DISABILITY RELATED SERVICES & RESOURCES
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES
South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
SCDDSN is the state agency that plans develops, oversees, and funds services for South Carolinians with severe and/or lifelong disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disabilities, Autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury and conditions related to each of these four disabilities. Services and programs are offered to individuals and families of the disability community in meeting needs and lifelong goals.
Website: ddsn.sc.gov
Email: Stephanie.Turner@ddsn.sc.gov
Phone: (803) 898-9639
BabyNet
This is a state early intervention program that helps infants and toddlers, birth to 3 years of age, with developmental milestones and/or disabilities, if any. Early intervention services may include, but limited to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and assistive technology. This is a service of the SC Health and Human Services. BabyNet serves all 46 counties in South Carolina.
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/resources/programs-and-initiatives/babynet
Phone: 1-866-512-8881
Bright Start Early Intervention
Provides help for children from birth to 6 years of age with developmental milestones and/or disabilities, and case management services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. Services include, but not limited to, home visits, developmental assessments, and family training. These services are also available to individuals who are BabyNet or Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) eligible. Bright Start currently serves 21 counties in South Carolina.
Website: brightstartsc.com
Phone: (803) 929-1112 (Columbia office)
See website ‘contact us’ for other SC counties contact offices.
The Arc of the Midlands
A local chapter of a national community based organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in their community throughout their lifetime.
Website: arcmidlands.org
Email: TheArc@ArcMidlands.org
Phone: (803) 403-1195
The Arc of North Carolina
A local chapter of a national community based organization that promotes and protects the human rights of people with disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in their community throughout their lifetime. Programs and services are available in regions. Visit website or contact for details per region.
Website: arcnc.org
Email: See ‘Contact Us' tab ‘send us a message’
Phone: (919) 782-4632
Disability Rights South Carolina (Protection and Advocacy- P&A) and (Client Assistance Program- CAP)
An advocacy organization to protect the rights of all individuals with disabilities. Provides a variety of services including, but not limited to, client assistance, training, abuse and neglect investigation, legal issues assistance, advocacy for change, and helping people understand employment rights and reasonable accommodations.
Website: disabilityrightssc.org
Email: info@disabilityrightssc.org
Phone: Help line- (866) 275-727
Office (803) 782-0639, TTY (866) 232- 4525
Disability Rights North Carolina
An advocacy organization to protect the civil and legal rights of all individuals with disabilities. Provides a variety of services, but limited to, community access and inclusion, education rights, employment rights, home and community based services, and housing rights.
Website: disabilityrightsnc.org,
Email: See ‘contact us' tab ‘send us a message’ on disabilityrightsnc.org
Phone: (919)-856-2195, Toll free (within NC) (877) 235-4210, TTY- (888) 268-5535
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FAMILY SUPPORT
Autism in Black
Provides support to melanated parents with autistic children, through educational and advocacy services. Autism in Black is dedicated to bringing awareness to Autism and reducing the stigma in the black community.
autisminblack.org
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Family Connections
A non profit organization that offers a variety of programs and services to address your questions and concerns on healthcare, mental health, educational systems, and peer support for families and individuals of the disability community. FCSC has regional offices across the state and serves all 46 counties in South Carolina.
Website: familyconnectionsc.org
Email: info@familyconnectionsc.org
Phone: 1-800-578-8750/1-888- 808-7462 (Para Español)
Family Resource Center For Disabilities and Special Needs
A non profit organization that offers support, programs, training, post secondary plans information and referral for families, caregivers, and individuals of the disability community. FRCDSN serves the community of Charleston and surrounding Low Country areas.
Website: frcdsn.org
Email: frc@frcdsn.org
Phone: (843) 266-1318
Autism Society of South Carolina
A statewide non profit organization that provides Autism resources for individuals and their families of the Autism community, parents school partnerships, case management, information and referral services, and advocacy involvement.
