Ability Building Community - ABC

Ability Building Community - ABC Providing services for individuals with disabilities through community inclusion since 1956!

Over 800 people with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental disabilities work in Rochester, La Crescent and Caledonia at over 100 community business sites and in our facilities.

Disability Day at the Capitol, taking place on March 24th, is an annual advocacy event at the Minnesota State Capitol wh...
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!

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s theme — We’re Here: then, now, and always — feels e...
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.

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

Congratulations to Dewey Deal for winning the Lowry Award!Dewey earned this award because of the meaningful progress he ...
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!

Cereal-ously good work happening in this aisle!Today Eddie's tackling the cereal aisle - making sure everything is stock...
03/11/2026

Cereal-ously good work happening in this aisle!

Today Eddie's tackling the cereal aisle - making sure everything is stocked and ready for shoppers. We love seeing him grow his skills and confidence while being part of the local workforce.

Congratulations to Lori Duerwachter for winning the High Five Award!Lori earned this award because of her incredible com...
03/06/2026

Congratulations to Lori Duerwachter for winning the High Five Award!

Lori earned this award because of her incredible compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to both the individuals and staff she supports each day.

Lori is an active listener who leads with empathy while always maintaining a high level of professionalism. She has a true gift for “keeping it professional” while still making everyone feel heard, valued, and understood. Her ability to stay calm and focused under pressure makes her someone others naturally turn to in challenging moments.

Her scheduling skills are nothing short of amazing and we all know not everyone can do that! Lori manages moving pieces with ease, ensuring that individuals and staff have what they need to be successful. She responds promptly to issues, jumps in during tough situations without hesitation, and consistently puts others before herself.

Lori is a strong advocate for both individuals and staff, always striving to create the best possible environment for everyone. Dedicated, flexible, understanding, and a natural leader, she truly is an asset to ABC.

What a dino-mite day at the Science Museum of Minnesota ! ABC took an adventurous group of our individuals to explore ev...
03/04/2026

What a dino-mite day at the Science Museum of Minnesota !

ABC took an adventurous group of our individuals to explore everything from towering dinosaurs to the mysteries of outer space. We dug into prehistoric history, discovered how skin helps creatures survive and thrive, and launched our curiosity to new galaxies.

Learning came to life through hands-on exhibits, big discoveries, and even bigger smiles. There’s nothing better than seeing curiosity spark in real time!

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month 🧠💙We’ve partnered with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance/Minnesota Stroke Associ...
03/02/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month 🧠💙

We’ve partnered with the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance/Minnesota Stroke Association to honor the 10-year anniversary of their Unmasking Brain Injury project. Back in 2018, our fall fundraiser, Celebrating Abilities, featured this powerful initiative. Individuals in our Brain Injury program created their own masks and bravely shared their stories. We were honored to work alongside the Alliance to support them in designing and showcasing their masks.

Since then, these masks have traveled across Minnesota, amplifying voices and raising awareness. Over the past decade, more than 2,000 stories have been shared through this impactful project.

To celebrate this milestone, masks created by ABC individuals and others from the Rochester area are on display throughout March in our Community Room and Front Lobby at our Rochester location.

We’re grateful to continue sharing these powerful stories and celebrating the strength, resilience, and voices of the people we serve. 💙

Looking for a job that truly matters?Ability Building Community is hiring Direct Support Professionals who want meaningf...
02/25/2026

Looking for a job that truly matters?

Ability Building Community is hiring Direct Support Professionals who want meaningful work, a supportive environment, and the chance to make an impact every single day.
Daytime hours, great benefits, paid training, and a mission that matters.
Apply today and join Team ABC! https://www.abcinc.org/careers-at-abc

After an incredible 40-year journey at ABC, Kara Smerud has retired! She spent her time working in the community at Subw...
02/23/2026

After an incredible 40-year journey at ABC, Kara Smerud has retired!

She spent her time working in the community at Subway and Quillins IGA and loved spending Fridays at ABC Works in LaCrescent enjoying her favorite chicken dinner and a breakfast donut with friends and staff.

We sent her off “Kara-style” at the end of January, with Bingo, cake, ice cream, and lots of laughter. Cheers to your next adventure, Kara! You will be deeply missed at ABC! 🎉

Sliming Around at Works, Caledonia!Chris earned the title of ABC Slime King after his first-ever experience with this go...
02/20/2026

Sliming Around at Works, Caledonia!

Chris earned the title of ABC Slime King after his first-ever experience with this gooey, squishy slime. His amazement says it all. Sometimes you just have to get a little messy to have the most fun! 😁

Address

1911 14th Street NW
Rochester, MN
55901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15072816262

Website

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Our Story

Since 1956, Ability Building Community has been providing services for individuals with disabilities through community inclusion. Our goal is to see that every person, regardless of disability, is respected as an individual and is the one whose voice is most clearly heard thought-out the entire service design and delivery process. We currently serve over 750 people in Rochester, La Crescent and Caledonia Minnesota at over 100 community business sites and in our facilities.