What can I do to advocate for my loved one?
If you would like to reach out to your state representative or senator to educate them on how being on a Medicaid Waiver waitlist affects your family, too: https://www.house.mo.gov/, type in your address to find out who the legislators are that represent your district.
What do I say?
Tell them your story and how being on a waitlist affects your life. Ask for their support in restoring funding to the Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities budget in order to eliminate the waitlist.
What else can I do to educate my legislators?
Invite them to meet your family and see how the lack of critically needed services has affected your life.
Are there other advocacy efforts occurring in the state?
Leaders across the state are continuing to educate legislators on the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Opportunities are offered to visit both agencies and individuals in order to truly understand the impact of not receiving services.