The Arc of South Carolina

10/19/2026

Tell Congress: People With Disabilities Belong in Their Communities

People with disabilities deserve to be part of their communities and live where they choose. A new resolution in Congress supports this right. This resolution is needed because of many recent attacks on community living.

Send a message to your U.S. Representative and Senators and tell them to protect the right of people with disabilities to live, work, and get services in their communities.

Why This Matters Now

The right to live in the community is under attack. Recent federal actions and court cases have tried to weaken protections people with disabilities and families rely on to live and receive services in their communities. The federal government has abandoned its duty to enforce these rights. Learn more here.

At the same time, Congress has made major cuts to Medicaid. These cuts put more pressure on states to pick up the bill and mean longer waiting lists for community support, fewer supports and services available, and more families in crisis.

To push back against these threats, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering a new bipartisan resolution that says people with disabilities have the right to live in their homes and communities, not in institutions. It also reaffirms the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, which says people should be able to live and get services in the community whenever possible.

Take action now: Tell your U.S Representative to support this resolution and ask your U.S. Senators to support a similar resolution in the Senate.

People with disabilities belong in their communities!

Tell Congress to Take Action!

10/19/2026

📣 **Upcoming Learning Opportunity at the University of South Carolina!**

The Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center (CAN) at USC is welcoming **Dr. Kristen Harrison** for a special presentation exploring how media influences children, adults, and families, including individuals who are neurodivergent.

🧠 **Presentation Topic:**
*Theory Building on Media Sensory Curation and Family Media Conflict Among Typically Developing and Neurodivergent Children and Adults*

This discussion will explore the relationship between media use, sensory experiences, and family dynamics—topics particularly relevant to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, their families, and professionals who support them.

📅 **Thursday, October 29, 2026**
🕞 **3:30 PM**
📍 **USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications**
Jim Hoagland Forum, Room 318 (3rd Floor)
800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC

A reception will follow at 5:00 PM at The Graduate.

We encourage families, advocates, educators, and disability professionals interested in understanding the impact of media on neurodivergent individuals to consider attending!

📲 **RSVP using the QR code on the flyer.**

10/19/2026

Does your family member need guardianship, or could a less restrictive option provide the support they need?

Supported Decision-Making helps people with disabilities make their own choices while receiving support from trusted people they choose.

It can:
• Promote independence and self-determination
• Respect the person’s preferences and right to make choices
• Be tailored to the type and amount of support a person needs
• Help families and supporters explore options before pursuing guardianship

The South Carolina Supported Decision Making Project offers tools, examples, worksheets, and educational resources for individuals, families, students, educators, and supporters.

Explore Supported Decision-Making resources: scsupporteddecisionmaking.org

You can also learn more through The Arc of South Carolina: arcsc.org/supported-decision-making

10/18/2026

Sharing for our Friends at Impact, SC

IMPACT SC is accepting proposals for the 2027 Independence: My Choices, My Life Conference!!! Please see attached proposal form and complete if you are interested in presenting. Please share widely!!

10/18/2026

Emergencies are easier to navigate when there is a plan in place before something happens.

The Arc of South Carolina’s Emergency Preparedness page brings together practical resources for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and supporters.

You will find resources such as:
• Emergency preparedness guidance for people with disabilities
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division information
• Power outage reporting information
• The South Carolina Hurricane Guide
• Special Medical Needs Shelter preparedness information
• Ready.gov hurricane preparedness resources
• Additional planning tools and links

Take a few minutes to review your plan before you need it: arcsc.org/emergencypreparedness

10/17/2026

People most affected by autism and neurodivergence research should have a voice in shaping the questions researchers ask.

A Community of Inquiry on autism and neurodivergence research in South Carolina is bringing together people with lived experience, family members, advocates, professionals, and researchers to help identify priorities and questions that matter to the community.

If you are interested in learning more or participating, use the link in the graphic or visit:
https://forms.office.com/r/RChb3fGyam

Please share this opportunity with others who may want to be involved.

10/17/2026

If you already shop on Amazon, there is an easy way to support The Arc of South Carolina at no additional cost to you.

When you begin your shopping through our SmileAssociate link, eligible purchases may generate support for our work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and families across South Carolina.

Here is how it works:
1. Start at https://shop.smileassociate.com/arcsc
2. Shop on Amazon as you normally would
3. Eligible purchases may help support The Arc of SC

Small actions can add up. Before your next Amazon order, start here: https://shop.smileassociate.com/arcsc

10/17/2026

IEP Tip: Make sure accommodations are specific.

An accommodation should be clear enough that everyone working with the student understands what it means and when to use it.

For example, instead of simply listing “extended time,” the IEP can spell out:

• How much additional time is allowed
• Which assignments or tests it applies to
• Where the student will complete the work
• Whether breaks are included
• Who is responsible for making sure the accommodation is provided

Clear accommodations help create consistency across teachers, classes, and school settings.

Before the IEP meeting ends, ask yourself: Could a teacher who has never met my child read this accommodation and know exactly what to do?

Learn more about IEPs and special education advocacy at arcsc.org/iep-assistance

10/16/2026

Planning a move to South Carolina with a child or family member with an intellectual or developmental disability?

Before you move, it is important to understand that disability services, eligibility rules, waiting lists, school systems, and available supports can vary from state to state.

Our South Carolina Newcomer FAQ can help you start asking the right questions and identify resources before the move.

Start here: arcsc.org/scnewcomerfaq

You can also learn more about disability policy and advocacy issues in South Carolina: arcsc.org/keyadvocacyinitiatives

A little planning ahead can help make the transition smoother and reduce surprises later.

10/16/2026

Joy matters too.

Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance offers free, practical tools focused on wellbeing for autistic people, families, educators, and providers. One of the simplest is Permission to Play.

Play is not just for children, and it is not wasted time. It can support connection, creativity, resilience, stress relief, and wellbeing at every age.

Explore the free resource: ProofPositive.org

You can also find this and other mental health, wellness, and crisis resources on our website: arcsc.org/crisiscare