[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 15888-15889]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   SOUTH DAKOTA DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, it is with great honor that I 
rise today to congratulate the South Dakota Developmental Center, SDDC, 
for its 100 years of service.
  The SDDC was established in 1899 by the South Dakota State 
Legislature as the Northern Hospital for the Insane. The Center 
accepted its first admissions in 1902 to meet the needs of individuals 
with developmental disabilities for the State of South Dakota. One 
Hundred years later, the Center continues to serve South Dakota and the 
needs of its citizens.
  Over the last century, the South Dakota Developmental Center in 
Redfield, SD has provided quality services to individuals with 
developmental disabilities who do not have the option of receiving care 
from a community-based center. To meet the needs of its patients, 
services are provided by specialists from many areas of health care, 
including Audiology, Optometry, Chemical Dependency Counseling, 
Dentistry, Nutrition, Teaching, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Nursing, 
Psychiatry, Speech Pathology, Vocational Instruction, Mental Health 
Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. These staff members enable the SDDC 
to meet the needs of its diverse population, and help them reach their 
ultimate goal, a higher level of independence.
  This year also marks 100 years of partnership between the local 
community and the SDDC. Currently, the SDDC employs more than 400 
staff, making them a major employer in the Redfield area. The impact of 
SDDC on the local economy cannot be overstated. The SDDC not only 
provides quality jobs to more than 400 individuals, but indirectly 
helps sustain numerous community businesses, organizations, and public 
services.
  I am pleased to announce that the South Dakota Development Center is 
planning a centennial celebration on September 20, 2002. The centennial 
celebration includes a rededication of several buildings on campus, an 
award ceremony, a luncheon, special afternoon activities, and an 
evening social at the local VFW for returning former employees, 
dignitaries, special guests and friends.
  I am proud to have this opportunity to honor the South Dakota 
Development Center for its 100 years of outstanding service. It is an 
honor for me to share with my colleagues the exemplary leadership and 
strong commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities that 
the South Dakota Development Center has provided. I strongly commend 
their years of hard work and dedication, and I am very pleased that 
their substantial efforts are being publicly honored and 
celebrated.

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