Education | Employment | Residential Options | Adult Services | Related Services | Family Support
Education
Students pre-school age to age 21 are referred from their home school districts or from human services agencies. With direction from a team of people including the student, family members, educators and other professionals, a plan is developed to provide appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment possible.
Sometimes that means in-home support, with the student attending school in his or her home school district. BHSSC then provides staff to assist with home learning, such as daily self care and using the community for shopping and recreation.
Other students go to school in BHSSC classrooms in public school settings in Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis, and in classrooms and an employment site at Pleasant Valley near Sturgis.
Educational focus is on functional, applied academics.
Students enrolled in this type of schooling may use BHSSC residential options if needed.
Employment
BHSSC is recognized as a national leader in matching people with appropriate jobs. Adaptive technology makes it possible for people with varying needs to hold employment.
Programming includes assessments, job shadowing, training with job coaches, community job placements, public entity work contracted to BHSSC crews, and textile, pottery and wood product production facilities in both the northern and southern hills.
Adult Services
BHSSC’s services for adults with developmental disabilities include residences, community-based follow along, employment, and supports needed for community employment and life. Services for adults are offered in both the northern and the southern Black Hills.
At the heart of quality of life for adults are choice and personal control. In helping people develop their service plans, we strive for balance between the things that are important for people’s maximum health and safety and the things that are important to people’s preferences, values and dreams.
Independence, rights, learning opportunities, social preferences and individual wishes are among factors considered when children and adults enter BHSSC’s residential programs.
Eight group homes and a system of supervised apartments in the northern hills and in Hot Springs accommodate people 365 days a year in 24 hour residences.
Additionally, BHSSC recruits, trains and licenses its own foster homes for children who will benefit from a family setting.
BHSSC employs a professional staff of nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists and psychologists. Physical therapy is contracted with community therapists as needed. Each person supported by BHSSC receives the services of an Individual Program Coordinator, who helps make sure we are providing what the person wants and needs.
Daily, BHSSC busses and other vehicles move people between their homes, schools and work. Transportation is provided to medical and other appointments, and for participation in community, recreational and cultural activities.
Family Support 360 is a comprehensive, across-the-lifespan program designed to help people with developmental disabilities who live on their own or with family members. It is a flexible, “do what it takes” program that helps people find the resources to continue living at home in their communities.
Family Support 360 is based on principles of encouraging individual choice, responding quickly to needs and being progressive in helping people get the lives they want.
To see the informational brochure, click here.
Visit the Family Support 360 website at http://dhs.sd.gov/dd/family/index.aspx