(Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina is proud to announce it has been awarded a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This funding will allow Family Connection to continue serving as South Carolina’s only Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center—a role it has fulfilled since 2015.  “With this renewed investment, Family Connection will continue providing families across our state with assistance in navigating the complex health care landscape and preparing for school meetings and understanding individualized education plans and other school supports and services” said Amy Holbert, Chief Executive Officer of Family Connection. “Our organization remains committed to empowering parents with the information they need to make the best decisions for their children.”  Each state has at least one Parent Center, designated and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) through the Individual with Disabilities Education

Annual Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with Disability (COLUMBIA, SC) – Vivienne Fonte and her family are one of more than 60 families participating in Family Connection of South Carolina’s LOOK! 2025 photography exhibit. The exhibit offers an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteered their time to host photo sessions with families who have received services from the organization. “Our family is excited to participate in LOOK!,” says, Vivienne’ mom, Katie. “We have been fortunate enough to see a full circle moment with our involvement with Family Connection. From the overwhelming feelings when Vivienne was first diagnosed as a toddler and finding connection and education through Family Connection to now seeing Vivi thriving and able to give back through volunteering at Family Connection events is truly

(Columbia, SC)— Lexington County School District One’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council and Family Connection of South Carolina are collaborating to host a free, informational event at White Knoll High School on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Parent Connections is open to parents of students with disabilities of all ages, as well as caregivers and professionals of these students.   “As South Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, we applaud Lexington One School District for recognizing the power of the parent voice!” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. We have worked closely with District leadership to co-design and train parent leaders for their first ever Special Education Parent Advisory Council. We are delighted to be supporting this event that will bring together parents of students with disabilities across the district for a day of learning and connecting.  “Planning and launching Parent Connections has been a truly rewarding experience!”

Annual Photo Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with a Disability Family Connection of South Carolina is pleased to announce Groucho’s Deli as the presenting sponsor of LOOK!™ 2025.   A private reception for photographers, sponsors, and participating families will be held at 701 Whaley on July 13, 2025. Intisar Faulkner, of WIS-TV, will be the event emcee. The LOOK! 2025 exhibit can be viewed online at www.familyconnectionsc.org/look beginning July 13. The exhibit will be open to the public at the Belk Court at Columbiana Centre from July 15 – August 8, and will travel to venues across the Midlands and Upstate regions throughout 2025.  To create the exhibit, professional photographers from across the state volunteer their time to offer individual photo sessions with families who have a child or youth with a disability or chronic health condition. The inspiring photos capture candid moments of the participants doing the things they like to

Family Connection of South Carolina joins organizations across our country urging Congress to protect families of children with disabilities and not cut funding to Medicaid. Read our letter. Medicaid is a lifeline for many South Carolina families! It covers essential care for children and youth with disabilities. But right now, the US Senate is considering hundreds of billions in cuts that puts their care at risk. This would mean fewer services to critical care for children and higher medical bills for families. Contact your Senator to #ProtectMedicaid!  Senator Tim Scott: Phone: (202) 224-6121Email: https://www.scott.senate.gov/contact/email-me/ Senator Lindsey Graham: Phone: (202) 224-5972Email: https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=contact-form One South Carolina’s Story “My daughter, Grace, was born healthy, but by age three, she was struggling with debilitating chronic illness. When we moved to South Carolina in 2018, her condition left her bedridden and unable to attend school regularly. Once she was approved for TEFRA Medicaid, we gained access to critical treatments

Annual conference highlights resources for families and professionals caring for individuals who have a disability  (Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting its annual Hopes and Dreams Conference on Thursday, March 27th at the R2i2 Conference Center in Columbia. This event brings together professionals and families who care for children and young adults who have a disability as well as self-advocates for a day of learning and collaboration.   Keynote speakers include Tanner Smith and his mother Nicci Smith in the morning session, and ‘quirky kid’ Amy Nelson, in the afternoon session. Tanner Smith is a 26-year-old South Carolina native who came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum US. Tanner was diagnosed with high functioning Autism and Sensory Integration Dysfunction at 4 years old. He is a 2022 graduate of ClemsonLIFE. Amy Nelson is an award-winning author who champions neurodiversity