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.

A man in a wheelchair smiling with the Abilities First logo behind him.

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

All people with disabilities live the life they choose.

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.

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8,000+ people connected through outreach efforts

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1,029+ children served through
First Steps

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2,115+ people served through The Next Step

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1,600+ people connected through Steps Forward

Real People. Real Impact.

  • “First Steps has helped improve my daughter’s quality of life. At just two months old, she was diagnosed with a rare syndrome for which there is no cure. Despite this diagnosis, First Steps helped establish and work toward a series of goals and milestones. Without First Steps and its weekly therapy, she would not be at the level of development that she is today. We live over an hour away from any available outpatient therapy, and First Steps has been invaluable to our family because they come to us. It has been so wonderful having someone come to an environment where she is comfortable to help her grow and encourage her development. I am so grateful for all the incredible therapists who have made such a profound impact on my sweet daughter’s life.”

    — First Steps family
  • “Abilities First has been an incredible resource for us. They have supported us during tough times, especially during IEP meetings. Our coordinator has consistently provided updates on community events that we could participate in with our son. They also assisted us in finding resources when our insurance would not cover certain items, including grants to help us obtain what we needed.”

    — The Next Step person served
  • “Our Nurse Care Manager has been a valuable resource to our family, supporting not only my son, but our whole family.”

    — DD Health Home: Steps Forward person served

    Our Programs

    Support That Meets You Where You Are.

    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.

    Abilities First – Community Unmet Needs Survey

    Purpose

    The Abilities First Board of Directors allocates local levy funds to address unmet needs of Greene County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your input helps identify priorities, guide funding decisions, and ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.

    This survey is for Greene County residents only. Responses are confidential and will be aggregated for planning purposes.

    Survey