Volume 11, Number 2, April 2025 Governor’s Council on Disability 
GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON DISABILITY 
GCD NEWSLETTER 
Governor's Council on Disability logo

Inside this Issue 
Page 1: 
• GCD announces Inclusion and Youth Leadership Award winners 

Page 2: 
• Disability Rights Legislative Day Wrap Up 
• Volunteer Applications for MO-YLF open until April 15 

Page 3: 
• MOCIL Legislative Day 2025 
• GCD NDEAM Poster Contest Open Now 

Page 4: 
• Know Your Rights: How to File a Discrimination Complaint 

Page 5: 
• April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month 

Page 6: 
• Blind and Low Vision Resources 

Page 8: 
• Upcoming Events 
• Stay connected with the GCD 

MO-YLF Application Deadline extended to April 15!
Image: 
Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) flyer on blue and yellow background showing three circular images of program participants – 1. Three participants play wheelchair basketball in a gym, 2. Five participants wearing matching navy-blue t-shirts stand outside the Missouri state capitol building, 3. Five participants take a fun group photo wearing colorful hats, boas, and sunglasses.
Wording: Application deadline is April 15th , MO-YLF logo, July 15-19, 2025
Experience five days of college living on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia (MU) and make new lifetime friends! 
For more info and to apply: Scan me with arrow pointing to QR code
Self -Advocacy
Disability Pride
Independent Living
Employment Skills
Higher Education
Legislative Advocacy
Mentorship
Community Service
And more!
https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf



GCD announces Inclusion and Youth Leadership Award winners 
by Claudia Browner 

Each year, the Governor’s Council on Disability recognizes leaders in Inclusion and Youth 
Leadership through its annual Inclusion Award and Youth Leadership Award programs to raise 
awareness about the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for individuals with 
disabilities in all aspects of community living, and to recognize and honor the accomplishments of 
the award recipients. 

Inclusion Award honorees are chosen for their exceptional, proactive, and innovative measures to 
integrate and mainstream people with disabilities into their programs, activities, and operations. 
The Youth Leadership Award celebrates outstanding Missouri youths (aged 16-26) with a disability 
who exhibit exemplary leadership by making a positive impact on their communities. 

The 2024 winners are: 

Inclusion Award— True Manufacturing, O’Fallon 
True Manufacturing showcases leadership in disability inclusion through its collaboration with the 
BCI Skills Center. Over five years, the company has created a job training program for adults with 
intellectual and developmental disabilities, hiring 51 graduates with a 76% retention rate. Their 
inclusive hiring practices have strengthened their workforce and earned the 2024 Talent Pipeline 
Project of the Year award, showcasing the impact of equal opportunities in employment. 

Inclusion Award Honorable Mention— Kit Brewer, Project CU, Inc., St. Louis 
For over 25 years, Kit Brewer has championed disability employment as the Executive Director of 
Project CU, Inc., creating inclusive job opportunities for individuals with various disabilities. Project 
CU serves over 100 individuals by integrating employment services, accommodations, and 
advocacy for lasting success. His mentorship empowers employees, strengthens Missouri’s 
workforce and establishes standards for disability employment. 

Youth Leadership Award— Arabel StandingBear, Neosho 
Arabel StandingBear is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and rare diseases, 
motivated by her own experience. She engages in advocacy at local, state, and national levels, 
collaborating with legislators on initiatives like a childcare bill for families with disabilities. Her 
notable achievements include acting in "Killers of the Flower Moon," working with the Osage 
Nation Tribe, and contributing to a viral blood donation campaign. Arabel’s leadership and 
advocacy embody the spirit of the Youth Leadership Award. 

Youth Leadership Award Honorable Mention—Lucas Fritsche, Perryville 
Lucas Fritsche has significantly impacted his community through his commitment to inclusion and 
accessibility. His journey began when he noticed a friend being unable to enjoy recess due to an 
inaccessible playground. This prompted him to advocate for an inclusive playground, leading to the 
Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventure project, which opened in 2021. Lucas's efforts have 
transformed his community and exemplify how young voices can drive meaningful change. 

