New Disability Tips Website for First Responders

South Dakota Disability Tips Website for First Responders

January 12, 2022 - The Center for Disabilities at the University of South Dakota, in partnership with Bridging South Dakota, and South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, has launched a new website comprised of disability tips for first responders. The information on the site is to be used as a refresher when interacting or assisting individuals with disabilities in emergency or sensitive situations. There are eleven disability categories, a general tips page, and a resource guide. The website also lists contact information for supports and services, as well as a downloadable pdf.  

https://www.sddisabilitytips.org/
  
While the website targets first responders, the information is applicable to anyone.  The idea for the website was generated by Bridging South Dakota, a workgroup whose mission is to improve services for victims and survivors with disabilities or who are d/Deaf by cultivating the capacity of our statewide organizations to provide trauma-informed, safe, and accessible interventions through technical assistance, training, and curricula. The website is adapted from Mobile TIPS for First Responders developed by Center for Disability and Development, UCEDD, at Texas A & M University. 

If you have any questions or want more information, you may contact Patt Herman at pat.herman@usd.edu or 605-357-1577, or Olivia Boese at olivia@sdnafvsa.com or 605-731-0041.