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 to increase the understanding of camp organizers and parents about the law that pertains to camps which ensures that all children are welcome, especially those with disabilities. To help ensure that children with disabilities are allowed the opportunity to attend summer camp, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently sent the attached flyer to hundreds of summer camps located within the District of South Carolina reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Under the ADA, summer camps, both private and those run by municipalities, must make reasonable modification to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in all camp programs and activities. This generally means

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 Family Connection earned accredation in two levels of the Stepping Stones curriculum through Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) support. Children’s Trust administers the federal CBCAP programs in South Carolina. These grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. Read the article

[siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] 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 to Shine enters this complimentary event on a red carpet complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi. Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room, a catered dinner, prom favors for each honored guest, and, of course, dancing! Last February, 375 churches representing 28 denominations and 150,000 volunteers in 50 states and 11 countries came together on one night to celebrate 75,000 honored guests with special needs in what has become not just a nationwide event, but a worldwide movement that celebrates people with special needs. Each guest receives

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 this global day of giving. All funds will go to programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect in South Carolina. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday November 28, 2017 Give Today!

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 Carolina in 2018. But several things remain the same: The ACA is still the law of the land, along with the individual mandate penalties for not having health insurance coverage ($695 per individual or 2.5% of your income, whichever is greater). While some question whether the IRS will enforce the penalties, the agency stated this week they will reject returns that lack the health insurance disclosure. It is in every consumer’s best interest to actively re-enroll or enroll for the first time by exploring the coverage plan options for what is best for their finances and family health care needs. Free assistance is available through navigators, insurance brokers, as well

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 and WANT to work!  Share what employment means to you on Social Media using the hashtag: #NDEAM Held each October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Learn how you can support NDEAM by visiting the ODEP website by clicking here. From the State of South Carolina Governor’s Proclamation(PDF) Whereas, South Carolinians with disabilities have the same aspirations to competitively work and contribute

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 11th.   If your child is new to Linked social skills groups, please complete the attached intake packet (and sign the consent forms). Upon receipt, we will contact you and schedule a free consultation to ensure we have the resources to meet your child’s needs. *Please note admission requirements listed above.  We do not have the resources to meet the needs of children who do not meet these requirements. Social skills groups include free parent trainings on helping managing your child’s anxiety and problem behaviors.  Parent groups meet simultaneously with your child’s group. Participation is optional, but highly encouraged to learn ways to reinforce your child’s skills in the home, school, and