Developmental Disabilities Resource Board

06/01/2026

Summer isn’t accessible for everyone. Here’s why and what needs to change.

Many summer activities are designed without considering access needs. Parks and outdoor venues may have uneven or unpaved terrain, limited step-free routes, or inaccessible seating areas. Public events can lack accessible restrooms, shaded rest areas, or clear pathways for mobility devices. Transportation barriers also limit access, especially when options are inconsistent or not fully accessible.

There are also sensory and environmental factors. Large crowds, high heat, and noise levels can make events difficult to navigate for people with sensory sensitivities or certain health conditions. In many cases, accessibility information isn’t clearly provided in advance, making it harder to plan participation.

Improving accessibility means designing summer spaces and events with inclusion from the start. That includes step-free access, reliable accessible transit and parking, seating designed for different bodies and mobility devices, quieter or lower-sensory options, and clear, upfront accessibility details. It also means involving disabled people in planning and decision-making.

Accessibility isn’t an enhancement to summer experiences, it determines whether they are usable at all.

05/27/2026

Traveling with a disability usually requires extra planning from checking accessibility features in transportation and lodging to making sure essential supports, medications and equipment are available throughout the trip.

Accessibility can vary widely between destinations, so having clear information ahead of time like step-free access, bathroom accommodations and available assistance can help reduce uncertainty and make travel more manageable.

05/25/2026

Accessibility Spotlight: Chicken N Pickle - St. Charles incorporates accessibility and inclusion into both its physical space and its programming. The venue offers indoor and outdoor recreation areas, multiple activity options beyond pickleball, wide gathering spaces, and family-friendly environments that allow people to participate in different ways based on their needs and comfort levels. Their design focuses on creating a social community space rather than only a competitive sports environment.

They host Adaptive Pickleball programming specifically for individuals with physical disabilities. On-site sports wheelchairs are available, all skill levels are welcome, and the program is intended to promote inclusion, wellness, socialization, and disability awareness through recreation.

To learn more about Chicken N Pickle, visit the website: https://chickennpickle.com/

Good Food, Good Friends & Great Fun Await at Chicken N Pickle, an indoor/outdoor entertainment complex.

05/24/2026

Today at 11:30 a.m., St. Charles County’s Aaron Likens will wave the green flag, as he does every year as part of his role as the Chief Starter for the NTT Indycar series and the Indy 500.

Aaron is a talented flag man, is autistic and has spent years helping others understand autism through his speaking and writing.

Millions watch him on one of racing’s biggest stages today.

If you watch the Indy 500, keep an eye out for Aaron and check out his book to learn more about his story. I’ll share the Amazon link in the

Have a great race Aaron Likens!

05/22/2026

Disability looks different for everyone, and many misconceptions come from what people assume rather than understand. Not all disabilities are visible, and independence can take many forms.

At DDRB, we value individual experiences and focus on support that is respectful, flexible, and person-centered.

05/21/2026

Accessibility Spotlight: St. Charles County Kinetic Park was designed with accessibility and inclusion as part of the experience, not as an afterthought. Features like accessible playground equipment, smooth pathways, adaptive recreation opportunities, sensory-friendly elements, and spaces designed for a variety of ages and abilities help create an environment where more people can participate independently and comfortably.

Inclusive parks matter because accessibility goes beyond meeting minimum requirements. Thoughtful design allows children and adults with different mobility, sensory, and support needs to engage in recreation alongside their families, friends, and community. Spaces like Kinetic Park demonstrate how universal design can make public recreation more usable and welcoming for everyone.

To learn more about this park visit, https://www.sccmo.org/741/Kinetic-Park

St. Charles County Kinetic Park, located at 7801 Town Square Avenue, Dardenne Prairie, features 33,000-square foot skate course, the largest asphalt pump track in North America, a bike skills course, rock climbing wall and more. Admission to the park is free!

05/21/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a day to highlight the importance of designing digital spaces that are accessible and usable for everyone.

Accessibility means more than compliance or features, it’s about ensuring that websites, apps, documents, and online services work for people who use screen readers, captions, alternative input devices or other assistive technology.

At DDRB, we recognize accessibility as a core part of inclusion and person-centered support. We are committed to reducing barriers both digital and physical so individuals can participate fully and with dignity in their communities.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to City Academy, The Eastern Region Alliance, The Black Rep and St. Francis Xavier ID & Birth Certificate Program! These honorees were recogn...

05/20/2026

Not all disabilities are visible. Many people live with conditions that aren’t immediately noticeable, but still affect how they move through daily life.
Comments like “you don’t look disabled” can come from misunderstanding, but they often minimize real experiences and challenges. Invisible disabilities are still disabilities and support needs can vary from day to day, even if they aren’t obvious to others.

Understanding each person’s lived experience helps create more respectful, person-centered support where needs are recognized without requiring them to be visible.

05/16/2026

Mental health is part of overall health. It affects how we think, feel, and navigate daily life, and it deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

At DDRB, we recognize the importance of emotional well-being alongside daily support. Awareness starts with understanding, reduces stigma, and helps create environments where people feel supported, heard, and valued.