St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources

09/25/2025

The Missouri Dept. of Conservation and The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis are hosting a free fishing event for people with disabilities on September 27 at the Bellefontaine Conservation Area. Adaptive equipment and support will be provided.

Space is limited, registration is required using the link below.

Learn more: https://recreationcouncil.org/mdc-event-registration/

09/25/2025

Author and St. Louis native Leland Vittert will speak about his new book, "Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, a Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism", on Saturday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Spencer Road Branch of the St. Charles City-County Library in St. Peters.

Vittert, a longtime journalist and current NewsNation host, will discuss his personal experiences growing up with autism, including the challenges of social isolation and misunderstanding. The conversation will also cover his career in national and international news.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required using the link below.
https://stcharles.librarycalendar.com/event/meet-author-leland-vittert-born-lucky-dedicated-father-grateful-son-and-my-journey-autism

09/24/2025

The Missouri History Museum is hosting a sensory-friendly evening program tonight from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

The event will feature self-guided tours, interaction with Duo dogs, storytelling, guided tours of exhibits, a music performance, sensory bins, Reggio-ABA activities such as finger painting and rock painting, resource tables, and snack options.

Registration is required.
https://mohistory.org/events/sensory-friendly-evening.

09/24/2025

Did you know DD Resources provides Targeted Case Management (TCM) to over 500 city residents?

Year after year, the participant responses we receive from the annual consumer satisfaction survey demonstrate that our unwavering commitment to quality support positively impacts those we serve.

To learn more, visit https://www.stldd.org/tcm/

09/22/2025

Join RISE Services, Inc. for an open house on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at The Center at RISE. This event offers a chance to connect with others, tour the campus, hear program updates, and enjoy light refreshments.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the impactful work Rise Missouri is doing in our community.

Scan the QR code on the flyer or click the link below to RSVP.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczgrhOIp69F5CFHur_RJIHDM1PgpTZY_QQIAYWtVHmmOxwWQ/viewform

09/19/2025

The Governor's Council on Disability wants to hear from you. The annual Legislative Priorities Poll is now open and invites Missourians with disabilities, their families, and professionals to share which issues matter most.

Responses are compiled and shared with legislators to inform future policy decisions.

Take a few minutes to learn more and participate here: https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/legislative_priorities_poll.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawMe4VRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFycmRMSEhRcWZFazlCMUJXAR706eMMAJc9ReVBOzWLr7Alh1dqPcWcXisA2Y-DRpyfOtDh2Onfm3VZLRMGEA_aem_gC4SaooX-3AZ5-QLRXXiSg

Please consider sharing this opportunity with others in your network.

09/17/2025

If you or a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability is exploring alternatives to 24/7 housing support, join St. Louis Arc for a virtual conversation focused on new possibilities.

Date: Wednesday, October 1
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Audience: Individuals age 18 and older

This session offers the opportunity to connect with other families and learn how technology, community, and personal resources can support more independent living. This group is not connected to any existing Arc residential services.

To request the Zoom link, contact Sharon Spurlock at sspurlock@slarc.org.

09/15/2025

Join our funded partner, St. Louis Arc, for their upcoming session of NextED!

NextED is a program for young adults, ages 18-30, who are ready to take the next step toward living independently. During the 10-week research-based program, individuals build and practice skills through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

Session one will start on September 29th, and enrollment is open now. Funding is available for St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

Email nexted@slarc.org for more information!

09/12/2025

Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging is open for public comment through Sept. 15. This 10-year plan outlines how the state will support older adults and people with disabilities.

Read the plan:https://health.mo.gov/seniors/masterplanaging/pdf/missouri-master-plan-aging.pdf

Submit your feedback: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/masterplanaging/ (scroll to the bottom of the page)

Your input will help shape the future of aging in Missouri.

09/10/2025

As a new school year begins, planning and preparation can make a big difference.

St. Louis Arc posted a great video that highlights three helpful tools for families supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

These resources are designed to ease the transition back to school and support a strong start to the year.

Watch the video here:

In this resource of the week, April Nixon the Intake and Eligibility Navigator at the St. Louis Arc, shares three resources for families as they plan to star...

09/09/2025

This Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources offers our heartfelt thanks to the DSPs who make it possible for individuals with developmental disabilities to live full, inclusive, and self-directed lives.

Their daily commitment brings dignity, stability, and connection to those they support. Whether assisting with daily routines, fostering independence, or encouraging community engagement, their work is essential.

We recognize and appreciate the difference they make every day. Thank you for being a vital part of a stronger, more inclusive community.

09/08/2025

We were proud to spotlight one of our valued partners at last month’s Missouri Association of County Developmental Disabilities Services (MACDDS) meeting. Erin Suelmann, Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, shared an overview of the services they provide and highlighted voices from their documentary, "Belonging".

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with DSAGSL and appreciate their commitment to promoting inclusion, connection, and meaningful support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Thank you for sharing your work with our MACDDS colleagues.