News and Updates

Family Connection of South Carolina is looking for Young Adult Leaders willing to provide leadership, guidance and support in creating and participating in a variety of projects and community initiatives. The Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) is a diverse group Read More

Our portal for the 2019-2020 school year is now open. The legislature granted us $12 million in scholarship funds for this year, and we are working to make sure those funds are raised quickly. Scholarship applications are open until Tuesday, Read More

SCVR’s Comprehensive Evaluation Centers are hosting a Summer Camp Series for students with barriers to education or employment. Enjoy fun-filled activities at NO COST: † Escape rooms, scavenger hunts, ropes courses and other games and challenges Career exploration in forensic Read More

Are you the parent or caregiver of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who exhibits challenging behavior or skill deficits? Would you like to receive individualized training to address these concerns? A highly-qualified team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts Read More

Junior Dental Students at the MUSC James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Ziegler and Dr. Pilcher, are conducting a survey of individuals with Down Syndrome to determine the incidence of bruxism (tooth grinding) in Read More

The purpose of the SC High School Credential is to provide equitable job-readiness opportunities for these students throughout the state, ensure they have evidence of employability skills, and honor the work they have undertaken in our public schools. Learn more

For most, the holidays are a time of excitement, anticipation and joy. But for some, especially families who have children or relatives of any age with a disability or special healthcare need, holidays are different than the idealistic images portrayed Read More

Jessica Cheanratana is the mother of twins who were born at 24 weeks and encountered many difficulties along their journey. She says she had no idea of the many complications that could arise or where to turn for information and Read More

The South Carolina Partnership of Disability Organizations (SCPDO) is accepting high quality, digital photos of people supported and that are willing to be highlighted on Disability Advocacy Day for their perseverance and contributions to our community. Examples may include people Read More

Every parent wants to raise a healthy, happy child. Because children grow and learn on their own time tables, it can be hard to know if your child is behind in certain areas of development. Monitoring and being aware of Read More

Why are we still talking about this? Each year, about 3,500 infants die unexpectedly during sleep time from SIDS or accidental suffocation. The rates of accidental trauma and injuries due to unsafe sleep environments/bed-sharing is increasing. From 2010-2017 in Greenville Read More

The number of children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States has increased dramatically. Here are some helpful tips to help your child succeed in school: Become an effective case manager. Keep a record of all information about your Read More

The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting applications for the Parental Refundable Tax Credit this Monday, October 1, 2018 at noon. This new date is due to the impacts of Hurricane Florence in certain areas of our state. Read More

The Seacoast Church has partnered with Christ in Action to send two teams to serve in New Bern, NC. Opportunities will include serving meals and cleaning homes and yards as needed. For more information, visit this Seacoast Church Relief website at Read More

With a new school year quickly approaching, it is helpful to have your child’s medical and education history organized and in one place to share with anyone who may interact with your child. We offer a training session on creating Read More

As your Parent Training and Information Center, Family Connection works specifically to support special populations as defined by federal law. In collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services (OSES), resources and support are provided Read More

Belinda Patel’s son was diagnosed with autism around the age of three, and she remembers the overwhelming feelings of simply not knowing what to do next. Someone gave her the name and contact information of a support parent, and when Read More

It’s that time of year, where we find ourselves deep in the alphabet soup of the special education world. IEPs, 504s, referrals and assessments; wherever you are in the journey, these quick tips can help you thrive, not just survive, Read More

As the school year begins, here are some updates of interest. Drinking Water in Schools In recent years, there has been increased attention to lead in drinking water. Although lead is found throughout the environment, lead can accumulate in the Read More

Meet Andrew, a South Carolina resident and Super HERO! Andrew was born with a rare genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome. Getting the care Andrew needs has been challenging for his family. He was born with a severe heart defect and Read More

Early literacy is a key to success for any child. Children learn from reading long before they’re ready to read on their own. Holding a book teaches top/bottom, left/right, front/back. Turning pages and talking about what’s on each page teach Read More

Family Connection has just over 450 active volunteer support parents statewide. Support parents are volunteers raising their own child, at least one year or older, with a disability or a special health care need. They enjoy talking and sharing information, Read More

