South Dakota Services for the Deaf

09/11/2026

As we remember September 11, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers free, age-appropriate lesson plans and educational resources for students in grades K–12.

Educators can explore lessons focused on the events of 9/11, first responders, remembrance, resilience, and the lasting impact of this important day in our nation’s history.

These resources can be a helpful way to support meaningful, thoughtful conversations with students.

🔗 Explore the lesson plans:

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09/10/2026

Attention teachers - do you have Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing? Check out these Teacher Tips! Families, feel free to share with your children's teachers. Remember, SDSD is here to support you and your school teams. Looking forward to a great school year!

09/09/2026

SD Hands & Voices & SDSD is hosting a day for clients & their families at the Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch on Sunday, September 20th starting at 12:00.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 14th https://forms.gle/Hv9CUeNTNBLLTfai9.

Reach out if you have any questions to Kerry Ruth – [email protected] 605-275-7536 or Jamie Boettcher – [email protected]

Hope to see you there!

09/08/2026

SDSD Outreach Consultant Julie and SDSD Audiologist Dr. Miller have been busy doing FM verifications! Over the course of three days, they visited 5 school districts and saw 11 SDSD clients.

They checked ears, cleaned hearing aids, and verified FM systems to make sure everything was working properly and ready to go for the school year.

It was a busy three days, but it was great making sure our students have the technology and support they need to be successful in the classroom!

09/04/2026

Check out this great resource explaining the cognitive burden of listening. Every barrier uses up brainpower, which decreases what is left for learning. Check out how you can help minimize the barriers.

09/03/2026

If a child benefits from hearing technology, did you know that consistent use of hearing technology can make a big difference in a child’s access to sound throughout the day?

Check out this resource on amplification and learn practical strategies for helping children and students get the most from their hearing technology. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or professional working with children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, check it out!

Retention Strategies: Amplification

09/02/2026

SDSD Outreach Consultant Julie Reaves shared about her SDSD client, Riann. Softball is Riann’s passion, and this summer she tried out for the National team and was selected! She plays catcher and worked hard to make it to Nationals.
Riann has a special helmet that fits over her hearing aid, and her coach wears the mini mic so she can hear instructions clearly while she is on the field. The first picture shows her coach talking into the microphone to her, and the rest of the pictures are of Riann at Nationals.

Riann says the mini mic helps her so much, and she is really glad that her coaches wear it!

Julie and SDSD is so proud of Riann and all the hard work she has put into pursuing something she loves. What an amazing accomplishment! Way to go!!

09/01/2026

Congratulations, Julie!

Please join us in congratulating Julie Luke on her new role as Administrator of Outreach Services at South Dakota Services for the Deaf!

In this role, Julie will provide leadership and support to our Sioux Falls Outreach Consultants through supervision, coaching, mentoring, problem-solving, and program improvement. Julie will also continue to oversee SDSD’s special services and programs, including Hands in Motion, External Evaluations, Direct Services, and the Shared Reading Project. Her continued leadership will help ensure these programs remain strong and responsive to the needs of the children, families, and schools we serve.

Julie has already served SDSD in many capacities, and we are excited to see her continue to grow in this role. Her knowledge, organization, dedication, and commitment to our staff and families make her a wonderful fit for this position!

Please help us celebrate Julie and wish her the very best in her new role!

Congratulations, Julie! We’re excited for all that’s ahead!

08/31/2026

The beginning of a new school year means teacher trainings and in-services are in full swing!

SDSD Outreach Consultant Alissa has been busy visiting schools and working with educational teams to help them prepare for their incoming Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students.

These trainings give school teams the opportunity to learn more about their students’ individual needs, communication access, classroom accommodations, technology, and strategies that can help set students up for a successful school year.

We appreciate the schools and educators who take the time to learn, ask questions, and prepare to support their students who are D/HH . Here’s to a great school year!