The Family Resource Center for Disabilities & Special Needs

The Family Resource Center for Disabilities & Special Needs The Family Resource Center promotes opportunities for learning, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with special needs, families and caregivers

Greenhurst Building Suite 6

08/19/2026

Does My Family Member Need Guardianship?

Before taking a step as significant and permanent as guardianship, it’s important to explore all available options.

Alternatives like Supported Decision-Making can help people with disabilities make their own choices while still receiving guidance from trusted people in their lives.

Supported Decision-Making:
• Promotes independence and respects each person’s dignity and preferences
• Is less restrictive than guardianship
• Can be tailored to the specific support needs of the individual
• Helps families, educators, and supporters think through options before pursuing guardianship

We are proud to have collaborated on SC Supported Decision Making, a resource hub full of tools, examples, and guidance to help families understand and use Supported Decision-Making in South Carolina.

A new Partner Toolkit is now available through the Developing Decision Makers grant, funded by the SC Developmental Disabilities Council.

This toolkit includes educational information and worksheets for students, families, teachers, and partners on Supported Decision-Making, alternatives to guardianship, assuming capacity, autonomy support, and student-led IEPs.

Download the new Partner Toolkit and explore additional resources here: scsupporteddecisionmaking.able-sc.org/resources/

Learn more:
arcsc.org/supported-decision-making
scsupporteddecisionmaking.org

08/19/2026

We are excited to begin a new school year with the Department of Exceptional Children's Parent Advisory Council.

The council will provide an opportunity for parents and team members with the Department of Exceptional Children to connect, share ideas, provide feedback, and work together to support students with disabilities and their families.

Our first meeting will be held September 8 from 6:00–7:00 PM virtually.

Zoom Meeting Link:

https://charleston.zoom.us/j/89190074004?jst=2

Join Zoom Meeting
ID: 89190074004

We look forward to connecting with you and collaborating in partnership this school year!

Please see the flier below for more details! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

08/15/2026

Free Resources on Decision-Making & Guardianship!

Do you have questions about decision-making supports, future planning, or guardianship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? Download our free resources to learn more about supported decision-making, planning for the future, and debunking myths about guardianship.

Download now: arcsc.org/supported-decision-making

Learn about The SC Supported Decision Making Project at scsupporteddecisionmaking.org.

08/15/2026

📣 WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please take a few minutes to complete our 2026 Community Needs Survey. Your feedback will help us better understand the needs, service gaps, and priorities of individuals with ASD and/or IDD and their families in our community.

💙 Your voice matters and will help guide future programs, services, and advocacy efforts.

👉 Take the survey here:
https://forms.gle/3QWKfBuA8DGBPfMH6

Thank you for helping us build a stronger community!

08/05/2026

📣🐝 HEY NORTH CHARLESTON… WE HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS! 🐝📣

Did you know that North Charleston is becoming an Autism-Friendly City? 💙💛

This is not about a title, it’s about a community where everyone feels welcomed AND supported. 🌎✨

When a city becomes autism-friendly, it means businesses, first responders, parks, community organizations, and local leaders are learning how to better support autistic individuals and their families. 💛

Why that matters:
💙 More understanding.
🤝 More inclusive businesses and public spaces.
🚓 Better-equipped first responders.
🌟 Greater confidence for autistic individuals and their families as they navigate everyday life.

When a community learns together, everyone benefits. 🐝💛

🎉 Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone!

📅 Friday, August 14th
🕓 Event Begins: 4:00 PM
✂️ Official Ribbon Cutting: 5:00 PM
📍 Park Circle Playground
4821 Jenkins Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate as North Charleston takes another meaningful step toward becoming a more understanding and inclusive community! 💛

👀 But wait… there’s more!

Over the next several days, we’ll be introducing and tagging many of the incredible vendors, nonprofits, and community partners who will be joining us! From family resources and disability advocates to local businesses, you’ll get a sneak peek at who you’ll meet on August 14th. Be sure to follow along, you won’t want to miss our Vendor Spotlights! 🐝✨

We can’t wait to celebrate with you, North Charleston! 💛

08/05/2026

📣 Calling all local artists of all ages! 📣

Join our Touch & See exhibit featuring touchable art. This special exhibit will be held in October at the Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews Library, honoring National Blindness Awareness Month.

🖼️ No piece larger than 3 sq. ft.
📅 Artist agreements due by Monday, August 31
🎨Submissions turned in by Wednesday, September 23

08/03/2026

🐝 Calling all disability & autism community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses!

We have 18 vendor spaces still available for our Autism-Friendly City Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, and we’d love for you to join us!

If your organization serves, supports, or advocates for individuals with disabilities, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with families, share your mission, and be part of an exciting milestone as the City of North Charleston becomes Autism Friendly.

✨ Vendor Details
📅 Friday, August 14
📍 Park Circle Playground – North Charleston
🕒 Vendor setup begins at 3:00 PM
🎉 Event open to the public from 4:00–7:00 PM
🏕️ Each vendor will receive a 10’ x 10’ space for an informational table, displays, products, or services.

🍔 Food Vendors: All food vendors must be approved by the City of North Charleston and provide a current business license before participating.

Whether you’re a nonprofit, therapy provider, support organization, sensory-friendly business, or a business owner with a connection to the disability community, we’d love to have you with us!

📩 Interested in becoming a vendor? Send us an email @ [email protected] today to reserve your spot!

Together, we’re building a world where everyone bee-longs. 🐝💛

05/08/2026

FREE Virtual Trainings! 💙

Here are few of our upcoming trainings, they are free, but you must register to attend.
Know someone who could benefit from one or more of these? Please share with them.

Check out the full training calendar as we are consistently adding more, and register for one: familyconnectionsc.org/training/calendar

Address

1575 Savannah Highway Ste 6
Charleston, SC
29407

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18432661318

Website

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