DD Advocates

Who We Are

Developmental Disability Advocates has been planning, linking and advocating for individuals with with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jefferson County for 45+ years. Our services are funded by Jefferson County property taxes and have assisted over a thousand people in our communities.

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 we do to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
  • 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 1969, the State of Missouri passed legislation referred to as Senate Bill 40 (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 1978, the voters of Jefferson County established the Jefferson County Commission for the Handicapped (JCCH) 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 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 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 June 1980, the JCCH established a non-profit corporation, Exceptional Ones, Inc. JCCH served as the board of directors for Exceptional Ones and the Director of Exceptional Ones reported directly to the Executive Director of the JCCH.

In July 1991, the board changed the name of Exceptional Ones, Inc. to Developmental Services of Jefferson County, Inc.

In July 2002, JCCH entered into a contract with the Missouri Department of Mental Health to provide service coordination to some eligible residents of Jefferson County.

In 2003, the JCCH board voted to change their 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 August 2010, the board changed the name of Developmental Services of Jefferson County, Inc. to NextStep for Life, Inc.

In June 2011, Disability Support Systems of Jefferson County, a non-profit who had been providing respite care, KidStart Lending Library, and educational/training opportunities, officially merged into NextStep for Life, Inc.

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

In 2017, NextStep for Life, Inc. and the JCDDRB officially separated and began operating under two different boards of directors and executive leadership. JCDDRB (a political subdivision) continued to be the entity overseeing administration of county property tax dollars and providing service coordination to those 18 and older in Jefferson County.  NextStep for Life, Inc. (a non-profit) continued to provide supports in the areas of vocational training, residential, community support services, recreation/leisure services, and family supports.

In 2018, JCDDRB celebrated its 40th anniversary with an official name change to Developmental Disability Advocates and began providing service coordination to those 16 and older with Medicaid, and to all ages without Medicaid.

In 2022, NextStep for Life, Inc. merged into Pony Bird, Inc., a non-profit in Jefferson County.

In 2023, DD Advocates celebrated its 45th anniversary and consolidated two office locations into one, located at 901 Jeffco Executive Drive, Imperial, MO 63052.

In 2025, as part of its strategic plan, DD Advocates donated the two apartment buildings they built in 1991 and 2005 on Pomme Road in Arnold, to Pony Bird, who had been providing services to the residents there since the merger with NextStep for Life.