It is the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017 and the world is changing for individuals with disabilities!    Recent changes in Federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) rules, Federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) rules and Department of Justice (DOJ) rules have placed an even greater emphasis on community inclusion and community employment and choice for individuals with disabilities.

The Center for Human Services has always placed an emphasis on community inclusion, community employment and choice, and even so, the new rules are challenging us to take a close look at how we are providing every service.    We are certainly ready for the challenge!

The original board of directors developed an ambitious vision in 1955 when they pooled their resources and hired the first teacher to work with nine children with disabilities.     Their vision, has guided CHS over the years to become an internationally accredited, full service organization operating in 36 counties in Missouri and serving over 4000 children and adults.

As you take time to explore our website, I hope that you find the information you are looking for. You will find stories about people with disabilities who have achieved the CHS vision of living “lives without limitations”.    As we look to the future, that vision will continue to be what guides us as we reinvent CHS.     The future looks bright!