People with Disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Preference

What is disability preference?

The State of South Dakota extends disability preference (disability consideration) to applicants certified by a vocational rehabilitation counselor as meeting the definition of severely disabled.

Having disability preference entitles the applicant to an interview (phone or in-person) on civil service positions found in the Executive Branch of state government. The applicant must meet any licensing requirements of the position and complete all steps of the application process.

How do I become certified for disability preference?

Contact your local Rehabilitation Services Office, or talk to your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor if you are already a client of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors have a “Request for Disability Preference” form you will complete if you are eligible. They will then sign and forward the completed form to the SD Bureau of Human Resources.

How do I find or contact my local Rehabilitation Services Office?

Visit the Rehabilitation Services Offices directory

Does the disability preference certification have an expiration date?

The certification does expire after five years. Applicants will need to contact a Rehabilitation Services Office to renew their disability preference certification.

The State of South Dakota is committed to providing equal access and opportunities to people with disabilities.

The documents below are policies related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Public Notice
• Non-Descrimination Policies
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

Concerns or complaints that a program, service or activity is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the State’s ADA Coordinator, Mallori Barnett:

The Bureau of Human Resources 500 East Capitol Avenue Pierre, SD 57501-5070 605.773.3148 Mallori.Barnett@state.sd.us

Links:

• South Dakota Department of Human Services
  • Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
  • Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI)
• Disability.gov
• DakotaLink
• Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Rehabilitation Services Offices