The Center for Disabilities of SD

11/20/2025

For 50 years, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been a lifeline for children, families, and educators. It’s more than a law—it’s a promise of equity, inclusion, and opportunity. Celebrate IDEA’s 50th anniversary by standing up for its continued protection.

11/20/2025

Just the facts, Jack!

Our team loves and thrives on data. Every day, we work to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families across South Dakota, throughout the region, and nationally. We do this through programs, partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement that highlight the strengths and contributions of people with disabilities.

We believe that everyone can achieve independence, self-determination, productivity, and full community inclusion. Our commitment is to help build a brighter future for people with disabilities, their families, and the workforce that supports them.

Here’s a look at some of our numbers from Fiscal Year 2025:

- Continuing Education & Training = 4,891
- Technical Assistance = 3,214 hrs
- Direct Clinical Services = 2,789 individuals & families served
- Research & Evaluation = 107 publications & presentations
- Information Dissemination = 54,448

Thank you for being part of our journey! We greatly appreciate it!

South Dakota Gives

11/19/2025

Don't forget to register for our training, 'The Proactive IEP: Avoiding Pitfalls from Evaluation to Implementation'? Save your spot today!

This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, parents, caregivers, and graduate students interested in learning more about the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process from start to finish. This course provides an in-depth, practice-focused exploration of the IEP process with an emphasis on proactive planning, legal compliance, and dispute prevention. Through six targeted sessions, students will examine common pitfalls and high-conflict areas in special education, learning how to anticipate challenges and implement strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Participants will develop competencies in IEP development, service implementation, placement decisions, parent collaboration, eligibility evaluation, and behavior intervention planning. Legal and ethical responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and South Dakota-specific regulations are addressed throughout.

Cost: $40

Location: Virtual through Zoom

Dates/Times:
- January 21st at 4:00-6:30 PM
- February 4th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- February 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- March 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- April 8th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- April 22nd at 4:00-6:30 PM

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proactive-iep-avoiding-pitfalls-from-evaluation-to-implementation-tickets-1704293019299?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawOLB1FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZaUpPbTBTTzFWYVFlbksyc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlitLDA066qTipPd5eadgB5LDG8I4XipeLbnEoZXix0usvQrOIVRIn1lnbIJ_aem_yngxeZSWlftgIwVTwp4fTg

11/18/2025

Fifty years ago, IDEA changed everything—guaranteeing that every child with a disability has the right to a free and appropriate public education. This landmark law continues to shape lives every day. Let’s honor its legacy and protect its future.

11/17/2025

Happening this weekend!

For more information on this community resource-sharing event for families with Native American children with disabilities, please contact Val Husby at 605-201-2197 or at littleone84@yahoo.com.

11/12/2025

Learn more about the Sioux Falls Noon Sertoma Club playground plans!

Join the Sioux Falls Noon Sertoma Club on December 9th to learn more about their plans for the Sertoma Legacy Playground!

See more details below and here: https://www.noonsertoma.com/project/park-project.

11/12/2025

Did you hear our annual Charitable Giving Tree is up?

We would love for you to come choose a tag to supply a gift for a family who could use a little support this year. Please return your unwrapped gift with the tag (from this tree below) to Melissa or Samantha in the Center for Disabilities reception area no later than December 1.

Help spread some Holiday joy with us!

11/10/2025

Join a FREE LEGO Build at We Rock The Spectrum - Sioux Falls! See details below.

🧱✨ You’re invited to a FREE LEGO Build at We Rock The Spectrum – Sioux Falls! 🎉

Join us on Tuesday, November 11th from 9:00–10:00 AM for a morning of creativity and fun, sponsored by Bricks & Minifigs Sioux Falls! Our friends from DakotAbilities will be building with us, too, and we would love some volunteers to help us build🙌

Come build, play, and make new friendships. All ages & abilities welcome! 💙

11/06/2025

Inclusive Employer Spotlight: Buddies & Co.

In this video, we share the story of Buddies & Co., explaining how the organization was founded, the passion and purpose behind its creation, and the meaningful impact it continues to have in the local community. Viewers will learn how Buddies & Co. is creating inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, promoting independence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. We highlight their commitment to building a supportive workplace, the challenges they have overcome, and the incredible difference they are making in the lives of the people they employ and serve.

View here: https://youtu.be/vS6TQnDdnHg

11/06/2025

Have you registered for our training, 'The Proactive IEP: Avoiding Pitfalls from Evaluation to Implementation'? Save your spot today!

This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, parents, caregivers, and graduate students interested in learning more about the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process from start to finish. This course provides an in-depth, practice-focused exploration of the IEP process with an emphasis on proactive planning, legal compliance, and dispute prevention. Through six targeted sessions, students will examine common pitfalls and high-conflict areas in special education, learning how to anticipate challenges and implement strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Participants will develop competencies in IEP development, service implementation, placement decisions, parent collaboration, eligibility evaluation, and behavior intervention planning. Legal and ethical responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and South Dakota-specific regulations are addressed throughout.

Cost: $40

Location: Virtual through Zoom

Dates/Times:
- January 21st at 4:00-6:30 PM
- February 4th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- February 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- March 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- April 8th at 4:00-6:30 PM
- April 22nd at 4:00-6:30 PM

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proactive-iep-avoiding-pitfalls-from-evaluation-to-implementation-tickets-1704293019299?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawN5nl5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKT2ZINk1tZmF1ck5mcFpSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHka90EusBrOPqzYFvyZAOFjZ3N22AoGVwFgQSn7ZuhGdQhWsifv-Ufx8JKKc_aem_Jx7l7sBhCftnp7sIeCjS-Q

11/05/2025

Project Nape Wicozani Yahu (Hands that Bring Well-Being) is inviting families of Native American children, ages birth to 14, with disabilities, to participate in a needs assessment. Your input is incredibly valuable. Please take the survey using the link below. Please share it with others.