South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Reminder! TOMORROW is the big day for those who have already signed up! Join us at the Life With Brain Injury Conference, hosted by the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. This event is a vital platform for professionals, individuals with brain injuries, family members, caregivers, and others to exchange information, resources, and best practices in brain injury rehabilitation and services. We can't wait to see you there!

*Registration is closed for this event.

DDSN recently hosted a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Needs Assessment Retreat, as part of our ACL Traumatic Brain Injury State Grant. This funding allows us to gather invaluable feedback from individuals with brain injuries, helping us better understand and meet their needs and implement system improvements. Our goal? To foster greater independence and improve overall health for those with TBI, along with their families and support networks. Together, we're making strides towards a brighter future!

DDSN’s Stephanie Turner and Carrie Walker presented an overview of our services and resources related to autism and transitional programs to teachers, IT staff, providers and state agency staff at the SC K-12 Digital Accessibility Boot Camp.

We had a great day at Georgia-Carolina Council’s Catawba Cub Day Camp. DDSN’s PJ Perea taught more than 60 scouts and their leaders about disability awareness and encouraged them to experience what it is like for someone who has disability. They also learned about how consumers use technology and training to help them overcome obstacles and succeed in life.

Georgia-Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America

Don't miss out! Tomorrow is the deadline to sign up for the Life With Brain Injury Annual Conference on July 26 at the Cooperative Conference Center, hosted by Brain Injury Association of South Carolina and the SC Brain Injury Leadership Council (SCBILC). This event is vital for professionals, individuals with brain injuries, families, caregivers, and others to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in brain injury rehabilitation and services. Secure your spot now: https://www.biaofsc.com/lwbi-conference

Discover a treasure trove of resources and connect directly with local service providers and state disability agencies at the first-ever Bridged Nonprofit Disability Resource Expo!

Whether you've been living with a disability for years, navigating a new diagnosis, seeking an inclusive community, exploring employment opportunities, or planning for the future, this event is designed with YOU in mind - and it's completely FREE! Attendees will connect with essential resources, services, and information to empower active participation in their communities. Don't miss out on this opportunity - secure your spot today!

For registration and more, visit: www.bridgedsc.org/expo
Follow to stay up to date: Bridged Nonprofit

📅 August 25, 2024
🕑 2:00pm - 6:00pm
📍 Kroc Center, 424 Westfield Street, Greenville, SC 29601

Sponsored by DDSN.

Are you looking for a job in Hartsville, SC? DDSN's Saleeby Center is HIRING! Join us this Thursday, July 18th, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm for on-site interviews. We are hiring CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and Direct Support Professionals - which requires ZERO experience! To apply early, visit joinddsn.sc.gov. Your new career awaits!

Don't forget! DDSN's P*e Dee Center is hosting a hiring event THIS FRIDAY! Join us for on-site interviews from 10am to 2pm and take the next step in your career. Want to apply early? Visit joinddsn.sc.gov! Don't miss this opportunity!

*eDeeCenter

Celebrate the 40th year of the Charles Chadwell Endowment with us at the 10th Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute, featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, an influential advocate for autism awareness and a renowned professor of animal science.

🗓️ Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
📍 Location: 503 S Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325 - Belk Auditorium
⏰Time: 5 p.m. (1-hour talk followed by book signing)

Dr. Grandin’s talk, “The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds,” will be followed by a book signing. 📚✨

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required; visit Presbyterian College’s website to register:

https://www.presby.edu/about/for-the-community/signature-events/charles-chadwell-special-education-institute/charles-chadwell-special-education-institute-registration/

About the Charles Chadwell Endowment:
Established in 1984, this endowment honors Dr. Charles Chadwell’s service as superintendent of the DDSN Whitten Center in Clinton. It provides scholarships and funds seminars to promote better understanding of disabilities.

Don’t miss this chance to gain insights from Dr. Grandin! 🌟

*EDIT: Updated flyer

FREE event happening this Saturday! Join us and our friends at the South Carolina State Museum for a special Character Meet-and-Greet with Esteban the Magnificent, (ASL interpretation provided) from the book: The Crayons Come Home!

This event kicks off the return of the museum’s free, monthly Accessibility Mornings program! Guests who are neurodiverse or have other disabilities can enjoy a quieter, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience at the museum.

Date: July 13, 2024 | 9 - 11 a.m.

Location: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

Learn more: https://scmuseum.org/events/accessibility-morning-esteban-magnificent?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR38FFFuEkBMMOQKsw0Ul7VNIyem9keMb-0sWxBRvZtult7FoQJEDzXba5E_aem_2KGiN944a3tzJ_Mi0YhUkw

Be sure to check out the Fox Carolina News story covering our Whitten Center Independence Day Parade!

Independence Day Parade The annual Independence Day Parade at the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs in Clinton.

DDSN’s Whitten Center celebrated Independence Day with an awesome 4th of July Parade! We were honored to have this year’s Miss South Carolina, Gracen Grainger, as our grand marshal. Thank you, Gracen, for your incredible support and for making this day even more special!

Happy Independence Day from DDSN! Our central office is closed today, but we'll be back to serve you on Friday, July 5th. Enjoy the holiday and stay safe!

