Person standing in front of Missouri State Capitol Building holding an advocacy sign

Advocate

Join us in advocating for a more inclusive world where people of all abilities have the opportunity to thrive. Your voice can make a lasting difference.

At Easterseals Midwest, we believe that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a life full of opportunity, independence, and inclusion. Yet too often, policies and systems overlook or underfund the supports people with disabilities need to thrive.

You have the power and the responsibility to help shape a better future.

Visit the Advocacy Action Center

Why Advocacy Matters

Through advocacy, we protect access to critical services, champion funding for inclusive programs, and fight for laws that empower individuals with disabilities. Your voice helps ensure that people of all ages and abilities can live, work, learn, and participate fully in our communities.

When you speak up, lawmakers listen. When we show up together, we make change.

The Easterseals Advocacy Live Brief Banner with a blue megaphone

Missed the live briefing? You can now watch the recording of the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session Wrap-Up. The recording covers key budget decisions, disability policy impacts, and what's ahead for our community.

What We’re Fighting For

Our 2026 Legislative Priorities include:

Protecting Services for Missourians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

We oppose any cuts to community-based services funded through HB2002 and HB2010. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provide:

Personal care and in-home support
Employment and job coaching
Transportation and independent living services

These supports keep people safe, strengthen families, and connect Missourians with disabilities to their communities.

Why It Matters

Home and Community-Based Services:

Cost 2–3x less than institutional care
Supports thousands of Missouri jobs
Strengthens the state’s workforce and economy
Reduces long-term costs for taxpayers

Protecting IDD services keeps Missouri strong, stable, and inclusive.

Download our Priorities

Use the button below to download or print a hand-out with our legislative priorities to guide your talking points, give to legislators, and inform your advocacy this legislative session!

Download the 2026 Legislative Priorities

Want to get started as an advocate? Already advocating but want to build your skills? Check out the Advocacy Toolbox Series - five webinars designed to empower you to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make your voice heard.

All Abilities. Limitless Possibilities.

Change doesn’t happen without people like you. Join us as we create a more equitable world for people with disabilities—one where every person can reach their full potential. Visit our Advocacy Action Center to sign up for alerts, take action on important topics, and stay informed.