Abilities First

10/16/2026

Our halls are looking a little different these days, and we have a feeling a few new residents have moved in. 👀

They’re getting everything ready for our Sensory-Friendly Candy Crawl, and you’re invited!

Join us for an afternoon of costumes, candy, friendly frights and Halloween fun as you make your way through Abilities First.

🎃 Friday, October 30
⏰ 3–5 p.m.
📍 Abilities First | 3216 S. National Ave., Springfield

Our Candy Crawl is designed to be sensory-friendly so more families can enjoy the Halloween festivities at their own pace.

Come dressed in your favorite costume, bring your candy bucket and get ready for a hauntingly good time!

We can’t wait to see you! 👻🍬

10/16/2026

Accessibility starts with conversations like these!

This week the Abilities First Board welcomed representatives from Mercy Health Foundation, Jordan Valley Health, and the City of Republic Parks & Recreation to discuss opportunities to make our community more accessible and inclusive.

From healthcare facilities to public recreation spaces, each organization shared ideas for removing barriers and creating environments where people of all abilities feel welcome.

A special thank you to Janelle Haik and Alyea Alldredge with Mercy Health Foundation, Bekah Hightower with Jordan Valley Health, and Kris Parks with Republic Parks & Recreation for taking the time to share their ideas and commitment to accessibility.

We’re grateful for community organizations that recognize the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to participate!

10/09/2026

Abilities First has spent time this week at the 2026 Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services (MACDDS) Conference, connecting with organizations and professionals from across the state who share our commitment to improving services and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Throughout the week, our team has had the opportunity to learn from others, exchange ideas and hear about innovative approaches to better serving people and families in our communities.

One of the highlights was celebrating the Jordan Valley Health Dental Team as they received the 2026 MACDDS Cutting Edge Award! Their innovative “Wishlist” Initiative is helping improve access to healthcare by coordinating essential medical services, reducing unnecessary stress and making care more comfortable for the people they serve.

Congratulations to Dr. Ashley Popejoy, Dr. Derek Smith and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition. We also want to congratulate Missouri State Representative Wendy Hausman on receiving the 2026 MACDDS Special Recognition Award!

Thank you to MACDDS for another great conference and for bringing together so many people dedicated to making a difference across Missouri. We’re looking forward to bringing what we’ve learned back to Greene County!

10/05/2026

Today, the Abilities First and Friends of Abilities First boards came together for our annual board retreat to look ahead, ask important questions and continue shaping the future of our organizations.

Throughout the day, board members and leadership reflected on what is working well, identified opportunities for growth and discussed the priorities and infrastructure needed to support our work in the years ahead.

We began the day at Jordan Valley Health Center’s Women & Children’s Center, where Ryan Kruger, Vice President of Operations at Jordan Valley Health, joined both boards for a mission-centered tour. The visit helped ground the day’s strategic conversations in the people, partnerships and community outcomes both boards are working to advance.

During the retreat, we also recognized our attorney, John D. Hammons, with a Distinguished Advisor award in appreciation of his continued counsel, leadership and support of Abilities First.

Thank you to everyone who brought their time, perspective and ideas to the table. Having both boards together gives us an important opportunity to stay connected, aligned and focused on what comes next!

10/03/2026

We’re grateful to KY3 for helping share the story of these new mobile resources and what they can mean for accessibility at events across Greene County.

The Arc of the Ozarks new Mobile Sensory Unit and Universal Restroom were funded by Abilities First and are helping remove barriers to make it easier for people of all abilities to participate in our community.

Check out the full story below!

Mobile units bring disability accommodations to Greene County events. https://www.ky3.com/2026/10/02/mobile-units-bring-disability-accommodations-greene-county-events/

10/02/2026

Scott Steelman-Rhoden, an Inclusion Educator with our Community Education program, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council to share his perspective on issues that directly affect people with developmental disabilities.

During his visit, Scott talked about Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services, along with federal legislation related to the direct support workforce and integrated employment. He shared how those issues connect to his own life and experiences.

Transportation was also a major part of the conversation. Scott explained the challenges that can come with scheduling reliable rides for work, medical appointments and everyday activities, including times when paying for Uber, Lyft or a taxi becomes the only option.

Opportunities like this give people the chance to speak for themselves and help policymakers better understand how decisions and systems affect daily life. MODDC’s work includes supporting self-advocacy and helping people with developmental disabilities participate in policy discussions that affect their communities.

Thank you, Scott, for sharing your experience and making sure your perspective was part of the conversation!

10/02/2026

What a great morning at Abilities First!

Our Open House brought together the people we serve, families, community partners and friends for conversation, connection and a closer look at the work happening across our organization. 💙

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared your feedback. We’re grateful you spent the morning with us!

10/02/2026

We had such beautiful weather and a wonderful crowd yesterday as we opened our doors and welcomed our community into Abilities First!

Our annual Open House gave us the chance to share more about the work happening across programs within our organization, hear from community leaders and performers, and spend time with the people we serve, their families, partners and neighbors.

Throughout the morning, we heard from Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon, Abilities First President + CEO Maggie Rollwagen, Abilities First Board Chair Marty Diebold, a poem from Atticus Back, along with performances from Grupo Latinoamericano and The Lunettes.

More importantly, we had important conversations! We asked people what services and resources are most important to them, listened to their feedback and learned more about what they want and need from Abilities First moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared your thoughts, asked questions and spent part of your morning with us. That feedback helps us better understand where needs exist and how we can continue supporting people of all abilities throughout Greene County.

And thank you to everyone who helped make the morning possible!