On December 18th, 2020 Luke Barber was appointed to fill a position on the Saint Louis County Commission on Disabilities. The position has a term of three years, and is required to be filled by an individual with a disability. He has a Diagnosis of Autism.
Mr.Barber is heavily involved in the community and volunteers significant time to advancing education around the history of developmental disability policies and current systems in place to support individuals with developmental disabilities. He is the founder of Able-Disable Partnership at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL), and is an active volunteer with the Missouri Developmental Disability Council (MODDC). He brings to this Commission extensive experience in advancing policy recommendations and systems-based changes to enhance awareness and policies that support residents living with developmental disabilities.
Barber was sworn in on January 8th 2021 , and took the oath of office for the Commission on Disabilities, affirming that he possesses all qualifications for the position, is not subject to any disqualifications in the County Charter and will uphold the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Missouri and will perform the duties faithfully.
He currently works at Easter Seals as a Self-determination Instructor. Also he works part-time for Schnucks and is a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Union local 655. In 2018, he completed the Partners in Policymaking program through MODDC. At UMSL, Luke is studying Public Policy with Social Work. He wants to see an “Accessible and Inclusive” society in which all people have the opportunity to live their lives how they choose.