Website: scautism.org
Email: scas@scautism.org
Phone: (803) 750-6988
BeginningsSC
A non profit organization located in West Columbia, SC that provides services and programs for families of children who are deaf or hard and hearing. Services and programs includes, but not limited to, free parent counseling, individualized information for parents about their child, communication and language skills, strategies for school success, ASL (American Sign Language) for parents, home visits, Deaf Advocacy Specialist Program, and educational rights and procedures.
Website: beginningssc.org
Email: info@beginningssc.org
Phone: (803) 216-1171
Autism Society of North Carolina
A statewide non profit organization provides Autism resources for individuals and their families of the Autism community, parent support groups, social recreation, information and referral services, and advocacy involvement.
Website: www.autismsociety-nc.org
Email: see ‘Contact Us’ tab for email
Phone: (800) 442-2762
Family Support Network of North Carolina
A non profit organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and resources to support families and individuals of the disability community. Services and support available are parent-to-parent support, parent mentor orientation, support groups and workshops, navigating service systems designed for families and children, and information and referral. FSN has regional offices across the state and serves over 80 counties in North Carolina.
Website: fsnnc.org,
Email/Phone: see ‘home page and click find your ‘local program’ for programs and counties served
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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
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Center for Disability Resources (SC Assistive Technology Program)
This program uses technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work, and learn independently. SCATP is federally funded and part of a national network that provides the devices that increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities for people with disabilities.
Website: https://sc.edu/medicibe/scatp
Phone: (803) 935-5231 / (803) 935-5301, or toll free 1 (800) 915-4522
South Carolina Talking Book Services
This is a free library program that offers free Braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. This program is available from the ages of preschoolers to senior citizens. SCTBS functions as a regional library of the National Library of the Blind and Print Disabled.
Website: https://www.sctalkingbook.org/
Email: TBSBooks@statelibrary.sc.gov
Phone: Local (803)734-4611, Toll free: 1 (800) -922-7818, Deaf or hard of hearing individuals: (711)734-4611
*Voicemail lines open 24/7
Assistive Technology Program
This program uses technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work, and learn independently. Device demonstration, short term device loans, and reutilization of assistive technology are provided. NCATP is state and federally funded program that provides assistive technology services statewide to people with disabilities.
Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/north-carolina-assistive- technology-program
Customer Service Center: 1 (800) 662-7030
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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department
This agency assists individuals with disabilities understand the options available in becoming or staying employed through individualized services provided at offices around South Carolina. Services available are self assessments and vocational goals, disability management, training, youth services, and job search. There are 30+ office locations throughout South Carolina.
Website: scvrd.net
Email: See ‘Offices’ tab on the scvrd.net to contact your city’s office via email or phone
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina
This agency assists individuals who are blind or have low vision. Their services and programs include, but not limited to, includes personal independence and vocational rehabilitation. Virtual training opportunities are available for activities of daily living (ADL), assistive technology, Braille, Client Connection, computer training, and peer mentoring. ABVI services adults with disabilities in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties in South Carolina.
Website: abvisc.org
Email: info@abvisc.org
Phone: (843) 723-6915
North Carolina Department of Human Health Services
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services assists people with disabilities achieve goals and independence. Vocational Rehabilitation is a state program that provides people with physical, sensory, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities a variety of services including, but limited to, finding and sustaining employment, career counseling, education and training, and job placement assistance.
Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services
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CURRICULUM
Khan Academy
A non profit organization with a goal to provide a free education anywhere. Khan Academy offers, at no cost, practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized dashboard that empowers learners to study at their own pace in and outside the classroom. Subjects includes math, science, computing, history, economics, and more along with K-14 and test preparation (SAT, Praxis, LSAT) content. For pre K to elementary grades, Khan Academy offers “Khan Academy Kids” app.
