Ability Network, Inc.

01/07/2026

Missouri families: First Steps is Missouri's Early Intervention system that provides services to families with children, birth to three years of age, with disabilities or developmental delays. The program is designed to meet the needs of families related to enhancing their child's development, learning, and participation in family and community life. To find out how to make a referral, watch the short video below.

This is "MO First Steps - Referral - OC" by MO DESE on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

01/06/2026

Please help us welcome Heather Schuller, Social Worker, to the team! Heather will be serving in Regions 4 and 5.

01/04/2026

World Braille Day, celebrated on January 4th each year, honors the legacy and contributions of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille. This day also raises awareness about the importance of Braille as a tactile reading and writing system for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The link below is a resource for free braille books for children, along with applications for families to fill out.

APH FamilyConnect helps families access free braille books and materials for children. Dolly Parton and APH recently partnered to bring new opportunities and resources to the visually impaired community. Learn more about this exciting collaboration.

01/01/2026

12/25/2025

We wish you and your families a Merry Christmas this holiday season! To allow our staff time with their families our office will be closed Dec 25 - Jan 2.

12/19/2025

Please help us welcome Tanya Smith, Special Instructor and SLPA to the team. Tanya will be working in the Texas County area.

12/12/2025

Please help us welcome Corbin Roderique, Special Instructor, to the team! Corbin plans to serve in the Jasper County area.

12/05/2025

Please help us welcome Kelli Meyer, Special Instructor, to the team! Kelli will be serving in the Newton/McDonald County area.

12/04/2025

Please help us welcome Jessi Schmidt, Special Instructor from Kansas City, to the team!

12/03/2025

Today, December 3, 2025, we join the world in celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day reminds us that disability is not a limitation, but a powerful expression of diversity. Each person brings unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions that enrich our communities and drive meaningful change. As we honor this day, we commit to promoting accessibility, breaking down barriers, and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities in every space—schools, workplaces, and communities. Let us continue to champion a society where everyone is valued, included, and given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Together, we build a world where inclusion is not just an act, but a way of life.

12/02/2025

It’s Special Education Day! Join us in celebrating all of the educators and school staff members who help make high quality education possible Missouri’s special education students.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)!

IDEA began as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) in 1975. This law set out to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families by providing a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to every child with a disability. In 1990, this law was renamed IDEA.

12/01/2025

Please help us welcome Alicia Rasmussen, Special Instructor, to the team! Alicia is a special instructor with a background in behavior. She has availability in Butler/surrounding counties.