DRSD is celebrating 40 years of services

PIERRE- Disability Rights South Dakota (DRSD) d/b/a South Dakota Advocacy Services (SDAS) is proud to announce its 40th anniversary of fulfilling its mission of providing advocacy services to South Dakotans with disabilities. In an effort to enhance public knowledge of the agency, SDAS is changing the agency name to Disability Rights South Dakota. "The new name is effective immediately and provides better information about what the agency stands for," stated DRSD Executive Director Tim Neyhart. "We are not changing our focus, or our mission, only the name. Staff of Disability Rights South Dakota will continue to maintain the same excellent and professionalism they always have."

DRSD provides free legal representation, investigation, and other advocacy services to eligible persons with disabilities using a variety of methods; including individual representation, educating policymakers, advocating for groups, information and referral services; rights education; systemic change efforts and self-advocacy," stated Neyhart.

DRSD is the designated protection and advocacy agency for South Dakota, its corporate offices are in Pierre with field offices located in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Yankton. DRSD is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. Board President, Juanita Harrington of Piedmont, states "Disability Rights South Dakota will continue to work today and into the future with and for the citizens of South Dakota to prevent abuse and neglect, ensure full access to inclusive education, financial entitlement programs, health care, and productive employment opportunities."

Harrington noted "Board members have demonstrated an interest in and are knowledgeable about disability issues and the needs of persons with disabilities in the state. In addition to the Board, DRSD has an advisory council that provides development and guidance to the program providing supports for people with mental illness or the PAIMI program."

DRSD is a federally funded not-for-profit agency and serves South Dakotans under eight component programs:

Protection & Advocacy Developmental Disabilities Program (PADD)

Client Assistance Program (CAP)

Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program (PAIMI)

Protection & Advocacy of Individual Rights Program (PAIR)

Protection & Advocacy Assistive Technology Program (PAIR)

Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security Program (PABSS)

Protection & Advocacy Traumatic Brain Injury Program (PATBI)

Protection & Advocacy for Voter Access (PAVA)

"Protection & Advocacy agencies have the responsibility to protect and advocate for person with disabilities. To do this, Congress gave the P&As unique authorities and responsibilities. These authorities and responsibilities go well beyond those of a conventional law firm in various specific ways. For example, P&A agencies have access to people with disabilities who are receiving services in order to provide rights information and protection and advocacy services, through training, monitoring and investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect, explained DRSD Director of Legal Affairs, John Hamilton.

DRSD has grown over the years from one person in one small office, to providing services state wide. DRSD is private non-profit agency that can receive tax deductible donations. If you have questions about the services available from the agency or if you would like to make a donation, please contact us by using the toll-free number 1-800-658-4782.