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PIERRE, S.D. (KEKO AM) – The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has established a program offering post-secondary education to young adults with disabilities in South Dakota.
DHS issued a request for proposals from institutions with the ability to implement a three-year pilot program at a college, university or technical institute that would grant access to a menu of courses and provide work opportunities. Augustana College was awarded the contract.
“Our vision is to increase the participation of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in post-secondary educational experiences, thereby improving employment outcomes,” DHS Secretary Gloria Pearson said. “We will conduct research, collect data and evaluate outcomes as part of the pilot program, with the hope of creating something both successful and sustainable.”
Augustana College will implement a program called Augie Access for South Dakota residents 18 to 24 years old who have a diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability and who have completed a vocational interest assessment. Students would need to have a primary goal of employment as well as the ability to fund the education. The program will allow up to five new students annually, each required to be active participants in planning their educational and employment goals.
“Augie Access is an extremely well-planned program and will be an excellent opportunity for young people with disabilities to transition from high school to post-secondary education,” said Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Director Dan Lusk. “We look forward to implementing this new program and increasing personal outcomes and employment opportunities for students with disabilities.
The post-secondary education pilot program is a collaborative effort among several South Dakota agencies and initiatives, including DDD, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Department of Labor and Regulation, Disability Employment Initiative and Department of Education.