We’re dedicated to providing clear and transparent communications to our participants, their families, and our community. We’ve gathered a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Have a question that’s not answered? Feel free to contact us.
Empowering Abilities was incorporated in 1969. At the recommendation of a citizens’ study, four groups who were providing similar services, merged to form what is now known as Empowering Abilities.
In November of 2023, we changed our name from Handicapped Development Center to Empowering Abilities.
Empowering Abilities has approximately 400 full and part time employees. We welcome new, quality people who are searching for a challenging and rewarding job to apply. If you’re looking for a rewarding career, click here for more information about working at Empowering Abilities.
In our various programs, we serve over 300 individuals in a year.
Any person who has a documented disability and who would benefit from services can participate in our programs. We serve primarily individuals with developmental disabilities like autism, intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. People with brain injuries, physical disabilities, and mental illness also receive our services.
To pay for service delivery, a large part of the Empowering Abilities budget comes from Title XIX or Medicaid. Other income sources are Enterprises, participant fees, and the State of Iowa. Grants and donations help purchase anything else that is not covered in the budget, like wheelchairs, vehicles, technology needs, equipment, etc.
The three group homes are licensed through the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals as Residential Care Facilities (RCF/ID) and the Residential Center is licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF\ID). We are also certified by the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to persons under the intellectual disabilities, brain injury and habilitation waiver programs. We are also accredited by Carf, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. Three-year accreditations, the maximum possible, have been achieved at every survey since 1983.
Many referrals come through schools, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, Managed Care Organizations, families, doctors, etc. To make an application or learn about specific admission criteria, call us at 563-391-4834.