Creating More Privacy and Accessibility for Adults with Disabilities

We’re excited to share that we’ve entered the next phase of expanding accessible housing for people with disabilities in Sioux Falls. We’ve purchased land to build two new twin homes that will replace a 16-person residence built in the 1980s. These new homes will be designed for individuals with complex medical needs who require on-site nursing care. Located in the same neighborhood as the twin homes we opened in March 2025, their close proximity ensures a high level of nursing support while offering the comforts and amenities of a typical home and community. Each of the 17 homes we own in Sioux Falls is uniquely designed to complement and enhance the surrounding neighborhood.

We are committed to meeting the growing need for accessible housing in our community. Over the past seven years, we have renovated, remodeled, and built new homes. In doing so, we achieved our goal of ensuring each person in our care has their own private bedroom. The twin home approach provides safe and comfortable living arrangements in 4-person settings, allowing for privacy and dignity by reducing the number of roommates and shared spaces. Privacy is further enhanced with ensuite bathrooms and Jack & Jill bathrooms.

The health, safety, and welfare of those we support is our utmost priority. The new homes provide:

  • Private bedrooms with lifts for the safety of persons supported and staff
  • An increased number of ensuite and Jack & Jill bathrooms
  • Whirlpool therapy tubs
  • Open floor plan kitchen, dining, and living room spaces
  • Safe outdoor spaces
  • Indoor sprinklers
  • Wide hallways and entrances to accommodate wheelchairs and other equipment
  • Ample storage for groceries, housewares, cleaning supplies, and medical supplies
  • Greater staffing efficiencies for direct support staff, residential managers, and nurses

We are grateful for our generous donors who support us in making safe and accessible housing a reality for the 140 adults we support. For more information or to contribute to the Accessibility Fund to help build these homes, please contact shelly.johnson@dakotabilities.org or click here www.dakotabilities.org/donate

Every donor and every dollar makes a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities, right here in Sioux Falls.