Partnering with Richland Library on LOOK! Forward Photography Exhibit

COLUMBIA, SC The 2018 LOOK! Forward Photography Exhibit opens June 2 at the newly renovated Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly St., in downtown Columbia. The exhibit, which remains on display through August 17, showcases the beauty and strength of 48 Read More

Columbia, SC – With summer approaching, parents and camps alike are making plans for terrific, fun opportunities for young campers to learn new skills and grow in their confidence and abilities. The United States Attorney’s Office has taken the opportunity Read More

South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council is beginning it’s recruitment of individuals with intellectual disabilities and parents with young children with intellectual disabilities for our Partners in Policymaking program that begins in October. Download an Application

Family Connection of South Carolina and Children’s Trust of South Carolina are featured in The Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities for their collaboration on the evidence-based Positive Parenting Program, Triple P. In February 2017, staff at Read More

We’d like you to know about an awesome opportunity coming up on Friday, February 7: The Night to Shine Prom for people with special needs, hosted by local churches and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation! Every guest of Night Read More

One week from today on Tuesday, Nov. 28, you can help us raise $3,000 on #GivingTuesday to celebrate the 3,000+ families served last year by our top programs. A single generous donor will match dollar-for-dollar the first $1,500 donated on Read More

The Health Insurance Marketplace will open November 1, with a shortened enrollment period that closes on December 15. Several changes have been implemented by executive order that will impact Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace in South Read More

From Able-SC: The SC Governor proclaimed that people with disabilities are capable, contributing members of society worthy of full access and inclusion in South Carolina’s workforce. Let’s rally to show all of South Carolina that people with disabilities CAN work Read More

Registration deadline: September 4, 2017 HOW TO REGISTER FOR GROUPS If your child has participated in social skills groups during previous sessions, please complete the attached fee agreement to confirm your enrollment. All fees are due no later than September Read More

Enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark with family and friends in the Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star Seats and watch the Fireflies take on the Charleston Riverdogs. Tickets are only $10, and $5 from each ticket will be donated Read More

Your voice is still needed NOW to ensure that children with disabilities and special healthcare needs continue to have the services they desperately need through Medicaid. Several options to repeal the Affordable Care Act have been considered, and our Congressional leaders are Read More

Join us to run, walk or stroll in the Family Connection 5Ks and help us promote active lifestyles for everyone! The Columbia 5K is set for September 30 and the Anderson 5K is set for November 4. Thanks to all Ainsley’s Read More

April 5, 2017 Pursuant to Executive Order 2016-20, lead agency designation for South Carolina’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C program, known in South Carolina as “BabyNet”, will be transferred from South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Read More

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that a proposed application for the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care (PCSC) waiver will be submitted to the Centers of Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) and is available for Read More

December 5 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm DESCRIPTION: This webinar provided an overview of Waivers and waiver-based services. SPEAKER: Guest Speakers: Lori Manos, Michelle White and Susan Bolt DATE: December 5, 2016 For the transcript of the webinar, view this Waivers Read More

SPEAKER: Gwynne Goodlett DESCRIPTION: The first of a series of monthly webinars is an update on progress on the development of the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care, entitled “Where We’ve Been and Where We Are Going.” This webinar covers what a Read More

SPEAKERS: Tonna Okei and Gwynne Goodlett DESCRIPTION: The second in a series of monthly webinars is an update on progress on the development of the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care, this webinar will update participants about who the state is trying Read More

SPEAKER: Shannon Staley December 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Title: Medicaid 101: An overview of Medicaid and TEFRA This Medicaid 101 Video will take you to a replay of the webinar. To download the transcript of the webinar, click this Read More

This is a workshop that discusses options for Teens and/or Young Adults planning to live independently and their parent or caregiver. Date Recorded: 4/16/2016 Link to Webinar Recording

COLUMBIA – October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the time to join Family Connection of South Carolina for its 17th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk®. The event is from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at Saluda Shoals Park Read More

Come run, walk or stroll at Saluda Shoals Families and children of all abilities are invited to join us to promote active lifestyles and inclusion for everyone! Family Connection and Ainsley’s Angels are partnering on their first Midlands Area 5K Read More

The SC Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Statewide Transition Plan is going through a third public comment period due to changes made in the plan per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. The comment period is Aug. 17 Read More

