Thursday, April 21st
Understanding 504 Plans & Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

In this session, participants will understand the difference between services and supports under IDEA through an Individual Education Plan or under Section 504 through a 504 Plan.

Thursday, April 28th
Understanding Accommodations & Modifications

Participants will learn about accommodations and modifications in education and the impact these have on students and their families.



Thursday, May 5th
Transition

In this session, participants will review requirements for transition planning on the IEP, changes in graduation requirements they need to be aware of, and resources that may be beneficial as their student transitions from school to adult life.

SD ADVISORY PANEL FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IS SEEKING PANEL MEMBERS

Special Education Programs is currently seeking applicants to fill openings for individuals with disabilities and/or parents of children with disabilities, ages birth through 26.
 
What is the role of a panel member?
  • Advise the State Educational Agency (SEA) of unmet needs within the State in the education of children with disabilities
  • Comment publicly on any rules of regulations proposed by the state regarding the education of children with disabilities
  • Advise the SEA in developing evaluations and reporting on data
  • Advise the SEA in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in federal monitoring reports
  • Advise the SEA in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities
  • Review and comment on final due process hearing findings and decisions
  • Advise on eligible students with disabilities in adult prisons. The SDAPCD shall also advise on the education of eligible students with disabilities who have been convicted as adults and incarcerated in adult prisons (optional)
 
How do I become a member?
Please submit the attached application to Special Education Programs at SD Department of Education, Special Education Programs, ATTN: Melissa Bothun, 800 Governors Dr., Pierre, SD 57501. Applications and question may also be emailed to: [email protected]
CALL FOR GOVERNOR'S AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Governor's Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and employers for their significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities. The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Statewide Independent Living Council sponsor the annual Governor's Awards. Nomination Categories: Distinguished Service, Outstanding Individual with a Disability, Outstanding Employee with a Disability, Outstanding Employer of the the Year (3 Categories), Outstanding Transition Services.

Nominations are due May 2.
2022 WORK INCENTRIVES TRAINING
IN-PERSON STATEWIDE

This training is designed to dispel myths about working and the impact on disability programs. Information will be provided on:

  • Social Security eligibility process.
  • How income from employment impacts eligibility for SSI and SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, and other public programs.
  • Social Security Work Incentives and how they can be utilized to support individuals with disabilities in employment.
  • Identifying and referring individuals who could benefit from the South Dakota Benefits Specialist Network.
Deadline for registration is April 1, 2022.
Each session is from
8 AM-4 PM

April 27: Yankton
May 3: Aberdeen
May 4: Watertown
May 10: Mitchell
May 12: Pierre
May 17: Rapid City
THE PENGUIN PROJECT- SIOUX FALLS

The Penguin Project developed with the intent of producing theatrical productions for children age 10 – 25 with All Abilities. What is unique about this specific design is that all roles are filled by young thespians with developmental disabilities. Each young thespian in the cast will be paired with a dedicated “peer mentor” of similar age but with different abilities. Through a four month rehearsal period to the final performances, they work side by side to bring their characters and the show to life. The Penguin Project brings to light that the challenges of a disability should not impede a young artist’s ability to engage in all of life’s experiences. Starting August 2022, The Premiere Playhouse and The Penguin Project will bring to the stage a modified yet full production of Annie Jr.

Parent Meeting: March 31st @ 6:30 PM at the Orpheum Theatre Center

Production Dates: August 12th – 14th, 7 PM at The Orpheum Theatre Center Mainstage Theatre, Sioux Falls
APPLY FOR FAMILY LEADERSHIP GROUP TODAY

Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Family Leadership Group will provide input and direction to the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems work taking place in South Dakota.  To qualify, members must have a child under 5 or have accessed early childhood systems within the last five years. Selected members will receive a stipend for participating. 
LUNCHTIME FUNCTIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS

SDSD Outreach is offering a functional sign language class for families and professionals of children who are deaf or hard of hearing! Join us in learning sign language vocabulary related to various themes while you eat lunch! Classes are offered at no cost via Zoom.

4 Tuesdays, April 19-May 10
11:00-11:30 am MT/12:00-12:30 pm CT
OR
11:30 am-12:00 pm MT/12:30-1:00 pm CT
NOW AVAILABLE! VIDEOS FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ON CHILD & ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH

These videos provide insight on concrete strategies for practicing positive parenting to foster healthy child development and promote positive mental health. 

The video guide, Nurturing Child and Adolescent Development and Mental Health, provides a quick overview of the content of each video and supplemental resources.

The video guide and videos are all available on the Project AWARE webpage under “Parent/Caregiver Resources”. The videos were made possible through Project AWARE funds in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Education, South Dakota Department of Social Services, and South Dakota State University.
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 US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.