Developmental Disabilities

South Dakota Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The mission of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, South Dakota Department of Human Services, is to support people with developmental disabilities and their families in a manner that is flexible, responsive to individual needs, promotes inclusion, growth and choice, enhances productivity, and is cost effective. The Division purchases services from and is responsible for the oversight of community-based private, non-profit adjustment training centers. Some of the services purchased from these agencies include: case management, community living training, prevocational training, supported employment, and training and rehabilitation services. For information on who is eligible for services or for more information about the services provided call or write:

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for the Developmentally Disabled

The mission of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, South Dakota Department of Human Services, is to assist individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment and to live independently. Eligibility is based upon the presence of a disability that results in a substantial impediment to employment and that the individual can benefit in terms of an employment outcome and requires vocational rehabilitation services in order t prepare for, enter, engage in, or return to gainful employment.

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered employment is a service which provides a controlled and protected environment, additional supervision and other supports for individuals engaged in remunerative work either in a sheltered workshop or in the community. These services may be available through one of the South Dakota Division of Developmental Disabilities Adjustment Training Centers such as OAHE, Inc.

Competitive Employment

Some individuals with disabilities are capable of employment in the workplace with some ongoing support. The South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services supported employment program will help find employment opportunities in the workplace that most closely match an individual's abilities and capabilities. Traditionally supported employment services consist of job placement, job coaching, and follow-along services. Any individual receiving supported employment services is also eligible to receive any of the services available through the State Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Persons in supported employment are placed in competitive jobs with workers without disabilities and receive ongoing support services.

Health and Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Consultation Offices provide free consultation service to help employers improve their occupational safety and health management systems and to help employers comply with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. The program also helps provide safe and healthy workplaces for employees by helping the employer locate and remove existing hazards in the facility, thereby reducing injuries and illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides safety and health protections to most private sector workers and state and local government employees within the state. OSHA investigates complaints about workplace safety and health hazards. For further information contact:

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Adult Services and Aging, Adult Protective Services, provides assistance to individuals residing in the community who are at risk of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or self neglect. To report abuse, neglect and exploitation, contact your nearest Adult Services and Aging office or local law enforcement agency.

Protection and Advocacy

Federal law provides that each state have a system for protecting the rights of people with disabilities. South Dakota advocacy Services is an independent, private, non-profit, tax exempt corporation designated by the Governor to assist in providing protection and advocacy services to eligible South Dakota residents. The fundamental mission of the Protection and Advocacy system is to respond to allegations of abuse, neglect and violations of the rights of persons with disabilities, including discrimination based on disability.