CEO Corner

''the times...

they are a-changin"

That's the tune that native Minnesotan Bob Dylan sang a few decades ago. Fortunately, the time HAVE changed regarding Minnesotans' attitudes towards people with disabilities. A recent survey, "Minnesota Survey of Attitudes Regarding Developmental Disabilities" (www.dakotacommunities.org) reflects some of those positive changes over the last forty-five years.

For example, in 1962 only 7% of Minnesotans thought people with developmental disabilities should go to movies. Today that number has increased to 77%. Forty-seven years ago 27% of Minnesotans through people with developmental disabilities should use public beaches with playgrounds. Today that number has increased to 87%.

Dakota Communities has been at the forefront of positive change for decades. I had the good fortune to see some of our history through the eyes of founding board member, Charles E. Pitzele, M.D., on a tour of Dakota Communities homes. Dr. Pitzele was kind enough to share some of his perspectives. I am grateful everyday for the privilege of serving in an organization with such a rich history of quality and innovation.

There is still need for change. forty-seven years ago only 4% of Minnesotans thought people with developmental disabilities could learn to live normal lives. Today, that's improved to 36%. But that's not good enough.

We're celebrating 38 years of realizing dreams at Dakota Communities. And we plan to keep dreaming!

Paula Hart

President & CEO