Disability Advocacy Day 2026

The South Carolina Partnership of Disability Organizations. (SCPDO) will host its 37th Annual Disability Advocacy Day (DAD) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the South Carolina State House. Disability Advocacy Day brings together selfadvocates, families, service providers, and community partners from across the state to elevate the voices of people with disabilities and advocate for inclusive policies and supports.

Visit tinyurl.com/DAD2026Registration to register today.

Representing more than 500,000 South Carolinians with lifelong disabilities and their families, SCPDO member organizations continue to lead statewide efforts to advance equity, access, and meaningful inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Leading the Way: Advocacy in Action,” highlights the power of collective advocacy and the leadership of people with disabilities and their families in shaping policy and systems change. Disability Advocacy Day creates a visible and impactful opportunity for participants to engage directly with lawmakers whose decisions affect services and supports across South Carolina.

The 2026 event will feature a dynamic program led by an emcee, with remarks from selfadvocates, family members, organizational leaders, and state partners. Speakers will share personal stories, policy priorities, and calls to action focused on improving the lives of people with disabilities throughout the state.

Event details are as follows:
Location: North Steps of the South Carolina State House
Sign-in: Begins at 9:30 a.m.
Program: Begins at 10:00 a.m.

The event will include a rally, a walk around the State House, and opportunities for participants to connect with legislators and community partners.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend and cover the event. Interview opportunities will be available with event speakers, self-advocates, families, and
organizational leaders. Visuals will include signs, banners, and a large, engaged crowd advocating at the State House.

The full speaker lineup, emcee information, and speaker bios are available at www.scpdo.org, along with event updates and background information.

Visit tinyurl.com/DAD2026Registration to register today.

WHAT:
The 37th Annual Disability Advocacy Day, a statewide advocacy rally bringing together selfadvocates,
families, and disability organizations to raise awareness and advocate for policies that
impact people with disabilities in South Carolina.

WHO:
Hosted by the South Carolina Partnership of Disability Organizations (SCPDO)

Featuring:
An event emcee
Self-advocates
Family members
Disability organization leaders
State and community partners

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m.
Program begins at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
North Steps of the South Carolina State House
Columbia, SC

WHY IT MATTERS:
Disability Advocacy Day elevates the voices of people with disabilities and their families, bringing critical
issues directly to policymakers. The event highlights advocacy priorities affecting services, supports,
access, and inclusion for more than 500,000 South Carolinians with disabilities and their families.

VISUALS:
Rally at the State House
Advocacy signs and banners
Speakers addressing the crowd
Participants walking the State House grounds

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Media interviews available with:
Event speakers
Self-advocates
Family members
Organizational leadership

MORE INFO:
View the full speaker lineup, emcee details, and speaker bios at www.scpdo.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Margie Williamson, Chair of the SC Partnership of Disability Organizations
Executive Director, The Arc of South Carolina
Email: [email protected]

Visit tinyurl.com/DAD2026Registration to register today.