Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board

09/29/2025

The Special Olympics State Fall Games was recently held in Myrtle Beach. The multi-sport event hosted competition for bowling, bocce, disc golf, golf, flag football, soccer, and volleyball. An individual that we serve won a Gold Metal in golf! Congratulations to him and all other winners! There are many sports and events that take place year round. If you would like to know more about becoming an athlete, coach, volunteer, etc., please click link below for more information.

https://so-sc.org/get-involved

09/24/2025

On October 16th, the lights will shine a little less, and the sounds will be more quiet. This will happen from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the South Carolina State Fair hosts a Sensory Friendly Morning on Exceptional Citizens Day at the Fair.

09/11/2025

Gi'Gi's Playhouse is a Down syndrome organization with over 61+ brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico, and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, as well as the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, they provide free, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages. View their website for more information, and visit their Charleston location.

https://gigisplayhouse.org/charleston/

09/08/2025

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Clinic

Free In Person Event on Tuesday 09/23/25

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203

The SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is hosting an AAC-focused training day for individuals with communication differences, their family members, and clinicians working with AAC. All attendees will rotate between vendors for small group trainings and interact with the communication devices.

Participants will:
1. Define different types of AAC
2. Compare different styles of communication device hardware and software options to help an individual communicate
3. Identify the best possible AAC options for a future trial and/or use for an individual depending on their needs

Accommodations:
If you need an accommodation to take part, please contact Janet Lambert at Janet.Lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or at 803-935-5263 at least one week prior to the scheduled training.

08/26/2025

One of our Case Managers came home last week with two special gifts. One was a pet turtle she adopted from a person we serve who could no longer care for it. The other was a hand drawn portrait from another person we serve of her, her 2 dogs, new pet turtle, and a cup of coffee. Our Case Manager's response? “Feeling very grateful for both!”

08/21/2025

08/05/2025

Our very own HASCI Case Manager, Ashley Williams, has some special news to share! This is her first time standing, after recently learning to walk with an Exoskeleton, following 13 years of using a wheelchair. She has been training with the device for a few months, and it's been an incredible and emotional experience. Medicare now covers Exoskeletons for individuals with spinal cord injuries who qualify. This is a life-changing resource that can hopefully help others. Congratulations, Ashley!

08/02/2025

The Community Care Clinic is happening today until 4:00 PM! Goodwill is helping jobseekers, SC Legal Services is offering free legal help, and much more! There is also free back-to-school supplies available!

06/27/2025

The Autism Social Spectrum of Columbia is a group for Autistic adults to socialize. The group was founded by Emily Walsh, a local Autistic adult, who felt lost and alone after receiving her Autism diagnosis. She wanted to create a space for Autistic adults to get together, hangout, and make friends. This is an inclusive group. All are welcome, regardless of diagnosed Autism level, "functioning level," or amount of support needed. Also, you do not have to have a formal diagnosis to participate. Family members, non-Autistic friends, and aids are welcome to attend this group.

The next event is on July 21st from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Stars and Strikes in Irmo, SC. Please see the link below for more information and to register.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autistic-adults-hangout-stars-and-strikes-night-tickets-1412423389379?aff=eivtefrnd&utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile

06/17/2025

Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs is a company that loans out chairs free of charge to anyone with a mobility challenge. If you or someone you know would like to enjoy the beach, hunting, or any other activity with uneven terrain, Waymaker can help. They offer their chairs for pick up, but delivery can also be arranged. Please visit their website for more information and a reservation.
https://www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com/

06/10/2025

Living their best life!

“We have some very independent and receptive individuals. So, when one of our supported individuals informed his mother that he wanted to get married to his girlfriend-she panicked and called me. Problem solved, and a commitment ceremony was born; master of ceremonies-mom! It was a beautiful ceremony. Parents were in attendance, and the father of the Mrs. shed a tear...he always wanted his daughter to have a normal life. One still lives with a caregiver, and the other still lives with parents. Their adult children felt heard and respected, and they trusted my suggestion. It was a great day.”