DakotAbilities

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

08/07/2025

The people we support at DakotAbilities utilize technology and internet every day. That’s why learning internet safety is not just important—it’s essential.

This month, we’re diving into our Internet Safety course, empowering everyone with the tools to protect personal information, recognize online risks, and confidently navigate the digital world. Because everyone deserves the ability to explore safely and stay connected.

08/06/2025

This past Saturday, several of our incredible staff members and the people we support spent the morning at Levitt Sioux Falls, sharing smiles, distributing flyers, and connecting with our neighbors in Sioux Falls. At DakotAbilities, we believe that together, we create a warm and welcoming community—and moments like these remind us how powerful inclusion, joy, and purpose can be. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about building meaningful opportunities and celebrating the vibrant spirit of Sioux Falls.

08/04/2025

08/01/2025

Fair season is here — and the excitement is contagious! The people we support thrive when they have the freedom and opportunity to participate in such festivities. From rides to sweet treats, animals to art, the fair is a celebration of ability, joy, and belonging.

Here’s a throwback to past fair adventures that brought big smiles and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to make even more memories this month! https://www.dakotabilities.org/history

07/31/2025

Did you know that Monday was National Water Park Day?

With the toasty temps, it was the perfect excuse to head outside and celebrate—with water balloons galore!

There’s something special about the joy and laughter that comes from simple, silly moments like these. Check out the splash-tastic fun as the people we support got in on the action! 💦🌈☀️

07/28/2025

We wouldn’t be who we are without the incredible leadership team guiding our mission every day. 💙 Their compassion, dedication, and vision create the foundation for everything we do—and we’re proud to recognize the people behind the progress:

🔹 Nathan Stallinga – Executive Director
🔹 Alison Braithwaite - Director of Human Resources
🔹 Melanie DeBates - Director of Program Services
🔹 Joe Dvorak - Director of Day Services
🔹 Brad Hilscher - Director of Finance
🔹 Shelly Johnson - Director of Development
🔹 Marty Jolley - Director of Nursing
🔹 Heidi Loof - Director of Residential Services

Thank you for leading with heart and purpose. Your impact is felt every single day! https://www.dakotabilities.org/about/our-team

07/25/2025

We’re grateful to Pigeon605 for providing a platform to share this story! Opportunities like this help elevate the voices of those we support and shine a light on the work being done each day to build a more inclusive and empowered future. Thank you for helping us reflect, celebrate, and keep moving forward.

“A number of our folks are nonverbal, but that doesn't mean they don't have something to say. We look for ways to make sure people are heard.”

07/25/2025

🎶 Huge thanks to Better Ride for jamming out with us this afternoon—your music lit up our halls and brought the Friday vibes to life!

DakotAbilities wishes everyone a fantastic weekend ahead. Don’t miss your chance to catch Better Ride in action at the ADA Festival tomorrow afternoon—you won’t want to miss it!

07/24/2025

Did you know our community garden is flourishing more than ever this summer? 🌿

Planted in memory of Kathy Grimmius—an incredible employee whose legacy continues to grow—this space has become a true source of pride. Our Garden Club has poured their time, energy, and care into each plant, and now we’re just weeks away from a beautiful harvest.

It’s more than a garden—it’s a place where we honor memories, build connections, and celebrate growth together. 🌼🍅

07/23/2025

Many of us move through the world without thinking about whether a building has a ramp, if a job application is accessible, or whether someone with a disability is included in community life. But 35 years ago, these barriers were widespread and widely accepted.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990, changed the course of history. It became the first federal law to guarantee equal rights and protections for people with disabilities in everyday aspects of life—employment, education, housing, technology, transportation, and more.

At , the has helped create a foundation where people with disabilities are not only supported, but also seen, heard, and empowered. This law sparked change that continues to evolve today, as we work to ensure those we support have real opportunities to live with independence and inclusion.

As we recognize this important milestone, take a moment to explore how the ADA continues to influence our mission and the lives of those we serve in our article, "Voices and Choices: DakotAbilities Reflects on the Past, Acts for the Future."

📘 Learn more about the lasting impact of the ADA and what the future holds: https://www.dakotabilities.org/news-events/voices-choices-the-past-present-future-impact-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act

On July 26, 1990, President Bush signed the Americans With Disabilities Act into law, carving a new path forward for American citizens of all abilities. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many areas of public life, including jobs,…