Emmaus Staff and Client Advocates Bring Disability Awareness to Missouri State Legislators

For the past three years, members of the advocacy team at Emmaus Homes in St. Charles, Mo., show up in full force at the Missouri State Capitol for Disability Rights Legislative Day (DRLD). But on Feb. 26, 2025, Emmaus raised the level of involvement as 84 Emmaus direct service providers, staff, supporters, and clients traveled together to participate in the rally. 

In addition to attending the rally, the group divided into teams to visit 17 of the legislators’ offices. The purpose was to connect with legislators and their staff, sharing why increased funding of disability services is essential.

“We support clients in 22 state legislators’ districts (both senators and representatives), and are regularly in touch with about 20 of these folks year round,” said Christina Ingoglia, Emmaus’ advocacy director. “Our team made sure that decision makers heard first-hand how policies affect the lives of those we serve.”

The group met with the offices of Senators Schnelting, Fitzwater, Schroer, Ben Brown, and McCreery, as well as Representatives (or their staff) Hinman, Housman, Christ, Myers, Costlow, Simmons, Miller, Appelbaum, Steinmetz, Wellenkamp, Violet, Matthiessen, and Wilson.

“Each group met with one legislator or their staffer,” Ingoglia said. “Meeting with either is equally important as staff are often filtering what is important and memorable to their bosses.”

This year, the advocacy group included three Emmaus clients who are part of the newly formed Access Team created by the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC). The team is a leadership initiative for individuals with lived experience with disabilities. As part of the Access Team, clients receive additional leadership training and served as guides throughout this year’s DRLD.

“Participating in DRLD is important for grassroots advocates including the adults we serve and the staff who support them,” said Ingoglia. “Many have never been to the Capitol, or they went once in grade school. By getting them into the building, having them participate in the rally, and encouraging them to do a legislative visit, we are showing them all that their voices have power, and they belong in the People’s House as much as anyone else.”

The Emmaus group members felt a rush of different emotions during the day’s activities. “DRLD, for me, was a little overwhelming,” said Donna Thompson, Emmaus’ client service manager. “However, I felt very empowered, and this experience has confirmed that this is my true purpose. I’m proud to do work that matters.”

The rotunda area of the capitol was packed with rally goers, comprised of disability advocates, families, and allies from across the state. 

“By demystifying legislative work, legislators, and even the Capitol building itself, more of our Emmaus advocates will be likely to participate throughout the year — whether that’s giving a tour of a home to a legislator, going to the Capitol for appointments throughout the legislative session, or feeling empowered to send emails to their own legislators about what is most important to them,” Ingoglia added. “DRLD brings people together from across the state and reminds us all that we are fighting for issues larger than just Emmaus.”