disabilities

Missouri officials have proposed cutting tens of millions of dollars in services for people with disabilities. And Montana halted a plan to pay for birthing doulas amid a budget shortfall and fears over coming federal Medicaid cuts.

Shawnee resident Jordyn Doherty noticed her goat struggled to use his back legs soon after he was born about three months ago. A GoFundMe to buy a wheelchair started with a goal of $300 but quickly topped $8,000.

The budget bills now go to the Missouri Senate, where they are likely to undergo many changes. The House must also consider several other budget bills, including funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Sincere Davis, a Kansas City high school junior with an intellectual disability, used to doubt that she’d be able to achieve her passion. The Transition Academy offered her job training and connected her with a media internship, as she pursues her career goals of making documentaries.

More than 1,000 Missourians traveled to the Capitol to attend Disability Rights Legislative Day. Lawmakers from both chambers have said they will try to restore $80.7 million in cuts proposed by Gov. Mike Kehoe.

The proposed cuts came out of a "core reduction exercise" requested by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Lawmakers from both parties vowed to undo the reductions but warned the governor could still veto any restoration.

Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn told lawmakers that while the reductions would impact families, the spending reductions would preserve the state's ability to offer these services.

Kids in the Kitchen, a yearly event sponsored by Alphapointe, a nonprofit that serves people with vision challenges, focuses on getting young people ready to navigate in the kitchen. The goal is for them to be able to prepare their own meals while living independently.

INCLŪSIV Wellness at 4142 Main St. offers adaptive fitness, inclusive group training and accessible coworking areas. It was created by Wesley Hamilton, who has used a wheelchair since being shot in 2012.

A group of Kansas City parents is calling on lawmakers to protect the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amid changes to education at the federal level.

Kansas City veterans are seeing increased disability benefits of hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars a month, thanks to a dedicated team of service officers who help navigate the claims process for free.

Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes started in 2015 to make children’s Halloween dreams a reality. The nonprofit has made 200 free custom costumes to fit wheelchairs and walkers.