South Dakota Department of Human Services

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!

07/25/2026

The South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities wants to hear from you!

We’re updating the Family Support 360 (FS 360) Waiver, and we're inviting families, caregivers, and advocates to share their experiences and ideas. Tell us what's working, what could be better, and what would make the biggest difference for you and your family.

Choose the in-person or virtual session that works best for you:

• Wednesday, July 29, at 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time at Black Hills Works (3650 Range Road in Rapid City)

• Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time via Zoom: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/94153260835

• Tuesday, August 4, at 6:30 p.m. Central Time at the Glo Hotel (1211 Darryl Place in Sioux Falls)

If you need an accommodation to participate in the listening sessions, please contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities at least 48 hours before the session you’d like to attend.

Call 605-773-3438 or email [email protected]

07/24/2026

Join us next Wednesday 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) on Wednesday, July 29, 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!

07/16/2026

Looking for personalized support to build your skills and your confidence?

Beginning this September, the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind is introducing "Specialty Fridays"!

Meet one‑on‑one with our expert instructors in Home Management, Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Communications, and Low Vision services. 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. Scheduling will start August 3rd so please call ahead.

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

06/16/2026

Coaches and athletes from the South Dakota Developmental Center made the trek from Redfield to Spearfish to take part in the 2026 Special Olympics South Dakota State Summer Games.

Along with bringing home an impressive collection of medals and ribbons, the athletes enjoyed the excitement of the games, reconnected with old friends, met new friends, and picked up some great swag and good food along the way.

Congrats to our SDDC athletes Elio Rodriguez, Laura Beth Malehorn, Royal Shangreaux, and Jeremy Schroer! We’re so proud of you. You all did terrific!

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”."

04/27/2026

What a great evening in Spearfish!

The Division of Developmental Disabilities brought together DHS staff, self-advocates, families, and providers for a relaxed night of conversation, idea sharing, and connection.

A big thank you to everyone who attended the social, and to the Northern Hills Training Center for co-hosting and providing such a welcoming space. We’re grateful for the connections made and the relationships that continue to grow.