South Dakota Parent Connection

06/05/2026

Your Voice Matters!

The Council has created draft goals for its next State Plan and wants to hear from you. This is your chance to share your thoughts and help shape future services and supports for people with disabilities and their families in South Dakota.

The public comment period is open through June 15, 2026.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your feedback. Every comment helps!

Submit your comments here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JB3DX6X

Need a paper copy or have questions?
[email protected]
605-773-6369

Thank you for helping make a difference for South Dakota families and individuals with disabilities.

06/05/2026

Join the ECCS Touchpoints Webinar Series on June 9 at Noon Central to learn about Avera Healthy Start and how it helps families before, during, and after pregnancy. This free webinar will be presented by Jessica Seiler from the Avera Research Institute.

Participants will learn:
- What the Healthy Start program is
- Why maternal and infant health matters in South Dakota
- How families can get support with prenatal care, mental health, housing, transportation, and more

Healthy beginnings can make a big difference for children and families. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about resources that support healthy moms, healthy babies, and healthy communities.

📅 June 9, 2026
🕛 Noon Central
📝 Register here: https://sdcpcm.com/events/eccs-touchpoints-0609/

06/04/2026

South Dakota Parent Connection staff are busy sharing information and supporting families at the 17th annual Lighting the Way Autism Conference in Sioux Falls.

Betsy Drew, Outreach Specialist with South Dakota Parent Connection, presented a session on Section 504. Participants learned what Section 504 is, why it is important in schools, who may qualify for services, what supports can be provided, and how a 504 Plan differs from an IEP.

We are proud to provide information, training, and support that helps families and professionals work together to help students succeed.

If you have questions on Section 504 for your child, please contact us at (605) 361-3171 or [email protected].

Serving South Dakota families since 1985.

05/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/CDSouthDakota/posts/pfbid0PVR6pYHYBTzUep82yarpr4zUD1amEamHgbKHdFtj8fjwcpXd8jEmjs2jd7khUEfYl?__cft__[0]=AZa8kVT__yYqOXsFDFkgA7hFhErVDznkB4bngXVBo3J2EM2E3Od3bMo5lZYknUjvgLezAw1uXAvJ-mpwz9Xeqmg1cVXeDtpVPXSoL18PVO_6jcf5fPGGY0NDrEdHeOUGw9BKnMHjjJasYot6lzxFFkfdu5cJYeVXNQ0oPH_S7EMGe86ihCrnaHUsufpZWpnCZkM&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Join us for the 5th annual Run Walk & Roll on Saturday, September 12, 2026! This inclusive event welcomes people of all ages and abilities for a day focused on health, wellness, and community connection across South Dakota.

Choose from a timed 5K or a FREE 1-mile fun run, walk, and roll. The event will also feature yoga in the park, a mascot race, food trucks, and more fun for the whole family.

This year’s event highlights the importance of early childhood development and the impact of early identification, intervention, and support.

Schedule of Events:
• 8:00 AM – Packet pick-up & yoga/stretching
• 9:00 AM – 5K start
• 9:45 AM – Yoga/stretching
• 10:00 AM – Mascot race & 1-mile fun run, walk & roll
• 12:00 PM – Event concludes

Discounts available for groups of 3 or more. Kids 12 and under participate for just $25. Register by August 24 to guarantee your event shirt size!

Register here:https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/SiouxFalls/CenterforDisabilitiesRunWalkRoll?fbclid=IwY2xjawR4CkxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLZHMybmpWYUxWTUpNbjZic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlDykyIobnCdT1u7_Ero9JfrtwEbTn2hJBrqd8pblFb9DubWbmcSsLfZeO8o_aem_rvBefYepMdXm1eASkqFvng

05/28/2026

Courtney from South Dakota Parent Connection will be there to share information and resources. Stop by if you have questions.

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 [email protected] 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.