South Dakota School for the Deaf

The South Dakota School for the Deaf (SDSD) is a state-supported school located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that provides services to meet the educational needs of children who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have cochlear implants. SDSD is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

SDSD was founded in 1880 as the Dakota Territorial School for the Deaf when the area was still part of the Dakota Territory. When South Dakota became a state in 1889, the school was placed under the state's Board of Charities and Corrections and changed its name to its present form.

While the school provides excellent services for children with hearing loss, they do not accept children with other special developmental needs, such as autism. Although the use of federal funds would prohibit such practices, viewed by many as discriminatory, apparently this school is allowed to be selective. Student seeking to attend are subject to approval after a 45-day 'trial' period.

External link

 * SDSD's official website