Not sure what to say or how to act around someone with a disability?  This site will open your eyes and help you understand what you really should know. People First Language  or click here People First Language on AchieveSD.org

 

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One Community. 
Regardless of our abilities or disabilities, we are One Community. We live, work, learn and grow together. There is no us or them. We all can pitch in to make our lives better so that we may all have the opportunity to live life without limits.

What can you do? 
- Make sure sidewalks are clear of snow, fix cracks and trim low hanging branches. If your neighbor can’t do these things, consider helping them. Removing obstacles to mobility allows everyone to move about to the best of their ability. 

- Remove barriers to those with limited mobility. Help neighbors with limited mobility with daily activities. Shop for their groceries, help them with yard work and cleaning around the house. Even little things like changing a light bulb maybe difficult for someone with limited mobility. 

- Provide opportunities. Even if you own a business or are in the position of hiring employees, consider those whose disability is not a liability. Look at what that person can do, not what they can’t do. 

- Support organizations in your community that provide opportunities and support for those with disabilities. 

- Know your neighbors. Adopt a neighbor, an apartment or a group home and provide a meal. Involve everyone in your neighborhood.

SSI - http://www.socialsecurity.gov/reach.htm  

Birth to 3 - http://doe.sd.gov/oess/Birthto3.asp

Transition
South Dakota Transition Services Liaison Project - http://www.tslp.org/  
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) http://www.ncset.org/publications/default.asp#parent  
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) http://www.nichcy.org  
Guardianship http://www.sdadvocacy.com/publications.asp?#4  
http://dhs.sd.gov/gdn/  
 

Independent Living Choices (ILC) (formerly Prairie Freedom Center) - http://www.ilcchoices.org  
Sioux Falls Disablilities Awareness Commission - 605-367-8745 http://www.siouxfalls.org/  
South Dakota Department of Human Services - http://dhs.sd.gov  
Parent Connection - http://www.sdparent.org/  
Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) - http://dhs.sd.gov/ddc/  
SD Advocacy - http://sdadvocacy.com  
Center for Disabilities - http://www.usd.edu/cd/  
Family Support - http://dhs.sd.gov/dd/Family/index.aspx  
SD Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities - 1-800-210-0143 (V/TDD) http://www.sd-ccd.org/  
National Association of Direct Support Professionals - http://www.nadsp.org  
Sioux Falls Paratransit - http://www.siouxareametro.org/paratransit.aspx 
Time 2 Shine - http://www.sfearlyintervention.org

Other resources:
South Dakota 2-1-1 A simple way to connect people with human services www.211sd.org
South Dakota Connect - http://www.sdconnect.sd.gov 
 

 http://dhs.sd.gov/dd/atcslist.aspx 
 

Freedom to Work Project 1-800-210-0143 http://ftw.sd-ccd.org
SD Division of Rehabilitation Services 605-773-3195 http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/  
Project Skills/CHOICES http://dhs.sd.gov/drs/projectskills/default.aspx  

 

http://www.state.sd.us/social/admnhearings/index.htm
http://www.state.sd.us/dhs/dd/family/FS%20Grievance%20Process.htm
http://doe.sd.gov/nclb/documents/NCLB_Complaint_Policy.pdf