Missouri Ranks 4th in the Nation in Efforts to Serve Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
JANUARY 31, 2019
Jefferson City — – Missouri has made significant strides to improve policies that help individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead more independent and productive lives. This determination propels the state to a 4th place ranking in a report compiled by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Foundation and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).
“Making services for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities a priority helps contribute to Missouri’s workforce development,” said Governor Parson. “Every Missourian should have the opportunity to live a full, productive life by participating in and contributing to their communities.”
The Case for Inclusion 2019 ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on how well state programs, primarily Medicaid, serve those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The states are ranked in five key areas critical to the inclusion, support, and empowerment of individuals with I/DD and their families: Promoting Independence; Promoting Productivity; Keeping Families Together; Serving Those in Need; and Tracking Health, Safety & Quality of Life.
Mark Stringer, Director of DMH said, “This national ranking is a great testament to the efforts of our department employees, our provider agencies, and local Senate Bill 40 boards, which continue to make a real, life-changing difference for thousands of Missourians and their families.”
While Missouri did make important improvements, Missouri, like other states, is still challenged with the number of people living in large, congregate settings and the number of individuals working in competitive employment, meaning they work alongside others without disabilities at a market-driven wage.
The full Case for Inclusion 2019 report, along with scorecards for each state and additional resources, can be downloaded at caseforinclusion.org.
For more information contact Debra Walker at 573-751-1647, e-mail debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov, or Sean Luechtefeld with ANCOR Foundation at 703-535-7850, ext. 100, email sluechtefeld@ancor.org.
About the ANCOR Foundation
The ANCOR Foundation (ancorfoundation.org) exists to expand the commitment and capacity of providers and communities dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Foundation works to amplify the impact of service providers whose programs and resources empower people of all abilities to live independently, enjoy greater accessibility, and experience the self-confidence and self-satisfaction that comes with being an included and valued part of the community.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (ucp.org) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with 64 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For 70 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with its member affiliates, parents, and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal, and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 70 years and beyond.