Disability Rights South Dakota

Disability Rights South Dakota DRSD is the designated Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities in South Dakota.

Disability Rights South Dakota has a centralized intake process. All people seeking to become clients of this agency must first go through the intake process. That process can be initiated by submitting our Intake Form at https://drsdlaw.org/intakeform/ or by contacting the Intake Team at 1-800-658-4782. The Intake Team makes decisions about who the agency will assist or represent based on eligibility, program priorities, and available resources.

Sharing for the DD Council who is looking for public comment: The South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities has...
05/01/2026

Sharing for the DD Council who is looking for public comment:

The South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities has created draft goals for our upcoming state plan and is seeking public comment. The public comment period will be open from May 1, 2026 - June 15, 2026. Please utilize this survey to provide your feedback. If you would prefer a paper copy to provide feed back, please email Jessica.lamb@state.sd.us. If you have questions, you can also email jessica.lamb@state.sd.us or call 605-773-6369.



We appreciate your feedback



https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JB3DX6X

On Saturday, April 25th, the Board for DRSD presented the 2026 Legislative Advocacy Award to Senator Jean Hunhoff for he...
04/29/2026

On Saturday, April 25th, the Board for DRSD presented the 2026 Legislative Advocacy Award to Senator Jean Hunhoff for her years of dedicated service to the state of South Dakota as a state Senator and Representative. Her tireless efforts as a legislator and appropriator has benefitted services, supports, and protections for South Dakotans with disabilities for decades.

Senator Hunhoff has never been one to shy away from hard questions or difficult decisions. When something fell short, she said so -- clearly and without hesitation. But what has made her leadership truly exceptional is not just her strength -- it is her fairness. She listens to people with disabilities and their families. She seeks out perspectives. She understands that informed decisions require thoughtful consideration from all sides.

Senator Hunhoff carries herself with a steady sense of purpose—serious when the moment calls for it, yet always ready with a quick wit or a sly grin that reminds us all of the humanity behind public service.

The Board of DRSD thanks Senator Hunhoff for her service to South Dakotans with disabilities over the past 20+ years and looks forward to working with her on disability related issues as she continues to pursue opportunities to lead.

DRSD is seeking a Fiscal & Grant Manager to join our team. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Executive Dire...
04/28/2026

DRSD is seeking a Fiscal & Grant Manager to join our team. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the organization's financial health and operational success. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and excellent communication abilities. They should be comfortable interpreting financial data, supporting strategic decision-making, and working collaboratively with both internal staff and external partners.

The Fiscal & Grant Manager is responsible for overseeing all financial management, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, and fiscal compliance. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position develops and manages the organization’s annual budget, monitors cash flow and expenses, and provides ongoing financial analysis and reporting. The role also ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining strong internal financial controls. A significant component of this position includes managing grant funding by conducting fund draws, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and preparing timely and accurate reports.

Please reach out to Ona at ona.vernon@drsdlaw.org or 605-224-8294 for any questions, a full job description, or to apply.

On Saturday, April 25th, the Board for DRSD presented the 2026 Robert J. Kean Advocacy Award recipient to Mrs. Carrie Ge...
04/28/2026

On Saturday, April 25th, the Board for DRSD presented the 2026 Robert J. Kean Advocacy Award recipient to Mrs. Carrie Geppert in recognition of her many years of advocacy, dedication, and lifting others up — from her impactful work with Disability Rights South Dakota to her leadership with the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Carrie has, and continues to be, a powerful voice for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. She continues to champion connection, inclusion, and family empowerment across our state.
Her advocacy is both professional and personal—as a mother, she brings lived experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to everything she does.
Carrie is a trusted leader, colleague, and friend whose impact will be felt for years to come. Please join us in celebrating this exceptional advocate and champion for families!

Carrie was unable to attend the event, so accepting the award on her behalf were Brett Spencer (Director of DD) and her daughter Caj'monai. Carrie expressed, "The Robert J. Kean award really belongs to Caj’monai… as she is my “Why”."

DRSD offices will be CLOSED for all-staff meetings and training from April 22 - April 26th returning to the office on Ap...
04/24/2026

DRSD offices will be CLOSED for all-staff meetings and training from April 22 - April 26th returning to the office on April 27. Please visit drsdlaw.org to find information or to fill out an online intake form.

Our LAST Townhall......Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 2 more Town...
04/15/2026

Our LAST Townhall......

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓

📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 2 more Townhall events.

📍WHAT: Plan on joining in at least one of these events to learn more about the impacts on access to community-based services, integration and Holmstead protections.

📍WHEN: Wednesday April 15th.

📍Time: All will be via zoom and at 7pm Central time.

📍Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86906656830?pwd=HDB2Q2kbo25Cvai2l1pEOvSYeO2axC.1

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 2 more Townhall events. 📍WHAT: Pla...
04/14/2026

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓

📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 2 more Townhall events.

📍WHAT: Plan on joining in at least one of these events to learn more about the impacts on access to community-based services, integration and Holmstead protections.

📍WHEN: Tuesday April 14th or Wednesday April 15th.

📍Time: All will be via zoom and at 7pm Central time.

📍Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86906656830?pwd=HDB2Q2kbo25Cvai2l1pEOvSYeO2axC.1

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 3 Townhall events. 📍WHAT: Plan on ...
04/12/2026

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓

📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 3 Townhall events.

📍WHAT: Plan on joining in at least one of these events to learn more about the impacts on access to community-based services, integration and Holmstead protections.

📍WHEN: Monday April 13th, Tuesday April 14th or Wednesday April 15th.

📍Time: All will be via zoom and at 7pm Central time.

📍Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86906656830?pwd=HDB2Q2kbo25Cvai2l1pEOvSYeO2axC.1

Know your rights when it comes to employment. Watch this 4-minute video with some great information. As always call DRSD...
04/10/2026

Know your rights when it comes to employment.

Watch this 4-minute video with some great information.

As always call DRSD for any questions or concerns you have 1-605-224-8294 or 1-800-658-4782

A short video explaining the ADA in the workplace

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 3 Townhall events. 📍WHAT: Plan on ...
04/10/2026

Want to learn more about Texas v. Kennedy❓❓❓

📍Mark your calendar, DRSD will be holding 3 Townhall events.

📍WHAT: Plan on joining in at least one of these events to learn more about the impacts on Disability Rights.

📍WHEN: Monday April 13th, Tuesday April 14th or Wednesday April 15th.

📍Time: All will be via zoom and at 7pm Central time.

📍Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86906656830?pwd=HDB2Q2kbo25Cvai2l1pEOvSYeO2axC.1

Address

2520 E Franklin Street, Suite 2
Pierre, SD
57501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
1pm - 5pm

Telephone

(800) 658-4782

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