developmental disability. I work at a bookstore. My value and talent at work: I make everyone’s job easier by stamping the bags so the sales associates can focus on helping customers. Before my current job, I did many job training programs and volunteer work, even when people thought I wasn’t ready. I want others to know that I like my job because it’s fun, and I’ve made new friends. What helps me do well at work: I work with two job coaches, and my great supervisor, Shelby, is very helpful. My advice: Anyone can work if they want to. Don’t let someone tell you that you aren’t ready if it’s something you want to do

ALT Who am I? My name is Jamie. I am 40 years old and I live in St. Louis. I provide support to people with developmental disabilities. I currently work as a direct support professional (also called DSP). My value and talent at work: I love helping others and teaching them how to succeed at things they may struggle with. Before my current job, I worked as a home health aide. I would like people to know that it takes a lot of empathy and patience for yourself, and also showing care and encouragement to clients. What helps me do well at work: Coworkers and bosses. Advice to others: Never give up trying to learn how to do something you don't quite fully understand how to do yet. Nobody is perfect. Also, you are loved, cared for, and you matter.

ALT Who am I? My name is Stanley. I am 58 years old and I live in Sedalia. I have a developmental disability. I work as a stocker at Woods Supermarket. My value and talent at work: My job gives me the chance to help customers and work with people I enjoy being around. I have learned many new skills and become more confident in what I do each day. One of the newest things I have learned is how to work in the meat department, and I want to learn the produce area next. Being able to help others and be part of a team makes me feel proud of the work I do. Before working at my current job, it was hard, and I could not go on vacation. Having a job has helped me enjoy life outside of work. I can save money for things I want to do and go on trips. I hope to visit Las Vegas and see the Grand Canyon someday. I want people to know I am proud of my work. What helps me do well at work: My job coaches and my coworkers help me do well. My advice: Keep trying — you might be surprised at what you can do.

ALT Who am I? My name is Christian. I am 51 years old. I live in Pacific. What do I do? I work as an administrative/receptionist. I am a hard worker and always arrive early to work. I check people in and out and keep the office flowing through various clerical work. My workplace supports are my coworkers and supervisor. Before my current job, my employment journey was messy. My advice: Check the job out before committing to it. The better you can be prepared, the better you will be. Most of all, have confidence that others will help you out before deciding to leave after barely starting.

ALT Who am I? My name is Kayla. I live in Maryland Heights, and I am 32 years old. I have a developmental disability. I live in Maryland Heights and I work as a restaurant host. I have worked as a hostess for a month and I love it! My value and talent at work: I am friendly and outgoing. My advice: Be determined and don’t give up.

ALT Who am I? My name is Nicole. I live in Grandview and I am 40 years old. I have a developmental disability. I currently work at a sheltered workshop. My value and talent at work: I’m a good lead worker and material handler. I’m a hard worker. Before my current job, I went to high school and worked at the Independence Center. I also work at a non-profit organization called Southeast Enterprises. What helps me do well at work: My supervisor. My advice: Just be honest with yourself when you find a job.

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

ALT 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.

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

ALT 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.