February 8, 2024

Low Vision Awareness Month

 Low vision is a term that is used by eye care professionals to indicate that a person has partial sight but their vision cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, surgery, or medication. If not completely blind, those with low vision find their ability to perform everyday activities limited.

Low Vision Awareness Month was founded with the idea that those with low vision deserve to have their needs met as well as raising awareness. For more information about eye health visit www.nei.nih.gov



South Dakota ParentConnection provides accessibility for those with low vision on our website. On the website, you will see a blue man icon located on the right-hand side. When you click on the icon, it offers different options to make adjustments to the content. Visit www.sdparent.org

New Membership Opportunities

The Developmental Disabilities Council, Family Support Council, Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Statewide Independent Living Council are seeking new members who are interested in impacting public policy for people with disabilities. Applications are due by February 23 or March 1 or open for applying at any time.

• DD Council Application
• Family Support Council Application
• Nomination Packet for BVR SILC

Hand Picked

At South Dakota Parent Connection, parents and professionals contact us to help answer questions they have. Here are some resources picked out by our staff to help answer some of the more commonly asked questions.



• When ADHD and Puberty Collide
• The Science of Power and Hope

Valentine's Day Fun Fact

The people who receive the most valentines each year are TEACHERS! Loved ones and schoolchildren are a close second.

Camp and Activity Scholarship

As you are thinking about different camps and activities your child wants to attend, the South Dakota Association for the Deaf has scholarships available for students who are deaf and hard of hearing between the ages of 10 and 21. Youth Scholarship Application and SDAD Youth Scholarship Program Guidelines

For more resources about activities and summer camps, visit www.sdparent.org

Upcoming Events

Here is a list of events offered by South Dakota Parent Connection and other organizations to help support South Dakota families. A complete list of events can be found on our website at www.sdparent.org or Facebook page.



• February 22, 2024 - State Plan for Independent Living- Public Forum: Statewide Independent Living is looking to solicit input on the Draft State Plan for Independent Living. The meeting will be held via Zoom Join Meeting. Written comments will also be accepted through February 23rd. Information is also located on the State's Boards/Commission's portal at State's Boards/Commission's Portal

• April 23-25, 2024 - 8th Annual Charting the LifeCourse Showcase 2024: Come together with the network of advocates, families, and professionals to explore how CtLC weaves together personal growth, community engagement, policy advancements, and technological innovations to promote self-determination and good lives for all. Learn more and register here.



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.