Disability Rights South Dakota

08/17/2026

🎉 PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING – YEAR 35 IS COMING! 🎉
Ready to build your advocacy skills, connect with leaders, and make a difference in your community?
Partners in Policymaking Year 35 begins November 2026! 💙
This FREE six-month leadership program is for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. Participants will:
✨ Build advocacy skills
📚 Expand their knowledge
🤝 Connect with leaders and advocates
💪 Gain confidence and influence
🏛️ Learn how policies can create a better future
Learn from nationally recognized leaders, build relationships with advocates across South Dakota, and discover how your voice can help shape policies that improve lives.
🌟 Your journey starts here. APPLY TODAY!
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://drsdlaw.org/be-an-advocate/partners-in-policymaking/

08/12/2026

Disability Rights South Dakota (DRSD) is currently seeking a qualified individual for the position of Advocacy Services Representative. The position is offered statewide, and the successful applicant will work out of one of our three regional offices: Pierre, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls.

Applicant must be self-motivated, can solve problems through research, demonstrate proficient writing skills, have fluent computer knowledge, and be able to communicate effectively with people with disabilities, family members, and providers.

The incumbent should have knowledge of state laws, programs, and issues concerning persons with disabilities. Have a working knowledge of the investigatory process and have a passion for working with people with disabilities. Associate degree or comparable experience or a combination of education and experience may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Some travel may be required. A generous benefit package includes paid time off; 403(b) retirement plan; health, short and long-term disability insurance; and professional development.

Position is open until filled. Salary $43,000-48,000 DOE.

To apply please include a letter of interest, and resume to: [email protected] or mail to:

Disability Rights South Dakota

Attn. Carrie Watts

2520 E. Franklin St., Suite 2

Pierre, SD 57501

08/06/2026

Proposed PADD Priorities and Objectives – FY27
Each year, DRSD posts the proposed Priorities and Objectives (also referred to as the Goals and Priorities) for the PADD program for public comment and input.

In accordance with 45 CFR §1326.22(d), these Priorities will be open for public comment for a minimum of 45 days, after which time they will be presented to the DRSD Governing Board for final approval. The approved Priorities will inform DRSD’s casework in the coming year, shaping our advocacy efforts for individuals with disabilities and their families. Because of this, input from stakeholders across the state is vital!

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about the proposed PADD Priorities and Objectives, please contact the PADD Program Lead to share your feedback at [email protected].

07/29/2026

💙💛 Partners, we need your help! 💛💙

You know firsthand how Partners in Policymaking can change lives. Now it's your turn to help someone else begin that journey.
Year 35 applications are now open, and we're asking our incredible Partners network to help us recruit the next generation of leaders. Think about someone in your life—a self-advocate, parent, family member, friend, or coworker—who has the passion to make a difference but just needs the opportunity.
Send them the flyer, link, or both. Your recommendation could be the reason someone discovers their voice and becomes a leader in their community.
Together, let's grow the Partners family and continue building a stronger, more inclusive South Dakota.
Applications are now open for Year 35; classes start November 2026!
https://drsdlaw.org/be-an-advocate/partners-in-policymaking/

07/21/2026

⚾ It's Game Day! ⚾
Disability Rights South Dakota is proud to sponsor tonight's Sioux Falls Canaries Birdcage game!
🎉 Join us tonight, July 21, with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. at the Birdcage.
🎟️ Tickets are just $10 as part of $10 Tuesday, presented by Great Clips!
Be sure to stop by the Disability Rights South Dakota table to meet our team, learn about the free advocacy and legal services we provide, and pick up some swag.
Bring your family, cheer on the Canaries, and help us celebrate inclusion, advocacy, and community.
📍 Birdcage – Sioux Falls
⏰ 6:35 p.m. First Pitch
💻 Learn more about our services at drsdlaw.org
Your Rights. Your Voice. Your Future. Protected. 💙💛⚾

07/17/2026

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) wants to hear from you. We are asking people to complete a short survey about Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations. Whether you have used P&A services or are simply familiar with them, your feedback is important. Your responses will help us better understand public awareness of P&A organizations and identify ways to improve access to services, increase awareness, and strengthen the P&A network. The survey is voluntary and takes about 15–20 minutes to complete. Your responses will be combined with others and will not be linked to you personally. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback by Friday, August 7, 2026.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking feedback to better understand public awareness of Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations and the experiences of individuals who have interacted with them. P&A organizatio...

07/16/2026

⚾ Join Disability Rights South Dakota at the Birdcage! ⚾
Disability Rights South Dakota is proud to sponsor the Sioux Falls Canaries game on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:35 p.m. CT!
Come enjoy an evening of baseball while celebrating Disability Awareness Month with us. Bring your family, friends, and community members for a fun night at the ballpark!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 each https://tickets.sfcanaries.com/
We hope to see you at the Birdcage as we cheer on the Canaries and celebrate inclusion, advocacy, and our disability community!

07/07/2026

Disability Rights South Dakota is seeking individuals to fill two vacancies on its Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Program Advisory Council.
The membership vacancies include an “Caregiver of a child (under the age of 18) with a diagnosed (or a record of having) a significant mental illness or emotional impairment” and an “attorney”.

The role of the advisory council is to advise the PAIMI Program on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental illness.
If you are interested in serving on this advisory council, please complete a PAIMI Advisory Council Application at www.drsdlaw.org/PAC/.

If you would like more information about the PAIMI Program or the role of an advisory council member, or need an application mailed to you, please feel free to call 605-224-8294 or toll free at 1-800-658-4782. See less

07/03/2026

Happy Independence Day from our office to you.

🎆Have a safe and happy 4th of July.🎇

The DRSD office is closed July 3rd in honor of Independence day.

06/26/2026

The US DOJ does not think that Olmstead protects community based services. We disagree.