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Families & Social Networks
We support individuals with disabilities, their families and the people with whom they interact to enhance community participation and quality of life.
Parent Resources
Establishing Routines at Home
For many children, being able to predict what their day will bring is essential. Parents and children can work together to decide the type of schedule that works best. Below is a helpful infographic and some sample schedules.
- Establishing Routines at Home Infographic
- Colorful Daily Schedule
- Schedule Planner
- Game Board Schedule
Using Social Media Responsibly
For many adolescents, social media is an important way to interact with others. However, adolescents may need assistance in staying safe, positive and responsible while using social media. Below is an infographic that provides information for parents to use when having discussions with their children about social media.
Networking and Support Groups
Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group
We assist parents and caregivers of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder by hosting a monthly support group. Meetings allow parents to share experiences, discuss issues surrounding autism, offer advice and build a network of support. Parents and caregivers of individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum are welcome to join us. Childcare and a structured FUN activity for teens and adults on the spectrum is offered during each meeting. Siblings are welcome. You are required to register your child(ren) for care one week prior to the meeting date. There are a limited number of childcare spots due to the availability of childcare volunteers. Register early. Additional information will be provided after registration.
Join Sioux Falls Facebook Group
Contact:
Letty Thelen
605-357-1418
letty.thelen@usd.edu
Location:
USD Center for Disabilities
1400 W. 22nd St.
Room 126
Sioux Falls, S.D. 57105
Aberdeen Area Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent Support Group
Join us for an in-person and online support group for the Aberdeen area. he in-person support group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Aberdeen Area Family Support Group for Parents of Children With Visual Impairments
This group for Aberdeen families meets quarterly.
Contact:
Amy Scepaniak
605-626-2580
scepania@sdsbvi.northern.edu
Autism Society of the Black Hills
The Black Hills chapter of the Autism Society of America enables families to access support groups, information and resources.
Contact:
605-415-3739
info@autismsd.org
Brain Injury Alliance of South Dakota Support Group
Aberdeen: This group meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Rehabilitation Center at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, fourth floor. For more information, contact Ron Hoops at 605-395-6655.
Brookings: The Brookings Area Brain Injury Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 3 p.m. at the Brookings Hospital. For more information, contact Doris Schumacher at 605-697-6678 or dahschumacher@hotmail.com.
Rapid City: The Brain Injury Support Group of the Black Hills meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center. This group is open to individuals with a brain injury, their families/caregivers and professionals. For more information, contact Justine Ashokar, Ph.D., at 605-343-7297 or jashokar@bhws.com.
Sioux Falls: The Sioux Falls Area Brain Injury Support Group meets on the second Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Center for Active Generations. For more information, contact Karen Brokenleg at 605-339-0137, Deb Lichty at 605-322-5066 or Mary Tommeraasen at 605-367-5260.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) South Dakota
NAMI hosts connection support groups for adults living with mental illness and NAMI family support groups across the state.
Contact:
605-271-1871
namisd@midconetwork.com
View NAMI Support Group Information
Parkinson's Support Group - Mitchell
This support group meets the third Monday of the month from 2-3 p.m. in the Avera Queen of Peace Conference Room No. 1.
Contact:
Pat Sudbeck
605-995-2462
Pathways - Sioux Falls
Pathways is a group of parents, family members, supports providers and others who believe individuals with disabilities should have the opportunity to plan a life that is challenging, balanced and based on the individual’s values, gifts and passion.
Join the Pathways Facebook Group
Pierre Autism Spectrum Support Group
Contact:
Helen Beckwith - 605-567-3394
Gail Eichstadt - 605-224-1508
Cheryl Ulmen - 605-222-1940.
Rapid City Family Support Group - Free to Be Me
A group for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder who want to reach out to others and create a faith-based support system.
Contact:
LeAnn Vogel
lmlvogel@wescomm.com
Rapid City Ups of Downs Family Support Group
This organization offers information and support for parents, self-advocates, friends and families of people with Down Syndrome. For more information, contact Angie at 605-341-5859 or visit the group's website.
Join Ups of Downs Facebook Group
Sioux Falls Area Epilepsy Support Group
Join an online Facebook support group for parents of children with seizure disorders and individuals with seizure disorders.
Contact:
Heather Johnson
heather.m.johnson@gmail.com
Join Sioux Falls Area Epilepsy Facebook Group
Sioux Falls Area Family Support Group for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Contact:
Indira Dillon
605-995-8191
Indira.dillon@sdsbvi.northern.edu
Julie Van Dover
605-626-2580
Julie.vandover@sdsbvi.northern.edu
Sioux Falls New Directions Down Syndrome Association
This group provides information about Down Syndrome, directions to resources, networking opportunities and offers a family financial assistance program.
Contact:
605-610-8026
info@NewDirectionsDSA.com
Learn More About New Directions
Sioux Falls Sibshops
These workshops are designed for children ages 6 to 13 who are siblings of children with special needs.
Contact:
1-800-640-4553
sdpc@sdparent.org
Siouxland Autism Support Group
The Siouxland Autism Support Group in Sioux City, Iowa partners with the Northwest Area Education Agency to provide training and resources to tri-state families and educators of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Contact:
Jan Turbes
712-222-6041
JTurbes@nwaea.com
Learn More About Siouxland Autism Support Group
Parent Trainings
Lunch and Learn Education Series
South Dakota Parent Connection hosts hour-long lunch and learn sessions in person at the SD Parent Connection Office (3701 W. 49th Street, Suite 102 in Sioux Falls) or live online. For audio, call in to 1-888-858-6021, followed by code 439-559-7079.
Join an Online Lunch and Learn Session
Online Webinars
South Dakota Parent Connection offers several online training webinars for families and professionals who work with them. Topics include:
- Behavior interventions/strategies
- Education/school issues
- Legal/life planning
- Parenting
Statewide Resources
We collaborate with: