Ability Building Community - ABC

03/30/2026

03/25/2026

Big thanks to Midwest Access for having us on to share the excitement about our 70th Anniversary Open House! 🎉 Join us tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM at ABC Rochester. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!!

Ability Building Community - ABC is celebrating 70 years of serving individuals in our community live full lives! 🥳
Video link in comments below

03/24/2026

ABC is honored to take part in Disability Services Day at the Minnesota State Capitol today. As one of the largest annual advocacy events for the disability community in Minnesota, this day is a powerful opportunity to raise our voices!

03/20/2026

Congratulations to Tony Schultz for winning the High Five Award! 🎉

Tony earned this award because of his incredible dedication, teamwork, and willingness to step up whenever help is needed. He consistently goes above and beyond to support both the individuals we serve and his fellow coworkers.

Tony is known for jumping in to help with direct care whenever coverage is needed, often filling open shifts or stepping away from his office responsibilities to make sure individuals continue receiving quality support. Tony is someone staff can rely on - he even covers van routes on short notice, which can be a lifesaver when unexpected gaps arise.

Tony also brings a positive energy that makes work more enjoyable for everyone around him. He loves engaging with the individuals we support and often signs up to help with community outings to ensure there are enough staff to make them happen. The individuals truly enjoy spending time with him because he brings fun, enthusiasm, and genuine connection to every interaction.

Tony is also a strong advocate for the people he supports, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure they receive the best service possible. During a recent emergency in the cafeteria, Tony quickly stepped in when an individual began choking and performed the Heimlich maneuver, helping save the individual’s life while remaining calm and focused.

Dedicated, dependable, and always willing to help, Tony is a positive example of what it means to support individuals, coworkers, and the mission of ABC.

03/20/2026

03/17/2026

Disability Day at the Capitol, taking place on March 24th, is an annual advocacy event at the Minnesota State Capitol where individuals with disabilities, families, and providers meet with legislators to discuss issues impacting disability services. The day includes a rally in the Capitol Rotunda followed by meetings with lawmakers to share stories and policy priorities.

2026 Priorities
• Target Fraud Thoughtfully – Strengthen oversight of state-funded programs without harming people who rely on disability services.
• Protect Day Support Services – Maintain the Absence and Utilization Factor to ensure continued access, especially for individuals with complex needs.
• Address Fiscal Challenges – Support smarter coordination and efficiencies through the Long Term Services and Supports Advisory Council.
• Preserve Extended Employment – Protect long-term employment supports that help Minnesotans with disabilities work and contribute to their communities.
Get Involved
Legislators want to hear from their constituents!! Share your story, thank them for past support, clearly state your request (include bill numbers if available), and provide your contact information.
ABC sends a group from Rochester and Houston County each year—join us at the Capitol and make your voice heard!

03/16/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s theme — We’re Here: then, now, and always — feels especially meaningful as ABC celebrates 70 years of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For seven decades, ABC has been committed to building a community where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and included. We’re proud of the progress that has been made and grateful for the individuals, families, and advocates who continue to move this work forward every day.

As we recognize this month and our 70th anniversary, we invite our community to join us in celebrating the journey. Together, we honor the progress made, celebrate the impact happening today, and look boldly toward a more inclusive future.

03/16/2026

All ABC locations are CLOSED on Monday, March 16th, 2026. We will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, March 17th, 2026.

Stay safe! Happy Snow day!

03/13/2026

Congratulations to Dewey Deal for winning the Lowry Award!

Dewey earned this award because of the meaningful progress he has made toward independent living and achieving his personal goals. He takes pride in maintaining a clean apartment, caring for his two cats, and managing daily responsibilities like laundry, personal hygiene, and home organization. Dewey also manages his finances independently by paying bills on time through checks and electronic payments, and he regularly checks his email to stay organized.

Dewey has embraced living independently while working full time and continues to focus on improving his health by staying active and working out at a local gym. His motivation for self-improvement and commitment to his goals show in the effort he puts into his daily routines.

Dewey’s positive attitude also impacts those around him. On outings, he encourages others to reach their potential and works to make each day enjoyable for everyone.

Kudos to you, Dewey!