Supported Community Living (SCL) is a one-on-one service for people who have Medicaid and who qualify for Supported Community Living waiver service. It is primarily supported by the Intellectual Disability (ID) and the Brain Injury (BI) Waiver.

At Hand in Hand, moments like this happen every day. Children of all abilities learn, play, and grow together, not in separate spaces, but side by side. They’re everyday experiences. And they shape a more empathetic, connected community.

Transitions can be a tough time for kids. Whether it’s their morning routine, bedtime, or transitioning from one activity to the next in school, it can often be a time for frustrations and meltdowns. Here are some practical tips to help your child during these experiences.

It’s officially chili season here at Hand in Hand. We sat down with one of our returning chili teams, Rouse Consulting, to talk about how they got involved with the Chili Cook-Off and how they encourage their employees to get involved.

“10/10 Highly recommend,” said Kelly Wernke, reflecting on her volunteer experience at Hand in Hand.

We’ve partnered with RSM US Foundation through September for their Power of Love Campaign. Not only are their employees volunteering with us to meet fundraising goals, but for every donation that comes through their donation page…

Korryn started coming to Hand in Hand as a participant in 2009 and she’s now an employee working in our kitchen.

Elopement is when a person, often a child, leaves a safe environment by themselves without permission. It can be particularly dangerous for a child who struggles with communication and who doesn’t understand the safety risks. This could mean running away from a parent or caregiver at the park, in the store, at school, or escaping from home.

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program was started in the early 1980s.

“Papa Steve!”, “Papa Steve!” the toddler room kids shout as they run out onto the playground, tiny buckets at the ready. Papa Steve, as he’s affectionately known at Hand in Hand, is getting his hands dirty, helping fill the playground with mulch and is having our littlest participants help.

Elaina Ruesch is a DSP in our school age program. Read more about how she got connected with Hand in Hand and her role as Miss Iowa’s Teen.

I remember the first time my oldest child swore. He was about two and commented on the outcome of the Chicago Bears game. I laughed so hard that tears came. He used the word correctly, intentionally and…

Section 504 is what protects people with disabilities from discrimination and requires accommodation in settings like schools and healthcare.

Right now, we believe the most urgent issue is the federal budget and proposed Medicaid funding cuts. While we still do not have clarity on what specific programs may be affected or how spending reductions will be handled, these decisions could have serious consequences for families, providers, and the individuals we serve.

Communication is a fundamental human right, but not everyone communicates the same way. Thanks to advancements in assistive technology, communication devices have been developed to help those with speech and mobility impairments interact more easily with the world around them.

People with Purpose began volunteering with Humble Dwellings in July of 2024. Twice a month, participants work in Humble Dwellings storage facility where the organization collects and stores their home furnishings.

Meet Jacey, Hand in Hand’s Lead Direct Support Professional for the School Age Program.

Hand in Hand’s 16^th annual Chili Cook-Off presented by Quad City Bank and Trust is not just an event; it’s a community celebration that brings people together to support children and adults of all abilities. This exciting event wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers like you! Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the cause, there’s a place for everyone at the Chili Cook-Off. Here’s how you can get involved and what you can look forward to as a volunteer.