The Center for Disabilities of SD

02/19/2026

Check out this program opportunity for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ages 2 through 5th grade, to see and hang out with others who are just like them. Learn more below.

This program is an opportunity for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ages 2 through 5th grade to see and hang out with others who are just like them. Classrooms are led by Teachers of the Deaf with support from support staff with Deaf and Hard of hearing experience.

SDSD is thrilled to share registration is open for our Hands in Motion Summer Program! Register here: https://forms.gle/VrNKQTZFgmzV5vqFA

The program will run from July 6 – July 31, Mondays through Fridays, 8:30-11:30 in Sioux Falls at John Harris Elementary. Your child does not have to attend the whole month – sign up for whatever works for their summer schedules.

This program is an opportunity for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ages 2 through 5th grade, to see and hang out with others who are just like them. Classrooms are led by Teachers of the Deaf with support from support staff with Deaf and Hard of Hearing experience.

Research shows that programs like this are important because they give students the chance to meet peers who communicate like them, helping them feel a sense of belonging and pride in who they are. Seeing other children who are D/HH and adults helps them build a strong self-identity and understand that they are not alone.

If your child is older, we welcome teens to volunteer to be that role model for the students. Reach out if your teen would be interested in volunteering for a day.

Reach out with any questions! Looking forward to another great summer!

02/18/2026

Our own Nikk Eining presented today at the Stronger Together: A Day for Su***de Prevention event in Brookings, South Dakota.

Her session focused on Trauma-Informed Care and the importance of creating environments that recognize the impact of trauma, promote safety, and foster healing.

We are proud to see this important work being shared in our communities and grateful to be part of conversations that strengthen support systems for all.

02/18/2026

Who will be at Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol next week? We will be! Make sure to stop by and say "Hi".

02/18/2026

Our own Ryan Groeneweg joined a powerful panel discussion yesterday alongside Vicki Kerkvliet Stewart, Angela Johnson Schoffelman, and Nichelle Lund.

A heartfelt thank you to Angela Drake and SME Sioux Falls for creating space for this important conversation.

Creating space to openly talk about disability is how change begins. By working together, we can break down barriers and shape workplaces that are accessible, inclusive, and stronger for everyone.

02/17/2026

Looking for a fun and entertaining night out with the family? Want to support the USD Center for Disabilities at the same time? Here’s your chance!

We’re excited to partner with the Sioux Falls Stampede for their Nonprofit Night on March 20 at 7:05 p.m. Come cheer on the Sioux Falls Stampede as they take on the Sioux City Musketeers!

When you purchase tickets through the link below, $5 from every ticket will be donated directly back to the USD Center for Disabilities.

Bring your friends. Invite your coworkers. Gather your family. Enjoy a great night of hockey while supporting a meaningful cause!

Please share to help us spread the word and pack the arena for a great cause!

Get your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/USDCenterForDisabilitiesMar20

Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club

02/17/2026

Have you signed up for this yet? Tonight is the first evening to join!

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/

02/11/2026

The Center for Rural Health Improvement at the University of South Dakota’s Sanford School of Medicine invites you to attend our Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Trainings:

Friday, May 1, 2026
The Monument Convention Center (444 Mt. Rushmore Rd N.)”
Rapid City, SD
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MT
Registration Due by April 20th

Thursday, May 14, 2026
USD Sanford School of Medicine’s Health Science Center (1400 W 22nd St.)
Sioux Falls, SD
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM+*
Registration Due by May 1st

Use this one link to register for either training. https://southdakota.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9yt1zMV24ycWZca

These free trainings will feature expert speakers with sessions primarily designed for physicians, medical learners, students, and healthcare professionals, especially for those working in a rural setting. While the content is medically and clinically focused, the trainings are open to anyone interested in learning more about opioid use disorder, substance use, and treatment and care management.

Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for both. Up to eight hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits will be for the Rapid City training. An application for CME credits is pending for Sioux Falls.

*Students: Opportunity to practice with a simulated patient clinical experience from 1 - 5pm in Sioux Falls training. Pre-Registration required

This training is funded in part by a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Provider’s Clinical Support System–Universities Grant.

For questions, contact crhi@usd.edu or (605) 357‑1561.

02/10/2026

Happening today!

DakotaLink 3-Part Webinar Series: Innovating Access with Assistive Technology

This series will help participants make informed decisions about implementing assistive technology for greater independence & access.

Session Description:
DakotaLink — South Dakota’s statewide assistive technology resource — offers services, evaluations, equipment demonstrations, and training to help individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals find and use the best technology solutions available. DakotaLink works with numerous devices and software tailored to a range of functional needs, from low vision to communication support and adaptive tools.

This webinar series brings together the latest in AI tools, low vision technology, and communication access solutions — blending practical demos, expert insights, and real-world strategies for students, adults, caregivers, educators, and service providers.

Participants will better understand how AI can support a wide range of access needs and how to evaluate AI tools for specific use cases.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on choosing and using low vision aids — both mainstream and specialized — enhancing access at home, school, work, and in the community.

Who Should Attend
- Individuals with disabilities and family members
- Educators, therapists, and support
- Service providers and caregivers
- Technology evaluators and transition specialists

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dakotalink-3-part-webinar-series-innovating-access-w-assistive-technology-tickets-1981340730461?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawP4OahleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYYU85NzFIeE9JZERSSEYzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHigM8yAzBxbXxqICWfyu6GHocYrNSwyROiCQg6r6VfV5l72Cw3mnghB6U1u1_aem_V0QWe2mLXge9QfrfvGIFsA

02/09/2026

Our Nikk Eining will be presenting at the Stronger Together event happening next week! See details below.

🚨 Stronger Together 2026 – Save the Date!
Join us on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 for Stronger Together: Building Assets for Brookings, A Day for Su***de Prevention💙 This FREE community-focused event brings people together to learn, connect, and support mental health and well-being across Brookings County.

📍 Dacotah Bank Center (824 32nd Ave, Brookings, SD) 🕗 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
🤝Hosted in partnership with Brookings Area United Way, Brookings County Mental Health Coalition, and Resilient Communities Brookings County.

Whether you’re a local leader, service provider, or community member, your voice matters in helping build supportive systems and resilience for all. 🔗Register here: https://brookingsunitedway.org/mentalhealthcoalition/

02/05/2026

DakotaLink 3-Part Webinar Series: Innovating Access with Assistive Technology

This series will help participants make informed decisions about implementing assistive technology for greater independence & access.

Session Description:
DakotaLink — South Dakota’s statewide assistive technology resource — offers services, evaluations, equipment demonstrations, and training to help individuals with disabilities, families, and professionals find and use the best technology solutions available. DakotaLink works with numerous devices and software tailored to a range of functional needs, from low vision to communication support and adaptive tools.

This webinar series brings together the latest in AI tools, low vision technology, and communication access solutions — blending practical demos, expert insights, and real-world strategies for students, adults, caregivers, educators, and service providers.

Participants will better understand how AI can support a wide range of access needs and how to evaluate AI tools for specific use cases.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on choosing and using low vision aids — both mainstream and specialized — enhancing access at home, school, work, and in the community.

Who Should Attend
- Individuals with disabilities and family members
- Educators, therapists, and support
- Service providers and caregivers
- Technology evaluators and transition specialists

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dakotalink-3-part-webinar-series-innovating-access-w-assistive-technology-tickets-1981340730461?aff=oddtdtcreator