North Dakota Olmstead Commission

09/16/2026

DSPs play an important role in supporting individuals with disabilities to have choice and control in their own lives.

Where to live.
Where to work.
How to spend the day.
Who to spend time with.
What goals to pursue.

DSPs can provide the support, encouragement, and information people need to make those choices for themselves.

09/15/2026

In North Dakota, 27.6% of pregnancies are exposed to alcohol. An estimated 39,968 people in ND have an FASD.

Check out this Fact Sheet from FASD United on FASD in ND:https://fasdunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/North-Dakota.pdf

09/14/2026

A DSP wears many hats. They might help someone learn a new skill, manage daily tasks, participate in a community activity, or pursue a personal goal.

No two days—and no two people—are the same.

That flexibility, dedication, and person-centered support are what make DSPs so valuable. We recognize the many roles DSPs take on and the many ways they support people to live the lives they choose.

09/13/2026

Happy DSP Recognition Week!

This week, we’re celebrating the Direct Support Professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of individuals with disabilities. DSPs support people in reaching their goals, making choices, building skills, connecting with their communities, and living the lives they choose. Their work is essential to creating communities where individuals with disabilities can live with greater independence, inclusion, and dignity.

Thank you to all the DSPs for the difference you make every day!

09/11/2026

A diagnosis can bring a lot of emotions, but you don’t have to figure everything out at once.

Here are some steps that can help: Take time to process, learn about FASD, identify strengths and needed supports, access benefits and services to build a support system, establish daily routines, advocate for yourself and educate others, document your diagnosis and practice self-compassion.

FASD United:https://fasdunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Things-To-Do-After-an-FASD-Diagnosis-9.5.pdf

09/10/2026

We are SO excited to host the Disability Advocacy Training Day on October 13 with the DD Council! Register for this FREE event arccassnd.org/news-updates

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make this important day a success! Sign up to help!
https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C044CAEA823A3FBC16-65251238-disability?useFullSite=false

09/10/2026

Ready to LEVEL UP your advocacy game? 💥

Join us for a hands-on Legislative Training Event designed to help you show up confidently at the ND Legislature this session.

✨ Kickoff with Kayla McKeon, lobbyist with the National Down Syndrome Society — Advocacy 101 from one of the best!
✨ Hear directly from state legislators on how to testify with confidence
✨ Learn from local advocates with lived experience who’ll share real tips and tricks
✨ Choose your own breakout path:
• Voting + ExpressVote machine practice
• Craft your personal story with an experienced advocate
• Navigate ND’s legislative website, find your reps, track bills, join hearings, and more

PLUS: Free lunch and hotel rooms the night before.
Accommodations welcomed — just note them in the registration form.

Your advocacy journey starts NOW.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-IsOqNPpqb9HrpYDRawqa5ftRl0tYO8d1_atNYCAtXeQLUQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101170113240596192258

09/10/2026

If you haven’t checked out this month's Olmstead newsletter, there are a few more FASD-related learning events happening this month.

View the newsletter here:https://www.olmstead.nd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Olmstead%20Newsletter%20September%202026.pdf

09/09/2026

LaunchMyLifeND.com

Do you know about LaunchMyLifeND.com?

Launch My Life is available to help people better understand the resources available to individuals with disabilities planning for secondary transition! Help elevate the voices of people with disabilities by sharing this resource with others.

Check out the site and learn more about the high-lighted self-advocacy resources available at http://launchmylifend.com/self-advocacy/ today!

09/09/2026

As students return to the classroom, it’s also a time to focus on accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.

Back to school means new classes, new routines, and new opportunities. As students return to the classroom, it’s also a time to focus on accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. Creating supportive learning environments helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, participate, and feel valued. When schools prioritize accessibility and inclusion, they help set the stage for success for all learners throughout the year.