As needs for children and adults with disabilities grow, this organization is evolving to meet them

This paid piece is sponsored by LifeScape.

As the population grows across the country, so does the number of people living with disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children are born with a developmental disability. One in 36 are born with autism.

“There is a critical need for services, and that’s where we come in,” LifeScape CEO Steve Watkins said.

Just as the word “disabilities” is broad, so are the services provided by LifeScape.

“Last year alone, we served more than 5,500 children and adults, so we know LifeScape is additive to the fabric of care in the community and region – not just for those living with disabilities but for their loved ones,” Watkins said.

At LifeScape, serving the region builds on a history of caring. The organization was founded in the 1950s to help Sioux Falls children recovering from polio. It has since expanded to Rapid City and throughout the broader region.

“Today, we not only help children but adults as well,” Watkins said. “Our mission is to empower all people to live their best life.”

Here’s a closer look at the variety of services LifeScape offers to do just that:

Caring for kids

LifeScape offers a variety of programs to support the individual journeys of kids with different abilities.

LifeScape Specialty School

It’s a safe place for children and young adults with disabilities to learn and grow. LifeScape Specialty School is in Sioux Falls and serves age 3 through 21 as both residential and day students.

“We have many children bused in from across state lines because they have no other place to go for school,” Watkins said. ‘Every student has their own interdisciplinary team that works together to create and implement a learning plan for his or her specific social, behavioral and academic needs.”

Children’s Specialty Hospital

The Children’s Specialty Hospital offers comprehensive rehabilitation and medically complex care.

“This is an 18-bed pediatric hospital that offers care to patients from birth through age 21,” Watkins said.

“We are the sole provider of specific Medicaid-based services and supports in South Dakota, including our pediatric rehabilitation hospital, making it easier for families and friends to be part of the healing process.”

Children’s Residential Program

When children need 24-hour supervision for behavioral or medical care, this program offers a comfortable, nurturing environment.

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Outpatient services

LifeScape also offers occupational, speech, physical and behavioral therapies.

“The sheer number of specialized treatments available is astounding,” Watkins said. “We help individuals of all ages meet their greatest potential.”

Caring for adults

LifeScape also serves adults in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area through residential and day services programs.

“More than 500 adults with developmental disabilities can not only find safety and security in LifeScape’s residential program, but they can explore their interests and take part in fun activities throughout the day to bring meaningful opportunities to their life,” Watkins said.

“They’re able to live their best life because of the care and experiences our staff provides.”

Many adults served by LifeScape also are able to work in the community thanks to important business partners through the Supported Employment program.

National recognition

As a nonprofit with many direct care roles, LifeScape has faced the workforce crisis like many others.

However, its mission-focused approach is capturing national attention.

Two exemplary employees recently were awarded national and state awards: Newly retired lead teaching assistant Jackie Kocak was named the 2023 Direct Care Worker of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, or NAPSEC. Direct support professional Rebecca Lange was recognized by the Community Support Providers of South Dakota and named one of the best direct support professionals of the year by the national disability provider association ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources.

The road ahead

As the complexity of diagnoses continues to grow, LifeScape’s leaders are keeping their eyes on the road ahead.

“We must look at the data; more and more children and adults are being diagnosed with developmental disabilities or autism. The reality is there are waitlists, causing strain on families who need our services,” Watkins said.

“That’s why our vision includes planning for the future. For example, we saw the need for more adult residential homes would grow, so we strategically planned to build one new home each year for five years — a strategy that is nearly complete.”

Still, parents wait for openings. So LifeScape is working with leaders in Pierre and Washington, D.C., to push for more funding to help hire additional staff and cut down those waitlists. Providing hope for the future.

To learn more

“Sometimes, those in need of services in South Dakota don’t realize they can get what they need right here, close to home,” Watkins said.

To learn more and to connect with those who can help your unique situation, click here.