Abilities First

Educational Opportunity!

👇👇👇

Springfield Families!
Need help understanding your child's IEP?

Join Missouri Parents Act for an interactive IEP Clinic designed to help families better understand their child's educational plan.

Bring your child's IEP and educational documents as we discuss:
• The purpose of each section of an IEP
• Parent rights under IDEA
• Working collaboratively with your child's educational team

📅 Wednesday, August 5, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 The Library Center
Community Room B
4653 S. Campbell Ave.
Springfield, MO 65810

Register today:
🔗 missouriparentsact.org/training

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Abilities First offices are closed today, Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

We will resume normal operations Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
September 13–19, 2026

Some of the most important work in disability services happens in everyday moments.

It happens when a Direct Support Professional listens before acting, encourages someone to try something new, supports a person in making their own decisions, or simply shows up consistently as someone they can count on.

DSPs help turn choice into action, independence into possibility, and belonging into something people can actually experience.

At Abilities First, our mission is for all people with disabilities to live the life they choose. We know that across our community, DSPs are an important part of making that mission possible.

This week, we recognize the DSPs who do this work with skill, patience, respect, and heart.

You make choice possible.
You make belonging real.
Thank you, DSPs. 💙💚

Thank you, Biz 417! 💙💚💙💚💙💚💙

Today was a pretty great day to be Abilities First!💙

We celebrated being named one of Biz 417’s 2026 Best Places to Work, earning 7th place in the Large Employer category!

This is the first time Abilities First has been recognized as a Best Place to Work in the 417, and getting to celebrate it together made it even better.🎉

This recognition belongs to every employee who shows up each day with a heart for service to our community and for each other! We’re grateful for the team that makes Abilities First what it is, and we’re already looking forward to making this an annual tradition. 😉

First time on the list. Hopefully the first of many!

Join the Abilities First DD Health Home team on Friday, September 25 from 11 a.m. to noon for a virtual educational session with physical therapy consultant Dr. Alexis Wolfe, DPT!

Dr. Wolfe will discuss the relationship between exercise and neuroplasticity, including how physical movement can help the brain learn, grow and regulate.

The session is FREE and open to anyone interested in learning more.

Can’t join live? Register anyway and email [email protected] to request a recording after the session.

Register here:
bf56acca-c6ee-451e-af89-81ebe4979297@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bf56acca-c6ee-451e-af89-81ebe4979297@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c

Craig recently welcomed Missouri State Representative Betsy Fogle for a conversation about his experiences, the support he receives and the importance of making sure people know what resources are available in their communities.

Craig shared both challenges and successes along the way while advocating for himself and others. His perspective helped show how access to disability services and support coordination can make a difference in helping people pursue the life they choose.

Thank you to Representative Fogle for taking the time to listen, learn and better understand the experiences of people receiving services in our community, and to The Arc of the Ozarks for joining the conversation.

Last week, Logan had the opportunity to welcome Representative Bill Owen to his workplace and show him what a typical day on the job looks like.

During the visit, Logan shared the skills he uses at work and how the support he receives through disability services helps him build independence and continue succeeding in his role.

Visits like this give legislators the chance to see firsthand how services and supports connect people with opportunities in their communities.

Thank you to Representative Owen for taking the time to visit, listen and learn from Logan’s experience, and to The Arc of the Ozarks for joining us!

Save the date! We’re opening our doors and inviting the community to spend some time with us at Abilities First.

Join us Thursday, October 1 at 9 a.m. for our Open House. Come by, meet our team and learn more about Abilities First, our programs and the work happening throughout Greene County.

3216 S. National Ave., Springfield

Check out our Facebook event for more information and let us know if you’re coming!