Generations of change: How education, laws transformed the lives of people with disabilities

This piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

For 60 years, DakotAbilities has walked alongside adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guided by a simple yet powerful belief: Every person deserves dignity, purpose and belonging. What began in 1965 as a small but determined effort has grown into a trusted presence for individuals and families across the Sioux Falls area.

As DakotAbilities reflects on six decades of service, one truth remains clear — lasting impact has always been shaped by people: those supported, those who serve and those who believe deeply in the mission.

“When I think about the young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support today, I’m often struck by how different their lives would have been if they were born just a generation earlier,” said Nathan Stallinga, executive director of DakotAbilities.

“For individuals born in the early to mid-20th century, opportunities were limited, expectations were low, and too many doors were closed before they ever had the chance to open them. Education was not guaranteed, community life was often out of reach, and decisions were frequently made for them rather than with them.”

The progress DakotAbilities celebrates today did not happen overnight. It came through decades of advocacy, shifting attitudes and landmark laws that affirmed the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, work, live in their communities and be recognized as valued citizens. These advances reshaped what life could look like, not only for the individuals themselves but for families who finally saw possibility replace uncertainty.

The groundwork for this change began in 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established education as a fundamental human right. In the decades that followed, particularly throughout the 1960s and 1970s, disability rights legislation transformed that principle into practice. From these efforts, key themes emerged that continue to guide progress today:

• Education as a civil right.
• Inclusion over segregation.
• Individualized supports.
• Family and self-advocate voices.
• Community integration.
• Equal access and dignity.

“It’s important to remember the generations who lived through this transition, many of whom are still with us today,” Stallinga continued. “Their lives tell a powerful story of resilience and progress, and they remind us why continued commitment matters.”

Celebrating 60 years also offers an opportunity to recognize the donors, advocates, staff, volunteers and families who have made this progress possible. Their generosity and dedication have fueled innovation in day services, strengthened curricula and supported evolving housing models that better reflect how people want to live.

“We look back with gratitude on every person supported, every family member, every donor, volunteer and employee who has been part of this 60-year journey,” Stallinga said. “As we look ahead, we will confidently take on new challenges and celebrate continued advancements in health care and human rights. Together, we honor 60 years of impact while building a future defined by what matters most, which is a place to call home and the opportunity to live life on one’s own terms.”

For a timeline of DakotAbilities’ history, visit dakotabilities.org/history.