Are You Ready?

Do you have questions on what comes next? How can you help make sure that your child is preparing for the next step in life? South Dakota Parent Connection, in partnership with the Sioux Falls School District, is offering young adults with disabilities, together with their parent(s) or family members a series in Sioux Falls. This series will be held Monday evenings beginning March 20th and go through April 17th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

This in person, five-session series presents an overview of resources for transition planning and is designed to give families of young adults, ages 15 to 19, with disabilities information to help them navigate systems and move forward in positive, productive ways.

Young Adults Will:

• gain skills for using their voice to communicate, to speak up, and take control of their lives
• understand the importance of making connections and building relationships
• build goals for the future based on their strengths, values, and interests
• learn how to make a plan for moving to the future
• get tips for finding and working with agencies that can give support

Parents/Family Members Will:

• learn how their role in their child's life is changing from being in control and making choices for them to becoming their "guide on the side" as the young adult become self-determined
• get tips for teaching their young adult how to speak up that will allow them to make their own choices and decisions
• gain tools and strategies for making positive plans for the future
• learn how to support their young adult to navigate successfully through agencies and disability support systems

Contact South Dakota Parent Connection or (800) 640.4553 with any questions

Registration Required by March 16, 2023

Make A Difference

Have you ever been involved in a group that was not effective? Perhaps you have wanted to participate but lacked the confidence to jump in. South Dakota Parent Connection is offering a series for family members who want to become more involved and effective in group settings starting April 4th through April 18th.

This virtual, three-part series will help you gain skills, strategies, and greater understanding to help you confidently and actively participate in a decision-making group.

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.

March 14 - 15, 2023 - 2023 SD Special Education Conference: This annual conference provides a unique experience to gather with South Dakota educators, related service providers, and parents. This in person event allows participants to learn about evidence-based innovations, educational trends leading towards best practices, and provide practical solutions for special education classrooms. Event is sold out.

March 20, 27, April 3, 10, and 17, 2023 - Shift Transition Sessions: South Dakota Parent Connection is offering these sessions to provide transition information and resources to parents and young adults with disabilities.

At this time, Shift is open to Sioux Falls School Districts only. To inquire about future offerings, please send an email to: [email protected].

March 23, 2023 - Anger Management for Youth: A free interactive training for youth to learn strategies to identify and cope with their anger in healthier ways.

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.

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.

June 13 - 14, 2023 - Midwest Conference on Deaf Education: The mission of this conference is to provide professional development opportunities to individuals who work with deaf and hard-of-hearing youth,

birth to 21.

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.