News

FONTE FAMILY OF SPRINGDALE TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

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

June 19, 2025

SC Education Scholarship Trust Fund applications now open

On May 5, 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act into law. This new program allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship worth $6,000. These scholarships may be used to create a customized, flexible education for their child, as outlined below. The South Carolina Department of Education administers the Education Scholarship Trust Fund and has contracted with Class Wallet for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year opens on January 15, 2024, and closes on March 15, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.classwallet.com/programs/southcarolinaestf/ To be eligible, students must: Students currently enrolled in a public charter school, home school, and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children’s Fund program are not eligible for this scholarship program. What types of flexible education expenses are eligible? From SC Department of

January 15, 2024

Hopes & Dreams 2024: request for presentation proposals

Family Connection of South Carolina is seeking speakers for our annual Hopes & Dreams Conference on March 21, 2024 in Columbia, South Carolina. We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds that can speak to parents and professionals. Please consider joining this opportunity to help educate and inspire! Proposals are due December 15, 2023. Please complete this form, and you will be notified via email after December 15, 2023. All requested paperwork must be submitted to ensure CEUs can be approved.

November 7, 2023

FAMILY CONNECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND IRMO BRANCH LIBRARY ANNOUNCE LOOK!™ PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT DATES

Columbia, SC – Family Connection of South Carolina is partnering with Irmo Branch Library to display pieces of Family Connection’s LOOK! 2023 Photography Exhibit. Family Connection serves South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition. “We are honored to have this opportunity to bring pieces of our current LOOK! collection to the Irmo Branch Library! said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “These beautiful photos of the children and youth we serve represent Family Connection’s goals of creating inclusion, equity, and community.” The photos were taken by professional photographers from across the state who volunteered their time to capture the participants in candid moments doing the things they like to do best. “We hope visitors to the library will take the time to view the photos and read the inspiring stories that accompany them,” added Amy Holbert. “The Irmo Branch is thrilled to have some of the photos

October 3, 2023

the wright family, our 2023 Buddy Walk ambassador family

WRIGHT FAMILY OF IRMO TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR BUDDY WALK 2023

Annual Event Honors Families who have a child with Down syndrome COLUMBIA, SC — The Wright family of Irmo is serving as Ambassadors for Family Connection of South Carolina’s Buddy Walk 2023. Buddy Walk is held in honor of families who have a child with Down syndrome. Funds raised through Buddy Walk help Family Connection provide services and resources to families across South Carolina who have a child with a disability or chronic health condition. Buddy Walk also supports the vision of the National Down Syndrome Society to help create a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations and become valued members of welcoming communities. Nasir Wright was diagnosed with Down syndrome at six months old. Soon after, he began speech, occupational, and physical therapies. Nasir has accomplished many unexpected things including making AB Honor Role

September 28, 2023

Empowering Families Toolkit

A publication of NATIONAL CENTER ON EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES The Empowering Families Toolkit toolkit provides accessible materials for parents about topics related to assessment-related SSIPs and SIMRs. These materials are designed to help support their participation in stakeholder meetings. The toolkit includes short video clips and printed flyers. The materials are designed for dissemination through social media, state websites, and at meetings.

September 18, 2023

LOOK!™ at LEXINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY

Columbia, S.C. – Family Connection of South Carolina is partnering with Lexington County Library to display pieces of Family Connection’s LOOK! 2023 Photography Exhibit. Family Connection serves South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition. “We are honored to have this opportunity to bring pieces of our current LOOK! collection to the Lexington County Library! said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “These beautiful photos of the children and youth we serve represent Family Connection’s goals of creating inclusion, equity, and community.” The photos were taken by professional photographers from across the state who volunteered their time to capture the participants in candid moments doing the things they like to do best. “We hope visitors to the library will take the time to view the photos and read the inspiring stories that accompany them,” added Amy Holbert. Lauren Ignet, Assistant Branch Librarian at Lexington Main Library states: “Each

September 5, 2023

Tips & Tricks for Positive Communication with Your Child’s School

“Everyone wins-especially the child!-when parents, caregivers, teachers, and schools have positive, effective communication. Strong, positive communication is especially important when a child has a disability, special healthcare needs, or requires additional supports. Join us as we talk with Dr. Susan Thomas, a former special education director, and Graham Thomas, a school administrator, about the importance of good communication between school and home and how we can encourage this to set the stage for a great school year.”

August 21, 2023

BERENDZEN-RUSSELL FAMILY OF CAYCE TO SERVE AS AMBASSADORS FOR LOOK! PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

Annual Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with a Disability (COLUMBIA, SC, July 11, 2023) – James Russell is a happy four-year-old boy who loves learning, has boundless energy, and is constantly seeking a challenge. James shocked his parents when he played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on his toy piano at the age of two and a half. Soon after, he taught himself to play classical music he had heard in the Disney movie Fantasia on a real piano. He has gone on to take lessons through the Carolina Lifesong Initiative at the USC School of Music and has performed in recitals at the USC Recital Hall. James and his family are one of 80 families participating in Family Connection of South Carolina’s LOOK! 2023 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

July 14, 2023