Improving Accessibility Around The Community

The Foundation works with the South Dakota State Fair Accessibility Project to help make the state fair and its facilities more accessible to people with disabilities and the elderly. As part of the project, donations allowed for the installation of multiple automatic doors—one on the Women’s Building and one on the north side of the Nordby Exhibit Hall. There are plans to install additional doors as funding becomes available. Additionally, the Foundation has funded other accessibility improvements throughout the community like the installation of hand rails, purchase of a pool lift, and arrangements to make playground equipment safer.

Increasing Awareness

The Lead For Life program provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to educate middle school students. This unique environment helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by many members of the community. Over the past several years the program has expanded to many area schools including Huron Middle School, James Valley Christian, De Smet, Wolsey-Wessington, Wessington Springs, and Iroquois. Additionally, the Foundation provided training to local law enforcement and emergency responders on ways to better meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Harnessing The Power Of Technology

The Foundation believes the power of technology can be used to assist with and improve the safety, security, and communication of people with disabilities. For example, keyless locks can be used to help people that may not have the memory or dexterity required to use a traditional key. Smart home products like Google Home and Echo Dot can assist people by offering verbal reminders throughout the day—to take medication or remember an upcoming event for example. These are just two instances of technological enhancements funded by the Foundation and its donors for use in homes around the community.