We provide legal-based services to South Dakotans with disabilities and ensure that they are free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Additionally, we educate individuals with disabilities on self-advocacy and self-determination and provide information and training on the rights and inclusiveness of individuals with disabilities.
Mission
Disability Rights South Dakota is the non-profit legal services agency dedicated to protecting and advocating for the rights and inclusion of South Dakotans with disabilities.
Vision
Disability Rights South Dakota embraces change and envisions a South Dakota where people with disabilities: have a life of inclusion and dignity; where they are self-directed and without barriers; where all citizens receive equal treatment and respect for their decisions; where citizens with disabilities and their families can live free from fear of abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation.
Values
Disability Rights South Dakota values collaboration and cooperation in the interest of creating a world where people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and are fully integrated into their communities. While we prefer to work collaboratively at the lowest level of intervention, we are equipped to pursue litigation if necessary.
Priorities, Goals and Objectives
Our Priorities, Goals, and Objectives are re-evaluated annually and revised based on the needs of the communities we serve.
To provide input on future efforts, please click the button below to submit a Public Input form.
DRSD FY 2025 Priorities and Objectives
The Goals/Priorities/Objectives for Fiscal Year 2025 were developed after receiving public input and input from DRSD staff based on calls/cases over the past year and approved by the DRSD Board of Directors at its annual meeting in September 2024.
1.1 Assist individuals with disabilities through case services by responding to allegations of abuse, neglect, or rights violations in facilities and community settings.
1.2 Monitor facilities and community settings for abuse, neglect, rights violations, and safety.
1.3 Conduct investigations in facilities and community settings in response to allegations of abuse, neglect, rights violations, and safety of residents.
2.1 Assist individuals with disabilities through case services to be able to live in less restrictive settings and/or have improved access to services, businesses, and programs to enable them to participate more fully in community life.
2.2 Assist individuals through case services to access assistive technology devices and services to help ensure their ability to live more independently.
2.3 Assist individuals with housing opportunities and architectural accessibility barriers through case services to experience less disability-related discrimination, rights violations, and exploitation.
2.4 Assist individuals with disabilities through case services to have greater participation in their person-centered planning, receive person-directed services from their conflict free case management, and assist individuals subject to termination/discharge of services.
2.5 Through systemic efforts, DRSD will work to reinstate substantive rights of individuals subject to termination, including the right to challenge the basis for termination, and to institute the right to an appropriate discharge plan providing a continuum of care.
3.1 Assist students with disabilities in schools through case services to be protected against improper restraint and seclusion, illegal disciplinary measures or removals, or the use of inadequate behavioral planning.
3.2 Assist students with disabilities through case services to be provided appropriate transition planning and services.
3.3 Assist students with disabilities through case services to have greater access to assistive technology devices and services in the school setting.
3.4 Assist students with disabilities through case services to receive appropriate services that materially affect a student’s right to FAPE, as established in the IEP, and/or advocate for the addition of professionally recommended appropriate services to established IEPs.
4.1 Assist individuals through case services who have been discriminated against or have not been provided reasonable accommodation which has had an adverse effect on their ability to gain, maintain, or regain employment.
4.2 Assist applicants and clients of projects, programs, and facilities funded under the Rehabilitation Act who feel that they do not have access to the programs, are not receiving the protections of the act, or are not being afforded proper due process through case services.
4.3 Assist individuals through case services by supporting the use of assistive technology devices and services in employment, training, and other related areas to improve independence, and/or personal choice in employment outcomes.
4.4 Assist individuals through case services and Information & Referral (I&R) in securing, maintaining, and regaining employment through implementation of the goals set out by the Social Security Administration within the PABSS grant.
5.1 Assist individuals with disabilities through case services with terminating or modifying an established guardianship and/or conservatorship, where appropriate.
6.1 DRSD staff will participate in advocacy and education efforts revolving around Help America Vote Act (HAVA) implementation efforts.
6.2 Assist individuals with disabilities in filing complaints under the State based administrative grievance procedure required by HAVA.
6.3 Represent individuals with disabilities in any hearing that may be held regarding the complaint. 42 USC 15461
6.4 DRSD staff will provide education, training, and outreach to election officials, poll workers, and election volunteers regarding the rights of voters with disabilities.
6.5 DRSD staff will provide training to individuals with disabilities, family member/guardian and disability services providers on the rights of people with disabilities to participate in the electoral process, assist with voter registration, and provide information on how to vote.
7.1 Represent individuals with disabilities determined to meet an exception to priorities per DRSD policy [Operations Manual, II. Client Services, §4.9].
7.2 Conduct DRSD systemic activities (Boards and Committees, Educating Policymakers, Education/Training, General Public Information Activities, Other Systemic Activities (Non-litigation), Outreach/PR, Systemic Litigation/Class Action).