This month is Disability Pride Month! Wondering what the Disability Pride flag colors represent? Swipe through to learn the meaning behind each color of the Disability Pride flag!

🔴 Red: Physical disabilities
🟡 Gold: Neurodiversity
⚪ White: Invisible disabilities and those not yet diagnosed
🔵 Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
🟢 Green: Sensory disabilities

The charcoal gray background represents mourning for those lost to ableism and symbolizes our rage and protest against mistreatment.

This month, let's celebrate the strength and diversity of our community!

It's Disability Pride Month! This month, we celebrate the amazing and diverse disability community. Disability Pride Month is important because it helps people feel proud, confident, and accepted. It fights against the stigma around disabilities and shows the strength and resilience of those who live with them.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed on July 26th, 1990. This law has greatly improved accessibility and inclusion, making July the perfect time to celebrate Disability Pride.

Join us in honoring the achievements and stories of people with disabilities. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone!

We had a great time at the Columbia Homeschool Expo! It was wonderful speaking with parents about the disability resources available to assist them in their homeschooling journey.

DDSN's Coastal Center recently had a Karaoke party!🎤🎶 Residents and employees got to sing their hearts out and show off their vocal chops! Take a look at some of their rockstar moments!

DDSN's Saleeby Center is hosting a hiring event on July 18th! Join us for on-site interviews from 10am to 2pm and take the next step in your career. Ready to apply early? Visit joinddsn.sc.gov! Don't miss this opportunity! *eDeeCenter

Congratulations to South Carolina First Steps on their 25th Anniversary. DDSN is a proud partner of the First 5 SC program, helping children across South Carolina thrive from birth to five!

June 28, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of South Carolina First Steps. Since inception, First Steps has impacted over one million children during the most important stage in their development through a network of 46 local, county-level nonprofit affiliates and over 300 First Steps 4K providers statewide. Operating the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, the agency also coordinates the efforts of all the government agencies whose programs impact young children.

Read the full story! ➡️ https://bit.ly/FirstSteps25th

Clemson University Adaptive Sports and Recreation is hosting the 2024 Clemson Wheelchair Tennis Championships on July 19-21 at the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center at Clemson University!

This USTA-sanctioned event welcomes all levels, from first-time players to seasoned pros, across divisions A, B, C, D, Quad Open, and Juniors. All matches will take place on state-of-the-art hard courts.

Visit: https://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/prtm/research/adaptive-sports-recreation/wheelchair-tennis-team.html

For more details on the championships, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Tournament Director Jeff Townsend at [email protected] or 801-703-1654.

Get ready to celebrate! DDSN's Whitten Center is hosting an Independence Day parade next week on July 3rd! We're thrilled to have Miss South Carolina 2024 - Gracen Grainger as our special guest! Join us for a fun-filled event as we honor this special day.

Thank you WLTX News19 for covering the Latino Community Development event and speaking with DDSN Autism Director Stephanie Turner! Stephanie highlighted the importance of offering resources in both Spanish and English. Attendees learned about free equipment, childcare, insurance, and doctor recommendations. Thanks to Latino Community Dev for hosting the event!

https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/non-profit-provides-resources-for-individuals-with-special-needs/101-abf0ab90-c012-4481-817f-818fad65c7d9

Latino Community Development hosted workshop for resources for those with special needs A non-profit is helping community members get answers to questions they might have regarding special needs or disabilities.

DDSN's Autism Director Stephanie Turner, presented at the latest Latino Community Development event in Lexington, SC! She shared valuable autism information and handed out resources in both English and Spanish. Be sure to follow Latino Community Dev and visit www.latinocdc.org to stay up to date on the amazing resources they offer the Latino community!

DDSN's Saleeby Center just had their June-fest, and it was an absolute blast! Everyone enjoyed fun games, delicious sweet treats, and fantastic company. It was the perfect way to spend the day!

Exciting News! DDSN's P*e Dee Center is hosting a hiring event on July 12th! Join us for on-site interviews from 10am to 2pm and take the next step in your career. Ready to apply early? Visit joinddsn.sc.gov! Don't miss this opportunity! *eDeeCenter

June fun is in full swing at DDSN's Midlands Center! 🎉 They had an amazing Juneteenth celebration filled with food, fun, and games! Plus, everyone got to learn a little about Juneteenth. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it a memorable day!

Our Adult Supports Department staff, along with other DDSN providers, are at the APSE Conference this week! 🌟 The National APSE Conference offers top-tier training and networking opportunities for Employment First professionals across the country. It’s a fantastic gathering of people with disabilities, their families, service providers, universities, rehabilitation counselors, and state and federal agency representatives—all working together for a brighter, more inclusive future. 🌍✨

We had a FANTASIC Holiday Market! Huge shoutout to our providers and microbusinesses who sold cool crafts and treats, to residents and fellow agencies who came by to shop, and to local media for covering! A great event that will help support the wonderful people we serve!

Thank you, WIS TV, for having Stephanie Turner, our autism director, on Soda City Live to talk about our Holiday Market! Plenty of crafts, food, and music, so come out tomorrow from 10am to 2pm at our building on Harden Street Ext! See you there!

www.wistv.com/video/2023/12/04/soda-city-live-4th-annual-holiday-market/