South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council

Join us April 7 for AutismConnect, bringing together individuals, families and professionals from across the community! Discover new research, explore innovative therapies, connect with support networks and hear from experts making an impact. Learn more: bit.ly/4cEmy2H.

We hope to see you at Family Fun Day to celebrate Neurodiversity Among Us! Brought to you by Akoma Cares and the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Center, this event brings families, caregivers and educators together for an afternoon of connection and activities.

Coming soon: A national portrait collection! 📸 We’ll be inviting individuals and families to share their photo and answer one question about their future — their “Always.” Because we’re here. Then, Now, Always. Stay tuned. #DDAM2026

🌟 APPLICATIONS EXTENDED TO MARCH 22* The SC Youth Leadership Forum is open for applications! Join us June 21-24, 2026: If you’re aged 15-23, have a disability, and have shown leadership, we want YOU! Apply today at SCYLF.ORG! 💪 #SCYLF2026 #Disability @scddcouncil

People with developmental disabilities are living full lives — working, building friendships, volunteering, parenting and contributing to their communities. Same community. Same goals. Same future. #CommunityLiving #DDAM2026

Community living is not just a program. It means: ✔ Choosing where you live. ✔ Having a job you care about. ✔ Building relationships. ✔ Being part of your neighborhood. It’s a whole life. #DDAM2026

Do you know an outstanding advocate for disability rights? Nominate them for the 2026 Self-Advocate Builder award! Submit your nomination at bit.ly/4sHiy95 by March 31 for a chance to celebrate their impact at the Independence: My Choices, My Life Conference May 21.

Join us March 25 for Family Connection’s annual Hopes & Dreams Conference! This event brings together parents, students and professionals for a collaborative experience focused on learning/inclusion. Scholarships are limited, so visit the link to apply: bit.ly/4d2ItmV.

Congratulations to our director, Valarie Bishop, for receiving the S.C. Disability Advocate of the Year award at Disability Advocacy Day! This award honors Valarie's dedication to advancing disability rights and making a difference. We are so proud of her unwavering commitment!

Lace up for a cause March 22! Join the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina's Walk, Run & Roll in Charleston, Columbia or the Upstate to support brain injury prevention and advocacy. Register now at bit.ly/404jCYn to help create a better future for survivors.

Partners in Policymaking® graduates — join us April 25 for a special reunion! This event is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow graduates, strengthen our Partners community and continue building momentum for disability advocacy. RSVP by April 11: bit.ly/4ufgVkG.

Yesterday’s 37th annual Disability Advocacy Day was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we lead the way together! A huge thank you to the self-advocates, families and partners who came to the State House to make your voices heard for a more inclusive future.

Have you signed up? The 2026 Assistive Technology Expo is coming up soon! This free event is open to the public and includes a day of exhibits and workshops showcasing assistive technology for people with a wide range of disabilities. Learn more/register: bit.ly/3T6OyDq.

Join on this Wednesday, March 4 for Disability Advocacy Day! Whether you are new to advocacy or a seasoned advocate, this event offers a welcoming space to learn, connect and raise your voice for a more inclusive South Carolina. Learn more: bit.ly/4cSFFst.

The S.C. DD Council kicks off Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with, "We’re Here. Then, Now, Always." People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — and always will be. This month, we’re sharing stories that connect us. #DDAM2026

We hope to see you at the April 4 Family Fun Day to celebrate Neurodiversity Among Us! Brought to you by Akoma Cares and the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Center, this inclusive event brings families, caregivers and educators together for connection and activities.

The Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities 2026 membership application is now live! If you're passionate about serving the children of our state, now is your chance to get involved. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/4acZLfs.

**Attention SC Disabled Youth!** Are you ready to LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP? The SC Youth Leadership Forum is open for applications! Join us at Presbyterian College from June 21-24, 2026: Apply today at SCYLF.ORG! #SCYLF2026 #DisabilityPride @scddcouncil

ABLE eligibility has expanded! Individuals whose disability began before age 46 can now open an ABLE account, up from the previous age limit of 26. This change helps more people with disabilities save for essential expenses. Learn more: palmettoable.com.

We are proud to sponsor the new National Disability Leadership Series, a 10-month virtual program designed to empower the next generation of disability rights advocates. Applications are open and must be submitted by Feb. 15. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/49bR8Bg.