On March 1st, hundreds of Missourians with disabilities and their friends, families, and staff from every corner of the state traveled to the State Capitol for Disability Rights Legislative Day!
This year’s theme was “WE the People,” borrowed from the opening words of the Preamble to the US Constitution, reminding lawmakers and political leaders that the disability community is a significant and strong group of people whose lives and ideas must be taken seriously at every level of government! “WE the People” truly means WE – All of us!
The main event of Disability Rights Legislative Day was a rally with special guest speakers, featuring several powerful disability advocates, self-advocates, and legislators.
This year’s rally speakers focused on the following topics:
– The importance of reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation for all
– Expanding opportunities for fair and competitive employment for people with disabilities
– Solving the Caregiver Crisis, also known as the DSP Crisis, by improving the lives and increasing wages and opportunities for Direct Support Professionals and other support staff.
Disability Rights Legislative Day is organized each year by the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council and planned by a coalition of self-advocates and professionals from organizations across the state of Missouri, including Emmaus!
The event was held in person and virtually so people with disabilities, family members, and others can participate regardless of where they live. The more people that participate, the more we can advocate for what’s important and show that “WE the People” includes all of us!
Want to learn more? Check out the website www.drld.org or watch here: https://youtu.be/Ao6WzEnR9bg