The awards will be presented to the winners at the Missouri Rehabilitation Association (MRA) 
Conference in Lake Ozark on May 29, 2025. 

Read the full news release at https://oa.mo.gov/commissioners-office/news

For more information about the awards programs and this year’s winners and nominees, visit our 
https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/inclusionawards and https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/youthleadershipawards websites.


Page 2 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 

Disability Rights Legislative Day Wrap Up 
by Laura Mueth 
Image: a large crowd of people is gathered in the capitol rotunda for Disability Rights Legislative Day

Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) Volunteer Opportunity Disability Rights Legislative Day (DRLD) 2025 
was held on Wednesday, February 26. Over 500 people attended either in-person at the Capitol or virtually. 
Access for All was the theme for the day. 

Transportation, employment, and access to services were the focus of the day. In a departure from previous years, the main speakers 
were all individuals with disabilities, family members, or service providers rather than just legislators. Governor Kehoe who was 
introduced by Representative Stinnett attended his first DRLD as governor. 

Treasurer Malek discussed Missouri’s ABLE Program. United States Senator Schmitt spoke via recorded video. Main speakers Duane 
Gruis, Erin Wiercinski, Nancy Loston, Saffron Weigand-Buckley, Michael Gentry, Jennifer “Allie” Friedrich, Erin Bowe, Julia Chaney 
Faughn, Cheri Montgomery, Miriam Galan, and Kayla Palmer shared their experiences and thoughts on one of the topics or on advocacy. 

Representative Stinnett brought the event to the attention of her legislative colleagues by introducing members of the Access Team 
on the floor of the House of Representatives. The Access team was available to assist individuals with navigating the Capitol and 
meeting with legislators. 

Due to the event being rescheduled from its original date, several advocacy groups that had not previously participated were able 
to join, because their own advocacy events were scheduled for the same day. There were also resource tables available for 
participants to visit. These contained materials concerning advocacy, leadership, employment, resources, along with information on 
DRLD. 

Special thanks go to the emcee, Michkeal Cross and the planning committee for their contributions to make the day a success. 



Volunteer Applications for MO-YLF Open Until April 15 
by Reece Ellis 

Images: 
1. MO-YLF logo
2. Missouri Youth Leadership Forum Volunteer flyer 
July 14-19, 2025 at MU in Columbia
Top right: group of MO-YLF participants on MU campus
Three circular candid images of MO-YLF program participants outlined in yellow, red and blue. 
Volunteer Staff Needed! Apply by April 15.
The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is a leadership program designed for young adults with disabilities to learn from successful leaders and role models.
Apply for one of our volunteer staff positions to support the youth participants at the week-long, empowering program on MU Campus!
Make a positive difference in the lives of young adults with disabilities and gain professional leadership experience and connections.
Learn more about this exciting volunteer opportunity at https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf
QR Code 
Questions? 573.751.2600 Mail gcd@oa.mo.gov


The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) will hold its 2025 session from July 15—19, 2025 at the University of Missouri in Columbia. 
We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to help make this transformative experience possible for high school students with disabilities 
(ages 16-21). Volunteer opportunities remain open until April 15, 2025. 

MO-YLF volunteers play an essential role in creating this life-changing program. Responsibilities include assisting with delegate orientation and registration, 
providing mentorship, supporting daily activities, and helping maintain a safe, supportive environment where students can develop leadership skills, build 
confidence, and learn about disability advocacy and transition to adulthood.  

Volunteer-staff are asked to arrive on July 14 for orientation and preparation before delegates arrive on July 15. This preparation ensures volunteers are fully 
ready to support participants throughout the forum. For more information about volunteer roles or to apply, please visit our website at 
disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf/volunteer.htm. 

If you or your organization would like to help us make this great program possible, please contact GCD for more information by email at 
reece.ellis@oa.mo.gov or by calling our office at (573) 751-2600. 



