South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services and
Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
3800 East Highway 34
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Telephone: 605-773-3195
http://dhs.sd.gov/
http://dhs.sd.gov/sbvi/
http://www.tslp.org/
Toll-Free: 1-800-224-5336

Leveraging Resources and Maximizing Access to Services for Transition Youths Through Statewide Partnerships

Through a partnership between the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI), and the state Department of Education, South Dakota (SD) established the Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP), designed to expand employment opportunities for transition youths with disabilities. On behalf of the partnership, the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), established as a service cooperative in state government, administers and coordinates TSLP services and programs described below.

• Project Skills - This program provides paid work experiences for high school students with disabilities. DRS and SBVI provide funding for wages, Federal Insurance Contribution Act, worker's compensation, and other costs needed for employment, such as uniforms and other work-related supplies. The local school district provides job development, job coaching, and on-the-job monitoring.

• Catch the Wave - This program provides post-secondary orientation.

  Catch the Wave is a one-day conference designed for students with disabilities who may be considering post-secondary education. Students have an opportunity to learn about preparing for college, including securing necessary accommodations and developing self-advocacy and communication skills. The conference features opportunities to dialogue with other students with disabilities with post-secondary experiences.

• Youth Leadership Forum - This program provides career and leadership training for high school juniors and seniors. Through a statewide competition, student delegates with leadership potential are chosen to participate in this annual five-day event conducted on the campus of the University of SD at Sioux Falls. During the forum they participate in activities designed to enhance leadership, citizenship, and social skills.

• Transition Tacklebox - This program provides web-based resources for students with disabilities, their families, special education agencies, and VR counselors. The Tacklebox includes a variety of information resources designed to assist students with disabilities in making decisions about postsecondary training and community-based living.

The TSLP demonstrates how state departments and agencies partner together to leverage resources for the benefit of transition youths with disabilities.

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