2025 marks 60 years of DakotAbilities creating opportunities for people with disabilities. We’re celebrating a rich history of advocacy and a continued commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for the people we support.
As we prepare for an exciting new chapter with a brand new mission statement, let's take a look back at our first 60 years of operations.
Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy signs its Articles of Incorporation. Our
organization originally operated as United Cerebral Palsy of the Sioux Empire, Inc. to promote cerebral palsy
research, treatment, education and habilitation. We also worked to promote professional and public education in
all aspects of cerebral palsy.
Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy begins its day program. In 1975, five adults with
disabilities gathered at VFW Post 628 to participate in recreational activities. The United Cerebral Palsy
Community Adjustment Training Center opened in the same year.
The United Cerebral Palsy Community Living Home opens at 900 S. Blaine Avenue. This
marks the organization’s first accessible housing program with full-time support for people with
disabilities.
The Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy School opens.
Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy partners with Citibank South Dakota to find meaningful employment opportunities for the people it supports.
The Valley Drive Living Home opens for 15 individuals, marking our commitment to
24/7/365 nursing care.
Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy partners with Citibank South Dakota to find meaningful employment opportunities for the people it supports.
Sioux Falls United Cerebral Palsy changes its name to Community Disabilities Services.
The change reflects our organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting adults with various
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is passed, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications.
Community Disabilities Services continues to grow.
Community Disability Services changes its name to DakotAbilities. The name “DakotAbilities” captures our belief in every person’s unique abilities and their valuable role in society.
The DakotAbilities Endowment is established at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
Our endowment provides sustainable support for our mission to build a vibrant community and create
meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities.
DakotAbilities announces the purchase of Longfellow Elementary School. The school
remained open until May 2015, with plans underway for the site to become the new consolidated home for day
services, alternative services and administrative offices.
The Longfellow Project officially begins, and the Larson Foundation announces its matching
grant. DakotAbilities launched an internal campaign to raise matching funds from staff, leadership
and board members, who all step up to support the organization.
The Opening Doors Campaign launches and exceeds its original goal by more than 30%.
DakotAbilities turns 50 and moves its day services program into the newly renovated Longfellow Center.
$1,300,000 raised with support from the Sioux Falls Area Chamber.
Meaningful Day Services evolves into activities that challenge, engage, stimulate,
and educate, moving away from the day services contracted work model.
DakotAbilities announces its new mission statement: “Together, we create a warm and
welcoming community, enriching the lives of those we support.”
Today, we support 135 adults ranging in age from 19 to 94 with accessible housing, 24/7/365 nursing support, physical habilitation services and Meaningful Day services.
Across all our efforts, we strive to create opportunities that build bridges between the people we support and our community.
We thank this community for 60 years of financial and volunteer support
One hundred percent of donor-directed gifts go toward Meaningful Day services, funds for buildings and equipment and the Endowment fund.
In honor of 60 years of DakotAbilities, we invite you to participate in our mission to create a warm
and welcoming community enriching the lives of those we support.
Support our mission