South Dakota Parent Connection

10/29/2026

The Think Sensory Summit, Season 2: 21 expert sessions for therapists, educators, and parents. Free to attend, November 16 to 19, 2026.

10/28/2026

South Dakota Parent Connection held our Annual Board Meeting this past Saturday. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to recognize three board members who are concluding their service with our organization.

A heartfelt thank you to Kristi Wallin, Jennifer Janke, and Lora Barthleman for your dedication, leadership, and service to South Dakota Parent Connection and the families we serve!

We are grateful for the time, experience, and commitment you have shared with our organization. Your contributions have helped strengthen South Dakota Parent Connection and our work supporting families of children and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs across South Dakota.

Looking for a Rewarding Way to Make a Difference?
Consider joining our volunteer Board of Directors! We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting South Dakota families and want to help guide the future of our organization.

Meet our current Board of Directors and learn more about their work:
SDPC Board of Directors

Interested in learning more? Contact Dr. Carla Miller, Executive Director, at [email protected].

Please join us in thanking Kristi, Jennifer, and Lora for their service—and help us spread the word about this opportunity to make a difference!

10/27/2026

Today in Aberdeen, SD at the Catch the College Wave!

Stop by and get valuable information from our very own Katie Ristau and Dr. Carla Miller. They are ready to share information on self-advocacy and preparing for what comes after high school.

10/26/2026

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!

Previous post:
Join Us for a Screening of 24 Hours on 8th Street This November!

We have several screenings planned for the first week of November, and we would love for you to join us! If you haven’t had a chance to see the film, check your calendar, gather your friends, and let us know which day works best for you. We will likely be bringing 24 Hours on 8th Street to a screening that day!

One particularly meaningful event is happening on Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 PM, hosted by the The Center for Disabilities of SD at Sanford Hospital in the Schroeder Auditorium (1305 W 18th St). This screening is free and open to the public.

Disability and homelessness often intersect in ways that are overlooked or misunderstood. We are especially grateful to the USD Center for Disabilities for creating space for this conversation and helping bring greater attention to the connections between these experiences.

Following the film, there will be a live panel discussion featuring several incredible women who are generously giving their time to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives with the audience:

Representative Kadyn Wittman
Dr. Mo and Dr. Emry from Midwest Street Medicine
Dr. Tinguely from Falls Community Health

Having these women come together for an honest conversation is a special opportunity. Their work and experiences offer valuable perspectives on the challenges people face, the gaps in our systems, and the importance of meeting people with compassion, dignity, and understanding.

This is a free-will donation event, with all cash donations and winter supplies going directly to Midwest Street Medicine to support its outreach efforts and help care for people in our community experiencing homelessness.

Reserve your seat here:
HTTPS://24-HOURS-ON-8TH-STREET.EVENTBRITE.COM

If Thursday doesn’t work for you, there are more opportunities to attend throughout early November. Keep an eye on our page or send us a message, and we’ll help you find a screening that fits your schedule.

More than anything, we are grateful to everyone who makes these gatherings possible: the hosts who open their doors, the panelists who share their time and experience, and the community members who show up willing to listen and learn. We hope these conversations help us better understand one another and inspire us to care for our neighbors in meaningful ways.

We hope you can join us. 💜

10/23/2026

Help Guide the Future of South Dakota Parent Connection!

Are you—or someone you know—looking for a meaningful way to make a difference for South Dakota families?

South Dakota Parent Connection is seeking individuals interested in serving on our Board of Directors. Board members help guide our organization, share their experiences and ideas, and strengthen our work supporting families of children and young adults with disabilities or special health care needs.

We welcome parents, family members, self-advocates, professionals, and community members who believe in our mission and want to make a positive difference.
Could this be a good fit for you—or someone you know? Please share!

To learn more, visit:
https://sdparent.org/about/board-of-directors/

Interested in exploring this opportunity? Contact Dr. Carla Miller, Executive Director, at [email protected].

10/20/2026

Read the latest issue of weConnect to find information about:
- Is Your Child Struggling at School?
- Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Help Guide South Dakota Parent Connection
- Upcoming Events for South Dakota Parent Connection
https://sdparent.org/weconnect/

10/20/2026

💙💛 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Every child is unique. Every milestone matters.

Raising a child with Down syndrome brings moments of joy, growth, and sometimes questions along the way. You don't have to navigate those questions alone!

At South Dakota Parent Connection, we're here to listen, share information, and help you:
-Better understand Down syndrome and your child's development
-Navigate school services and IEPs
-Find helpful resources and supports
-Plan for your child's future

Wherever you are in your journey, we're here for you and your family!

💙💛 Free support for families across South Dakota.

📞 605-361-3171 | 🌐 www.sdparent.org

10/16/2026

Parenting Little Ones? FREE Classes Are Available!

The first three years of your child's life are full of learning, growth, and BIG emotions! The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers FREE parenting classes for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 3.

Two class series are available:
-Responsive Parenting (6 weeks) – Learn how to build strong relationships, understand your child's needs, encourage learning, and handle the everyday challenges of parenting.

-Understanding Me Up to Age 3 (4 weeks) – Discover why young children behave the way they do, how they learn, and ways to help them manage their feelings.

You don't have to figure it all out on your own! These classes offer helpful information and practical strategies to support you and your little one.

Classes are offered at different locations throughout South Dakota.

Learn more and find a class near you:
https://dss.sd.gov/childcare/educationalopportunities/responsiveparenting.aspx

South Dakota Department of Social Services

10/16/2026

You're Invited! Join Us!

South Dakota Parent Connection invites you to our Annual Board Meeting! This event is open to the public, and we'd love to have you join us as we reflect on our work supporting South Dakota families.

Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30–11:00 AM
3701 W. 49th St., Suite 102, Sioux Falls

Breakfast will be provided! Please RSVP by October 20 using the QR code on the flyer or this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H5CKPMT

We hope to see you there! 💙💛

10/15/2026

Dr. Carla Miller and Betsy Drew are attending the South Dakota RehabACTION Conference in Deadwood, South Dakota, this week.

Hope you got a chance to stop by our booth and learn about all the exciting things we are doing.