Abilities First

Abilities First The mission of Abilities First is Turning Abilities Into Opportunities.

Abilities First is an organization that promotes inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We believe that everyone has abilities and by ensuring that people have the opportunity to use their abilities, we make our community better for all of us. Abilities First uses public and private funds to support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities in Greene County to live, work, play, be active, and productive in meaningful ways in our community.

04/28/2026

We’re so grateful to Ana Ortiz for sharing her story 🩵 Listen to why Abilities First has made a positive impact in the life of her daughter, Maria.

🎉 Celebrating 3 Years! 🎉Please join us in recognizing Cameron Montana, Support Coordinator with The Next Step, as he mar...
04/28/2026

🎉 Celebrating 3 Years! 🎉

Please join us in recognizing Cameron Montana, Support Coordinator with The Next Step, as he marks three years of dedicated service at Abilities First! 💙

Cameron finds purpose in building genuine connections and supporting people as they work toward goals that matter most to them—helping individuals live life on their own terms. His thoughtful, person‑centered approach makes a meaningful difference every day.

When he’s not at work, Cameron enjoys unwinding with a good book or movie and spending time playing card, board, and video games.

Thank you, Cameron, for three years of commitment, compassion, and impact. We’re grateful for all you contribute to Abilities First!


🎉 Celebrating 4 Years! 🎉Today we’re proud to recognize Scott SteelmanRhoden, Inclusion Educator, for four years of meani...
04/27/2026

🎉 Celebrating 4 Years! 🎉

Today we’re proud to recognize Scott SteelmanRhoden, Inclusion Educator, for four years of meaningful work and dedication at Abilities First! 💙

Scott brings authenticity and lived experience into everything he does. A lifelong self‑advocate, he’s been educating others about inclusion from a very young age—whether that meant explaining cerebral palsy to classmates or, today, helping others better understand the power of inclusion and belonging. His passion for advocacy continues to inspire the people and communities he serves.

Thank you, Scott, for four years of influence, education, and heart. We’re grateful for the voice, perspective, and leadership you bring to Abilities First!


We are nearing the last few days before our appearance at Arts Fest! Make sure to get your tickets and come stop by our ...
04/27/2026

We are nearing the last few days before our appearance at Arts Fest! Make sure to get your tickets and come stop by our booth! Purchase your ticket through this link!

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/artsfesttickets2026/event/artsfesttickets2026/

📍900 E Historic Walnut Street, Springfield, MO
🗓️May 2-3, 2026
⏰10am - 5pm
🎟️Admission is only $5 (and free for little ones 5 and under)!

04/27/2026

The Art Academy is more than just creating, it's collaborating. At Abilities First, students work together, share inspiration, and build something meaningful as a team.

First

🎉 Honoring 15 Years of Dedicated Service! 🎉We’re thrilled to celebrate Richard White, our Director of Community Connect,...
04/26/2026

🎉 Honoring 15 Years of Dedicated Service! 🎉

We’re thrilled to celebrate Richard White, our Director of Community Connect, for 15 incredible years of dedication and creativity at Abilities First! 💙

Richard’s work blends innovative leadership with purpose-driven impact, helping create spaces where people connect, learn, and thrive. What he values most is working alongside a team that supports one another, collaborates openly, and shows up every day with a shared commitment to community.

This past year, Richard turned participant and student feedback into action—sparking the creation of new, engaging classes that continue to energize and grow our programs. Looking ahead, he’s excited to expand the Art Academy, introduce fresh course offerings, reach new counties, and strengthen our presence across social platforms.

Outside of work, Richard enjoys tackling home projects, decorating, exploring different artistic outlets, and making the most of summer with swimming and boating.

Thank you, Richard, for 15 years of passion, leadership, and meaningful impact. We’re grateful for all you bring to Abilities First!


04/26/2026

📢 Sticker announcement! Join us at Arts Fest and create your own sticker. Come express yourself and show what you’re

First Steps serves families across a 13-county region, helping connect eligible children from birth to age 3 with early ...
04/25/2026

First Steps serves families across a 13-county region, helping connect eligible children from birth to age 3 with early intervention support when developmental concerns arise.

That includes families and referral partners in Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Laclede, Ozark, Polk, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright counties.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, pediatric provider, educator, daycare professional, or early childhood partner, knowing where to start matters. If a child may not be meeting developmental milestones, First Steps is here to help guide the referral process.

Please help us share this information across the region so more families know where to turn.

The Missouri State University Foundation honored Abilities First this evening at their Medallion Reception.💙💚 The Presid...
04/25/2026

The Missouri State University Foundation honored Abilities First this evening at their Medallion Reception.💙💚

The President’s Medallion was presented in honor of $100,000 in funding from Abilities First to support the Missouri State Bear POWER college program that gives students of all abilities the opportunity to experience campus life, continue their education, build independence and prepare for meaningful employment.

Bear POWER reflects so much of what Abilities First believes in: access, opportunity, community and the belief that every person deserves the chance to keep learning, growing and choosing the life they want.

We are grateful to Missouri State University and the Missouri State University Foundation for this recognition, and we are proud to invest in programs that open doors for people of all abilities across our community!

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Commitment and Impact! 🎉Join us in congratulating Christy Turner, our incredible Lead Administ...
04/24/2026

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Commitment and Impact! 🎉

Join us in congratulating Christy Turner, our incredible Lead Administrative Assistant for First Steps, as she celebrates 20 years at Abilities First! 💙

Christy’s dedication to our mission shines through in everything she does. She’s especially passionate about the positive impact our work has on the families we serve, and that passion shows every day. This past year, Christy proudly led the First Steps administrative team through a period of transition—ensuring no gaps in services and continued support for our coordinators and families. Talk about leadership!

Looking ahead, Christy is excited to pursue new leadership opportunities and training to continue growing her skills and impact. And when she’s not making a difference at work, you’ll find her soaking up time with family, cheering at football games in Lambeau Field, or enjoying baseball in St. Louis ⚾🏈

Thank you, Christy, for 20 years of dedication, resilience, and heart. We are so grateful to have you on our team!


Sometimes the first person to notice a developmental concern is not the parent. It may be a pediatrician, daycare provid...
04/23/2026

Sometimes the first person to notice a developmental concern is not the parent. It may be a pediatrician, daycare provider, NICU team member, Parents as Teachers educator, therapist, or another trusted professional working closely with a child and family.

That is why community awareness is so important.

The First Steps program at Abilities First serves children from birth to age 3 and helps connect eligible families with early intervention support. If you work with young children and families, please help share this information so more parents know what to do when concerns about developmental milestones come up.

The flyer below includes referral details, eligibility information, and next steps. More information can be found by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the image.

04/23/2026

At Abilities First, we strive for strong and meaningful connections 🫂 Students are able to connect with each other through a creative lens! 🖌️

Address

3216 S. National Avenue
Springfield, MO
65807

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14178860404

Website

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