7.3 Provide Self-advocacy Assistance at the Intake Team level to individuals with disabilities and/or parents/guardians.
7.4 Provide Information and Referral (I&R) services.
Our Team
Cole, a Marine Corps vet with a Juris Doctorate, serves on boards and advocates for disability rights as Director of CAP at DRSD, helping individuals integrate fully.
Cole Uecker
Executive Director
John, with a B.S. and MBA from USD, is Operations Director at DRSD since 1986. He’s involved in committees and court cases, enjoys challenges and co-workers.
John Hamilton
Legal Director
Jennifer, BA from Augustana, JD from USD Law. Joined DRSD in 2022 as Staff Attorney.
Jennifer Doubledee
Systems & Litigation / Staff Attorney
BA Criminal Justice, USD. JD, USD Law. Joined DRSD as Staff Attorney in 2023.
Elana Hicks
Adult Team Lead / Staff Attorney
BA Economics, Augustana. JD, USD Law. Joined DRSD as Staff Attorney in 2023.
Peter Sommervold
Youth Team Lead / Staff Attorney
Rosebud Sioux Tribe member, PAIMI Program Director at DRSD since 1987. BA Criminal Justice, USD.
Dianna Marshall
Advocacy Services Representative / PAIMI Lead
Advocacy Services Rep at DRSD since 2015. Lead for PAVA program. Experienced in disability rights.
C.J. Moit
Representative Payee Reviewer / Advocacy Services Representative
Licensed Physical Therapist with diverse background. Joined DRSD in 2017. Passionate about helping others.
Brian Poelstra
Advocacy Services Representative / PATBI Lead
Advocacy Services Representative at DRSD since 2024. Previous experience as a teacher. Passionate about assisting others.
Steven Lundquist
Advocacy Services Representative / PAVA Lead
Joined DRSD in 2021 as Advocacy Rep/Investigator. Experienced dispatcher. Passionate about helping others.
Amanda Martin
Advocacy Services Representative / PADD Lead / Investigator
BA Sociology, SDSU. Joined DRSD in 2021 as Sexual Assault Disability Liaison. Passionate about advocacy.
Devin Labbee-Darling
Advocacy Services Representative / PAIR Lead
Joined DRSD in 2021 as Advocacy Rep/PAAT Lead. Extensive experience in disability field. Passionate about education advocacy.
Mollie Keating
Advocacy Services Representative / PAAT Lead
Joined DRSD in 2023 as Advocate. Promotes and defends rights. Passionate about helping others.
Allison White
Advocacy Services Representative
Joined DRSD in 2022 as Intake Specialist. Former educator and manager. Passionate about guiding others.
Gail Thomas
Intake Specialist
Former US Navy sailor with humanitarian and combat service. Passionate about making a difference.
Dave Lavinger
Intake Specialist
Joined DRSD in 2024 as Advocate. Former US Navy and passionate about helping others.
Stephen DeGuise
Advocacy Services Representative / PAIR Lead
Began working for DRSD in 2016. MBA graduate. Passionate about her work. She believes that everything happens for a reason.
Ona Arnold
Director of Operations & Finance
Began with DRSD in 2024. Loves life, her kids, and numbers
Carrie Watts
Administrative Assistant
Board of Directors
Jennifer Carda, Board Chair
Sarah Carlson, Vice Chair
Marlys Feist, Secretary
Heather Berlin, Treasurer
Dr. Valere Beeck, D.C., Ex-Officio
Edith Arneson, Board Member, PAC Representative
Travis Arneson, Board Member
Roger Bowie, Board Member
Angie Dammer, Board Member
Julie Dresbach, Board Member
Roxanne Hammond, Board Member
Jim Hood, Board Member
Jill Turback, Board Member
Janet Whiting, Board Member
PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC)
The PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) is charged with providing P&As information about issues related to individuals with mental illness. They provide independent advice and recommendations to the P&A system and have a commitment to promote the legal and civil rights of people with mental illness and advocate for their personal choices. They also educate the public about the purpose, priorities, and activities of DRSD and the PAIMI program.
View the flyer below to learn more about PAC.
PAC Members
Edith Arneson, Chairperson
Faith Goehring, Vice Chair
Kelly Bass, PAC Member
Angie Dammer, PAC Member
Matthew Laidlaw, PAC Member
Alisa Leflore, PAC Member
Ellen Washenberger, PAC Member
Trina Wilcken, PAC Member
Jen Evans, PAC Member
Claudia Hoem, PAC Member
Jerrald H. Zeigler, Jr, PAC Member
Interested in Serving in Leadership?
If you are interested in serving on the Disability Rights South Dakota Board or PAIMI Advisory Council, please submit your information below to check for openings and to receive an application.