People First of St. Charles

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St. Charles, MO
People First of St. Charles

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People First is a self-advocacy organization run by and for adults with developmental disabilities. Charles County. WHAT IS PEOPLE FIRST? People First of St.

We hold Chapter meetings on the third Wednesday of every month at DDRB in St. Charles promotes equality for people with disabilities so they can be included as they so choose in the community. PEOPLE FIRST MEMBERS ARE SELF-ADVOCATES WHO:

• Teach and empower people with developmental disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities and to speak up for themselves.

• Support members in living the life they want with the supports they need.

• Advocate for community services that allow all people to have choices and control over their supports and lives.

• Create change in communities to ensure opportunity and full, meaningful participation for all people. People First Language
A person with a developmental or intellectual disability is first and foremost a person. Let’s use language that respects people as part of our community. Say…
Person with a disability
Instead of…
Disabled or handicapped

Say...
Person with cognitive or intellectual disability
Instead of…
Mentally retarded or retard

Say…
Person who uses a wheelchair
Instead of…
Confined to a wheelchair

Say…
Person who has a physical disability
Instead of…
Crippled

Say…
Accessible parking
Instead of…
Handicapped Parking

Say…
Non-disabled
Instead of…
Normal or healthy

10/20/2026

Become MODDC’s 2027 Public Policy Fellow!

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) is seeking a self-advocate with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) for a paid, 12-month Public Policy Fellowship!

This opportunity offers hands-on experience in disability advocacy, public policy, and leadership. The selected fellow will work alongside MODDC’s Policy Advocacy Director to track legislation, attend hearings, support advocacy events, and help make policy information more accessible.

Fellowship Details:

* December 1, 2026 – November 30, 2027
* $833.25 per month
* Approximately 15 hours per week
* Primarily remote, with some in-person meetings and events

This is an opportunity to strengthen advocacy skills, build connections, and help others better understand policies affecting people with disabilities.

Interested in applying? Here is link to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPIOBV0BmKD3jL2whUwQHw7RAuB5FcgenP9CyboO5ChZtV0w/viewform?usp=send_form&pli=1&authuser=0

Applications must include a resume. MODDC Council members and their family members are not eligible.

10/07/2026

Today is the last day to register to vote!

If you haven’t registered yet, make sure to complete your voter registration before today’s deadline. Taking a few minutes to register now helps ensure you’re prepared for Election Day.

Already registered? Consider checking your registration status to make sure your information is current.

10/01/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the talents, skills, and contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.

At FACT, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to build their skills, pursue meaningful employment, and be included in their communities. Creating accessible and inclusive workplaces benefits everyone.

This month, we celebrate employees with disabilities while encouraging employers and communities to continue breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for all.

09/29/2026

Educational advocacy can include:

• Understanding a student’s educational rights
• Preparing for and participating in IEP or 504 meetings
• Asking questions about services and accommodations
• Communicating with teachers and school teams
• Keeping track of important documents and decisions
• Making sure the student’s strengths, needs and goals are part of the conversation

Families are an important part of their child’s educational team. Having the right information can help you feel more prepared to ask questions, understand your options and advocate for your child.
FACT provides information, training and support to help families navigate special education and educational advocacy.

09/26/2026

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself, making your own choices and communicating what you need, want and value.

It can look different for everyone.

Self-advocacy might include:
• Asking questions when something isn’t clear
• Sharing your needs and preferences
• Understanding your rights
• Making decisions about your life
• Asking for accommodations or support
• Participating in conversations that affect you

Self-advocacy is about having a voice and being included in decisions about your own life.

FACT helps individuals with disabilities and their families build the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for themselves and navigate important decisions.

09/19/2026

The latest People First St. Charles County newsletter is here!

Our September newsletter is packed with exciting updates and celebrations from our chapter. We’re recognizing members making a difference, celebrating self-advocacy in action, introducing our 2026–2028 officers, and sharing some of the connections and experiences that have brought our members together.

We’re proud of all our members are accomplishing and can’t wait to see what’s next for People First St. Charles County!

09/18/2026

Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but having a plan can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Here are 10 steps to effective advocacy:
•Clearly identify the issue or concern.
•Learn about your rights and available options.
•Gather important information and documentation.
•Identify the people who can help.
•Decide what outcome you are seeking.
•Prepare questions before meetings or conversations.
•Communicate clearly and respectfully.
•Keep records of important conversations and decisions.
•Follow up and continue asking questions when needed.
•Remember that you know your family member’s needs and strengths.

Effective advocacy is about being informed, prepared and involved in the decisions that affect you and your family.

FACT helps families build the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for children and adults with disabilities.

09/17/2026

A great turnout at last night’s chapter meeting! We were excited to have 40 members join us for an evening of updates, planning and connection.

Members discussed several upcoming activities and reminders, including new holiday hours, upcoming meetings from 6–8 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m., and plans for Trunk or Treat. We also started looking ahead to Disability Rights Legislative Day (DRLD), with members invited to submit shirt ideas at the November meeting.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared ideas and helped us plan for what’s ahead!

09/15/2026

Congratulations Susan Parker

09/09/2026

Who is F.A.C.T.?

F.A.C.T. — Family Advocacy and Community Training, is a nonprofit family organization dedicated to supporting and empowering families of children and adults with disabilities.

We provide information, resources and one-on-one practical support to help families:
• Navigate special education and other support systems
• Connect with community services and resources
• Advocate for their family member’s needs
• Understand their rights and available supports
• Build the knowledge and confidence to navigate challenges
At F.A.C.T., our support comes from lived experience.

Our team members have a person with a disability in their own families, so we understand how important it is to have someone who listens, understands and helps you find a path forward.

Our mission is to mentor and empower families through advocacy and training to improve the quality of life and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

Learn more about who we are and how we can support your family: factmo.org

Address

1025 Country Club Road
St. Charles, MO
63303

Telephone

+16369492425

Website

http://www.factmo.org/

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