Come Have Fun

South Dakota Parent Connection recognizes how important it is for kids to be kids. That is why we are hosting a Sibshop. These are lively, pedal-to-the-metal events where kids will:

• Meet other sibs (usually for the first time)
• Have fun
• Talk about the good & not-so-good parts of having a sibling with special needs with others who “get it”
• Play some great games
• Explore how other brother and sisters handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters
• Laugh
• Learn about the services their brothers and sister receive
• Have some more fun!

This is a FREE program designed specifically for brothers and sisters aged 8-12 of children with special needs.

This event provides siblings of children with special needs an opportunity for peer support in a relaxed, recreational setting. During this time we will enjoy games/ information activities, food, and swimming!

Alphabet Soup

ADA. 504. IDEA. There are three major federal laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. What do these mean and what do each of these laws do? These are questions we hear all the time from the families we serve. That is why South Dakota Parent Connection created a brief to help you understand the meanings and differences between them. This new parent brief can be found and downloaded from our website.

Still Time

We are so impressed with the response to our invitation for additional volunteers to our Board of Directors and have enjoyed meeting several several wonderful individuals from across our great state. If you are looking for a fulfilling volunteer role, there is a place for you at South Dakota Parent Connection.

The South Dakota Parent Connection Board is comprised of talented individuals who serve in various capacities based on interest, talent and expertise. If you are looking for an experience where you can help strengthen families across South Dakota, please contact Dr. Carla Miller at (605) 361.3171 or cmiller@sdparent.org.

Upcoming Opportunities

Here are some educational opportunities offered by South Dakota Parent Connection and by other organization's that can help support South Dakota families. A complete list of events can be found on our website at ww.sdparent.org or Facebook page.

April 4, 11, and 18, 2023 - Serving on Groups That Make Decisions: A Workshop for Families: Gain skills, strategies, and greater understanding to help you confidently and actively participate in a decision-making group.

April 21, 2023 - Sibshop: This free event provides siblings of children with special health. mental health, and developmental needs an opportunity for peer support in a relaxed, recreational setting. During this time we will enjoy games, information activities, food, and swimming!

June 7 - 8, 2023 - 15th Annual Lighting The Way Autism Conference: The Augustana University Sharon Lust School of Education will host its 15th annual Lighting the Way Autism Conference at Memorial Middle School on Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8. The keynote speaker for June 7 will be Dr. Christine Reeve, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, special education consultant and expert on autism, and on June 8, the keynote speech will be delivered by Franne Sippel, Ed.D., and Becky Kuch, NCC, LPC-MH, the co-creators of Shrink Rap the Podcast. Stay tuned for more information on this year's event.

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, $93,175; 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 US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.