Handwriting Without Tears
Researched back curriculum designed to be easy to teach handwriting from Pre-K to 5th grade, or children facing writing or fine motor skill challenges. HWT uses multi sensory learning to engage visual, audio, and kinesthetic learners. Hands on tools are offered to build vocabulary, fine motor, and alphabet knowledge prior to writing letters. Costs of curriculum materials varies.
https://www.lwtears.com/solutions/writing/handwriting-without-tears
Keyboarding Without Tears
This digital curriculum encourages proper key boarding technique through multimodal lessons, leading to effective typing skills. Promotes typing fluency and speed with game based lessons, allows independent learning, and builds letter recognition, sight words, and phonetic awareness. Designed for K-5th grade, or for children who needs keyboarding introduction or assistance. Costs of curriculum materials varies.
https://www.lwtears.com/kwt/free-demo/explore
ABC Mouse
Backed by research and designed in collaboration with nationally recognized childhood education experts, ABC Mouse curriculum includes subjects reading, writing, math, science, social studies, art, and music. There are books, puzzles, games, and learning videos for an interactive experience of learning and technology. Monthly, yearly, and short term subscriptions options are available.
Homeschooling with Dyslexia
Created by a homeschool mom of children with dyslexia, HWD equips parents with free resources to help children with dyslexia such as, but not limited to, assistive technology, curriculums, and educational and informative website links regarding dyslexia. Parental courses, mentoring groups, and supportive blogs are offered also.
https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/
COMMONLIT
A non profit education technology organization that provides free reading activities and digital tools for at-home learning that is researched based and flexible. Parents and teachers can sign up for a free account for ELA (English, Language Arts) curriculums for grades 6-12 or supplemental reading passages for grades 3-12. Free support tools, progress tracker, and helpful resources for parents are offered also. https://www.commonlit.org/
All About Learning Press
Offers effective, fun, and free to affordable cost reading and spelling programs with a multisensory approach. A 4 level program, “All About Reading”, teaches phonics, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. A 7 level program, “All About Spelling” teaches encoding skills and spelling rules.
https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration offers a wealth of free learning materials for science enthused students. From NASA TV to downloadable e-books and podcasts. Space place is designed for everyone to learn about space and Earth science through fun online games, hands on activities, informative articles, and engaging short videos. Materials are in both English and Spanish, and available resources for parents and teachers.
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TRANSITIONAL SERVICES
AbleSC
A disability led non profit organization whose core mission is creating greater access and opportunities for independence for individuals with disabilities in the Midlands and Upstate counties of South Carolina. Services and programs provided are, but not limited to, independent living, youth transitional services, peer support mentoring, and information and referral.
Website: able-sc.org
Email: See ‘Contact Us' at the bottom of the able-sc.org home page'
Phone: Columbia office (803) 779-5121, (800) 681-6805, TTY (803) 779-0949; Greenville office (864) 235- 1421, (800) 681- 7715, TTY (864) 235- 8798
Alliance of Disability Advocates
A non profit organization federally recognized as a Center for Independent Living whose mission is empowering and advocating for individuals with disabilities in the Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Services and programs provided, but not limited to, independent living training, youth transition, employment, peer support, and information and referral.
Website: adanc.org
Email: see ‘contact us' to view email address based on the area of expertise needed'
Phone: (919) 833-1117, TTY: (919) 833-1171
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A multifaceted guide with the latest research and tools assisting students with learning disabilities in transition from college to the workforce. To view the guide, please see the link.
https://www.intelligent.com/college-planning-guide-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/
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ACCESSIBLE PLACES AROUND NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Richland County Public Library Southeast
This library has a multisensory room providing a therapeutic environment that promotes intellectual stimulation, calmness, relaxation, and inclusion for everyone of all abilities to experience. See website for room features, reservation days and times, policies and procedures.
