MOCIL members to converge at State Capitol to discuss disability program future
On April 12th, 2022 representatives of the 22 Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL) will converge at the Missouri State Capitol to discuss the future of the state’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program.
Members are advocates for individuals with disabilities that are served by the CDS program and depend upon it for assistance in being independent in their own homes. These individuals have physical disabilities that can prevent them from doing everyday tasks that we each take for granted.
The twenty-two (22) centers that form MOCIL are all non-profit 501 (c) 3 organizations that provide services that allow Missourians with disabilities to remain independent in their own homes.
This program covers needs that every person requires, such as: bathing, dressing, meal preparation/cooking, cleaning, laundry, changing of bed linens, running necessary errands for basic needs, basic nursing skills, medication set-up and monitoring and more. Without the assistance this program provides, many individuals with disabilities suffer the risk of being forced into care facilities and losing many of their freedoms.
The MOCIL Centers include The Independent Living Center at 2639 E. 34th St. in Joplin. is a private, non-residential, not-for-profit corporation devoted to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities and to serving them, their families and communities. It serves residents of Barry, Barton, Dade, Jasper, Newton and McDonald Counties.
A news release from MOCIL says Missouri is at a critical point in its budget-making process,
“As it stands, funding for the CDS program is not sufficient to pay a living wage to personal care attendants who are providing these vital services that allow individuals with disabilities to remain safe and healthy in their own homes,” the statement reads.
“Governor Parson and members of the Missouri General Assembly must prioritize this program and the lives of Missourians with disabilities.”