DakotAbilities

10/06/2026

Today is World Cerebral Palsy Day. 🌎

An estimated 50 million people worldwide live with cerebral palsy, with another 350 million parents, caregivers, and family members directly affected. Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, yet it remains one of the most overlooked disability and global health issues.

At DakotAbilities, we see the importance of awareness, accessibility, and inclusion every day inside the doors of Longfellow. But the conversation—and the need for change—extends far beyond Sioux Falls.

Today, we recognize the 50 million people living with cerebral palsy worldwide and celebrate the unique experiences, strengths, and voices of the CP community.

50 million people. 50 million experiences. 50 million reasons to keep working toward a more inclusive world.

10/05/2026

Our partnership with Finley’s is well underway, and we’ve loved seeing the people we support take on new opportunities through this connection. 🐶💙

As Finley’s brand ambassadors, they’re getting hands-on experience welcoming customers, talking about products they know and enjoy, and representing a local business they’re proud to be connected with. Along the way, they’re building confidence, practicing communication skills, and experiencing what it means to contribute in a meaningful role.

That’s the power of community partnerships — creating opportunities for people to be seen for their abilities, try something new, and connect with others in our community.

And as we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this partnership is a great example of what meaningful employment opportunities can look like. When businesses open their doors to people with disabilities, they create space for individuals to share their talents, build skills, contribute to their communities, and be recognized for what they can do.

We’re especially grateful to Finley’s for creating these opportunities and for recognizing the value and talent people with disabilities bring to the workplace. We’re excited to see where this partnership continues to go! ✨

10/04/2026

Have you saved the date for SHIVERS! yet? 🎃

Our performers are putting in the work, rehearsals are in motion, and the countdown to showtime is on! We’re excited to share this unique production created through the partnership between DakotAbilities and Theatre 605 Black Hills Playhouse's Expanding Stage program.

Now all that’s missing is you in the audience!

Join us for a FREE performance and help fill the Longfellow Center Stage with encouragement for our talented cast.

📅 Thursday, October 29 & Friday, October 30
🕐 1:00 PM both days
📍 Longfellow Center Stage
🎟️ FREE — everyone welcome!

Bring your friends, mark your calendar, and come experience SHIVERS! this Halloween season. 🕸️🎭

10/03/2026

📰 Catch up on what’s happening at DakotAbilities!

Our September E-News is here, featuring stories of recognition, opportunity, creativity, and community. From celebrating our incredible Direct Support Professionals and welcoming new Finley’s brand ambassadors to getting a behind-the-scenes look at SHIVERS! and exploring ways to get involved, there’s plenty to discover.

Check out September's highlights and stay connected with the people and moments that make the DakotAbilities community special. 📬

👉 Read the September E-News:

Stay Connected with the DakotAbilities CommunityOur newsletter is a window into life at DakotAbilities — the milestones, the stories, the people, and the progress that make our community what it is. Each edition shares updates on the individuals we support, our staff, housing, and program news,…

10/01/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 💼

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the skills, contributions, and talents people with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities every day.

At DakotAbilities, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, pursue meaningful work, and contribute in ways that are important to them.

This month, we’re celebrating the many talents, accomplishments, and contributions of people with disabilities — and the employers and communities that help create opportunities for success.

09/30/2026

Music has always been a meaningful part of the week at DakotAbilities.

Thanks to a South Dakota Arts Council grant and generous donations from our community, this meaningful weekly activity brings popular music therapy opportunities to the people we support.

Each week, they have the chance to sing, move, play instruments, explore rhythm, and connect with others through music. These sessions offer more than just a fun activity — they create opportunities for expression, engagement, movement, and connection, and give everyone something to look forward to each Wednesday.

We’re grateful to the South Dakota Arts Council, Music Therapy Services of South Dakota, LLC, and to everyone in our community who helps make opportunities like this possible. Your support helps bring meaningful experiences to life and enriches the lives of those we support.🎵

09/29/2026

☕ First Bank & Trust
Our friends at First Bank & Trust spent time playing Bingo during our morning of Coffee and Conversation — and it sounds like everyone had a great time!

“Our team had so much fun playing Bingo with some great individuals the other day. Lots of smiles, laughs, and excitement filled the room!”

🎨 University of Sioux Falls
USF volunteers spent their morning creating, gaming, and engaging with the people we support. Their time and energy brought lots of fun to the day!

Thank you to both groups for spending time with us and helping make this such a great week of connection and community!

09/28/2026

Meaningful Day Services are built around the interests, choices, and goals of the people we support. Every day brings opportunities to learn, explore, connect, and participate in the community.

Donations help support the experiences and resources that make those days possible — from community outings and recreational activities to art, music, hobbies, learning opportunities and new experiences.

It’s about having choices in how time is spent, discovering interests, building friendships and being an active part of the community.

A donation can help make room for one more experience, one more opportunity, one more accomplishment and one more meaningful day.

When you give to DakotAbilities, you’re helping create opportunities for the people we support to spend their days doing things that bring them connection, purpose, and joy.

Your support makes meaningful days possible. 👉 Give today and help enrich the lives of those we support: https://www.dakotabilities.org/get-involved/donate

09/25/2026

Thank you to the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce for this meaningful recognition of Nathan! We’re incredibly proud of his dedication to DakotAbilities and to the greater Sioux Falls community. His commitment to leadership, service, and building strong relationships has made a lasting impact on so many. Congratulations, Nathan! 👏