We are pleased to provide you with useful links to a variety of organizations.
ADVOCACY
-
Our staff at Missouri Family to Family has lived experience and personal connections to disability as individuals, parents, siblings and spouses. We know how to help, because we have been there. We have received additional training in order to plug you into the resources you need and coach you through navigating complex systems.
While the Missouri Family to Family core team of staff, consultants live and work from across the state, our office is located in Kansas City at UMKC. Together with our network of volunteers, funders and partners, our team is deeply committed to helping families receive the information they need to make informed decisions and plan to live their good lives.
AGING WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
-
The goal of the Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities is to prevent entry into unnecessary long-term care placement and premature death in individuals who are aging with developmental disabilities. In response, all AADD programs have a common goal to provide necessary training to assist individuals in achieving a greater independence in the home and community while aging in place.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
-
The mission of Missouri Assistive Technology is to increase access to assistive technology for Missourians with all types of disabilities, of all ages.
Programs and services of Missouri Assistive Technology are directed by the Missouri Assistive Technology Council, which was established by state statute in 1993. The Council is charged to serve as an advocate for policies, regulations and programs to establish a person-responsive, comprehensive assistive technology service delivery system. The Council meets at least four times a year, reports annually to the Governor and the general assembly on Council activities to increase access to assistive technology, and provides programmatic direction for all activities and services.
AUTISM
-
Easterseals has been helping individuals with disabilities and their families live better lives for more than 100 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
Together, we're leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities. Currently, we support nearly 50,000 children and adults with disabilities, empowering them to live the healthiest, happiest lives possible.
-
The Autism Research Institute strives to advance the health of autistic people through biomedical research and free education.
-
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.
-
The mission of the Thompson Center is to support individuals & families impacted by autism and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses through world class programs that integrate research, clinical service delivery, education, and public policy.
-
Autism Society Creating connections for the Autism community to live fully.
BRAIN INJURY
-
The Mission of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri is to reduce the incidence of brain injury; to promote acceptance, independence, and productivity of persons with brain injury; and to support their families.
CEREBRAL PALSY
-
Cerebral Palsy Guidance was created to provide answers and assistance to parents of children with cerebral palsy. Our goal is to reach as many members of the cerebral palsy community as possible, build up a network of support, and provide necessary assistance.
Our information is meant to complement and not replace any advice or information from a health professional.
We cover cerebral palsy from all angles, from symptoms, causes, and treatment to daily living information, such as communication and transitioning to adulthood articles.
-
Mission Statement: to promote the independence and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities through our network of affiliates and partnerships.
Vision Statement: Life of inclusion for individuals with disabilities
DOWN SYNDROME
-
We work to discover how and why development differs for children with Down syndrome, and how we can best help them to achieve their potential.
We deliver evidence-based resources around the world that help families and professionals to provide effective teaching approaches and interventions..
-
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis serves, supports, and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, through every stage of life.
-
Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks exists to bring life and wellness to families who are advocating towards a community of inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome.
-
Mission - To empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions.
Vision - To ensure all individuals with Down syndrome are assured their human rights and valued by a more inclusive society.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
-
First Steps is Missouri’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities. The federal law governing First Steps is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program. First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/early-intervention/first-steps
-
Hand to Hold® is dedicated to providing early intervention mental health support before, during, and after a NICU stay, ensuring that all NICU families thrive.
-
March of Dimes St. Louis leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We use research, advocacy, and education to give every baby the best possible start. We serve St. Louis as a virtual team. PLEASE DIRECT ANY DONATION TO: March of Dimes Donation Processing Center, 3495 Piedmont Rd NE, Building 12, Suite 210Atlanta GA 30305. Your donation helps us provide services, programs and support for moms and babies in communities across the country.
EDUCATION
-
Empowering Families to advocate for themselves so that children with special education needs can reach their full potential in education and life.
Enhancing Opportunities through free trainings, resources, individualized support, and collaborative partnerships.
-
After school programs - keep kids safe, help working families and inspire students to learn.
Early childhood education -imperative to the future of our children. Learn more about opportunities in Missouri.
School safety - Find the latest policies and information on security issues such as earthquakes, tornadoes and fires.
EMPLOYMENT
-
Many people with disabilities fear that if they go to work, they'll lose needed health care and other disability benefits. Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) helps people with disabilities and service providers understand the connections between work and benefits. DB101 will help you make informed choices and show you how you can make work part of your plan.
-
If you have a disability and want to work, we can help you discover the career that is right for you.
https://dese.mo.gov/adult-learning-rehabilitation-services/vocational-rehabilitation
-
APSE-MO is the Missouri state chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), a national organization committed to improving and expanding integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people experiencing disabilities. APSE-MO invites individuals with disabilities, their families, employment providers, funders, employers and others to join with us in making community employment a reality for ALL people with disabilities.
EPILEPSY
-
The Epilepsy Foundation, in collaboration with our community and network partners, connects the people, data and resources needed to address challenging health problems associated with seizures and the epilepsies—and promotes education, policy, research and systemic change that will foster measurable and sustainable improvement for all people living with epilepsy.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
-
Safe and independent living is possible with health issues or a disability.
We help people with age-related health issues and disabilities live independently at home.
LEARNING DISABILITIES
-
LD Online seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.
-
LDA visualizes a world in which learning disabilities are universally understood, so all individuals are accepted, supported, and empowered to live a self-determined life.
-
Understood is a nonprofit dedicated to shaping the world for difference. We provide resources and support so people who learn and think differently can thrive — in school, at work, and throughout life.
LEGAL SERVICES
-
LSSM’s purpose is to provide case representation and advice to low-income persons in civil matters only. LSSM serves only the low-income and elderly. LSSM never charges a fee to a client.
MAGAZINES/PUBLICATIONS
-
Everything you need is right at your fingertips – no matter where you are. We are the FIRST, FREE, INTERACTIVE, MULTI-MEDIA online, mobile-friendly publication serving the special needs community.
MEDICAID/MEDICARE
-
The Missouri Department of Social Services is responsible for coordinating programs to provide:
Public assistance to help Missourians with food stamps, health care, child care, child support, blind services and other basic needs
Health care coverage for eligible Missourians
Child welfare services to help ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of Missouri children
Specialized assistance to troubled youth.
-
Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You may also qualify if you have permanent kidney failure or receive Disability benefits.
MENTAL HEALTH
-
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
RARE DISORDERS
-
NORD was founded after the passage of the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 (ODA) to formalize the coalition of patient advocacy groups that were instrumental in passing that landmark law. Since then, NORD has been a national steward and a steadfast partner helping those who battle and care for rare disease feel seen, heard, supported, and connected. We’re a full-service, mission-driven, and independent nonprofit reimagining a future where every person with a rare disease and their families live their best lives.
SOCIAL SECURITY
-
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.
TRANSPORTATION
-
MO Rides connects you with transportation providers across Missouri. Launched as a series of regional pilots by Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, Meramec Regional Planning Commission and Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission in 2014, MO Rides has since grown to serve individuals in need of transportation assistance in every region of Missouri since 2016. Today, the program is managed by Boonslick Regional Planning Commission with support from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB).