PLANS Advisory Workgroup is made up of individuals with developmental disabilites, family members, state agencies, service providers, and community organizations.  This workgroup was formed in 2004 to provide input into the planning process and design the plan for implementation of the Project.

The advisory workgroup continues to meet on a quarterly basis to provide input and guidance on project activities, services, and areas of emphasis. 

Agendas  

Minutes  

Evaluations  

Sub Committees

Every year, the PLANS project picks three things to focus on.  In 2006-2007, they worked on transportation, housing, and education.  The workgroup and staff meet quarterly.  They talk about how smaller teams can work on these goals and share ideas.

• Transportation

Transportation is a big issue for people with disabilities.  PLANS had a small group that worked on this topic. They felt it was important to pick out a few areas to really work on.  They chose:

• Cost of services
• Times when services are available
• How people are viewed if they use public transportation
• Peoplw ho want to earn their own driver's license

They also worked on some main activiites.  They talked to transit providers (people whose job it is to provide transportation in the community).  They also worked with People First groups to find out what times worked best.  There were also classes through the College of Direct Support that were available to help. 

 

Read one person's story about learning to drive an getting a driver's license.

Learning to Drive: A Guide for Parents

This link will take you to the handbook.  It is made for parents of teenagers.  It can also be helpful for people becoming drivers for the first time.

South Dakota Driver Licensing Program

This link is to the South Dakota Driver Licensing Program Manual.

QUIA Driver Education

This link is for a quiz online.  It can be used to get you ready for your driver's license test.  Questions are about the information in the South Dakota Driver's Manual.

Easter Seals Project ACTION

Easter Seals Project ACTION was originally commissioned by Congress in 1988 as a research and demonstration project to improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities. With the passage of the ADA two years later, our goals expanded to help transportation operators implement the law's transportation provisions.  Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Easter Seals Project ACTION promotes cooperation between the transportation industry and the disability community to increase mobility for people with disabilities under the ADA and beyond. We offer numerous resources, as well as training and technical assistance, in an effort to make the ADA work for everyone, everyday.  Almost two decades after our creation, our goal - and our name - remains unchanged: Accessible Community Transportation In Our Nation (ACTION).

Buses and Trains for Everyone

Buses and Trains for Everyone curriculum is developed with support from Easter Seals Project ACTION to teach concepts and skills needed to use public transportation. Targeted to children grades K-8, Buses and Trains for Everyone is now available to schools across the country. This curriculum is targeted to students with disabilities but can be used by anyone learning to use public transportation. Transportation is key to independence. Buses and Trains for Everyone teaches safety, travel etiquette, manners, and life and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes alternative assessment standards for children with severe disabilities.

Maps for South Dakota's Transit Service Providers

This link provides contact information and coverage maps for South Dakota's transit service providers.

Title XIX Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program

This link provides information about the Title XIX Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program.  This program provides assistance for non-emergency medical transportation needs of eligible TitleXIX Medicaid recipients.

SSA Definitions

SSA Procedure for Other Transportation Situations

Fact:  Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may have impairment-related items that you require in order to work.  This is called an Impairment Related Work Expense or IRWE.  The purpose of the IRWE work incentive is to enable you to recover some of your costs of expenses needed to support your work incurred as a result of your disability.  In some cases, transportation may be an impairment Related Work Expense. The following two links provide information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about transportation.  If you have questions about this, please contact the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program at 1-800-224-5336.

• Housing

Please follow the link for a new resource from the DD Council.  This booklet, called "Explore the Possibilities - Home Ownership for People with Limited Incomes in South Dakota," describes options for owning a home in South Dakota.

• Continuing Education