SD Statewide Independent Living Council - SILC

02/27/2026

https://adata.org/educators-mini-unit

The “ADA Mini-Unit for High School Educators: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Reasons They Matter” is a collection of resources to give educators tools, including a PowerPoint presentation, to teach youth about the basics of the ADA. People of all ages have disabilities, and the ADA covers peo...

02/27/2026

Literacy Framework Workshops at TIE26! In addition to conference sessions, TIE26 will offer two half-day Literacy Framework workshops, scheduled across both days of the conference. Educators may attend one or both workshops, with dedicated time for hands-on planning, collaboration, and district-level literacy work. ELA-SD grantee districts may use grant funds to support attendance. Learn More: compass.bhssc.org/workshops

02/23/2026

Tuesday, February 24th =Disability Awareness Day - at the Capitol

02/23/2026

Introducing West Meets East: Access at Work — a monthly collaborative conversation series with Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart.

February 25, 2026
9:00 AM MT / 10:00 AM CT
Special Guest: Tony Russell, Lion Heart LLC

Our first conversation will focus on South Dakota’s 2026 Service Animal Legislation, including SB 81 and SB 82. Tony Russell, one of the authors of the legislation, will join the discussion to explain what changed and what employers need to know.

Live, interactive discussion
Practical employer guidance
Recorded for on-demand viewing




Image: Promotional graphic for ‘West Meets East: Access at Work,’ featuring a stylized map of South Dakota. The image highlights special guest Tony Russell of Lion Heart LLC with a photo of him and his service dog, and includes photos of moderators Heidi Mecham and Vicki Stewart

02/17/2026

Additional input is needed for the SILC's Community Survey - as responses are reviewed and considered with the development of the State Plan for Independent Living - please share!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

02/05/2026

Email from USD-Center for Disabilities January 2026 KODA KOLA KONA NEWSLETTER Oyáte Circle is a resource, education, outreach and training effort that serves Native Americans with disabilities in Sout

02/04/2026

02/04/2026

Vision and hearing loss can be difficult, particularly when experienced early in life. Join us as our own Ryan Groeneweg shares his journey toward acceptance in a powerful interview. We hope his story sheds light on how an invisible disability impacts the way he navigates daily life.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/kvjU9z_O3AU?si=QUaUyQf9JlZdjWKy

01/30/2026

The SILC needs a few more responses to their survey - please share with individuals with disabilities, family members and others. Input will be utilized in developing the next State Plan for Independent Living.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

01/27/2026

ATTENTION! Are you looking for an opportunity to level up your leadership and advocacy skills?

The SD Council on DD and the USD Center for Disabilities has come together to help provide an opportunity for individuals with I/DD, family members of individuals with I/DD, or professionals working with those who have I/DD (see eligibility section below) to attend this amazing 10-month long VIRTUAL series.

If you'd like to apply to be considered for one of the sponsorships, please email Jessica Lamb at jessica.lamb@state.sd.us to receive an application. Hurry - applications are due to back to the Council by February 6!

01/26/2026

South Dakota Parent Connection is excited to launch Families Together, a statewide virtual support group for parents and guardians of children and young adults with disabilities.

Each monthly session includes a short topic-based training followed by discussion and shared support from other parents across South Dakota.

🗓 Date: Third Tuesday of each month, beginning February 17, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:00 CT / 6:00-7:00 MT
📌 February Topic: Understanding the IEP Process
📧 Send IEP questions to kristau@sdparent.org

🔗 Sign up here: https://sdparent.org/event/families-together-support-group/