SD LEND

Have you registered for our Run, Walk & Roll? Get yourself registered today!

ALL Registered 5k Participants Have a Chance to WIN!!

All participants registered by 7:00am (CDT) on June 18, 2026 for this year's Run Walk & Roll 5k will be entered into a drawing for two (2) day-passes to Wild Water West (expire September 7, 2026).

Drawing will be held on June 18th and the winner will be announced on Facebook and emailed with information on how to claim their prize.

There will be several drawings for prizes leading up to Run Walk & Roll 2026. All registered participants will be entered into each drawing. Participants are only permitted to win one time.

Don't delay, get registered today and increase your chances of winning an AWESOME prize!

Registration here: https://runsignup.com/Race/SD/SiouxFalls/CenterforDisabilitiesRunWalkRoll

Already registered? Please be sure to share with your friends and help us spread the word!

Association of University Centers on Disabilities thank you for sharing our exciting news!

The Center for Disabilities of SD LEND leaders Marni Johnson and Elizabeth Hanson are helping Special Olympics athletes feel more confident and engaged through simple but powerful visual schedules. First developed over a decade ago, these “station guides” use images, plain language, and checklists to walk athletes through hearing screenings step by step. Recently expanded across Healthy Athletes disciplines, the tools are empowering athletes, improving communication, and giving them a greater sense of autonomy at events like the 2026 SD Special Olympics Summer Games.

Learn more: https://www.aucd.org/news/lend-leaders-share-visual-schedules-with-special-olympics

ID: At a hearing screening station, Marni Johnson uses a pen to review completed steps on a red station guide (visual schedule) with an athlete seated across a table. The clipboard displays a checklist of procedures with icons and marked check boxes. The table includes a tablet, pens, a water bottle, and organized supplies, showing a structured screening setup at the South Dakota Special Olympics Summer Games in Spearfish, SD, May 2026.

Great work!

At our 2026 SD LEND Symposium a couple of weeks ago, we had the honor of presenting the Patrick L. Redinius Award to our very own Dr. Aimee Deliramich!

This award is presented annually to an SD LEND trainee who, through their work with the Center for Disabilities and throughout their professional career, exemplifies:
• Enthusiasm and commitment to disability issues
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for learning
• A high level of energy for work in the field of disabilities
• Compassion and respect for all

Congratulations, Dr. Deliramich, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication, leadership, and passion continue to make a meaningful impact on individuals with disabilities, their families, and our community.

Consider taking the survey below!

The BEAM-SD (Behavioral Health, Education, Access, and Management for South Dakota) team is inviting educators across the state to complete a brief Educational Professional Needs Assessment.

BEAM-SD supports healthcare, education, and behavioral health professionals in addressing the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents (ages 0–21) through no-cost programming, including:
• Professional-to-professional consultation
• Education and training
• Resources and tools
• Care coordination support

Your feedback will help guide the development of:
• Free education and training opportunities
• FERPA-compliant consultation line services
• Website-based tools and resources for educators

The survey is completely anonymous, and responses cannot be linked back to participants. As a thank you, participants may choose to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards.

The survey closes May 22, 2026.

See the survey here: https://southdakota.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1IkV2DOLvoF77Vk

Great work on all your research projects!

Our 2026 SD LEND Symposium on is officially begun!

Trainees will present and showcase their research, offering insights into disability leadership, advocacy, and community impact.

Don't forget to join us this week!

Happening this week!

Please join us for the 2026 SD LEND Symposium on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.

This in-person event will celebrate the 2025–2026 cohort and the meaningful work they have accomplished throughout the year. Trainees will present and showcase their research, offering insights into disability leadership, advocacy, and community impact. Their projects reflect a strong commitment to building more inclusive systems and supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

The symposium is a great opportunity to learn from emerging leaders, connect with professionals and community members, and engage in thoughtful conversation around important topics in the disability field. The event will conclude with awards recognizing outstanding work and achievements. Hors d’oeuvres will be served for all guests.

Please take The Center for Disabilities of SD’s survey!

We want to hear from you!

Help us improve the South Dakota Center for Disabilities website by taking a few minutes to explore our site and complete our Website Satisfaction Survey by June 28, 2025. Your feedback helps us continue providing quality resources and information to our community.

Website & Survey Link: https://southdakota.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7QYzOzXKpyi9T7M

All responses are strictly confidential. We do not collect identifying information such as names, email addresses, or IP addresses.

Thank you for helping us strengthen our website and better serve our community!

Please consider joining us for the 2026 SD LEND Symposium on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.

This in-person event will celebrate the 2025–2026 cohort and the meaningful work they have accomplished throughout the year. Trainees will present and showcase their research, offering insights into disability leadership, advocacy, and community impact. Their projects reflect a strong commitment to building more inclusive systems and supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.

The symposium is a great opportunity to learn from emerging leaders, connect with professionals and community members, and engage in thoughtful conversation around important topics in the disability field. The event will conclude with awards recognizing outstanding work and achievements. Hors d’oeuvres will be served for all guests.