Community Connect
Through two cornerstone programs Community Education and Art Academy we partner with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to promote inclusion and self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Community Education fosters welcoming environments where everyone can live, love, learn, work, and play, while Art Academy offers inclusive arts classes that support personal goals, creativity, and social connection. Together, these programs empower people of all abilities to grow, express themselves, and thrive within their communities.
Art Academy
Classes offered in creative arts, active movement, theatre, and music enrichment, where people with and without disabilities can create, connect, and grow through artistic expression.
Community Education
Working in partnership with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to promote inclusion and support self-advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.
In Their Own Words
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“We love collaborating with Abilities First since it moves both of our missions forward. By hosting Art Academy classes at our facility, we get the opportunity to inspire people that may not otherwise come, and Abilities First gets the opportunity to provide their services to their constituents while keeping their overhead low. We have also had incredibly positive experiences with their hands-on approach to training, and I would recommend it to other organizations with a service orientation.”
— Hunter BarteltDirector of Operations, Discovery Center of Springfield Abilities First Partner since 2022 -
“At the Drew Lewis Foundation, we believe stronger communities are built through collaboration. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Abilities First by providing classroom space for their children’s and adult programs—creating inclusive, empowering spaces where everyone can thrive.”
— Michelle HethcoatDevelopment Coordinator, Drew Lewis Foundation