Laura Baker Services Association

Boxes and cookie-cutters, oh my.

Mia Larson — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:05:32 +0000

Throughout time, humans have learned to define groups of people. Could be geography, skin color, gender or any number of things. By defining these groups, a box is formed that allows outsiders to look at the group and assume everyone in that group has the same needs, beliefs, thoughts or dreams. Equally, these assumptions lead to false beliefs about an individual within a given group, for example…

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Together We Can

Atiya Mansfield — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:30:27 +0000

This year, both personally and professionally, I committed to focusing on light and hope, resisting the pull of divisiveness and despair. To work and fight to live in the light. And yet, the universe has offered immediate tests of that commitment. Being hopeful is a necessity as a disability services, not-for-profit leader. Without it, I would have packed my bag and moved on a long time ago.

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Transitioning Into Adulthood: Avoiding “The Cliff”

Mia Larson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:30:20 +0000

The transition out of high school is a deeply emotional and often an overwhelming time for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the people who love them. Throughout the school years, families can rely on a familiar network of support, special education services, individualized education program (IEP) teams, school‑based therapies, transportation and daily routines that…

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Meeting the Growing Need: Why Behavior Support Services Matter More Than Ever

Mia Larson — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:39:41 +0000

For years, LBSA’s Behavior Support Services have stepped in to meet a critical and growing need for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The people we serve represent a wide range of strengths and support needs, including those with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. Unfortunately, demand has consistently outpaced capacity. Too often, we’ve had to turn…

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Possibilities in a Fractured System: When Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Meet in a Fractured System

Mia Larson — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:41:51 +0000

A year ago, I sat with a mom whose journey raising a son with developmental disabilities had shaped not only her family’s story but also helped inspire real systems change. Her son, now an adult, is nonverbal, on the autism spectrum and requires significant support. Like so many families, theirs has faced moments of crisis with few options and even fewer safe, supportive places to turn.

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What Generosity Feels Like: Reflections of Celebrating Unity

Mia Larson — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:37:55 +0000

This past weekend, I attended the Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) Annual Gala which reminded me how human and tender generosity can be. The theme this year was Celebrating Unity and each year I’ve attended, that feeling of generosity grows stronger. This experience led me to pause for a moment to reflect on what generosity feels like. I’ve often wondered how to describe generosity as a…

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Elastic in Our Pants … A Quirky but Fitting Metaphor

Mia Larson — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:20:16 +0000

At a recent Laura Baker Society event, I shared a metaphor that’s both unforgettable and surprisingly apt: elastic in our pants. It may sound quirky, and it beautifully captures the role our community plays in supporting Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA). Just like elastic allows pants to stretch and contract, our community of supporters gives LBSA the flexibility to grow…

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Listening Beyond the Labels: The Evolution of Disability Services and the Power of Choice

Atiya Mansfield — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:22:35 +0000

Imagine being told where to live, what to do and who gets to speak for you – every day. For much of history, this was the reality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their lives were often shaped by systems that prioritized control over connection, compliance over choice. Institutions replaced communities, routines replaced relationships and the people at the center…

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The Value of Together

Atiya Mansfield — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:59:25 +0000

Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA) is a place which quietly provides mighty support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These services are life-giving and lifesaving for individuals, their families and our entire community. Recently, Behavioral Support Services (BSS) has launched to support individuals and their sphere of advocates. This person-centered program…

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Back-to-School for Children with IDD: A Guide for Families Seeking Smooth Transitions

Mia Larson — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:50:54 +0000

As backpacks come out of closets and school calendars fill up, families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often find this season layered with excitement and uncertainty. Beyond supplies and lunchboxes, there’s the vital task of preparing a learning environment that supports inclusion, confidence and growth. This guide offers practical…

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