weConnect April 25, 2022

 WE'RE HERE! Please reach out for support & assistance! Call Us 1-800-640-4553 . . . . . . . . Email Us sdpc@sdparent.org . . . . . . . . Message Us Facebook / Website . . . . . . . . In-Person Make an appointment . . . . . . . . Events Calendar . . . . . . . . Follow Us ‌ ‌ SIOUX FALLS - THURSDAY AND FRIDAY JUNE 9TH AND 10TH The 14th Annual Lighting The Way Autism Conference will be held at Memorial Middle School. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions address supporting families, best practices in education, health and wellness, and transitions across the lifespan. Registration deadline June 1. Families with a member with Autism Spectrum Disorder can apply for financial assistance to attend the conference from the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

FREE TRAININGS: VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON IN RAPID CITY FROM 5-6 PM MT/ 6-7 PM CT Thursday, April 28th - Understanding Accommodations & Modifications Participants will learn about accommodations and modifications in education and the impact these have on students and their families. REGISTER by April 26th. Thursday, May 5th - Transition In this session, participants will review requirements for transition planning on the IEP, changes in graduation requirements they need to be aware of, and resources that may be beneficial as their student transitions from school to adult life. REGISTER by May 3rd. Join in-person at the Rapid City Parent Connection Office at 2310 North Maple Ave or live online using the link sent after you've registered. Offered by SD Parent Connection with funding support from SD Statewide Family Engagement Center.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB - SIOUX FALLS OR VIRTUAL - BEGINS MAY 3RD A 16 week group for children ages 5-13+ to develop self-esteem and practice social skills while making friends. Art, books and games are used to practice social skills such as greeting each other, recognizing feelings, and finding helpful ways to express feelings. Held Tuesdays with sessions beginning 3:15 pm, 4:15 pm or 5:15 pm. Contact Robyn Shores Foster at Shores Clinic to learn more or register: 605-206-7373 or robyns@shoresclinic.com

Register Here

MAY LUNCH AND LEARN - TUESDAY, MAY 10TH 12pm Central / 11am Mountain Oceans of Possibilities...for Summer Learning Join our discussion with librarians from across the state to learn about programs to keep children and youth learning when school is not in session. Guest presenters will include local librarians Sarah Overvaag, Watertown and Shayna Monnens, Spearfish; and Laura Kelly, Children and Youth Services Coordinator with the South Dakota State Library in Pierre.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES... FACEBOOK LIVE with Dr Temple Grandin Join a live virtual event on May 3rd at 7pm Central Time as Dr. Grandin provides an informational presentation on autism and “how to develop different kinds of minds.” Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, teachers, law enforcement, counselors, day care providers and anyone else that works with or provides support services to families with children with ASD are invited to attend. Dr. Grandin is a prominent author and speaker on both autism and animal welfare and is known worldwide for her expertise on both subjects. Survey (English & Spanish): Families of students K-12 with an IEP or 504 Plan invited to participate in this survey about their involvement by schools in planning, implementing, and using technology. Survey participants may enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card and volunteer to participate in a Focus Group to provide more detailed feedback. Questions? Contact Angel Morgan, email: amorgan@cast.org Scholarships for youth ages 10-21 who are deaf or hard of hearing to attend camps, work-shops, educational or other events. Scholarship Program Guidelines, Scholarship Application. Offered by SD Association of the Deaf. Power Hour virtual event for childcare providers. Free. Monday, May 9th from 6:30-7:30 PM MT / 7:30-8:30 PM CT

RESOURCES FROM ADDITUDEMAG.COM Webinar April 26: How Emotional Dysregulation & ADHD Transform Teen Relationships from Messes to Minefields Webinar May 19: Anxiety in Children: Overlooked Signs and Effective Supports When “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” Doesn’t Work: Fixes for Hitting “Would You Rather” Questions for Kids and More Inspired Conversation Starters Summer Activities and Camps for Children with ADHD

SD GOVERNOR'S AWARDS NOMINATIONS DUE BY MAY 2ND!

Governor's Awards recognize South Dakota individuals, organizations, and employers for their significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities. If you know of a worthy individual or organization that should be recognized, submit their nomination today! The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Statewide Independent Living Council sponsor the annual Governor's Awards.

Nomination Categories Distinguished Service Outstanding Individual with a Disability Outstanding Employee with a Disability Outstanding Employer of the the Year * Outstanding Transition Services *Three Divisions: Small Employer, Large Employer, and Public Employer NOMINATION FORMS

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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.