South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Ashley Williams is our Spinal Cord Injury Survivor spotlight this week.  Ashley sustained a spinal cord injury when she was shot by her boyfriend.  Her spinal cord injury changed her outlook on life and has shaped the person she is now. After spinal cord injury, she began to set goals for herself, and reaching those goals one at a time has helped Ashley realize her injury does not limit her potential. Don't miss her story—watch now! https://lnkd.in/e8UyYnVK

September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month! Join us in raising awareness and support for spinal cord injury survivors. Throughout the month, we'll be sharing impactful stories, including 4 powerful video interviews featuring gun violence victims who are bravely living with spinal cord injuries. Stay tuned as they share their journeys of resilience, strength, and hope. Together, we can amplify their voices and advocate for a future where every survivor gets the support they deserve. Our first video featuring Ashley Willaims will be released on Thursday!

DDSN's central office is closed today, Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day. We will return to regular operations on Tuesday, September 3rd. Enjoy the holiday!

Unlock Your Professional Potential! DDSN has partnered with IntellectAbility to offer the Curriculum in IDD Healthcare—a comprehensive e-learning course designed for medical professionals to master the fundamentals of healthcare for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). 🎓💻 The best part? This course is FREE and offers continuing education credits—a game-changer for advancing your professional knowledge! 🚀 🩺 Let’s work together to ensure inclusive and informed healthcare for all. Sign up today and take your skills to the next level! 🌟 Sign up now! 🌟 Link: https://lnkd.in/eW8zDRWd #HealthcareEducation #IDD #ContinuingEducation #DDSN

After 26 years of remarkable dedication and hard work, Dr. Michele Zila is retiring from her role at DDSN's Coastal Center. Her unwavering commitment and passion have profoundly impacted countless lives, and her presence will be deeply missed by everyone at DDSN, especially her Coastal Center family. Dr. Zila's legacy of compassion and excellence will continue to inspire us all. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life, Dr. Zila! Thank you for everything you've done. #DDSN #disabilityawareness #healthcareheroes #healthcareprofessionals #disabilityheros #DisabilityAdvocacy

We are thrilled to announce that Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) training will be offered in four locations throughout the state over the next year! The ADOS-2 is the gold standard for observational assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a required component of an autism evaluation. This training is crucial for clinicians, as it equips them with the necessary skills to administer this important assessment. By enhancing the number of trained professionals, we aim to reduce the wait time for autism evaluations in South Carolina, meeting a critical need in our community. This initiative is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and two expert trainers, Dr. Laura Carpenter PhD and Dr. Catherine Bradley PhD, working together to support timely and accurate autism diagnoses. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a significant impact on the autism community in South Carolina! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ehmE3CJa #ADOS2Training #AutismAssessment #SouthCarolina #CommunitySupport # AutismEvaluation # DisabilityServices

DDSN recently hosted a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Needs Assessment Retreat, as part of our ACL Traumatic Brain Injury State Grant. This funding allows us to gather invaluable feedback from individuals with brain injuries, helping us better understand and meet their needs and implement system improvements. Our goal? To foster greater independence and improve overall health for those with TBI, along with their families and support networks. Together, we're making strides towards a brighter future! #DDSN #traumaticbraininjuryawareness #traumaticbraininjury #traumaticbraininjurysurvivor #traumaticbraininjuryrecovery

Happy Independence Day from DDSN! Our central office is closed today, but we'll be back to serve you on Friday, July 5th. Enjoy the holiday and stay safe! #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #DDSN

It's Disability Pride Month! This month, we celebrate the amazing and diverse disability community. Disability Pride Month is important because it helps people feel proud, confident, and accepted. It fights against the stigma around disabilities and shows the strength and resilience of those who live with them. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed on July 26th, 1990. This law has greatly improved accessibility and inclusion, making July the perfect time to celebrate Disability Pride. Join us in honoring the achievements and stories of people with disabilities. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone! #disabilitypride #disabled #livingwithadisability #inclusive #inclusivitymatters #specialneeds #disabledandproud #SC #DDSN #DisabilityPrideMonth #ADA34

DDSN's Saleeby Center is hosting a hiring event on July 18th! Join us for on-site interviews from 10am to 2pm and take the next step in your career. Ready to apply early? Visit joinddsn.sc.gov! Don't miss this opportunity! #HiringEvent #JoinDDSN #CareerOpportunities #PeeDeeCenter #SCJobs #SCcareers