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Helen Miner, Family Support Council But the future looks promising for par ents of developmentally disabled children in the state, Miner said. In July she was appointed by Gov. Walter D. Miller to serve on a a statewide Family Support Council established by the Department of Human Services. Each of the 15 members is a parent of a child with developmental disabilities. Miner was chosen out of 150 applica tions. The group has met once since the coun cil was formed, and will meet again later this week in Brookings. “This is really for families. Children be long with their families,” Miner said “We've kind of come away from the insti tutions. It’s taken a long time, but I think it’s going to be good.” Family support networks, formed shortly before the council members were named, are based in Sioux Falls, Water town, Mitchell and Milbank One of the problems with trying to re ceive help caring for a disabled child is getting through the maze of departments in the state that offer services, she said. “One thing we've recognized as a prob lem is the services are so diverse and they're so far strong that you need some one to kind of tie it all together,” Miner added. “If you’ve ever been involved in try ing to get funding for anything or have a disabled child, it’s a maze to get through all the resources that you do have.” Parents of disabled children are encour aged to call Miner and share their per sonal experiences or ideas. The council will use the ideas and suggestions to help design and evaluate the family support services in the state. The council will help people with ser vices, such as respite care, and refer fami lies to agencies that can help them. Fund ing through the council will also help fam ilies modify their homes and vehicles and provide specialized nutritional supple ments. “I really think Huron is a progressive town. We really do a lot with the handi capped people here,” Miner said. Daniel is happy at the local ATC, and is able to come home frequently, she said. “I think it would just be nice if people could have a little easier road than some of us had,” she said. “We need coordina tion and cooperation of services — some body that would know the right path to get on for what you need. “This council is so new, but I think peo ple are really excited about it. Sometimes it just takes a little extra to make it work for keeping a disabled child at home. We are someone people can call if they need help with anything. We’ve come a long way since Daniel was born.” DAVID JOHNSON/PLAINSMAN WE ARE FAMILY — Emma Miner, 13, and her brother, Bill, 18, take their older brother, Daniel, 20, for a walk in the warm sunshine Monday near a Huron Area Adjustment Training Center group home where he lives. They are the children of Helen and Hugh Miner of rural Cavour. Mrs. Miner was recently appointed to a Family Support Council de veloped by the governor's office.
Newspaper Details
Huron Plainsman
Huron, South Dakota, US
Tue, Oct 11, 1994
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Jamie P.
USA 24 Jul 2026
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