Page 3 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 

MOCIL Legislative Day 2025 
by Claudia Browner 

Image: Governor Kehoe presents a proclamation recognizing the 35th anniversary of the ADA to MOCIL president Patrick Lee in the capitol rotunda 


The Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL) association hosted its MOCIL Legislative Day 2025 on March 25 at the 
Missouri State Capitol. The theme of the event was Opportunities for All in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans 
with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Advocates from Missouri’s 21 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) traveled to the capitol to meet with legislators to discuss 
the importance of services the CILs provide to support individuals with disabilities living in their communities. 
Hundreds of people then gathered in the capitol rotunda to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ADA and hear from 
elected officials, legislators, and individuals living with disabilities about the importance of this civil rights legislation 
and the work that needs to continue to advance disability rights and ensure equal opportunities for all. 

Governor Kehoe presented a proclamation to MOCIL President Patrick Lee in recognition of the 35th ADA anniversary. Other 
speakers included Missouri State Treasurer Vivik Malek, Representative Stinnett and Senator Williams, Elizabeth 
Rajchart, Kyle Auxier, Tammy Teel, and Jessica Podesva. The Kapital Kicks Jazz Band provided a musical performance. 

To learn more about the services the Centers for Independent Living provide and find a CIL near you, visit mocil.org 



GCD NDEAM Poster Contest Open Now 
by Claudia Browner 

Image: Governor’s Council on Disability Poster Contest flyer in blue and white 
A circular images on the right shows a color pallet and paint brushes
Wording: submit entries by August 31, 2025
Calling all Missouri artists
Submit your artwork for a chance to be featured on the Governor’s Council on Disability’s 2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) poster
The theme for the artwork contest is the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA35
Full Participation, Equal Opportunity, Independent Living, Economic Self-Sufficiency 
QR code
Learn how you can participate at disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest, Questions? Call 573-751-2600, GCD logo


The Governor’s Council on Disability hosts a poster contest each year to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in 
October. 

All Missouri residents are invited and encouraged to submit original artwork to spark conversation and raise awareness about the importance of equal 
employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2025 awareness poster. 

This year, we invite the artists to incorporate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a theme for their artwork. The ADA 
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantees individuals with disabilities equal opportunities and full participation in all aspects of 
society, including employment. 

Start your artwork now and submit your entries prior to the August 31 deadline for a chance to be the winner! 

For more details and the entry form, visit disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest 



Page 4 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 

Know Your Rights: How to File a Disability Discrimination Complaint 
by Reece Ellis 

Images:
EEOC logo
US DOT logo
US DOJ logo
US Dept of HUD logo


At the Governor's Council on Disability, we frequently receive questions about how to address disability discrimination. While we 
don't handle complaints directly and cannot provide legal advice, we want to ensure Missourians know their rights and options 
under federal law. If you've experienced discrimination in employment, air travel, housing, or public accommodations, here's what 
you need to know about filing a formal complaint. 

Issues at Work or in Applying for a Job: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 
• What to file: A Charge of Discrimination is a signed statement asserting that an employer, union or labor 
organization engaged in employment discrimination. It requests EEOC to take remedial action. If you believe 
that you have been discriminated against at work because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age 
(40 or older), disability or genetic information, you can file a Charge of Discrimination. 
• Deadline: File within 180 days of the incident (or 300 days if your state has a Fair Employment Practices Agency). Missouri’s is 
the Missouri Commission on Human Rights 
• How to file: Submit online at eeoc.gov or visit the EEOC’s St. Louis or Kansas City offices. An individual, organization, or agency 
may file a charge on behalf of another person in order to protect the aggrieved person's identity. 

Issues involving a Specific Airline: Department of Transportation 
• How to file: Use DOT’s online form or call the disability hotline: 1-800-778-4838. DOT also accepts completed 
paper complaints at – ATTN: C-75-D U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, 
D.C. 20590 
• Act fast: File complaints soon after the incident; first try resolving directly with the airline. 
• Note: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA, 49 U.S.C. 41705) prohibits discrimination by U.S. and foreign air carriers based on 
physical or mental disability. DOT can’t investigate ADA violations at airports (those typically go to the FAA or DOJ). 

