DakotAbilities

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day from all of us at DakotAbilities! Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and passion of everyone who makes a difference every day. Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday filled with rest, laughter, and good company!

08/29/2025

🌿📸 Picture Day at Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum!

Yesterday afternoon was the perfect day spent exploring the gorgeous Arboretum and striking a pose in some of its most beautiful spots. From the colorful scenery to the fresh air, every moment was picture-perfect! Everyone had a wonderful time capturing memories and enjoying this stunning setting.

Moments like these remind us how special it is to get outside, have fun, and make memories together.

08/27/2025

We had a wonderful time connecting with our Sioux Falls community through Augustana University’s FRIENDSLink! A group of people supported at DakotAbilities enjoyed sweet treats at B&G while catching up with friends and making new connections. 🍦 Events like these create memories and moments to be cherished for years to come.

FRIENDSLink brings people together to share experiences, build friendships, and create lasting bonds — values that are at the heart of our mission at DakotAbilities. Supporting opportunities like this is essential, as they foster inclusion, joy, and genuine community connection.

"Together, we create a warm and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support." https://www.dakotabilities.org/about

08/26/2025

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week is September 7–13 🌟
During , we celebrate the incredible DSPs who bring dignity, independence, and joy to the lives of those they support every single day.

“Their impact extends far beyond daily care – they create opportunities, open doors, and help people thrive in ways many of us take for granted.”

Take a moment to read the full story and see why DSPs are truly everyday champions + check out our DSP Week schedule:

DSPs are the backbone of all we do, playing a vital role of friend, helper, and mentor in the lives of people supported.

08/21/2025

🦷🪥 Today, our friends at Delta Dental shared helpful tips on keeping smiles healthy and strong! She taught us how to brush the right way (don’t forget your tongue!) and showed just how much sugar adds up if you drink a can of pop every day—it really makes you think! Thank you, Delta Dental, for helping the people we support build healthy habits for brighter smiles.

08/21/2025

🎶 Every Wednesday morning, DakotAbilities offers music therapy as a meaningful way to support self-expression, emotional well-being, and connection. Through rhythm, song, and movement, music therapy provides participants with valuable opportunities for growth, creativity, and engagement.

Music Therapy Services of South Dakota, LLC
South Dakota Arts Council

08/19/2025

Every day is full of possibilities at DakotAbilities! 🎨🌟 Through our Meaningful Day services, people we support explore hobbies, give back through volunteering, and discover new joys—from art classes to community activities like volunteering at The Foster Network and beyond. These experiences aren’t just pastimes—they’re pathways to connection, growth, and confidence that make each day truly meaningful.

Want to see the full impact of our programs and services? Visit https://www.dakotabilities.org/ to learn more about how we empower individuals to live their best lives.

08/18/2025

Our educational program, Expanding Stage, is a place for people to express themselves in new and creative ways.

Through innovative partnerships, teaching artists of the Black Hills Playhouse are transforming lives through theatre programs inclusive of people of all ages and abilities.

We’ll be bringing new productions to life this fall and winter, and can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine!

08/13/2025

In 1975, our very first day program began with just five adults gathering at VFW Post 628. It was a small start, but it carried a big vision — creating a place where people with disabilities could connect, learn, and thrive.

Today, that same vision has grown into a thriving day services program supporting over 100 people with enriching activities, skill-building, and community involvement. And beyond our day services, we provide 24/7 care and support to over 135 individuals.

From those first five participants to the hundreds we serve today, our mission remains the same: empowering each person to live their fullest life.

https://www.dakotabilities.org/history

08/12/2025

🗣️ Your voice matters. The Disability Rights South Dakota Advocacy class is designed to empower individuals we support with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for themselves and others.

Through this curriculum, participants learn about their rights, how to advocate for themselves, and how to create positive change in their communities. Because when everyone has the tools to be heard, everyone has the power to make a difference.

08/08/2025

We’re excited to announce that Kortney Jepsen has been awarded our July Living the Mission recognition! Her kindness, advocacy, and ability to bring joy to those around her truly reflect our mission in action. 🌟

Read more about why Kortney was nominated on our website! ⬇️
https://www.dakotabilities.org/news-events/kortney-jepsen-wins-july-living-the-mission-award