Provides technical assistance, training, and resources to families and service providers of children (birth - 21) with varying levels of both hearing and vision loss. Services are geared toward improving educational outcomes for children of all ages in order to help prepare them for eventual transition into adulthood. Technical assistance and support services include: Understanding vision and hearing loss Developing communication skills Using accommodations and technology Assisting with the development of educational plans and meaningful strategies Daily living skills and transitioning across life stages Trainings include: on-site on-line (Dakota cohorts training in deaf-blindness) Information and resources Include: guides and handbooks, links to state and national resources, Wegner library resources, deaf-blind topic pages

Empowers individuals with low vision or blindness to develop skills that enhance their independence. Trained staff provide comprehensive instruction aimed at facilitating a fulfilling and productive life. Offers a range of services, including: Computer Training: Utilizing assistive technology, such as speech and Braille output, to enhance digital literacy. Orientation and Mobility: Instruction in travel techniques with and without the use of a white cane. Communication Skills: Training in Braille and other effective communication methods. Home Management: Teaching essential daily living skills, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Manual Arts: Hands-on experience with hand and power tools to build confidence and practical skills. Low Vision Services: Access to adaptive devices and specialized exams.

Serves children with visual impairments/vision loss of South Dakota by providing: - On-campus services in Aberdeen Regular and special education and transition programs during the nine month school year, for ages pre-school through transition (to age 22) Daily opportunities to learn and practice skills of blindness Day program (for students who live within driving distance) and a residential program for those who live at a distance Six weeks of summer programming focused on the skills of blindness. - Statewide consultation services Outreach services for public school students Educational evaluations for public school students, conducted by personnel trained in vision loss In-service education for teachers and service providers Educational materials for families and schools.

State agency that works with individuals who are blind and or visually impaired in the area of employment and independent living. Services that are available if eligibility is met and or economic need include Diabetic education, Vocational counseling, Job placement, Training in specialized skills of blindness (cane, travel, braille, daily living), Job development, On-the-job training, Guidance and counseling, Job follow-up, Restoration, Assistive technology services, Job retention, Funding for training, Funding for eye surgery (If economic need is met), and Low Vision services (includes a visual examination conducted by a trained specialist in the field of low vision, assessment of visual functioning of individual needs and goals, prescriptions for specialized low vision devices, and individualized training).

State agency that works with individuals who are blind and or visually impaired in the area of employment and independent living. Services that are available if eligibility is met and or economic need include Diabetic education, Vocational counseling, Job placement, Training in specialized skills of blindness (cane, travel, braille, daily living), Job development, On-the-job training, Guidance and counseling, Job follow-up, Restoration, Assistive technology services, Job retention, Funding for training, Funding for eye surgery (If economic need is met), and Low Vision services (includes a visual examination conducted by a trained specialist in the field of low vision, assessment of visual functioning of individual needs and goals, prescriptions for specialized low vision devices, and individualized training).

The South Dakota Association of the Blind exists to provide input into the quality of services provided by state, federal, and local governments. It also develops and support legislation to improve the quality of life, provide educational opportunities to their constituency on a variety of topics that include leadership training, self-advocacy skills training, and information of the American with Disabilities Act, and provide peer support.

Education, advocacy, and support for all blind persons.

Providing education and support virtually for those in South Dakota who have vision loss.

State agency that works with individuals who are blind and or visually impaired in the area of employment and independent living. Services that are available if eligibility is met and or economic need include Diabetic education, Vocational counseling, Job placement, Training in specialized skills of blindness (cane, travel, braille, daily living), Job development, On-the-job training, Guidance and counseling, Job follow-up, Restoration, Assistive technology services, Job retention, Funding for training, Funding for eye surgery (If economic need is met), and Low Vision services (includes a visual examination conducted by a trained specialist in the field of low vision, assessment of visual functioning of individual needs and goals, prescriptions for specialized low vision devices, and individualized training).

State agency that works with individuals who are blind and or visually impaired in the area of employment and independent living. Services that are available if eligibility is met and or economic need include Diabetic education, Vocational counseling, Job placement, Training in specialized skills of blindness (cane, travel, braille, daily living), Job development, On-the-job training, Guidance and counseling, Job follow-up, Restoration, Assistive technology services, Job retention, Funding for training, Funding for eye surgery (If economic need is met), and Low Vision services (includes a visual examination conducted by a trained specialist in the field of low vision, assessment of visual functioning of individual needs and goals, prescriptions for specialized low vision devices, and individualized training).