Disability Rights South Carolina

We need your input. Each year, we set goals based on surveys, focus groups, and community feedback. We want to focus on the issues that matter most to people with disabilities in South Carolina. Your voice helps guide that work. Take a few minutes to complete the survey and share it with others. English: surveymonkey.com/r/DRSCCommunit… Spanish: es.surveymonkey.com/r/DRSC2026Span…

What is Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)? Competitive integrated employment creates an inviting accessible workplace🌟 Watch this video to learn why CIE is a game-changer for building stronger, more diverse workplaces. ✅ Don’t forget to like, share, and comment! 📺 Watch now: youtu.be/0rV5GaqW1PY?si… 📺 En español: youtu.be/E74a-d_WZfw 📺 With ASL: youtu.be/Y1XxTGy6pmw #InclusionWorks #CompetitiveIntegratedEmployment #EmploymentForAll #DisabilityRightsSC

It was great seeing so many people at the Hopes and Dreams Conference yesterday. We were there to educate people about their rights and let them know how we can help.

🗳️ Will You Be 18 on or Before the Next Election? In South Carolina, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 on or before the next election date. That means: ✔️ If you are 17 now but set to be 18 by the 2026 November 3rd election, you can register and vote in the primaries and the general election. ✔️ You must still meet all other registration rules (like being a U.S. citizen and a resident). This lets young voters get registered early and have a say in both the primary and the general election.

🗳️ Register to Vote in South Carolina Not registered yet? You must register before you can vote. Already registered? Make sure your info is correct. Update if you changed your address or name. 📅 Registration deadlines - May 8 (5:00 p.m.) – In person - May 10 (11:59 p.m.) – Online, email, or fax - May 11 – By mail 📍 Register (or update) at scvotes.gov

We are at the AT Expo today!

On March 4, people from across South Carolina came together at the State House for Disability Advocacy Day. Self-advocates, families, and advocates spoke up for inclusion, access, and dignity for people with disabilities. Staff from Disability Rights South Carolina were proud to be there to support the disability community and connect with partners and advocates from across the state. Days like this remind us how powerful it is when people share their stories and push for change. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and helped make our communities stronger and more inclusive.

Our New Annual Report Is Here — See the Impact You Made Possible This report shows how advocacy, education, and legal action helped protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities across South Carolina this year. Thanks to strong community support, meaningful progress happened. Inside, you’ll find: -Milestones we reached together -How resources were used to create the greatest impact -System-level victories that are improving lives -Powerful real-life stories These pages show more than numbers — they show lives changed, rights protected, and barriers removed. Read the full report to see how your support is driving change across South Carolina. ow.ly/Yoc150Ymxqy

🗳️ South Carolina Primary Election: Dates to Remember If you plan to vote in the June 9 Primary Election, mark these important deadlines: 📅 Voter Registration Deadlines - May 8 (5:00 p.m.) – Deadline to register in person (unless your county election office has weekend hours) - May 10 (11:59 p.m.) – Deadline to register online, by email, or by fax - May 11 – Deadline to register by mail 🗳️ Voting Options - May 26 – Early voting begins - May 29 (5:00 p.m.) – Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot 🗓️ Primary Election Day Tuesday, June 9 ✔️ Make a plan to register, choose how you’ll vote, and get your voice heard. For more information or to check your voter record, visit scvotes.gov.

The ABLE Age Adjustment Act is a federal law that changes who can open an ABLE account. ABLE accounts are special savings accounts for people with disabilities that let them save money without losing eligibility for public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Before this change, a person’s disability had to begin before age 26 for them to qualify for an ABLE account. Starting January 1, 2026, that age limit increased to before age 46. Now, many more people with disabilities, including many military veterans and adults whose conditions began later in life, can open an account. ABLE accounts can help people save for many needs, like: - housing and utilities - education or job training - medical and dental care - assistive technology and transportation - everyday living costs such as food and clothing These accounts grow free of federal taxes and don’t count against benefit limits up to certain amounts. You can learn more about how the accounts work in South Carolina at the Palmetto ABLE Savings website. palmettoable.com

