Advocacy
Share Your StoryEmmaus supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reclaim their place in the community and live with independence in their own homes.
Together we have the power to shape public policy and improve all our lives!
Join Our Grassroots Advocacy Team.
We know affecting change starts with strong self-advocates.
We work with partners across the state to promote disability rights and ensure sustainable funding of disability services.
Sign Up
We want to send you updates.
Find Your Rep
Look up your local legislators.
Our Impact
Community Inclusion
Emmaus supports more than 300 adults with intellectual and developmental to lead fulfilling, independent lives in the homes and neighborhoods of their choice. The people we support are active members of their communities.
Paying DSPs
Solving the DSP workforce crisis is our top legislative priority. Despite systemic disinvestment of disability services at the state level, Emmaus has invested millions of dollars to ensure every Direct Support Professional earns a living wage.
Leadership Development
Emmaus equips bold leaders. People we support take part in self-advocacy workshops and other skills training. We offer frequent staff training, certification courses, and a career path in place for those without degrees.
Advocacy News
Creating an Inclusive Community
Emmaus is a leader in creating an inclusive community. With your help, people with developmental disabilities have overcome stigmatization and exclusion. Emmaus’ presence in our community makes it a welcoming place for people of all abilities…
#MODisabilityVotes
In America, about 1 in 5 people has a disability. Almost every political issue has some effect on the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and their support network…
#MODisabilityVotes – Voting Options 2020
Whether it’s because of the pandemic or due to the turbulent political climate, 2020 is an election year unlike any other. It seems like news is breaking every minute, facts are changing every day, and it’s hard to know who to trust for reliable, nonpartisan election info. Those of us in the disability community especially need trustworthy information about voting options and accommodations this year. On October 8th, Easterseals Midwest and Emmaus teamed up with Denise Lieberman of the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition for a virtual discussion about absentee voting (mail-in and in-person), accessible voting (polling accommodations for people with disabilities), and more.
Do You Want to Make a Difference?
By giving to Emmaus, you are making a difference that will increase independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities.