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July 29, 2020 
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EXCITING NEWS! NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

We're excited to announce the launch of our updated website this week! All the information and resources are still there with a fresh new, user-friendly look!

Stay tuned, launching soon! 
SD DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES UPDATES

The Division of Developmental Disabilities' (DDD) has developed a Resource and Planning Guide , which contains information about each program: CHOICES, Family Support 360, Respite Care and the Strengthening Families Program (formerly Statewide Family Support). The guide provides information on establishing eligibility, who to contact, and frequently asked questions.

Joey Younie has been named as the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Department of Human Services. Joey previously worked at the Division (2008 – 2016) when she served as the Clinical Administrator for DDD. Joey’s first day in her new role will be August 10th, 2020.  Julie Hand will continue to serve in her Interim Director role until that time and then once again assume her Assistant Director role.     
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INCLUSIVE DESIGN CHALLENGE

On April 21, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the opening of Stage I of the Inclusive Design Challenge (Challenge). The Challenge seeks innovative design solutions that can enable people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities to use automated vehicles to access jobs, healthcare, and other critical destinations. The Challenge is a part of a larger set of departmental initiatives on accessibility, announced at the  Access and Mobility for All Summit.

Individuals with disabilities who might be willing to have a short Zoom or phone interview (15-30 min) about how their disability affects vehicle use and community access are encouraged to contact Gunnar Olson at 507-720-2887 or email gunnar.olson@coyotes.usd.edu Interviews must be completed by the end of September. All personal information will be kept private.
10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS

A successful school year begins now by following these steps — from reviewing your child's IEP or 504 Plan to honing organization systems to getting back to a healthy routine. See all 10 tasks »
SPECIAL REPORT: HOW WE GO BACK TO SCHOOL
 
These times are unprecedented. Through these eight installments, Education Week explores the steps school leaders need to take to ensure the safety of students and faculty, including students with special health care needs or disabilities.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT SCHOOL AND HOME: A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES AND STUDENTS

This guide highlights 5 key practices for teachers and families to support all students, including students with disabilities, at school and home. For each practice, the guide provides (a) tips for teachers to support students with disabilities during instruction; (b) tips for families that educators can share to support or enhance learning at home, especially during periods of remote instruction; and (c) free-access resources that include strategies shown to be effective by research (e.g., informational guides, downloadable materials, research-based programs).
WE'RE HERE!
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This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M140021 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H84MC07994, 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.