Every year, MCB members from across Missouri travel to Jefferson City to make their voices heard at the State Capitol — meeting directly with State Senators and Representatives to champion the rights, independence, and opportunity of every blind and visually impaired Missourian.
Make Your Voice Heard at the Capitol
MCB Legislation Day is an annual advocacy event held each February at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Members and supporters from all over the state gather to communicate the latest issues facing blind Missourians directly to elected officials.
The event is open to all MCB members — whether you are a long-time advocate or attending for the first time, your presence matters. Elected officials pay attention when constituents show up in person.
Event At a Glance
- When
- Annually, each February
- Where
- Missouri State Capitol
- Address
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201 W Capitol Ave
Jefferson City, MO 65101 - Who Can Attend
- All MCB members and supporters — all ages welcome
- Cost
- Free to attend
Questions? Call (314) 832-7172 or email moblind@moblind.org
Why Legislation Day Matters
Direct advocacy changes policy. MCB Legislation Day gives blind Missourians a seat at the table — and a voice that lawmakers hear firsthand.
Independence & Self-Determination
Advocating for laws and programs that enable blind Missourians to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in community life.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Pushing for accessible workplaces, anti-discrimination enforcement, and blind-friendly employment policies across Missouri industries and government.
Access to Programs & Resources
Protecting critical programs including the Blind Pension, Aid to the Blind, rehabilitation services, and accessible transportation funding.
What Happens on Legislation Day?
Participants spend the day at the Capitol engaging legislators and staff, presenting MCB's unified advocacy agenda, and standing together as a visible, unified voice for the blind community.
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Travel to Jefferson City
MCB members from all corners of Missouri make the trip to Jefferson City each February. Carpooling and ride coordination is encouraged among local affiliates.
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Attend the Capitol Rally
The day typically begins with a rally or gathering at the Capitol building, where MCB leadership and members come together to align on the day's priorities and messages.
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Meet with Legislators & Staff
Members and advocates meet individually with their own State Senators and Representatives — as well as their staff — to present MCB's agenda, share personal stories, and answer questions.
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Present MCB's Unified Agenda
MCB coordinates a clear, focused set of legislative priorities so every participant delivers the same core messages, maximizing the collective impact of the visit.
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Coordinate with Disability Rights Allies
MCB members often join forces with other disability rights advocates present at the Capitol, broadening the coalition and reinforcing shared priorities across communities.
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Follow Up After the Visit
After Legislation Day, advocates are encouraged to follow up with legislators by phone, email, or written correspondence to keep MCB's issues front of mind throughout the session.
Current Legislative Priorities
MCB brings a focused, informed agenda to the Capitol each year. Current priorities reflect the most pressing needs of blind and visually impaired Missourians.
Missouri Blind Pension Protection High Priority
Protecting and preserving the Missouri Blind Pension program, which provides critical financial support to qualifying blind residents. MCB monitors legislative proposals including House Joint Resolution 147 and Senate Joint Resolution 112.
Accessible Employment & Anti-Discrimination
Ensuring that blind and visually impaired Missourians have equal access to employment opportunities, free from discrimination, with reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
Rehabilitation Services Funding
Supporting adequate state and federal funding for vocational rehabilitation services that help blind Missourians gain and maintain employment and independence.
Transportation Accessibility Urgent
Advocating for reliable, accessible public transit and paratransit services for blind residents — including opposing funding cuts to the Special Transportation Assistance (STA) program.
Aid to the Blind Programs
Protecting state Aid to the Blind programs that provide essential services, equipment, and financial assistance to low-income blind Missourians and their families.
Blind Vendor Vending Stand Preferences
Upholding the Randolph-Sheppard Act and Missouri law giving blind vendors priority in the operation of vending facilities on state property — a right MCB has defended since the 1950s.
MCB's legislative agenda is updated annually to reflect current session priorities. Contact MCB at moblind@moblind.org for the most current advocacy briefing.
A Legacy of Legislative Advocacy Since the 1950s
MCB's presence at the Missouri State Capitol is not new. The organization has engaged state government on behalf of blind Missourians for more than seven decades — and the results speak for themselves.
- 1950s MCB begins organized legislative advocacy, successfully lobbying to protect funding and vending stand preferences for blind vendors on state property under Missouri's application of the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act.
- 1960s–80s MCB expands advocacy to include rehabilitation services, Aid to the Blind, and employment anti-discrimination — building a sustained presence in Jefferson City each legislative session.
- 2000s–2010s MCB formalizes Legislation Day as an annual event, coordinating member travel and unified messaging to maximize impact at the Capitol during the Missouri General Assembly session.
- Today Each February, MCB members continue the tradition — arriving at the Capitol as a unified community to shape the laws that affect blind Missourians every day.
MCB is a Missouri affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the nation's leading blindness advocacy organization. MCB's state-level advocacy complements ACB's work in Washington, D.C.
Make Plans to Join Us This February
Your presence at the Missouri State Capitol makes a real difference. Make plans to join MCB Legislation Day and add your voice to decades of advocacy that have changed lives across Missouri.
Call MCB
(314) 832-7172Email MCB
moblind@moblind.orgNot yet a member? MCB membership is open to all blind and visually impaired Missourians and sighted allies. Learn about membership →