Growing Communities Where Everyone Belongs
We are committed to fostering a community where every person with a disability experiences true belonging and the choice to shape their own life.
Classes for All
Our unique Art Academy program provides creative opportunities to connect and grow through artistic expression. Classes include creative arts, theatre, music, and our Art to Market program for developing entrepreneurial skills.
Our Mission
From funding essential services and resources to service delivery and providing professional development and support, we are dedicated to helping people with disabilities live, love, learn, work, and play in the communities they call home.
8,000+ people connected through outreach efforts
1,029+ children served through First Steps
2,115+ people served through The Next Step
1,600+ people connected through Steps Forward
Real People. Real Impact.
Our Programs
First Steps
Our team partners with families of children, from birth to age three, to provide early intervention and guidance for developmental delays and disabilities.
The Next Step
The Next Step program connects resources and services to people of all ages with developmental disabilities to the supports they need to live the life they choose.
DD Health Home: Steps Forward
DD Health Home: Steps Forward offers person-centered consultation to help people stay healthy and reach their goals. A Nurse Care Manager supports each person’s health needs, provides education, and works with their care team to improve health outcomes.
Community Connect
Community Connect brings together two key initiatives: Art Academy and Community Education. Art Academy offers enriching programs in visual arts, theater, music, and movement throughout the community. Community Education collaborates with businesses, schools, and local organizations to actively promote inclusion and engagement.
Counties We Serve
Dedicated to inclusion and belonging, Abilities First provides services, shares resources, and stands up for the rights of people with disabilities—always focusing on what they can achieve.
First Steps:
Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Laclede, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, Wright
The Next Step:
Greene
Art Academy:
Greene, Christian, Webster, Stone
DD Health Home Steps forward:
Camden, Christian, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Iron, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, Stone, St. Francois, Taney, Texas, Washington, Webster, Wright
*Classes are typically held in Greene County. People from all counties are welcome.