South Dakota Department of Human Services

09/02/2026

More than 30 young adults with disabilities attended the South Dakota Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a leadership experience held on the Northern State University campus in Aberdeen this summer!

Throughout the week, students discovered their strengths, developed leadership and communication skills, learned about disability rights and the legislative process, and made great memories and connections along the way.

Each year, DHS’s Vocational Rehabilitation program teams up with Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP) to bring up to 50 high school students with disabilities together for this powerful leadership experience. A huge "Thank You" to the South Dakota Department of Education/Special Education Programs, The Center for Disabilities of SD, and South Dakota Parent Connection for also helping make this year's YLF unforgettable.

🎥 Check out the video for a glimpse into an amazing week of leadership, growth, and connection!

08/31/2026

“Specialty Fridays” begin this Friday at the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind!

If you have a visual impairment and are looking for personalized support to build your skills and your confidence, our Specialty Fridays give you the opportunity to work one‑on‑one with our expert instructors in Home Management, Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Communications, and Low Vision. Whether you want help with one specific skill or prefer to meet with several of our specialists in one morning, we’ll tailor the experience to your goals.

Appointment times are available every Friday at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m.

Appointments are required.

To learn more or to schedule your Specialty Friday appointment, call the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind at 605-367‑5260

08/28/2026

Rapid City job seekers, your next meaningful career could be here!

Join a team that helps people with disabilities build independence, discover opportunities, and thrive. Enjoy great benefits, steady hours, and work you can feel proud of every day.

Learn more and apply today at https://css-stateofsouthdako-prd.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/Jobs/form/JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%281,37250,1%29.JobPostingDisplay?navigation=JobPosting%5BJobPostingSet%5D%281,37250,1%29.JobPostingDisplayNav&csk.JobBoard=EXTERNAL&csk.HROrganization=1

Join a team that helps people build independence, discover opportunities, and thrive. The South Dakota Department of Human Services is hiring in the Rapid City office!

If you're someone who enjoys supporting others, working collaboratively, and growing your skills in a mission‑driven environment, this could be the perfect fit.

Enjoy great benefits, steady hours, and the chance to be part of a statewide effort that empowers individuals every day.

Apply now:
https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4OV

08/24/2026

Yankton Summer Social!

Our Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is heading to Yankton! Join us Wednesday, August 26, for a summer social hosted by DDD and co-hosted with Ability Building Services (ABS).

This is a chance to meet and connect with DDD staff, self-advocates, providers, families, and others in the community. Stop by to ask questions, share your ideas, or simply enjoy some time together!

When: Wednesday, August 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. Central Time
Where: Ability Building Services (ABS) at 909 W 23rd Street in Yankton

RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBZZSRC

We’d love to see you there! Come make connections, meet new people, and be part of the conversation.

08/19/2026

Summer Social in Chamberlain!

Come join us This Thursday for a Summer Social with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)! Co-hosted with Dakota Milestones, this social is a great chance to connect with DDD staff, self-advocates, providers, families, and others in the community.

Ask questions. Share ideas! Or just come hang out, enjoy the company, and make connections.

When: Thursday, August 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Central Time
Where: American Creek Campground - 701 N Main St, Chamberlain

RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBZZSRC

Hope to see you there! Feel free to share and invite others who may want to join us.

07/29/2026

Join us TODAY for a Summer Social co-hosted by our Division of Developmental Disabilities and Black Hills Works!

Bring the whole family and connect with Division staff, self-advocates, providers, and other families in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Whether you have questions, want to meet new people, or simply enjoy a fun community gathering, we'd love to see you there.

We'll be at Black Hills Works (803 Sioux San Drive in Rapid City) today from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

Enjoy carnival-style games, educational booths, Black Hills Works program showcases, and food from two local food trucks. Don’t miss activities and displays from Nutritional Services, Employment Services, the Suzie Cappa Art Program, and Flutter Productions.

Please RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J67MHPQ

Check out the video from our previous Summer Social to see what it's all about!

We look forward to seeing you and your family there!

05/13/2026

Taking charge of your health means staying informed, asking questions, and making choices that work for you. During Older Americans Month, the Department of Human Services (DHS) highlights the supports available to help South Dakota residents age at home and stay engaged in their communities.

Dakota at Home, a resource provided by DHS, helps older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers find information about long-term services and connects them to programs that can support independent living and community engagement.

Learn more: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/dakota-at-home

05/01/2026

May is Older Americans Month, and DHS is proud to join the Administration for Community Living (ACL) in celebrating the older adults who strengthen our communities every day.

This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” encourages older adults to take an active role in managing their health, advocating for themselves, and making informed decisions that support independence.

Throughout May, we’ll be sharing information, resources, and tips to help you or your loved ones stay empowered and connected.

Learn more about the services our Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) offers for older adults and their caregivers at: https://dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss

04/29/2026

We’re excited to share that Cassie Lindquist, Adult Protective Services Program Administrator with DHS, is featured in the April 2026 APS Technical Assistance Resource Center SPARC e-newsletter!

Cassie’s leadership and dedication to strengthening Adult Protective Services continue to make a meaningful impact in South Dakota. In her role, Cassie supports staff, coordinates services, and protects vulnerable adults.

Learn more about Cassie's impact in “A Day in the Life of an APS Program Administrator”:

APS Blog

04/28/2026

Congratulations to our very own Carrie Geppert!

As the Family Support Waiver Manager for our Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), she’s been a strong advocate for South Dakotans, helping families access critical supports, strengthening programs, and elevating the voices of those she serves. Her leadership and commitment to inclusion make a difference every day.

On Saturday, April 25th, the Board for DRSD presented the 2026 Robert J. Kean Advocacy Award recipient to Mrs. Carrie Geppert in recognition of her many years of advocacy, dedication, and lifting others up — from her impactful work with Disability Rights South Dakota to her leadership with the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Carrie has, and continues to be, a powerful voice for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She continues to champion connection, inclusion, and family empowerment across our state.
Her advocacy is both professional and personal—as a mother, she brings lived experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to everything she does.
Carrie is a trusted leader, colleague, and friend whose impact will be felt for years to come. Please join us in celebrating this exceptional advocate and champion for families!

Carrie was unable to attend the event, so accepting the award on her behalf were Brett Spencer (Director of DD) and her daughter Caj'monai. Carrie expressed, "The Robert J. Kean award really belongs to Caj’monai… as she is my “Why”."