About PADD

Protection & Advocacy Developmental Disabilities (PADD)

Any person in South Dakota may contact the PADD Program regarding issues that relate to or arise because of a developmental disability. Services provided by the PADD Program are typically free. Any fees for services are discussed during the course of representation. 

PADD Provides:

• Information & referral to appropriate agencies
• Response to complaints of abuse & neglect
• Negotiation with appropriate agencies to obtain benefits and/or services
• Legal representation
• Presentations on rights and services  

Disability Rights South Dakota has offices in Pierre, Sioux Falls, and Rapid City. PADD staff provide services throughout South Dakota, including the Native American Tribal Nations. 

Developmental Disability:

The Developmental Disabilities Act, P.L. 106-402, defines the term "developmental disability" to mean a severe, chronic disability of an individual that -

(A) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairment;

(B) is manifested before the individual attains age 22;

(C) is likely to continue indefinitely;

(D) results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity:  

(i) self-care;

(ii) receptive and expressive language; 

(iii) learning; 

(iv) mobility; 

(v) self-direction;

(vi) capacity for independent living; and

(vii) economic self-sufficiency; and 

(E) reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. 

An individual from birth to age 9, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria described above in (A) through (E) if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.