[NFBMO] 2026 Jefferson City Fact Sheet

[sbwright95 at gmail.com]

Hello Members,

Below and attached is a copy of our 2026 Legislative Agenda for the 2026
Jefferson City Seminar. If you know of someone not on our group lists,
please share this message with them. I know that many of you can use this in
preparation of our time at the Missouri State Capitol next week, February
9-10, 2026. When you arrive at the Capitol, we will have table and chairs
set up on the edge of the Rotunda across from the Third Floor Senate Alcove.
You will be able to pick up packets with our information there starting
Monday morning. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Shelia Wright

R

 

 

Shelia Wright, President

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA OF BLIND MISSOURIANS

 

PRESENTED TO

THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

From: The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

Date: February 9-10, 2026

 

We, the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Missouri, come
before you to share our lived experience and present practical solutions
grounded in a clear understanding of blindness. We are committed to
improving the lives of blind Missourians and expect you to strengthen
Missouri statutes when our proposals are sound and effective.

We also commit to serving as a resource to you and your constituents when
questions arise about blindness or services for blind people. Thank you for
meeting with us and considering our concerns.

 

ACCESS FOR DEAFBLIND MISSOURIANS

 

In 2016, the Missouri Legislature established the Support Service Provider
(SSP) Program within the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program serves
DeafBlind people by providing trained professionals who deliver
environmental information, support communication access, promote safety, and
provide transportation when needed.

The legislature took important action by authorizing the SSP Program, and
DeafBlind participants have benefited significantly. Approximately eighty
consumers currently participate in the program and may receive up to
thirteen service hours per month. We appreciate your continued support and
the independence this program provides to the DeafBlind community.

We are concerned that current law includes a fixed funding cap of $300,000
that restricts the legislature's ability to act when that amount is no
longer sufficient. When that time comes, lawmakers will be unnecessarily
constrained by the cap. Inflation and program growth now threaten to create
hardship for DeafBlind Missourians.

Representative Brenda Shields has introduced HB 2408 to remove the $300,000
cap and place funding within the appropriations process. We urge your
support for this legislation so the department can request funding that
reflects actual program needs.

 

REFORM OF BLIND PENSION MAILING REQUIREMENTS

 

This legislation has a single purpose: removing the word "certified" from
statutes governing correspondence with Blind Pension recipients. Although
well intended, this requirement has created unnecessary costs for the state
and unnecessary barriers for blind Missourians.

This policy often forces blind Missourians to travel to post offices to
retrieve mail that should be delivered to their homes. It also shortens the
time available for recipients to complete annual recertification. As a
result, some recipients are terminated from the program and must reapply
before benefits are restored.

HB 2180, introduced by Representative Griffith, removes the certified mail
requirement for Blind Pension correspondence. For these reasons, the
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri strongly supports this
legislation.

 

ACCESS TO AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

 

Missouri is considering legislation governing self-driving and autonomous
vehicles. These technologies offer major opportunities for increased
independence for blind Missourians. Access must be addressed at the policy
level from the start.

Blind people must be permitted to use autonomous vehicles on equal terms
without unnecessary driver's license requirements. Because these vehicles
operate without human drivers, passenger access must not depend on vision.

Vehicle interfaces must be accessible without sight. If speech recognition
is used, the system must provide clear spoken confirmation or clarification
of commands. If touchscreen systems are included, they must offer a
nonvisual mode that allows blind users to explore the screen and select
functions independently.

Although SB 1050 and HB 2208 need not contain detailed technical standards,
these bills must not restrict collaboration between advocates and
manufacturers to ensure equal access. Full access must also include audible
arrival cues so blind passengers can locate autonomous vehicles when they
arrive.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

 

Shelia Wright, President
National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
Phone: 816-679-5258
Email: president at nfbmo.org

National Federation of the Blind of Missouri

7928 NW Milrey Drive, Kansas City, MO 64152

816-679-5258

Sbwright95 at gmail.com <mailto:Sbwright95 at gmail.com> 

President at nfbmo.org <mailto:President at nfbmo.org> 

www.nfbmo.org <http://www.nfbmo.org/> 

 

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

 

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