empower: abilities

04/03/2026

Last month, you met Betty—and saw how the right support can help someone reconnect with their community and regain independence.

This month, we’d like you to meet John.
John spent his 40s in a nursing home due to complications from diabetes.

His body was failing.
His future felt uncertain.

But even in that moment—John wasn’t ready to give up.
He wanted more than just getting by.
He wanted his independence back.

At empower: abilities, we can help turn weak moments into milestones. Follow John's story next week to find out how things started to change.

04/03/2026

Our office will be closed today to allow our team time to rest and recharge. We will reopen during regular business hours on Monday.

We wish everyone a safe, restful weekend—whatever it may look like for you.

04/01/2026

We kicked off advocacy strong on the first day of April with a RAP (Restaurant Access Point) training Coffee Creations in Branson!

Participants learned how to complete a RAP survey and identify barriers, so we can work together with the business community to improve accessibility for everyone.

This is what partnership looks like—coming together to remove barriers and create more inclusive spaces in our community.

If you’re interested in getting involved in advocacy or participating in RAP efforts in your area, we’d love to connect! Reach out to Afton Harper @ aftonh@empowerabilities.org

04/01/2026

Voting is a right—and it should be accessible to everyone.

People with disabilities have the right to:
• Vote privately and independently
• Request assistance if needed
• Access polling places and voting equipment
• Receive accommodations that support participation

Barriers shouldn’t stand between anyone and their voice.

If you have questions about accessible voting or need support, we’re here to help.

03/31/2026

Today was MOCIL Day at the Capitol! This event brings together the Missouri Centers for Independent Living to advocate for the community.

We had the opportunity to share our experiences and our work with elected officials and advocates for disability rights in Missouri.

We are not optional!

03/31/2026

There will be NO gaming club this Friday. See you next month!

03/30/2026

We are excited for MOCIL day at the Capitol. Advocating for people with disabilities is what we do!

Tomorrow is MOCIL Day at the Capitol! This event brings together the Missouri Centers for Independent Living to advocate for the community. ♿

You have the opportunity to share your experiences with elected officials and advocates for disability rights in Missouri.

Presenters 🗣️

• Shelby Butler, empower: abilities
• Afton Harper, empower: abilities
• Teona McGraw-Boure, Paraquad

12:45 - 1 PM Music on Motion - Missouri School of Deaf
1 - 2:40 PM Rally in Rotunda

We hope to see you tomorrow at the Missouri State Capitol. ✨

03/30/2026

Calling All Youth Ages 14–24! - this Tuesday at 4 pm
It’s a new year—and the perfect time to build connections. Group meets every Tuesday at 4 pm at empower: abilities (1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield).

This week: Online Safety--How to stay up to date/Meeting people online/ Trust vs. Safety

We’ve launched a new Facebook group just for youth where you can:
✨ Connect with peers
✨ Encourage one another
✨ Build confidence and independence

Empower: Youth Peer Power is a safe, moderated space created for real conversations, shared experiences, and support from people who get it.

Join us on Facebook:
Empower: Youth Peer Power
https://www.facebook.com/groups/829816776564941
Questions? Call Nikki at 417-886-1188 or email nicoler@empowerabilities.org
Come as you are. Let’s grow together.

03/28/2026

🌟 Already caring for a friend or loved one?

You may be able to get paid for the care you're already providing through Consumer Directed Services (CDS) with empower: abilities.

We offer:
✅ Flexible hours
✅ Weekly pay
✅ A meaningful opportunity to support someone you care about

empower: abilities — leading the way in Consumer Directed Services as Southwest Missouri’s first provider with over 30 years of trusted care. We serve Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties.

If your loved one is on Missouri Medicaid, give us a call to see if they qualify for CDS. 417-886-1188

03/27/2026

At the beginning of the month, you met Betty.

She could make it onto her porch — but the steps kept her from safely leaving home.

Together with our Independent Living team, Betty created a plan.
And that plan turned into action.

Today, Betty has a safe ramp that allows her to move freely between her home and her community.

She can visit neighbors. Attend appointments. And once again enjoy the independence many of us take for granted.

Accessibility doesn’t just change a home. It changes lives.

At empower: abilities, we work alongside individuals every day to remove barriers and build independence.

Because everyone deserves the freedom to move through their world safely and confidently.

📞 If you or someone you love needs help improving accessibility at home, call 417-886-1188 to learn more.

03/27/2026

🏠 Need help living independently at home?
Take control of your care with Consumer Directed Services (CDS) through empower: abilities!

✨ You can choose your own caregiver — a trusted family member, friend, or loved one — and they’ll be reimbursed and paid weekly.

Your caregiver can assist with daily tasks like:
🧹 Housekeeping
🛁 Bathing
👚 Dressing & Grooming
🍽️ Meal Preparation
🧺 Laundry
♿ Mobility & Transfers
🛒 Shopping & Errands
💙 empower: abilities proudly serves eight counties in Southwest Missouri: Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster.

📲 Ready to get started?
Call us at 417-886-1188 ext. 208
📧 Email: care@empowerabilities.org
🌐 Learn more: www.empowerabilities.org

✨ Leading the way in Consumer Directed Services — Southwest Missouri’s first CDS provider with 30+ years of trusted care.

03/27/2026

Studies prove that wearing your hearing aids contributes to a longer, healthier life.

Untreated hearing loss leads to:
-Increased risk of falling
-Early onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s
-Social isolation and depression

We can help you hear better! (our top brand sells significantly less
than most retailers) Call today for an appointment with our Hearing Instrument Specialist: 417-886-1188.