What South Carolinians Are Voting on in 2026 In 2026, voters in South Carolina will choose leaders at the federal, state, and local levels. US Federal Government - 7 U.S. House of Representatives members - 1 U.S. Senator These officials make laws that affect the entire country, including disability rights, healthcare, and federal funding. 🏛️ State Government - Governor - Attorney General - State Treasurer - Superintendent of Education - All members of the South Carolina House of Representatives These leaders make decisions about state laws, schools, public services, and state agencies. 🏘️ Local Government Local races vary by where you live and may include: - County council or county commission - City or town council - Mayor - School board - Local judges or special districts 📍 How to check what’s on your local ballot - Visit scvotes.gov

Disability Advocacy Day (DAD) is our chance to come together, share our stories, and speak directly with lawmakers about what people with disabilities need to live full, inclusive lives. 📍 Join us at Disability Advocacy Day 👉 tinyurl.com/DAD2026Registr…

Advocacy Alert The new legislative session has started in South Carolina, and Disability Rights South Carolina (DRSC) is keeping a close eye on bills that might impact the rights of people with disabilities. So far this session, we have submitted written testimony on several voting bills to highlight concerns about how these proposals could limit access and participation. Voting is more than a civic duty—it is a voice. It is how people with disabilities speak up for themselves and influence decisions that affect their lives. For people with disabilities, even minor changes to election laws can create big barriers. Read More: disabilityrightssc.org/news/new-legis…

Life After School is a free online guide for students with disabilities in South Carolina and the people who support them. It helps make planning for the next phase of life less stressful. The guide explains: • Special education and transition planning • College and technical school options • How to prepare for work • Skills and supports for adult life Many students and families feel unsure about what comes next after school or where to find help. Life After School puts reliable information and rights-based guidance in one easy place, so families can make informed choices with confidence. Explore the guide here 👉 disabilityrightssc.org/resource/life-… Please share with students, families, educators, and community partners. #DisabilityRights #TransitionPlanning #LifeAfterSchool

Winter weather is headed our way. If you use medical equipment that needs electricity, or need space for a hospital bed during an evacuation, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) offers medical needs shelters during severe weather. These shelters have: Generator power Extra space for medical equipment or a hospital bed A medical cot and linens (or space for your own bed) Limited meals Shelter staff can call 911 and give CPR in an emergency, but they do not provide medical care and may not be licensed health care workers. Because of this, a caregiver usually needs to stay with you at the shelter. If you go to a medical needs shelter, bring: All medications Medical supplies Special foods or liquids Comfort items If you receive home health services, contact your provider before evacuating to plan for care at the shelter. To ask about a medical needs shelter, call the DPH Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. Transportation can be arranged after you call.

Learn what guardianship is, when it should be used, and the alternatives that support independence: 👉 disabilityrightssc.org/rethinking-gua…

💡 Assistive Technology changes lives. From communication tools to adaptive equipment, the right technology can help people with disabilities live more independently and reach their goals. 🎥 Watch how Assistive Technology is making a difference: English: youtu.be/id6EOa-9EP0?si… ASL: youtu.be/oyfrAtqW81k En español: youtu.be/UmTst7W0zJU Need help or have questions about AT? Contact Disability Rights South Carolina—we’re here to help.

Disability Rights South Carolina is the Protection and Advocacy System for South Carolina. P&A’s are the only legally based advocacy organization established by Congress to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Learn more about us: disabilityrightssc.org

Learn more about your rights transitioning from school to adulthood. ✅ Don’t forget to like, share, and comment! 📺 Watch now: ow.ly/J8qZ50V6WcP 📺 En español: ow.ly/WBnH50V6WcQ

Our Guide to Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers in South Carolina is here to help you navigate the system. ✅ Easy to read ✅ Mobile-friendly website ✅ Free PDF download ✅ Covers applying for Medicaid, TEFRA, EPSDT, waivers, appeals, and more! Comprehensive guide for anyone in the disability community 🔗 Check it out: disabilityrightssc.org/resource/medic… #MedicaidSC #DisabilityRights