South Dakota Parent Connection

05/27/2026

Join us for a FREE Community Cook-Out in Kyle!

Come enjoy good food, meet new people, and learn about Vocational Rehabilitation services and your advocacy rights. South Dakota Parent Connection will be there to answer questions and provide resources to help your family.

This event is sponsored in partnership with Disability Rights South Dakota and is open to community members who want to learn more about supports and resources available to them and their families.

📅 May 29, 2026
📍 Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Hall – Kyle, SD
⏰ 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (or until the food is gone!)

05/27/2026

Some days are just hard. Parenting can feel exhausting, especially when you are trying your best to support your child’s needs, schoolwork, emotions, and daily routines.

But here’s the good news… tomorrow is a new chance to try again, learn together, and celebrate even the small wins.

You do not have to have all the answers, and you do not have to do it alone. South Dakota Parent Connection is here to support families every step of the way with resources, information, and encouragement.

You are doing important work — even on the tough days. Contact us at sdpc@sdparent.org or (605) 361-3171.

05/26/2026

ADHD and Driving: When Is a Teen Ready?

Learning to drive is a big milestone for teens and families. For teens with ADHD, parents may have extra questions about safety, focus, impulsivity, and readiness behind the wheel.

This helpful article from CHADD shares information about:
- Signs a teen may be ready to drive
- Reasons some teens may benefit from waiting longer
- Ways families can support safe driving skills
- Important conversations to have before getting behind the wheel

Every teen develops at their own pace, and it is okay to take extra time when needed.

Read the article here: ADHD and Driving: When Is a Teen Ready?

Learning to drive is a big milestone for teens and families. For teens with ADHD, parents may have extra questions about safety, focus, impulsivity, and readiness behind the wheel.

This helpful article from CHADD shares information about:
✅ Signs a teen may be ready to drive
✅ Reasons some teens may benefit from waiting longer
✅ Ways families can support safe driving skills
✅ Important conversations to have before getting behind the wheel

Every teen develops at their own pace, and it is okay to take extra time when needed. 💙

🔗 Read the article here: https://chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-news-caregivers/adhd-weekly-when-teens-can-start-driving-and-when-they-should-wait/?ct=t(EMAIL_Weekly_11_17_2022_247_COPY_01)&mc_cid=2b7c7c182f&mc_eid=a1eb687c69

05/25/2026

South Dakota Parent Connection offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

While our offices are closed, you can still visit our website for helpful resources, information, and support: https://sdparent.org/.

We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, May 27.

As we remember and honor those who served our country, we wish you and your family a safe holiday weekend.

05/22/2026

Caring for someone else starts with caring for yourself.

The FREE Building Better Caregivers workshop is designed to support family caregivers and care partners who are helping someone with a chronic condition.

Participants will learn:
- Ways to manage stress
- Tips for better communication
- Problem-solving strategies
- How to care for their own health and well-being while supporting others

This program offers encouragement, practical tools, and connection with others who understand the caregiving journey.

Learn more or register here:

Approximately 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to older adults with disabilities, the majority of whom also juggle a job or other responsibilities.

05/21/2026

Does your child or teen with ADHD struggle with sleep? You are not alone.

Sleep challenges can affect focus, emotions, behavior, learning, and daily routines for many children and teens with ADHD.

This FREE webinar from ADDitude Magazine will explore:
- Why sleep problems are common in ADHD
- How sleep impacts attention and behavior
- Practical strategies families can try at home
- Ways to support healthy sleep habits

This is a great opportunity for parents, caregivers, and professionals who support children and teens with ADHD.

🔗 Learn more and register here:

ADHD sleep problems cause neurodivergent kids and teens to struggle with sleep disturbances that impact attention, emotional regulation, and school perfor…

05/21/2026

South Dakota Educators — Your Voice Matters!

BEAM-SD is looking for input from educational professionals across South Dakota to help shape future FREE training, consultation, and resources that support children and adolescents with behavioral health needs.

This short survey will help BEAM-SD better understand the needs of educators and schools across our state.

- Anonymous responses
- Helps improve educator supports and resources
- Chance to win one of TWO $50 Amazon gift cards!

Survey closes May 22, 2026.

Please take a few minutes to share your feedback and help guide future supports for South Dakota educators and students.

Scan the QR code or use the survey link: https://southdakota.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IkV2DOLvoF77Vk

05/20/2026

FREE Summer Opportunity for Teens with Disabilities!

The 2026 Workplace Readiness Summer Program is a great way for South Dakota students ages 14–21 to build important skills for the future!

Students will learn about:
- Workplace readiness
- Social skills
- Self-advocacy
- Preparing for future jobs and independence

Dates: July 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, & 30, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM CT
Location: Online
Cost: FREE

This program is for students with disabilities who are still enrolled in secondary school. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions if possible.

To learn more or register:
Jon Wallner – jon.wallner@usd.edu | 605-357-1516
Emily Meier – emily.a.meier@usd.edu

05/14/2026

Don't miss out on this great conference.

Join us for a powerful two-day Autism Conference on June 4-5, 2026! The conference is great for parents, caregivers, self-advocates, educators, and professionals who support individuals on the spectrum.

🧠 Learn from expert speakers and self-advocates
🤝 Connect with community resources and support networks
💬 Gain practical tools to enhance communication, resilience, advocacy, and well-being

🗓 Date: Thursday & Friday, June 4-5, 2026
📍 Location: Augustana University
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM

🎤 Keynote speakers: Jesse Horn, sport stacking instructor, and David S. Geslak, president and founder of Exercise Connection.

🎯 Many breakout sessions across both days of the conference!

Let’s work together to build understanding, connection, and stronger support systems for individuals with Autism and their families. 💙

05/07/2026

Read the latest issue of weConnect to find information about:
- Navigator Program Celebrating 20 Years
- 17th Annual Lighting the Way Autism Conference
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Professional Educators Survey
- Upcoming Events
https://sdparent.org/weconnect

05/07/2026

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

At South Dakota Parent Connection, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible teachers who show up every day for their students.

Your long hours, dedication, and commitment do not go unnoticed. You go above and beyond—planning, adapting, encouraging, and supporting each student to help them succeed. You build relationships, create safe spaces, and make a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the classroom.

We see the heart you put into your work, and we are grateful for the difference you make in the lives of children and families across our state.

Thank you for all you do.