St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources

05/29/2026

Creating accessible content can feel overwhelming, but thankfully, Missouri has a whole team of experts at Missouri Assistive Technology to teach us the ins and outs of digital accessibility.

The YouTube playlist linked below has over 50 videos on creating accessible social media content, Word documents, PDFs, videos, and more!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gdsTv-2beZh8yuRhm5rpQS6ypRzWAmJ

05/28/2026

As the weather warms up, it's a great time to remind the community that the Saint Louis Zoo is a Sensory Inclusive™ Certified venue through a partnership with KultureCity, a national nonprofit focused on accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. This certification means that Zoo staff receive specialized, ongoing training to support guests who may be experiencing sensory sensitivities or overload.

Visitors can access a detailed sensory map to help navigate the Zoo, showing areas that may involve strong sounds, smells, or temperature changes, along with quiet zones designed for taking a break when needed.

You can explore the Zoo’s sensory features here: https://stlzoo.org/visit/kulturecity
For a full list of accessibility accommodations, visit: https://stlzoo.org/visit/accessibility-and-rentals

05/27/2026

The St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources (DD Resources) is a public taxing entity that provides funding to agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities in St. Louis City. Their mission is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities in the City of St. Louis has quality services, choices, and full inclusion. This organization supported our goal of implementing ADA-compliant doors for our restrooms this year! We also hope to further our partnership with them in the coming future!

05/26/2026

During National Mobility Awareness Month, we are reminded of the importance of accessibility for all. Ensuring that your business and buildings are fully accessible can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, our partners at Paraquad can provide technical assistance for organizations working to increase inclusion in the St. Louis region.

The AccessibleSTL program combines a business-to-business approach and disability expertise to support partners’ goals of an accessible, inclusive culture.

They provide the following services: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site surveys, customized training and education, policy review and development assistance, website accessibility review, and ongoing technical assistance.

Learn more at: https://paraquad.org/public-policy-advocacy/accessible-stl

05/25/2026

Our funded partner Easterseals Midwest was featured in the Webster-Kirkwood Times.

Click the link below to check it out!

Easterseals Midwest provides an array of life-changing disability services across Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas, including autism therapies, early childhood support and home visiting, employment assistance, community living programs, health home

05/22/2026

Since the 1980's, The Waymakers have been blessed to partner with the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources! 🙌

DD Resources will be investing a total of $7.7 million for services that support more than 1,600 City residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are blessed to announce we will be one of their selected partners for 2026/2027!🥳

Thank you for selecting us to continue to help "make a way" for our neighbors in the St. Louis community! We look forward to working with you for many years to come. 🤝🫶

05/22/2026

Missouri Open Door is hosting a free virtual Technology Workshop on May 27 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Parenting Made Easier: Tools, Strategies and Supports” will explore assistive technology, practical tools, and helpful supports that can make everyday parenting tasks more manageable and accessible for families and caregivers.

These workshops are open to anyone looking for resources, ideas, or solutions for themselves or someone they support.

Click here to register: https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/register/npIU9-YnSg6H4HqGZ9tQZg #/registration

05/20/2026

The St. Louis Public Library is partnering with the Saint Louis Zoo to offer a summer camp specifically designed for children and teens with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Camp activities, instruction, and support are designed for children at a preschool through second-grade developmental level. Caregiver participation required.
This camp is free, but space is limited, and registration is required.

• Ages 6–12
• June 8-12
• 10-11 AM
• You do NOT need to be a city resident to participate

Learn more: https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6980bbbe8b29ea2800cd501c

05/19/2026

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but starting the conversation now can make a meaningful difference.

This recent article highlights an important question many caregivers face: what happens if I’m no longer able to provide care? It offers practical steps families can take to plan ahead and ensure long-term support for their loved ones.

Read more: https://www.stlpr.org/npr/2026-03-28/what-if-i-die-first-making-a-plan-is-key-for-family-caregivers-heres-how

Below are a few resources from our funded partners to help navigate these decisions:

•.Gateway Down Syndrome Association offers Secure Futures workshops focused on financial and legal planning. Learn more: https://gatewaydsa.org/workshops

• Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities provides education, system navigation, and an annual conference to help families stay informed and connected. https://www.agingwithdd.org/

• St. Louis Arc's Planning Forward Learning Series is a multi-week program designed for caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities. It covers key topics like housing, legal planning, and future supports. Learn more: https://www.slarc.org/programs/family-support/support-groups/

Planning ahead is one way to help ensure stability and support for your loved one’s future.

What resources have helped you or your family plan ahead? Share them in the comments so others in the community can benefit.

People who care for an adult child, partner or sibling have to face the reality that their loved may outlive them. Planning ahead is key but it's not easy.

05/18/2026

DD Resources has approved $7.7 million in FY27 funding to support services for almost 1,600 St. Louis City residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Funded through local property tax revenue, these investments help people live independently, find and maintain employment, build community connections, and access critical supports throughout their lives.

Learn more at STLDD.org