Issues involving Housing: Department of Housing and Urban Development 
• Covered by: The Fair Housing Act protects against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, 
sex, disability, familial status. Discrimination in renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing 
assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities is illegal. Property owners, property managers, 
developers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, homeowners associations, insurance providers, and others 
who affect housing opportunities can be held liable. 
• Deadline: File within 1 year of the incident. 
• How to file: Submit online at or call 1-800-669-9777 (TTY: 1-800-927-9275).Protection: Retaliation for filing a complaint is 
illegal. If you believe you have experienced retaliation, you can report housing discrimination. 

Other Complaints: Department of Justice 
• Covers: If you believe that you or someone else was discriminated against based on a disability, you can file an 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint against a state government or local government, such as a 
public hospital, public school, or other state/local program. Additionally, you can also file a complaint against a 
private business that serves the public, such as a restaurant, doctor’s office, shop, or hotel. 
• Deadline: In general, complaints under Title II of the ADA must be filed with the DOJ within 180 days of the date of the alleged 
discrimination. 
• How to file: File a complaint by submitting a report on the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division website or Fill out and 
send the paper ADA Complaint Form (Regular Format | Large Format) or a letter containing the same information, to U.S. 
Department of Justice Civil Rights Division 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20530 



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Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 


April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month 
by Kim Hicks, Office of Equal Opportunity 

Image:


James Parkinson was a surgeon and political activist who wrote several medical journals that demonstrated his passion for public 
health. He fought for legal protection for those living with mental health conditions, their doctors, and their families. 

He is best known for his 66-page booklet, published in 1817, which secured his legacy in the history of medicine, titled "An 
Essay on the Shaking Palsy." In this ground-breaking book, he shared insights on this condition, relying solely on his 
observations of just six individuals. In the first chapter, he starts with a description of Shaking Palsy, which closely resembles 
modern Parkinson’s disease: “Involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in parts not in action and even 
when supported; with a propensity to bend the trunk forwards, and to pass from a walking to a running pace: the senses and 
intellects being uninjured.” 

Dr. Parkinson was the first person to describe individuals with symptoms of the condition that now bears his name. 

Parkinson's disease mainly affects movement and is marked by symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. 
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson’s disease varies from person to person; it is 
currently the fastest-growing brain disorder and is progressing even more rapidly than anticipated. This variability not only makes 
it difficult for doctors to diagnose and treat but also implies that patients can experience a wide range of symptoms that may 
change and worsen over time. This situation highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, research, and innovative 
treatment options to address this growing health condition. The exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to be a 
combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is currently no known cure, but various treatment options, including 
medications and therapies, are available to help manage symptoms. 

In April, various awareness initiatives will be launched, including informational campaigns, community events, and fundraising 
activities designed to support research for better treatments and potential cures. Organizations such as the Parkinson’s Foundation 
and the Michael J. Fox Foundation provide valuable resources to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 

Individuals can contribute to Parkinson's Awareness Month by donating to research initiatives, volunteering at fundraising events, 
participating in life-changing research efforts, advocating for additional funding, and sharing information on social media. If you 
want to get involved but are unsure how to help, you can download The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Advocacy Toolkit for tips. 

If you or someone you care about needs local support, you can visit the Parkinson’s Foundation Missouri Support Groups. These 
support groups allow people to share support and coping skills related to Parkinson’s. 

Parkinson’s Awareness Month focuses on raising awareness, fostering understanding, and encouraging action to support 
individuals impacted by Parkinson’s disease. Together, we can strive toward a future with improved treatments and a brighter 
outlook for the Parkinson's community. 

