Abilities First

Galia Holle has a story rooted in family, faith, independence and community.

At 22, Galia continues building her independent living skills, staying involved in her community and gaining experience through volunteer work.

She is also an author, sharing her story of being born with cerebral palsy, being adopted from China and the experiences that have shaped her life.

Her family, faith and the people who have supported her along the way continue to play an important role in the life she chooses.

We are so proud of our Director of Strategic Communications & Community Engagement, Shelby Akison, for being selected for the Biz 417 Remarkable program!

We’re opening our doors and inviting you to stop by!

Join us Thursday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for our annual Open House at Abilities First.

Come see our space, meet members of our team and learn more about the programs, partnerships and work happening throughout our community.

Whether you already know Abilities First or you’re learning about us for the first time, we’d love to have you join us.

Stop by, say hello and learn more about Abilities First!

During our September Board of Directors meeting, Springfield, MO Police Department Captain Mark Foos, who also serves on the Abilities First board, shared an important update on Mason’s Law and what it will mean for people who may communicate differently during interactions with law enforcement.

Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible Missouri residents will be able to apply for a communication-impairment designation connected electronically to their vehicle record and accessible to law enforcement through MULES.

This designation gives officers advance information that someone may have difficulty communicating during an interaction, helping officers adjust their approach and supporting clearer, safer communication.

The designation is not displayed on the outside of the vehicle. Applications will require certification from a physician or psychologist that the communication impairment is expected to last at least five years, and the law can also provide the designation in connection with a qualifying child, parent or spouse.

Captain Foos walked our board through how the new law will work, what families need to know and how law enforcement will prepare for its implementation.

We appreciate him taking the time to share this information and for bringing both his law enforcement experience and his perspective as an Abilities First board member to the conversation!

Something BIG is rolling into our community. 👀🚚

The Arc of the Ozarks and Abilities First are teaming up to bring new resources that will help make more community spaces and events accessible to everyone.

Any guesses what it could be? Stay tuned for the reveal!

We’re hiring at Abilities First!

We’re looking for people who want to make a difference in their community and join a team committed to supporting people of all abilities.

Current openings include:
• Support Coordinator with Next Step
• Service Coordinator with First Steps

If you’re ready for your next career move, we’d love to hear from you!

Scan the QR code or visit abilitiesfirst.net/careers to learn more about each position and apply today!

Abilities First and The Arc of the Ozarks met with Lori Rook this morning to talk about the services, supports and systems people with disabilities and their families navigate across southwest Missouri.

The conversation touched on early intervention, case management, housing, health care and community-based services and accessibility efforts.

We also talked about how difficult these systems can be to navigate and the importance of having local organizations that can help connect people and families with the right resources.

We appreciate the opportunity to share what we are seeing, what families are experiencing and how we can continue serving as a resource for people of all abilities across our region!

Abilities First spent Saturday at Willard Hope Fest, a community event supporting Willard Food 4 Hope!

The day brought together families, local organizations, vendors and community resources for live music, activities, bounce houses and more at Jackson Street Park.

We enjoyed sharing information about Abilities First programs and connecting with people throughout the Willard community. Bobbi also had the chance to catch up with Micah Bruner, one of our Next Steps Support Coordinators, whose parents are among the organizers who help bring Hope Fest together each year.

They and the entire Hope Fest team did an incredible job putting together a great day for the community!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Abilities First table! 💙