Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
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The Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities (AADD) supports and serves aging adults with Each person's needs, interests, and fears are different.
AADD provides support to adults of all ages with developmental disabilities, with an emphasis on those age 50 years and older. Our goal is to assist individuals in maintaining their independence and support them in continuing to be active members of their communities.. Available Supports
Education
AADD staff educates individuals, families, caregivers, employers, support workers, professionals and
the community, in the varying issues and needs facing the aging with developmental disabilities population. Education is an essential element in ensuring that needs are recognized, understood, and met. AADD staff provides education through seminars, speaking engagements, an annual conference, and individual assistance and referral services to both individuals aging with disabilities and developmental disability organizations. Department of Mental Health Services
Through Medicaid Waiver contracts with the Department of Mental Health, AADD provides individualized one-on-one support to individuals in accessing their community. These services provide the individual, as well as their family members, with the supports needed to maintain maximum independence in their home and community. Retirement Support - Individual
A person with a developmental disability, like anyone else, has the option of retirement from their life in the workforce. However, individuals with a developmental disability may not look forward to retirement. The reasons vary, but include economic loss, loss of socialization and friendships, isolation, and boredom. AADD staff work individually with our consumers to assist with this transition from employment to a fulfilling retirement. Staff conduct individualized assessments and develop transition plans. Transition plans are driven by the wants and needs of the individual, with input from family members and others who know the person well. Each retirement plan is custom designed and may also include supports for family members. Retirement Support - Group
One option in meeting the needs of individuals in retirement is participation in a support group. Senior support groups meet at local senior centers and provide opportunities to learn about issues important to seniors, socialize with others of similar backgrounds, and develop lasting, caring, supportive relationships. AADD staff support our consumers with participating in these groups. Supported Living
The Supported Living Program teaches independent living skills and supports individuals in developing and maintaining the skills needed to succeed in independent living. This service is available to adults (age 18 and over) with a developmental disability living in St. Louis City. Social Clubs
Social Clubs is a large group socialization program that meets on Saturday nights and is open to adults (age 21 and over) with a developmental disability who reside in St. Louis City and County (specific eligibility requirements vary by funder). Participants in Social Clubs have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, including dances, bowling, movies, out to eat, wrestling, plays and musicals. AADD Challenges Unlimited
Challenges Unlimited is a group recreation program that meets after work and is open to adults (age 21 and over) with a developmental disability who reside in St. Participants have the opportunity to participate in health and fitness classes, learn new skills, and attend community activities. For additional information, please contact the Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities by phone at (314) 647-8100.
06/22/2026
Mark your calendar for AADD’s annual Trivia Night on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Bishop DuBourg High School! Gather your smartest friends, form a team of 8 for just $200 per table, and get ready for a night of friendly competition, laughter, a little music, and a chance to show off your trivia prowess. To secure your spot, register and pay at https://bit.ly/2026AADDTriviaNight. Doors open at 6pm, trivia starts at 7pm. Don't miss out on this fantastic evening for a great cause. We can't wait to see you there!
06/19/2026
AADD is so proud of this Senior Hot Shot (pictured left), who was recently recognized and invited to speak at Gateway Michael School’s Centennial Celebration, where he reflected on the impact that the school had on his life.
06/17/2026
Enjoy an ice cold root beer with friends to celebrate root beer day!
06/03/2026
At its May board meeting, the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB) approved a $48,065 investment in AADD's Retirement Support Programs. AADD thanks the DDRB Board of Directors and Staff for this investment, and we look forward to continue proudly serving St. Charles County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
Learn more about DDRB at DDRB.org.
06/03/2026
At its May board meeting, the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County (PLB) approved a $144,428 investment in AADD's Retirement Support Programs and its Social Clubs Program. AADD thanks the PLB Board of Directors and Staff for this investment, and we look forward to continue proudly serving St. Louis County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
In FY27, PLB approved $31,787,562 in total community investments supporting more than 4,600 individuals and families across St. Louis County. These publicly funded services help residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live more independently and participate fully in their communities.
Learn more about PLB at PLBoard.com.
06/03/2026
At its May board meeting, the St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources (DD Resources) approved a $954,855 investment in AADD’s Retirement Support and Circle of Friends Programs for older adults, as well as its ISLA (Supported Living), Challenges Unlimited, Social Clubs, and System Navigation programs. AADD thanks the DD Resources Board of Directors and Staff for this investment, and we look forward to continue proudly serving St. Louis City residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
In FY27, DD Resources approved $7,654,593 in total community investments supporting almost 1,600 individuals and families across St. Louis City. These publicly funded services help residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live more independently in an inclusive community that maximizes individual abilities.
Learn more about DD Resources at STLDD.org
05/29/2026
Physical activity is essential to good health. No matter how you choose to move, daily activity supports strength, balance, and independence. This Older Americans Month and beyond, champion your health by staying active.
05/28/2026
Kathy Farache, AADD’s Assistant Director, was honored yesterday at the Senior Fund of St. Louis City's Partner Recognition & Awards Reception as the 2025 Recipient of the Professional in Aging Award. This award recognizes a person who demonstrates commitment and passion for serving older adults in the City of St. Louis through their professional work. Pictured left to right: William Siedhoff, Senior Fund of St. Louis City's Board Member; Kathy Farache; and Pamela Merkle, Executive Director of AADD.
05/22/2026
Moving more, eating well, and staying socially connected all contribute to overall well-being. At AADD, we support small, consistent steps that promote lifelong health.
05/15/2026
Championing your health involves being proactive — making healthy choices, staying active, and taking steps to prevent problems before they start. This May, stay engaged in decisions that support long-term health and independence.
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