Developmental Disabilities Resource Board

06/22/2026

Learning Disability Week is a reminder to slow down and recognize something simple but often overlooked: people with learning disabilities experience and process the world in different ways and that difference deserves understanding, not assumptions.

This week is about visibility, respect, and access. It’s about making sure information is clear, communication is supportive, and spaces (both physical and digital) are designed so people can fully participate without unnecessary barriers.

06/21/2026

We are excited and honored to announce that we have been named a Top Workplace for the second year in a row!

This recognition would not be possible without our incredible team, whose dedication, passion, and commitment make our workplace truly special. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing together and serving our community.

A special thank you to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for this recognition. We are truly honored and appreciative of this achievement.

https://www.stltoday.com/eedition/page_ec544820-f18f-5c79-aa5e-fcb29edb3bb1.html

06/19/2026

United Services for Children is a nonprofit in St. Charles County that provides early intervention and pediatric therapy for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Their services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and early learning support, often delivered in classroom or clinic-based settings depending on a child’s needs.

DDRB provides funding and system-level support that allows families to access services through providers like United Services for Children.

A flower in hand. A milestone in bloom.

At United Services for Children, milestones look different for every child. For one family, it may be a first word. For another, a steadier step, a smoother transition, a new way to communicate, or the confidence to join in play.

This year’s In Full Bloom Gala celebrates those moments of growth and the children and families who work so hard for them.

Join us for the 42nd Annual Gala to benefit United Services for Children on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Ameristar St. Charles.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and hotel discount information are available now at https://onecau.se/fullbloom

We hope you will join us for a beautiful evening in support of United Services children and families.

06/17/2026

Summer can look like a break on paper, but for many neurodivergent individuals it can actually feel more difficult than the rest of the year.

When school ends, schedules shift, work hours change, and everyday structure becomes less predictable. That loss of routine can affect sleep, energy, mood, and the ability to manage daily tasks. It’s not about “not liking change,” it’s about how much extra effort it can take to function without a steady framework to rely on.

Routines often act as a support tool. They reduce the number of decisions someone has to make in a day and help the brain anticipate what comes next. When those patterns disappear or change frequently, it can lead to fatigue, stress, or feeling overwhelmed more quickly than usual.

This is especially true when summer includes travel, social events, or busy environments that don’t have clear structure or recovery time built in. Even positive experiences can become draining without predictable breaks or downtime.
Support can be simple and practical. Keeping parts of a routine consistent (like sleep and meals), giving advance notice when plans change, and allowing space for rest between activities can make a noticeable difference. Visual schedules or written plans can also help bring back a sense of predictability.

06/16/2026

Last week our team gathered for a “Get Inspired” all-staff meeting—time intentionally set aside to connect, learn, and stay focused on our mission.

We reviewed how our budget is developed, participated in a presentation on our Employee Assistance Program, and shared meaningful mission moments from our work.

We also enjoyed a special (and slightly secret - stay tuned!) celebration with coffee from 'Tom'sCoffee - we can’t wait to share more soon.

These moments of learning and connection help strengthen our team and the work we do every day.

06/15/2026

Accessibility Spotlight: Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm offers accessible amenities and tram transportation, helping more visitors enjoy the experience. Outdoor spaces, animal encounters, and shared community experiences are important parts of creating places where people of all abilities can participate and connect.

Have you visited Grant’s Farm?

https://grantsfarm.com/

Visit Grant’s Farm in St. Louis for animal encounters, historic landmarks, tram tours, shows, food, and family-friendly fun for all ages.

06/14/2026

06/10/2026

Summer spaces can get overwhelming really fast when everything hits at once—heat, noise, crowds, bright sunlight, and nonstop movement. What might be a “fun day out” for one person can feel like too much for someone else in a matter of minutes.

Sensory overload isn’t just being a little uncomfortable. It can make it harder to think, communicate, or even stay regulated enough to enjoy what’s happening. And when that happens, people often have to step away or leave early not because they don’t want to be there, but because the environment is too intense to stay in comfortably.

A more inclusive summer space doesn’t have to mean changing everything. Small things matter: a quieter area to take a break, shaded seating away from the busiest spots, less blasting music, and spaces that feel a little more predictable instead of chaotic. Even just having somewhere to pause without feeling watched can make a big difference.

06/09/2026

Weather emergencies require planning that accounts for how people actually live, move, and communicate especially for people with disabilities.

True preparedness starts with thinking about access needs. That means having a go-bag that includes more than the basics: a 3–7 day supply of medications, backup chargers or batteries for mobility devices, written care instructions in case a caregiver or first responder steps in, and copies of important medical information in waterproof storage or accessible digital formats.

It also means planning for mobility barriers. If elevators are out, if roads are blocked, or if transportation isn’t wheelchair-accessible, what is the backup plan? Identify at least two evacuation routes and two trusted contacts who understand how to support you safely.

Communication is another critical layer. Power outages and network disruptions can cut off text alerts, apps, and smart home systems. Have a battery-powered weather radio, printed emergency contacts, and at least one non-digital way to receive updates.

Finally, preparedness should include community awareness. Neighbors, property managers, and local emergency services should know any specific access needs in advance not during the emergency.