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month graphic with red tulips and a silver-gray ribbon

Page 6 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 


Blind and Low Vision Resources 
by Claudia Browner 

Established in 2024, the Blind and Low Vision Community of Missouri is an organization that assists people who are blind or have 
low vision through monthly peer support calls, social activities, and other programs to unite and improve the lives of individuals 
with visual impairments. Find out more or join as a member at blindlowvisionmo.org/organization-history-blind-support 
 

Accessible Technology Resources for Work, Home and Play (Source: National ADA Network) 

Images:
Meta View icon
BARD Mobile icon
Seeing AI icon
Microsoft Teams icon
Zoom icon
EyeNote icon
Comerica Mobile Banking® icon
Aira Explorer icon
Total Connect Comfort icon
Lyft icon

Following are a number of resources for assistive apps and technology for the blind and low vision community. These resources are 
intended as educational information and are not an endorsement of any particular product or service by the Governor’s Council on 
Disability. The links point to the Apple App Store, however, these apps are also available through the Google Play App Store. 

Apps for Work 

Meta View with the Ray-Ban Meta View Smart Glasses: Free app that manages your Meta Smart Glasses and allows 
you to set up and control voice control features, manage photos, music services, and working with other apps. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meta-view/id1558240027 

BARD mobile: Free app from the National Library Services for the blind and print disabled. Search for over 150,000 
books and magazines to download and play on your mobile device. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bard-mobile/id705229586 

Seeing AI: This free app opens up the world to people who are blind or low vision. The app can recognize currency, 
read text, read product codes, identify faces, and more. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seeing-ai/id999062298 

Microsoft Teams: Free app for collaborating with co-workers, family, or friends. Join audio and video calls, set up 
meetings, and chat one-on-one or to a large group. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-teams/id1113153706 

Zoom: Free app that allows people to conduct meetings and share content and documents. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoom-one-platform-to-connect/id546505307 

EyeNote: Free app developed for people who are blind or low vision by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to 
identify U.S. bank notes. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eyenote/id405336354 

Apps for Home 

Comerica Mobile Banking: Free app to manage your bank accounts and transactions. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/comerica-mobile-banking/id403598968 

Aira Explorer: The free Aira app provides on-demand remote visual interpreting for the blind and low vision 
community to enhance independence. Connect with a trained visual interpreter to accomplish a large number of 
tasks. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira-explorer/id1590186766 

Honeywell Total Connect Comfort: This free app allows you to connect to your thermostat to change home heating 
and cooling temperatures, create a schedule, view humidifier and dehumidifier settings, and more. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/total-connect-comfort/id469517819 

Lyft: Free app that allows you to book a ride, see your cost up front, set up a payment method, know when your ride 
is arriving, and more. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lyft/id529379082 

(Continued on page 7)



Page 7 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 


(Continued from page 6) Blind and Low Vision Resources 

Images:
Uber Icon
Bookshare Reader icon
Amazon Kindle icon
Learning Ally Audiobooks icon
Netflix icon
NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile icon
Merlin Bird ID icon
Voice Dream - Text to Voice icon
WiiM Home Icon


Uber: Free ride sharing app that allows you to book a ride, no when your ride is arriving, know your up front costs, 
and more. This app works “alright” except for the issue with putting in “Other Amount” when tipping. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uber-request-a-ride/id368677368 

Apps for Fun 

Bookshare: Free app that allows people with print disabilities, blindness, low vision, and physical disabilities to read 
over one million books in audio, text, or braille. You can read best sellers, educational books, children’s books, and 
more. You need a subscription to Bookshare to download books. If you want to read braille books you will need a 
refreshable braille display. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bookshare-reader/id1605201737 

Amazon Kindle: Free app that allows you to read Amazon books. I use this app, but the app does have some access 
issues. I had a book that I needed for a training at work that took my wife who is sighted to help me figure out how to 
access the book so I could move from chapter to chapter, read by letter, word, sentence, or line. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amazon-kindle/id302584613 

Learning Ally: Free app gets access to human-read audio books from Learning Ally. Subscription required to download books. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learning-ally-audiobooks/id1131235021 

Netflix: App that allows you to watch TV shows, Movies, and more. You can look up a movie or TV show to see if it 
has audio description right through the app. Netflix requires a month-to-month subscription. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/netflix/id363590051 

