USC School of Medicine - Center for Disability Resources

08/06/2025

The Center for Disability Resources’ Handle with Care Project is working hard to support students impacted by traumatic events in South Carolina.

🔵Meet the Team

Dr. Teka McNeal is our P*e Dee Regional HWC Coordinator and will be housed at SC Department of Juvenile Justice.

She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to her work. Her background has focused on pediatric and adolescent development and performance. Over the years she has become known for her advocacy and passion for working with children and her ability to connect with them. Her commitment to serving children and families is at the heart of everything she does. Outside of her professional role, Teka enjoys reading, fitness, traveling, and sporting events. Her commitment to serving children and families is at the heart of everything she does.

Please give her a warm welcome as we are so excited to have her on our team.

08/06/2025

As a Social Worker III (Permanency Planner), I’ve been able to directly apply the knowledge, policies, practices, and skills I gained during my internship at the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) and South Carolina Legal Services. Working with children and families in foster care, I draw every day on the foundation CDR provided—especially when navigating challenges like strained family dynamics, limited access to services, and barriers to critical resources.

The curriculum and training we received as CDR interns helped me view these complex issues through a comprehensive, empathetic lens. Without those experiences, I truly don’t believe I would be able to show up for vulnerable families and children with the same level of care and understanding that I do now.

One of my favorite memories from my time at CDR was orientation and getting to work with Meghan Trowbridge. Coming into social work with little prior experience, I gained an incredible amount of practical knowledge that I might not have encountered elsewhere. CDR—and the community of like-minded interns and guest speakers—helped me deepen my understanding of human services and equipped me with the unique skills it takes to support underserved populations.

I loved every part of working with CDR and will carry those experiences with me throughout my time as a foster care social worker—and beyond!

08/04/2025

My time at the Center for Disability Resources changed my life. I learned about statewide supports and services for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities and got to play a role in helping link people to those supports as a graduate assistant with the Supported Community Living Initiative, the DDSN Screening & Eligibility phone line, and through the Developmental Pediatric Clinic. My mentors at CDR helped link me to other professionals in Georgia where I went on to get my PhD in public health at another UCEDD (the Center for Leadership in Disability). Without those connections and the mentoring I received at CDR, my future and career would look completely different.

08/02/2025

Dr. Rotholz, CDR Executive Director, and Steve Wilson, SOM Web and Outreach Librarian, represented the Center at the Rural Health Fair in Santee.

Photo: Congressman Clyburn, USC president Amaridis, and SOM Dean Harmon, Dr. Rotholz, and Steve Wilson.

08/01/2025

My internship at the Center for Disability Resources (CDR) was truly transformational—both personally and professionally.

Through a CDR-supported grant, I had the opportunity to work directly with children who had experienced significant adversity, facilitating psychoeducational groups focused on self-regulation and coping skills. This experience not only allowed me to witness the real, tangible impact these interventions had on children’s lives, but it also shaped the kind of social worker I’ve become.

CDR created a space where I was supported, challenged, and empowered to grow into a confident, competent professional. The mentorship, training, and hands-on opportunities I received through CDR were unmatched.

This program doesn’t just serve our community, it builds the future of the disability services workforce. Without it, students like me wouldn’t have the foundation we need to do this critical work.

Losing UCEDDs like CDR would have serious and far-reaching consequences. Not just for professionals in training, but for the countless individuals and families who rely on their services and innovation.

I am proud to be a former trainee at CDR, and I strongly believe this work must be protected for the sake of our communities, now and in the future.

07/31/2025

Our P4 team spent time with teachers at Batesburg-Leesville Primary School to prepare for our trauma-informed groups. Building relationships is key to success! We like to build relationships with homemade cookies!

07/30/2025

Has the Center for Disability Resources made a difference in your life or career?

Whether you’re a professional, former or current trainee, a family member, or an individual with disabilities, we want to hear your story!

💬 Share how CDR has impacted you by emailing Meghan Trowbridge at Meghan.Trowbridge@uscmed.sc.edu.

07/19/2025

07/11/2025

Engaged, informed, and inspired! Education professionals gathered for a powerful presentation by CDR’s P4/Handle with Care SC team! Together, we explored the impact of trauma-informed care and the importance of supporting children and families across our state.



1. First image: A classroom with participants seated at desks facing a presentation screen. One woman stands near the screen, presenting a slide titled “About Children’s Trust.” Another woman stands near the podium, preparing materials. Attendees are engaged, some taking notes or using laptops.
2. Second image: Close-up of the classroom with a slide projected that says “Handle with Care Notification System.” Two presenters stand at the front, and attendees watch attentively. The slide explains a process involving first responders, schools, and mental health providers to support children after traumatic events.
3. Third image: A wide-angle view of the classroom showing a full group of adult learners engaged with the presentation. The “About Children’s Trust” slide is displayed on the screen. Participants are seated in rows, listening, taking notes, and participating in the session.

07/10/2025

Image: graphic celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It features bold garnet and black text on an off-white background. At the top, the word “CELEBRATE” is in garnet. In the center, the number “35” is in black, followed by a garnet-colored accessibility symbol of a person using a wheelchair. Below that, the word “YEARS” appears in black. At the bottom, the phrase “THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT” is written in garnet capital letters.

07/05/2025

IMAGE: Colorful graphic with a cream background and a rainbow arc across the top. Bold text reads:
“Center for Disability Resources celebrates Disability Pride Month.”

Four diverse cartoon figures represent different disabilities—two in wheelchairs, one with a white cane, and one standing confidently. Purple hearts add to the joyful, inclusive vibe.