The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs is the state agency that plans, develops, oversees and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury and conditions related to each of these four disabilities. Their mission is to assist people with disabilities and their families in meeting needs, pursuing possibilities and achieving life goals, and to minimize the occurrence and reduce the severity of disabilities through prevention. Reach SCDDSN by phone at (803) 898-9600 or toll free at 1-888-DSN-INFO (1-888-376-4636) or online at www.ddsn.sc.gov
Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. has been an independent, statewide, non-profit corporation that protects and advances the legal rights of people with disabilities since 1977. P&A investigates reports of abuse and neglect and advocates for disability rights in areas such as health care, education, employment and housing. P&A serves people of all ages and disabilities. P&A does not charge for its services. P&A has a number of reliable and helpful fact sheets on various special education and disability rights issues.
This information was prepared to give you some general information on the law. It is not intended as legal advice about any particular problem. If you have questions about the law you should consult a lawyer. If you do not know a lawyer, you can call the South Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral Service weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The number is 799-7100 in Richland or Lexington Counties, and 1-800-868-2284 from other parts of the state.