Columbia, SC: The torrential rains and floods have caused tremendous loss and damage in the Midlands and across South Carolina. But the spirit and connections of our communities and our state remain strong. Regardless of backgrounds or beliefs, people have Read More

Are you someone that is looking for an opportunity to support your community, while having fun at the same time? We have the opportunity you have been looking for. Family Connection of South Carolina hosts three Buddy Walks across the Read More

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Family Connection of South Carolina has been awarded the 2015 Office of Special Education and Information for Parents and Children of Disabilities – Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) grant issued by the US Department of Education Read More

Family Connection of South Carolina’s executive director, Amy Holbert, has been selected to present at the 2015 MCH Workforce Academy: Leading in a Transformative Environment to Improve Population Health. She was picked from applications that were submitted from all over Read More

Author: Jen Franklin Kearns, ds-connex team member A couple of weekends ago, my family and I were enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the pool. As we’re having an exceptionally rainy summer, we were anxious to take advantage of a window Read More

COLUMBIA, SC – July 26th, 2015 will highlight the 25 year anniversary of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into action by president George H. Bush. To celebrate this 25th milestone, Protection and Advocacy, The University of South Read More

Family Connection is so excited about our upcoming benefit concert, not only are we going to get to celebrate our 25th year anniversary with our community, but we get to party with the Mustache Brothers! We are showing our excitement Read More

Early in Alexia’s diagnosis she was seeing multiple pediatricians and specialists, which for a young girl can be overwhelming and stressful. It was not until she met Dr. Jones that things started to come together for her. Her services became Read More

It comes as no surprise that parents are feeling stressed, and when you have a child with a disability you can multiply that stress by 10! It is hard to find the time you need to take care of your Read More

Facebook is and extension of our lives. It is how we communicate, share and find out what is going on with the world. I know that it is my primary source for getting news stories, and the best way to Read More

Recently we discovered a “mommy blogger” that was willing to share her story about her daughter, Aubrey. Aubrey was born in September 2007 and was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder at seven months old, that transformed into Epilepsy. Her Read More

Camp Burnt Gin is an overnight camp for children who have special health care needs. The camp runs form early June until mid August. They host seven sessions; each one lasts six days. The camp provides a fun, safe summer Read More

This post was contributed by Letrell Hodge What does your child want to be when they grow up? If they could do anything for a job, would they want to be a doctor, a teacher, or maybe a professional athlete? Read More

This post by contributed by guest blogger Deborah Leigh Norman When my second son was born two months early and later diagnosed with Down syndrome, somewhere in the flurry of reading I consumed, I came across the poem “Welcome to Read More

This post was contributed by guest blogger Rochelle Gadson So often when we hear the words let go, we find that this is the most difficult thing to do. Our insecurities kick in and we think of all the worst-case Read More

This post was contributed by guest blogger Jennifer Jett. It is hard to believe that we have been living in this storm for almost five years now. You notice I said living…we are actually doing more than that…we are thriving. Read More

By Rochelle Gadson Rochelle’s daughter Abby Gadson As a mother, one of the greatest pains you can feel is when your child is not happy. You try to find almost anything to bring your child joy. Can I change the Read More

Guest blogger Jennifer Jett shares the story of her son’s diagnosis, comparing her experience to a storm. I like to think of the last few years as a storm that slowly blew in without too many people noticing. I was Read More

Family Connection’s Greenville office has created a ground-breaking photographic display of children with special needs having fun in their community, with family, at school , at work and play. This exhibit was created with grants from The Children’s Hospital of Read More

By Laura Townsend Kane, parent of a child with autism Note: Laura Townsend Kane, parent of a child with autism, has written a guest blog post about how extended family can help when someone in the family has autism. Puzzle Read More

Today we recognize World Autism Awareness Day. Families gathered at local parks across the state to celebrate by enjoying a picnic lunch and lighting it up blue! Check out some of our kids who are going blue for autism awareness:

South Carolina’s own hit singer/songwriter Edwin McCain will perform an intimate concert for 400 guests to benefit Family Connection of SC April 28 at the Hall at Senate’s End. Tickets are selling out fast, so don’t wait until the last Read More

News and Updates

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