Hosted by Candace Cunningham, Candace’s Corner podcast series invites leaders across our state to talk about key issues affecting the disability community.
This season, Candace explores the history of the developmental disabilities system in Missouri.
Episode Details
In this episode, Candace talks with Wayne Crawford. Crawford is the executive director of Missouri Inclusive Housing. He works to help people with disabilities have safe, affordable places to live in their communities.
Crawford has worked for many years in the disability field. He used to work for the Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities. In that role, he helped move people out of large institutions and into homes in the community. He supported a model called Individualized Supported Living (ISL). This means people live in their own homes or apartment and get help based on what they need.
Wayne’s perspective offers a powerful look at how far the system has come and the ongoing work to ensure people with disabilities have safe, affordable places to call home.
Discussion Topics
- The early days of disability services in Missouri
- Changing beliefs about where people with disabilities should live
- The closure of habilitation centers
- The growth of community-based supports
- Missouri Inclusive Housing
- The real-life impact of moving into the community
Glossary and Resources
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
- Missouri Inclusive Housing helps people with disabilities find safe, affordable places to live. They work to make sure people can live in the community, not in institutions.
- Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities get services and supports. This can include help with daily living, jobs and living in the community.
- Centers for Independent Living help people with disabilities live independently. They offer services like peer support, skills training, and help finding housing.
- National Low Income Housing Coalition works to make housing more affordable for people with low incomes, including people with disabilities.
The WeSaid at the UCEDD is a Training and Technical Assistance Center that gives people with developmental disabilities opportunities to speak up, lead and teach others.
