National Resources
The National Center for Family Literacy
The National Center for Family Literacy provides resources for parents to expose children to reading at an early age help children make the symbol/language connection and more likely to be reading at the appropriate age level by the end of third grade. The Literacy Center aims to provide safe learning activities for parents and teachers to share with young children.
Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.
A Parent's Guide to Section 504
This important civil rights law can provide educational benefits to kids with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD in public schools. School districts do have the right and responsibility to establish their own policies and procedures for implementing Section 504. This article attempts to answer basic questions pertaining to the implementation of Section 504 in public school systems.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center
The PACER Center was founded on the premise of parents helping parents of children and youth with disabilities to advocate for a free and appropriate public education for all children. Today, the PACER Center expands opportunities and offers services to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families across the nation. Staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities, PACERS works in coalition with 18 disability organizations to provide assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children.
National Alliance on Mental Illness in the Charleston Area
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
State Resources
The Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs, Inc.
Parent Resource Training Center is a not for profit organization located in Charleston, South Carolina, providing information services throughout the Lowcountry. The Family Resource Center was organized to promote opportunities for learning, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities and special needs, their families, and their communities through such means as education, advocacy, and outreach.
South Carolina Autism Society
South Carolina Autism Society provides for the facilitation of partnerships between school personnel and the parents of students with autism through the Parent-School Partnership program. They also provide a parent to parent network of support and regional support groups.
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department
SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department is an employment agency for people with disabilities. Many of our clients are highly motivated but need help developing work skills. After eligibility is established, each client participates in an assessment to determine which vocational rehabilitation services are needed to help the client prepare for employment. The client is totally involved in the development of an Individualized Plan for Employment tailored to his or her abilities and interests.
Local Resources
List of Local Resources (updated 10/2020)
A Place for Me of South Carolina
To provide support to families of individuals with disabilities through workshops, community events, advocacy, and monthly meetings which are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Seacoast (Hwy 78 across from Captain D's), visit their Facebook page or call Brooke Hartig (843)-276-2740 for more information.
The mission of Family Connection of South Carolina is to strengthen and encourage families of children with special healthcare needs through parent support. A few of the many programs Family Connection offers include: Family Social Events, Family Partner Program, Awareness: The Key to Friendships, Kid Connection, Support Groups, Medication Education Programs
Morning Coffee
Family Connection host a Morning Coffee at Atlanta Bread in Summerville the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Contact Tracie Hayward (843) 556-5010 for more information.
Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs
The Family Resource Center was organized to promote opportunities for learning, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities and special needs, their families, and their communities through such means as education, advocacy, and outreach. Contact (843)266-1318 or frc@frcdsn.org for more information.
Summerville Miracle League
The goal of the Summerville Miracle League is to enhance the lives of people with special needs. This will be accomplished primarily through the national pastime of baseball, but will also include other activities that will bring together our athletes and their families in a positive and enriching way. Visit their webpage for local events.
Respite
Respite is temporary relief from caregiving and the need most frequently identified by family caregivers of all ages. Respite is essential to family preservation for many families and it plays a significant role in prevention of abuse and institutionalization.
SC Respite Coalition works to help families and caregivers get the breaks they need. We are currently working to increase awareness of the needs of families within the faith community. The SC Respite Coalition brings people together from different faiths to assist them in providing respite for those in need of a break within their own faith communities.
S.A.F.E. - South Carolina Advocates for Epilepsy
SAFE is a charitable organization, formed in 2011, to help raise epilepsy awareness in South Carolina. We are patients, family members, caregivers and friends that want to make a difference! Join us on our journey as we support each other and teach many!
Dee Norton Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc. (DNLCC)
Dee Norton Low Country Children's Center is a community- based, 501(c)(3) non-profit program that provides safe and non-threatening "one stop shopping" for victimized children and their families. Since 1991, DNLCC has helped over 12,000 children and their families. The mission of The Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center, Inc. is to reduce the incidence of child abuse and its impact on the child, family and community by providing a forum for concerned agencies and individuals to identify needs and respond through the development, coordination, and delivery of quality services.