https://www.richlandlibrary.com/multisensoryroom
South Carolina State Museum
Every second Saturday per month from 9 am to 11 am, provides free access to individuals of all ages a sensory friendly experience and quieter setting at the museum. Guest who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other disabilities can experience the museum at their own pace and enjoy other activities, such as story time, meet an greet characters, and 4-D shows. See events website’s calendar http://www.scmuseum.org/
Children’s Museum of the Low Country
Every second and fourth Sundays from 10 am to 12 pm, provides free access to children with disabilities and their families for a sensory friendly experience that includes limited crowds and less overstimulation. Guest who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other disabilities can experience the museum at their own pace and enjoy other activities. Accessibility kits are available, such as, but not limited to, noise reducing headphones, weighted mats, sunglasses, liquid timers, while visiting CML. Registration is required.
https://explorecml.org/happening-at-cml/programs/cml-superstars/
Leo's Landing
Leo's Landing is an inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park that fosters inclusion, friendship, and understanding among children and adults of all abilities, including wheelchair accessibility, using nature based play elements. There are accessible bathrooms, misting stations, and picnic tables. See website for more of the many playground’s features for all children.
NORTH CAROLINA:
Durham County Library
This library's “The Multisensory Environment” is a space designed to encourage people interaction and stimulate the senses. This area promotes intellectual stimulation, calmness, relaxation, and inclusion for everyone of all abilities to experience. See website for room materials for children to explore, reservation days and times, policies and procedures.
https://durhamcountylibrary.org/location/main-library/multi-sensory-environment/
Marbles Kids Museums
A free monthly event throughout the year, “Marbles Sensory Friendly Playtime” and “Lights up, Sound down” movies are exclusively for children with disabilities and their families. Experience the museum in a calmer, quieter environment and pace. Partner organizations will be on-site inside the museum lobby and other accommodations to assist families with their visit to the museum. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
https://www.marbleskidsmuseum.org/sensory-friendly-playtime
Children’s Theater of Charlotte
Offers a sensory inclusive shows for most Mainstage Productions adjusted for families and friends with children and adults with autism or other sensory sensitivities. These shows featured soft theater lighting and sound, dimmed lights that remain on, extra room to move around, quiet spaces and headphones, Dodgers and other sensory objects. Accommodations can be made in advance via phone or email. See website for “Access and Inclusion” and “Sensory Friendly Shows”. https://ctcharlotte.org/Online/default.asp
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
“Alamo for All” is a movie program for guests with disabilities. All ages are welcomed (including infants!). Shows include lights turned up, sound turn down, noises and movement are allowed, assisted technology devices are welcomed. “Alamo for All” shows starts before 2:00 pm on Tuesdays. https://drafthouse.com/raleigh/program/alamo-for-all
iFly
The “iFly All Abilities” Program offers the opportunity to indoor skydive for individuals who may have physical or cognitive disabilities, accommodations, additional assistance and attention during orientation, and a highly trained ugly instructor to personally guide all “All Abilities “ flyers during the skydiving experience. https://www.iflyworld.com/programs/all-abilities/
Carowinds
Carowinds accommodates guests with disabilities by providing a program allowing guests with mobility restrictions or cognitive impairment to access attractions. Tips for Guests with Autism, Service Animals, and more accessibility offered. See Guest Assistance Guide on website.
https://www.carowinds.com/accessibility
NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA ACCESSIBLE PLACES:
AMC Theater
Select films scheduled the second and fourth Saturday of each month, and the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Designed for a sensory inclusive environment and movement flexibility, dimmer lighting, and lower volume for attending patrons. Family friendly and mature ratings available for sensory inclusion. See ‘sensory friendly films' and locations on website. https://www.amctheatres.com/-
https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
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Chuckie Cheese
Chuckie Cheese opens two hours early on the first Sunday of every month specifically for children with Autism, and not limited to other children with disabilities. Reduced lighting and noise, food and games offered, and a trained and caring staff. See website for participating locations.
https://www.chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays/
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Sky Zone
An active entertainment park of trampolines, foam zones, ninja warrior courses and more! Sensory hours provides a quieter jumping experience. See ‘Find a participating parks' for your location on website. Locations in North Carolina and North Charleston, South Carolina.