SIBSHOP BOOK STUDY

South Dakota Parent Connection is excited to offer a Virtual Sibshop Book Club, giving Sibs the chance to read Rules together along with other Sibs, share their own thoughts and experiences as they relate to having a sibling with a disability, and have some fun! 

Rules is written at a 4th-6th grade level, appropriate for ages 8-12 years old. We welcome any Sibs that are up for reading each week or can have a parent read to/with them each week.  

Book Club sessions will be held on Tuesdays for 1 hour starting at 5:15 PM T/4:15 PM MT for six weeks starting March 1st on Zoom.
(March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5) 
A NEW OUTLOOK TO CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR:
IN-PERSON SPEAKER AND "THE EXPLOSIVE CHILD" BOOK STUDY

Join us for a discussion with Kelly Oakley, speaker and educator, as she shares her insight on parenting a child with challenging behaviors, receiving a diagnosis, and learn tips on navigating new parenting strategies.

In-Person Speaker: 5:30-7:30 PM MT
February 15
One Heart, 217 Kansas City Street, Rapid City

In-Person Book Study "The Explosive Child": 5:30-7:30 PM MT
February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24
Rapid City YMCA Courtyard Cafe, 815 Kansas City Street, Rapid City
MICROSOFT DISABILITY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship will be awarded to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.
 
All completed applications must be submitted by March 15, 2022.
TY ESCHENBAUM FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarship is open to applicants diagnosed with a form of cancer or other major medical setback at any point during their life. Open to all high school seniors graduating from a South Dakota school district in 2022, attending any post-secondary education of their choosing in any State. At least three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2022.
FEDERATION OF FAMILIES 2022 FAMILY SURVEY

Last year, we surveyed families and created a compelling infographic spotlighting the incredible challenges so many were facing. In particular, we asked how parents and caregivers were coping with COVID-19 and the strain it put on every aspect of family life - employment, education, childcare, etc. Families who completed the anonymous survey provided us with critical information about how the pandemic was impacting them and their children, especially in terms of academic progress, mental and behavioral health and substance use.
 
We are asking families who have children of any age living at home to share this vital information with us again so we can continue to represent family voice at the federal level. Please take a few moments to complete the 2022 anonymous survey and share it with your network of colleagues, partners, families and friends. Hearing from as many parents and caregivers as possible will help us represent family voice by painting the most accurate picture of family health and wellness today. The survey will close on Monday, February 28th. Thank you!
YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON DAILY LIMITATIONS AND BARRIERS WANTED

A student intern at Disability Rights South Dakota that is completing their final project for their Doctor of Occupational Therapy is looking into the community's perspective on daily activity limitations and barriers compared to the actual daily activity limitations and barriers. This is all completely anonymous, and the information will be used to provide information to the community and state legislators. On the surveys are the actual daily activity limitations and barriers versus what the public believe and here are some ways that these barriers can be eliminated.
This survey is for community members & staff.
This survey is for individuals with disabilities. 
MARCH LUNCH AND LEARN SESSION
Tuesday, March 8th at 12pm Central / 11am Mountain

What is Guardianship?
Join Disability Rights South Dakota Legal Director, Brandy Rhead and SD Parent Connection staff, Lisa Merchen, for discussion on guardianship and guardian alternatives.
Brandy and Lisa will address common timelines, questions, concerns and terms about guardianship and guardianship alternatives for your child with a disability.
Did you miss the Section 504 & Diabetes session, access past Lunch and Learns here
OFFICES CLOSED

The South Dakota Parent Connection offices will be closed on Monday, February 21st.
This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS or the Federal Government.