May 28, 2025

Make a Difference!

Do you have experience in special education or have helped others as a parent or family member of a child with a disability? South Dakota Parent Connection is looking for someone like you!

We are hiring a Training and Resource Specialist to help families across South Dakota. In this job, you will support parents by sharing helpful information, offering training, and making sure families feel heard and supported. If you care about making life better for children with disabilities and their families, this could be the perfect job for you!

If you’re ready to help others, share your knowledge, and grow with a caring team, apply today! 

https://sdparent.hireclick.com/jobboard/

Learn, Connect, and Grow

The Lighting The Way Autism Conference is a special event for families, teachers, and professionals who want to learn more about autism. The conference offers information, helpful ideas, and tools that can support people with autism from the time they are diagnosed all the way through adulthood. You’ll hear from experts and people with autism who share their stories and advice. It’s a great chance to learn how to better support and understand people with autism.

This year’s keynote speaker is Brian Bernard, also known as Brian Be. Brian is an autistic artist, speaker, and advocate who works to help others understand autism and disabilities. He shares his own story and shows how being yourself is a strength. Brian has worked with families, doctors, and community groups to teach people about acceptance and inclusion. His message is powerful: “Be yourself, quirks and all.”

Everyone is welcome at the Lighting The Way Conference—parents, caregivers, self-advocates, teachers, and community members. Whether you are just starting to learn about autism or have years of experience, this event offers something for everyone.

Registration closes June 1st, don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and grow!

Friday, June 6, 2025

8:00 am - 4:15 pm

Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD

Discover More

Are you ready to learn more about autism and how to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder? Come join us for Lighting The Way! This event is full of fun, learning, and inspiration for families, educators, and professionals. One exciting session you won’t want to miss is “Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders”. This session is perfect for people who are new to the autism community. You’ll learn about common traits of autism, behaviors you may see, and how different kinds of support can make a big difference.

But that’s just the beginning! You can also choose from other awesome sessions, like “Unlocking Communication”, where you’ll learn how to help your child find their voice, or “Messy Hands and Meaningful Words”, where you’ll discover how play can help with language learning. There are even sessions on mindfulness, advocacy, and how to use tools that make life easier at school and at home. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s something here for everyone.

We’ll also have helpful community resources and time to meet with other parents, educators, and professionals. We’ll end the day by watching a short, heartwarming film called “The Loop”, followed by a thoughtful discussion. Join us to connect, learn, and be inspired. Let’s light the way together!

Breakout Sessions

• Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
• ASD and Co-Occurring Conditions
• Advocacy…What’s in it for me?
• Utilizing the Charting the LifeCourse Trajectory for IEP Planning
• Mindful Skills and Strategies: A Pathway to Well Being
• Unlocking Communication: Where to Start and How to Support Your Child’s Voice
• On Track and On Time: Useful Tools for Tackling Executive Dysfunction
• Community Resources Panel Discussion
• Community Resiliency Model: Taking Care of Ourselves While We Take Care of Others
• Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Sensory Lifestyles to Support Wellness and Resiliency
• Messy Hands and Meaningful Words: Sensory Play as a Bridge to Communication
• State and Support Services Review: A Panel Discussion of Services
• Raising Voices Together: A Family Conversation on Self-Advocacy
• Loop'ing Together for Autism - Viewing of "The Loop" and Discussion

We’ll Help You Get There

Are you ready to come join us for the Lighting The Way Autism conference! We know that the cost of the conference can be hard for some families. That’s why South Dakota Parent Connection is offering a limited number of scholarships to help cover the registration fee. We believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, connect, and feel supported.

Contact South Dakota Parent Connection today to learn more about this opportunity by calling (605) 361-3171 or send an email to sdpc@sdparent.org.

Upcoming Events

Here are some events hosted by South Dakota Parent Connection as well as events we will be participating in. These opportunities provide valuable information, resources, and support for families across the state. Whether we are leading a workshop or collaborating with partners, our goal is to connect families with the tools and knowledge they need. Stay updated on all upcoming events by visiting our website or following us on Facebook.

June 6, 2025: Lighting The Way Autism Conference: This conference offers helpful information, resources, and solutions for success from diagnosis through adulthood. People who attend can hear from experts and self-advocates who share their experiences and knowledge. South Dakota Parent Connection has partnered with several community organizations with similar missions to provide this conference to parents and professionals.

June 7, 2025: Autism Walk: The Autism Walk is a fun event for everyone, especially families and people who care about autism. There will be live music, games, raffle prizes, and booths with helpful information. People can win scholarships and door prizes, and meet others in the community. It’s a great way to support and learn more about autism in a friendly and exciting place. South Dakota Parent Connection staff will be there to share information and resources to the walkers.

June 8 - 12, 2025: Youth Leadership Forum 2025: Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a five-day leadership training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities. It provides training in leadership, self -advocacy skills, and career awareness. Approximately 45 students throughout South Dakota are selected each year. South Dakota Parent Connection Outreach Specialist, Tina Kenser will be there, will you?

July 8 & 9, 2025: Transition Summer Institute: This fun and inspiring event is made for teachers and school staff who want to learn new ways to help students grow. You’ll hear from amazing speakers, including someone who talks about life with Down syndrome and a Lakota storyteller. Don't miss South Dakota Parent Connection staff, Betsy Drew and Kris Sellers, who are presenting again this year.

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by U.S. Department of Education, HRSA, HHS, or the Federal Government.