South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities

The theme of this year's conference is Celebrating Strengths, Inspiring Change and will focus on developing partnerships to improve the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities in South Dakota. This is a joint effort across multiple agencies throughout South Dakota.

Over 25 breakout sessions covering a variety of topics related to:

• Early Childhood

• Transition

• Mental Health and Challenging Behaviors

• Advocacy

• Accessibility and Inclusion

The conference is open to all and intended for people with disabilities, family members, professionals in the field of developmental disabilities (healthcare, education, mental health), state, community and agency providers.

Kristin Scroggin openly admits that she can’t do math or bake a pie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to Generational Norms and Communication!

​She has a Masters degree in Communication Studies, a Bachelors in Communication Arts from Alabama, and was a Communications Professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for 15 years. 

​Kristin has a passion for decoding the generational enigma and is known for her straight-talk speaking style and wicked twist of humor. She has been on stages in 42 states, left her mark in 3 countries, and sprinkled her wisdom across more than 160 conferences for 350+ diverse organizations. From Fortune 500 giants to pint-sized non-profits, she's been there, done that, and left an unforgettable impression.

Obsessed with travel, and desperate to see the world, she and her husband of 25 years try to enjoy life while keeping four children alive who never stop eating.

Meg Zucker is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and NYU School of Law and is an attorney and leader in anti-money laundering and financial crimes on Wall Street. She is also the founder and president of Don’t Hide It Flaunt It® (DHIFI), which is a non-profit whose mission is to advance understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect for people's differences. DHIFI provides “flaunt it” Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and anti-bullying programming to public and private schools, universities, community service organizations, and employee resource programming for disability and family employee resource groups at Fortune 500 companies.

Meg is a high-demand speaker and activist. She has been featured on the TODAY show and was the keynote speaker in the Distinguished American Speakers series in Tel Aviv, hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Meg’s writing has appeared in Parents Magazine, USA Today, Scholastic Storyworks, The Jewish Forward, The Mighty, Motherwell, and Scary Mommy. The Zucker family was also the subject of a TLC special, “My Extraordinary Family.” Meg’s first book, Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities was published by Penguin Random House. It received a Shining Star: Best Social Science Books of the Year by the Library Journal.

Meg will be available to sign books after her presentation, but will not have books available for sale on site. Therefore, please purchase your copy prior to the conference and bring it with you, if you would like her it sign it.

We are offering an opportunity for individuals to attend just Meg Zucker's presentation. Please select "Get Tickets" to purchase a ticket to her presentation. Children 17 and under attend for free, but must have an accompanying and registered /paying adult. Ms. Zucker will speak on Wednesday, August 27th at 2:30 pm.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm with light hors d'oeuvres. No alcohol will be served.

Featuring Rachel Funk from the Brookings Art Council.

This is a separate ticket purchase for $30 and capped at 35 attendees.

If accommodations are needed, all requests are due by August 11, 2025 to guarantee services.

Individuals with developmental disabilities and/or their family members are eligibile to receive a scholarship for this conference. To get additional information or to register for a scholarship, please email: [email protected].

Vendor Booth Setup Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 7:00 am. Tear down on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 after the last break.

• Vendor Booth - One Attendee - $150
• Vendor Booth - Additional Attendees - $100 each

No refunds will be issued after August 15, 2025.

Sheraton Sioux Falls & Convention Center - 1211 N. West Ave. - To reserve a room, book online by clicking here. Special rates valid until 7/25/25.

Ramada by Wyndam Sioux Falls Airport - 1301 W. Russell St. - To reserve a room, book online by clicking here. Special rates valid until 7/25/2025 @ 5 pm local time.

Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel - 3200 W. Maple St. - FREE Shuttle Service to/from the Convention Center. - To reserve a room, book online by clicking here or by calling 605-336-0650 - Block Name: South Dakota Conference on Development Disabilities 2025. Special rates valid until 7/28/25.

Host or Publisher USD Center for Disabilities