Disabilities Impact Area

Did you know...
In the US, an estimated 16 million people over the age of 16 read no better than the average elementary student.  About 22% of American adults have minimal literacy skills.

Approximately 10% of the population suffers from a communication disorder.

In SD, 41,900 people have ambulatory disabilities and 30,600 people have cognitive disabilities.

1 in 100 children are on the autism spectrum. 

Your Gift in Action...
DakotAbilities’ Alternative Services provides social and recreational opportunities to people as an alternative to traditional programming.  Last year 15,360 hours of service were provided to 50 individuals.

Pathways’ FriendsLink provides social/recreational and educational activities for adults with disabilities.  Last year 68 different group activities and 123 small group or one-on-one activities were held, serving 92 people.  Stable and rewarding interpersonal relationships are arguably the single most important factor influencing a person’s quality of life.   

Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council provided 1004 hours of tutoring for 62 adults in order to improve their reading, writing and living skills last year.  54% of the participants set and accomplished personal learning goals.

SD Achieve’s Supported Living and Employment Services supports individuals with disabilities so they can gain or maintain independent or semi-independent living.  Last year 155 people benefitted from the program.  62% of participants chose where/whom they lived with, 67% participated in community activities, and 71% chose where they worked.

Handi-Riders, Inc., a new partner program of SEUW is a therapeutic horse program for individuals with special needs.  Last year they provided 861 therapy sessions to 81 participants and 68% of the participants experienced at least moderate improvement in large muscle group strength.