News & Blogs
November 24, 2025
Elastic in Our Pants … A Quirky but Fitting Metaphor
Elastic in Our Pants … A Quirky but Fitting Metaphor 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… Read More
November 17, 2025
Listening Beyond the Labels: The Evolution of Disability Services and the Power of Choice
Listening Beyond the Labels: The Evolution of Disability Services and the Power of Choice 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… Read More
September 17, 2025
The Value of Together
The Value of Together 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… Read More
August 19, 2025
Back-to-School for Children with IDD: A Guide for Families Seeking Smooth Transitions
Back-to-School for Children with IDD: A Guide for Families Seeking Smooth Transitions 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… Read More
July 25, 2025
Times Like These, Opportunities Abound.
Times Like These, Opportunities Abound. Written by Sandi Gerdes Executive Director of Laura Baker Services Association. When times are tough, it’s easy to be turtle-like and pull into our shell, waiting for danger to pass and better times to come. That reaction can be seen as safer. Is it? What… Read More
July 3, 2025
When the System Fails: The Consequences of Ignoring Behavioral Health in IDD
When the System Fails: The Consequences of Ignoring Behavioral Health in IDD As healthcare leaders, we strive to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. Yet for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), our systems often fall short, especially when it comes to behavioral health. While we readily address physical needs, behavioral… Read More
June 27, 2025
From PCA to CFSS: What Minnesota Families Need to Know – and How Laura Baker Services Association Can Help
From PCA to CFSS: What Minnesota Families Need to Know – and How Laura Baker Services Association Can Help At Laura Baker Services Association, we understand that change – especially in complex care systems – can feel overwhelming. That’s why our Family Navigation Services are here to walk alongside you… Read More
May 21, 2025
Bridging the Gap – Why mental health care often overlooks people with IDD
Bridging the Gap – Why mental health care often overlooks people with IDD As someone who has worked in the mental health arena in multiple states for nearly 40 years, I have a vast knowledge of our mental health systems, services, clientele, etc. I am pleased to see that mental… Read More
May 14, 2025
From Referral to Results: How to Navigate Behavioral Health Services
From Referral to Results: How to Navigate Behavioral Health Services When and how should a person determine if they need behavioral health services? The process of determining the need for mental health care varies from person to person. Many people seek out care on their own, and others have a… Read More
May 9, 2025
Laura Baker Services Association Launches New Behavioral Support Service
Laura Baker Services Association Launches New Behavioral Support Service Behavioral Support Services will provide person-centered behavioral support for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are experiencing behavioral issues. Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), one of the oldest providers of housing and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental… Read More