Born from their shared vision and fueled by a desire for a brighter future for their children with disabilities, six mothers came together in June 2018 with a simple yet powerful belief: that every individual deserves quality educational experiences and support regardless of ability.
Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation wants to see Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 teams, which provides specialized instruction and related services to ensure a child receives personalized education. These teams collaborate and students make meaningful progress in light of their unique education circumstances. The organization provides funding to train special education advocates and offers financial assistance to families seeking support from advocates or attorneys.
MoDE also advocates for inclusive education statewide, provides opportunities for caregivers to learn about special education in ways that are applicable to their own situation, encourages families to form relationships with community members, and works toward systemic change. Missouri Disability Empowerment makes certain Missouri students get the services they require to make progress in their education.