Being on a waitlist does not put someone’s needs on hold. People still need support to work, participate in their community and manage daily responsibilities. Families still need help caring for the people they love.
Effective Oct. 15th, 2026, Missouri’s Division of Developmental Disabilities implemented waitlists for new enrollment in the Comprehensive, Community Support and Partnership for Hope waiver programs because of budget limitations.
These programs help people with developmental disabilities access support to live and participate in their communities. When access is delayed, the effects can reach beyond the person waiting. Family schedules, employment, caregiving responsibilities and plans for the future may all be affected.
At eitas, we want decision-makers to understand what that waiting means for individuals and families in Jackson County. Your experience can help us explain it.
Why stories matter
Numbers tell us how many people are waiting. Personal experiences help us understand what that wait means.
A story might describe a parent reducing work hours to provide care, someone waiting for support to pursue employment or a family trying to plan for the future. It might also explain what services have already made possible: greater independence, a job, friendships or more opportunities to participate in the community.
These experiences connect funding decisions to daily life. They help advocates explain both the consequences of waiting and the value of providing support.
You do not need a background in legislative advocacy to contribute. You can start with your own experience, a question or a conversation.
Five things you can do today:
1. Tell us what this means for you
What support are you waiting for? How is waiting affecting your day? What would having that support allow you to do?
We also want to hear what access to services has made possible for you or your family. Those experiences help explain why support matters.
Individuals, families and Support Coordinators can email stories to Laura Messer at lmesser@eitas.org. If you would rather start with a conversation, let Laura know.
You can also submit a story directly to MACDDS, the Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services, using the QR code in its Waitlist Information Flyer that is attached below. Learn about MACDDS here: https://macdds.org/
2. Let your state lawmakers hear from you
Your state representative and senator make decisions that affect funding for services. Help them understand how those decisions affect people in their district.
You do not need to know a bill number or prepare a formal statement. A short email or phone call can begin like this:
My name is ____, and I live in ____. I want you to know how Missouri’s developmental disability waiver waitlist is affecting my family. ____. Please support funding to help people waiting for services get the support they need. What steps are you taking to address the waitlist?
Find your state lawmakers through the Missouri House and Missouri Senate websites.
If you are not personally affected, you can still explain why access to services matters to you and your community.
3. Help someone share their experience
Sometimes people have something important to say but need help getting started.
Offer to listen, write down their words or sit with them while they make a call. Help them find a contact or submit a story if they ask.
Let the person decide what they want others to understand and what they are comfortable sharing. Supporting someone’s voice starts with listening to them.
4. Pass the information along
You may know someone who has questions about the waitlist or does not know where to turn.
MACDDS has updated its Waitlist Information Flyer to explain the waitlist and provide advocacy resources. Share it with a family member, friend, coworker or community organization. You can also send them this blog post.
You do not need to have every answer to help someone find useful information.
Download the MACDDS Missouri Waitlist informational flyer below:
5. Keep the conversation going
Advocacy takes continued attention. Visit the MACDDS advocacy page for updates and opportunities to get involved.
If you contact a lawmaker, ask for a response. Follow up if you do not hear back, and continue sharing how waiting affects you or your family.
Your experience still matters after the first email or phone call.
Help us make sure people are heard….
We know there is more to this waitlist than numbers. There are people with goals, families doing their best and support needs that continue every day.
Sharing your experience gives advocates something important to bring to the conversation: a clearer understanding of what people need and what access to services makes possible.
Start with one action today. Share your story, contact your lawmakers or help someone else find their voice.
To share an experience with eitas in Jackson County Missouri, email lmesser@eitas.org. To submit directly to MACDDS, use the QR code in its flyer.
Sharing your story is voluntary and does not change your place on the waitlist. If your support needs change or you have questions about your services, contact your Support Coordinator.
Waitlist information and flyer provided by MACDDS. Additional information is available on the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s waiver enrollment page.