Disability Rights South Dakota

04/08/2026

Call DRSD today with any questions you may have: 1-800-658-4782

04/03/2026

Just a note that DRSD will be closed on Friday April 3rd and Monday April 6th. To do an online intake please visit https://drsdlaw.org/intake-form/

We will be back in the offices on Tuesday April 7th.

03/30/2026

Questions about Housing accessibility accommodations, here is a 5 minute video that Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida put together, but it has some good information. If you have further question or concerns please reach out to DRSD at 605-224-8294 or 1-800-658-4782

The Federal Fair Housing Act protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of disability.There are seven federally protected classes, including: Race...

03/26/2026

Know your rights when it comes to employment. Here is a 4 minute video with some great information. As always call DRSD for any questions or concerns you may have 1-605-224-8294 or 1-800-658-4782

A short video explaining the ADA in the workplace

03/24/2026

Know your Rights!
Call DRSD at 1-800-658-4782 for any questions you may have or visit our website at drsdlaw.org for more information.

https://fb.watch/En-sgZkA3w/

03/12/2026

Two bills helping people who rely on service animals recently made their way through the South Dakota Legislature in Pierre. These bills, introduced by Senator Taffy Howard, display a significant step forward in ensuring that individuals who rely on service animals are given clear legal protection and respect.

Senate Bill 81 was brought by Senator Howard to increase the penalty from a class 2 to a class 1 misdemeanor for injuring or harassing a service animal. This elevated classification reinforces our commitment in South Dakota to protecting the inclusion and rights of people who utilize service animals.

Senate Bill 82 created penalties in South Dakota law for people who misrepresent an animal that is not trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability as a service animal. Misrepresentation of a pet undermines the rights of individuals who truly depend on these specially trained animals. This legislation included misdemeanor penalties for making such misrepresentations.

Senate Bills 81 and 82 came about through the diligent work of Tony Russell, a South Dakotan who saw a need in his own community and worked to bring those concerns to Senator Howard’s attention.

Tony Russell, an Air Force veteran, experienced firsthand the transformative impact that a service dog can have on quality of life. After suffering catastrophic injuries in Iraq with his unit in Iraq and enduring subsequent struggles with PTSD, Tony received his own service dog, Rush. Russell credits Rush with helping him regain stability and connection with his family. This experience inspired Tony and his wife, Eleanor, to establish South Dakota Service Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans and first responders across the state — often at no cost. Tony’s work has brought over 170 service dogs to those in need.

Also testifying at the State Capitol in favor of Senate Bills 81 and 82 were: Walter McDuff, a proud retired U.S. Air Force veteran, family man, and active supporter of service animal advocacy; South Dakota Representative John Shubeck (District 16), who served 20 years honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps; and Disability Rights South Dakota, which testified in support of robust protections for service animals and recognition of the value that they provide to people.

Disability Rights South Dakota says, “Service animals are vital support for many individuals living with disabilities — assisting with tasks ranging from mobility support to mental health stabilization. Without clear statutory definitions and legal protections, service animal users can face unnecessary challenges, misunderstandings, and harassment. These measures will help protect the dignity and rights of South Dakotans relying on these indispensable animal partners.”

Senate Bill 81 and Senate Bill 82 have successfully advanced through the 2026 South Dakota Legislature and were signed into law by the Governor on March 9th, 2026.

03/11/2026

Yesterday, Tuesday March 10th, the Pierre City Council presented DRSD with the Proclamation for Developmental Disability and Traumatic Brain Injury month. Thank you, Mayor Harding, for including us in your meeting.

03/07/2026

Click the link to listen to the second podcast done by DRSD. This episode discusses Self-Advocacy: What it is and why it is important.
Hosted by Amanda Martin and Devin Darling and special guest Miah Ventura.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p3snH0i3tc8PHxJWAW7Ci?si=hwV-UVNSRG2DcurFPSfNxw

03/06/2026

As the SD Legislative session is winding down, DRSD wanted to take a moment to share with you the bills we were watching and the current status of those bills. There are still a couple that are active that we are monitoring and we will keep you updated on those as well.

03/05/2026

Last week, on Tuesday February 24th, was Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol. 18 agencies joined in the awareness activity. It was well attended and LOTS of fun. Thank you to ALL that attended and we will see you next year!

03/03/2026

Monday March 2nd, the Ft Pierre City Council presented DRSD with the Proclamation for Developmental Disability and Traumatic Brain Injury month. Thank you, Mayor Hanson, for including us in your meeting.

03/03/2026

Tune in tomorrow Wednesday March4th from 12:00pm-1:00pm (Central time) for the fifth of the learning series.

https://iecho.org/public/program/PRGM1756493301891SN62WGO9T1