What is Advocacy?
We are proud to support individuals with disabilities and honored to be a voice for positive change. We work tirelessly to educate our public officials and community on the needs of those living with a disability. Our goal, through effective legislative advocacy, is to ensure our local, state, and federal legislators know our loved ones with disabilities by name and are doing all they can to meet their needs.
How Does Advocacy Impact UCP?
Advocacy is essential to sustaining our programs. With a significant portion of our funding coming from Medicaid, it is crucial that we continue speak up in support of ongoing financial support.
If legislators decide not to fund the Department of Mental Health (DMH) or vocational rehabilitation, our vital programs could become unfunded. That is why it is critical that we advocate continually with legislators to guarantee our funding does not disappear.
We campaign our cause not only at the legislative level but also in our communities to ensure ADA accessibilities and transportation are available locally.
Ways to Advocate
- Get to know your legislators. Congratulate a new legislator on their big election win or ask current legislators to visit with you.
- Visit in person. Taking the time to visit your legislators in Jefferson City or at their home city offices goes a long way. Always remember to make an appointment first!
- If you can’t make it in person, pen a polite letter or email or give your legislator a call.
- Strive to establish an ongoing friendly relationship with your legislator. Don’t be afraid to not have an answer to a question when you meet. Be willing to find the answer and always follow up.
- Be respectful of your legislator and their staff, even when you disagree on a position. Politely agree to disagree.
Legislative Priorities
It is more important than ever to advocate for all Missourians with disabilities to ensure that they, and the people that work with them are treated fairly and supported equitably. Through disability rights legislation, we can make these individuals and the funding they need to thrive a priority.
Tips for Legislator Communication
- Always be clear and specific regarding the issue.
- Use personal stories about how this issue affects you. You’ll often discover the legislator can relate with a similar experience.
- Leave a simple, written document with your request, when possible
- Follow up with a friendly thank you note.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and share the things that matter most to you. But being a self-advocate isn’t always easy. It takes courage and a growing confidence to express your wants and needs to others.
Often, it may seem easier to let others speak for you. But no one knows your wants and needs better than yourself. At UCP Heartland, we believe that the most important members of our disability advocacy organization are the very people our group represents.
That’s you. And your voice matters.
Our Self-Advocacy Group
Join us as we encourage each other and learn more about speaking up for our wants and needs. Together, we bond during interactive activities, share our recent wins and challenges, and explore ways we can advocate for ourselves in our homes and our community.
With every meeting, we create a stronger disability advocacy organization by empowering each member to campaign for themselves and make their voice heard
When We Meet
3rd Thursday of the month
1 pm-2 pm
Where We Meet
Zoom or in person at
4645 LaGuardia Dr. St. Louis, MO 63134
When We Meet
3rd Thursday of the month
1 pm-2 pm
Where We Meet
Zoom or in person at
4645 LaGuardia Dr. St. Louis, MO 63134
We Can't Wait for You to Join Us!
Contact Duane for more information about our next meeting or event.
314-994-1600 extension 354
Find Your Legislators
Here are some additional valuable resources for more legislative information on advocacy for disabled persons:
Since 1949, our network of affiliates and partners has been committed to creating a world where people with disabilities can live life without limits. Through advocacy, research, education, and a wide range of resources and programs, we work to promote inclusion, independence, and opportunity for all.
ANCOR works to shape policy and share solutions to strengthen the ability of community-based providers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supports UCP Heartland in our advocacy and educational efforts.
A nonprofit trade association of community providers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and work throughout Missouri. Starling Missouri is a strong support system for UCP Heartland providing guidance on advocacy, policy changes, and impactful involvement.
Since 1949, our network of affiliates and partners has been committed to creating a world where people with disabilities can live life without limits. Through advocacy, research, education, and a wide range of resources and programs, we work to promote inclusion, independence, and opportunity for all.
ANCOR works to shape policy and share solutions to strengthen the ability of community-based providers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supports UCP Heartland in our advocacy and educational efforts.
A nonprofit trade association of community providers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and work throughout Missouri. Starling Missouri is a strong support system for UCP Heartland providing guidance on advocacy, policy changes, and impactful involvement.