NFB Newsline: Free app that allows access to over 500 publications, TV listings, weather alerts, and retail ads. 
Designed for people who are blind or low vision. You need to be a Newsline subscriber to access the content. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nfb-newsline-mobile/id530470425 

Merlin Bird ID: Free app that allows you to identify birds by their song, a photo, or get a list of birds for a particular 
geographic area. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/merlin-bird-id-by-cornell-lab/id773457673 

Voice Dream Reader: Free app that works with Voiceover to read aloud these formats PDF, plain text, MS Word, MS 
PowerPoint, RTF, and Google Docs. Built-in scanner to scan documents. Works with Bookshare books, audio books in 
Mp3, MP4, or zipped MP3 and EPUB eBooks. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-text-to-voice/id496177674 

Wiim Home: Free app that allows you to control your music services like Amazon music, Spotify, title, Pandora, 
Deezer, Qobuz, and more. I use this device and the app to stream music to my vintage stereo equipment. 
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wiim-home/id1573883295 

Featured App 

Image: NaviLens Go icon
NaviLens and NaviLens GO: Free app to provide accessible wayfinding information for everybody. 
Provides directions and context information. NaviLens was designed specifically for people who are blind 
or have low vision to be able to access and locate information and interact with the environment around 
them. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/navilens-go/id1313878412 

Learn more about NaviLens at navilens.com 


Page 8 
Governor’s Council on Disability GCD Newsletter 


Upcoming Events 

Check out these upcoming disability-related conferences and events! Click on the links to learn more or register. 

April 29-May 1, 2025
Charting the LifeCourse Showcase 2025, Kansas City
https://www.lifecoursetools.com/events/showcase-2025/showcase-2025-agenda/

May 1, 2025 
Mental Health Champions Banquet, Jefferson City 
https://www.missourimhf.org/mental-health-champions/mental-health-champions-banquet/
 
May 5—7, 2025 
Virtual ADA Symposium 
https://web.cvent.com/event/0627ef1c-20be-4933-b3ed-5ab251a5443c/summary
 
May 12—13, 2025 
34th Annual Aging with Developmental Disabilities Conference, St. Charles 
https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0017-0016-4c2798cef3b740f8a3b628fbf3563d87
 
May 28, 2025 
Children and Youth in Disasters Conference, Jefferson City 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7YDJ7LD
 
May 28—30, 2025 
Missouri Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Conference, Lake of the Ozarks 
https://www.mo-rehab.org/conference
 
June 15—18, 2025 
National ADA Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia 
https://gpadacenter.org/national-ada-symposium/
 
June 25—27, 2025 
Transition Training Institute, Columbia 
https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/effective-practices/postsecondary-transition
 
July 15—19, 2025 
Missouri Youth Leadership Forum, Columbia 
https://disability.mo.gov/ylf
 
July 24—25, 2025 
Missouri APSE Employment Summit, Columbia 
https://apsemissouri8.wildapricot.org/2025-Employment-Summit
 
August 24—26, 2025 
Real Voices, Real Choices Conference, Lake Ozark 
https://www.missourimhf.org/real-voices-real-choices-conference/
 
If you know of additional events you would like us to share with the disability community, please contact our office. 



STAY CONNECTED 

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Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability—Council Members 

• Ronald Hack, Council Chair, St. Louis 
• Steve Ahrens, Jefferson City 
• Charles Comstock, Kirksville 
• Stacey Elster, Wildwood 
• Wayne Crawford, Marshall 
• Betty Davidson, Ph.D., St. Louis 
• Chip Hailey, Joplin 
• Katie Jones, St. Charles 
• Kim Lackey, St. Louis 
• Elijah Mayfield, Jefferson City 
• Susan Orton, Creve Coeur 
• Andrew Sartorius, Jefferson City 
• Jason Schott, Ste. Genevieve 
• Lesia Shelton, Buffalo 
• Robert Wallace, St. Louis 

Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability—Staff Members 

• Claudia Browner, Executive Director 
• Reece Ellis, Senior Program Specialist 
• Laura Mueth, Senior Program Specialist 
• Jennifer Pettit, Administrative Support Professional