Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO)

11/13/2025

We have childcare openings for families of INFANT - 2 YEAR OLDS!

Give us a call to learn more.

11/11/2025

We celebrate Veterans Day every year, but how many of us actually know where the holiday came from?

On June 28, 1919, WWI had officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles. However, the fighting continued for an additional seven months and finally ended with an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day was commemorated the following year on November 11, as Armistice Day, and was intended to dedicate a day to remind nations to seek peaceful relationships between one another.

President Gerald R. Ford recognized that the significance of the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic value to Americans and veterans who deserved to be recognized.

Today we honor and celebrate veterans for their patriotism, passion for our country, and selflessness in serving for the common good.

11/10/2025

If you are looking for support services for yourself or loved one who has a developmental disability - Missouri has created a "map" to help explain the process (the link below).

Not sure of the qualifications?

A developmental disability is:

* A disability which is attributable to an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injury, autism, or a learning disability related to brain dysfunction, or any other mental or physical impairment;
* Occurs prior to the age of 22;
* The disabling condition is likely to continue indefinitely;
* Results in Substantial Functional Limitations in 2 of the six areas listed below:
** Self-Care
** Receptive/ Expressive Language
** Learning
** Mobility
** Self-Direction
** Capacity for Independent Living/ Economic Self-Sufficiency;
** Requires some level of habilitative training. Habilitative means skill development that assists the individual learning to become more independent.

We encourage you to make the call to your Regional Office as your first step today, as the process is not immediate and coordinating services can take some time (learning about your options and availability, etc.). DCO will be here when you're ready to start learning about the services that might be the best fit for your needs and goals.

To utilize the full functionality of a fillable PDF file, you must download the form, and fill in the form fields using your default browser.

11/06/2025

Congratulations to our winning pumpkins! 🎃
Look at our amazing artists enjoying the fun that grows here at DCO, sometimes one pumpkin at a time. Our pumpkin decorating and carving time was a great way to celebrate the creativity of the amazing people we serve.

11/03/2025

There was a coat left behind at the Advocates Ball. Please reach out and we will be happy to return it!

Send a message to learn more

10/31/2025

The Advocates Ball is TOMORROW!
We are excited to celebrate the many years of Advocates that help make DCO the incredible developmental disability service-provider it is!

If you won't be joining us in person, don't miss the silent auction going on NOW! Link in comments below to view the variety. ⬇️

Thank you to our amazing event Gold Level sponsors!
Chase
BMW of Springfield
Esterly, Schneider & Associates

And thank you to our great Silver Level sponsors!
Springfield Nissan Kia
Guaranty Bank
Cox HealthPlans
Commerce Bank
BRS CPAs & Advisors, PC
Community Foundation of the Ozarks

10/28/2025

The online Advocates Ball Silent Auction is OPEN!

Come see and bid on dining experiences, travel stays, local attractions, merchandise, jewelry, and gift certificates. Auction closes Saturday night!

10/22/2025

WE HAVE INFANT SPOTS OPEN. IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR DAYTIME CARE FOR YOUR INFANT CONTACT US AT 417.829.0800 FOR MORE INFORMATION. 🫶👼

10/21/2025

We asked for it ... and we got it! BEAUTIFUL fall flowers and decorations at WINE WALK. Infinity Art & Designs can make your FALL look AMAZING too. Infinity Art & Designs made the Wine Walk experience look beautiful and festive. Check them out for event decor OR a beautiful fall bouquet! THANK YOU Infinity for supporting and Developmental Center of the Ozarks!!