On June 18th, we will launch the Emmaus Advocacy Think Tank. This is a group of internal staff, clients, and more, as well as self-advocates and professionals from other organizations. The goal is to create a working group that serves as a brain trust to dream big for the future of advocacy at Emmaus. Another way to put it is this will be a group of people with a passion for advocacy and our clients who can help us make Missouri a more inclusive and accepting state. The group will focus on the next 2-3 years and ways we can grow our impact, and perhaps expand the scope of advocacy work we can accomplish. Stay tuned for reports and ways to get involved from this group as we meet over the next year.  

For the foreseeable future we will continue our Missouri legislative advocacy efforts to improve Medicaid funding so that our clients receive the best care possible. This means DSP wages must continue to increase, too. However, there are many issues that impact adults with developmental disabilities, whether we serve them or not. Regional transportation often comes up as a major hurdle for these Missourians.  

What other advocacy issues do you or those you support face? Whether or not you are directly involved in the Think Tank, you are always welcome to submit ideas, comments, and questions to Advocacy@EmmausHomes.org.