DD Advocates

Who We Are

Developmental Disability Advocates has been planning, linking and advocating for individuals with developmental dissabilities in Jefferson County for 45+ years. Our services are funded by Jefferson County taxes and have assisted hundreds in our community.

Our Mission

We create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in Jefferson County to live fulfilling lives, by investing in services and building connections.

Our Vision

People with developmental disabilities have choices and are included in the community.

Core Values

Developmental Disability Advocates believes in the following Core Values and will adhere to these values in all that it does on behalf of individuals with disabilites:
  • Respect & Dignity - We treat all people with respect and dignity and advocate for services that do the same.
  • Choice - We advocate for and protect peoples' right to make choices that fit their vision for their life.
  • Quality - We provide excellent services and invest in partners who do the same.
  • Partnership - We build partnerships to increase our impact and to maximize our resources.
  • Stewardship - We strategically invest taxpayers' resources to best meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Adaptability - We thoughtfully and creatively adapt to our ever-changing environment to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

Our History

In the late 1960s, the State of Missouri passed legislation referred to as Chapter 205.968 through 205.972 of the Revised Missouri Statutes which permitted counties to establish a mill tax for the purpose of developing and expanding sheltered workshops, residential, and support services for their citizens with developmental disabilities.

In August of 1978, the voters of Jefferson County established the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped through the passage of Proposition S - "The Special Ones." On August 17, 1978, pursuant to Section 205.968 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, the Jefferson County Court County Commissioners established and appointed the first handicapped facilities board consisting of nine members, four board members related to handicapped persons and five members unrelated.

Through the passage of Proposition S, a 10-cent levy was assessed on each one hundred dollars of property evaluated. The funds collected from the 10-cent levy are used to develop community-based supports for developmentally disabled citizens of Jefferson County. In June 1980, the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped established a non-profit corporation: "Exceptional Ones, Inc." Exceptional Ones was established and administered by the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped (JCCH). The JCCH served as the board of directors for Exceptional Ones. The Director of Exceptional Ones reported directly to the Executive Director of the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped. The board of directors for the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped voted to change the name of Exceptional Ones, Inc. to "Developmental Services of Jefferson County, Inc." The name change was filed with the Secretary of State and became effective July 1, 1991.

In 1985, the 10-cent levy was rolled back to 6 cents as a result of reassessment. With the passage of Proposition H in 1988, the levy increased by 4 cents restoring the levy back to the original amount of 10 cents on each one hundred dollars of property evaluated.

In 2003, the JCCH Board of Directors voted to change the name to Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (JCDDRB). The name was changed to better reflect the individuals being served and the mission and purpose of the board.

In June of 2016, to be in compliance with Conflict-Free Case Management regulations, the board voted unanimously for a separation of the JCDDRB and NextStep for Life effective July 1, 2017.

In 2017, NextStep for Life and the JCDDRB officially separated and began operating under two different Board of Directors and Executive Leadership.

In 2018, JCDDRB officially changed the agency name to Developmental Disability Advocates.

In 2023, the agency consolidated two office locations into one, located at 901 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial, MO 63052.