The Arc of South Carolina

The Arc of South Carolina A nonprofit organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc of South Carolina is a non-profit, grassroots organization, founded in 1957 by a small group of parents and other individuals concerned about the rights of people living with developmental and intellectual disabilities (ID/DD). In conjunction with The Arc of the United States, we continue to advocate for the rights and full inclusion of all children and adults with these disabilities. We p

rovide leadership in the areas of advocacy, education, health, employment, public awareness, prevention and research. We are a state-wide agency with extensive experience working with adults with ID/DD and broad networking capabilities to successfully coordinate and implement programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Community Guidelines Reminder: We love connecting with families, advocates, and community partners here on our page. To keep this space welcoming and focused on inclusion, please remember to keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Looking for a fun family-friendly event this summer?Shiloh Communities is hosting a Touch-A-Truck at Shiloh- Abbott Ranc...
06/19/2026

Looking for a fun family-friendly event this summer?

Shiloh Communities is hosting a Touch-A-Truck at Shiloh- Abbott Ranch on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9 AM–2 PM.

Families can enjoy touch-a-truck experiences, a petting zoo, food trucks, local vendors, and a day of exploring at the ranch.

📍 Shiloh Abbott Ranch
307 Henry Stahler Road
Swansea, SC 29160

Vendor spaces and sponsor opportunities are also available.

For vendor or sponsor information, contact:
📧 [email protected]

This looks like a great opportunity for families to get out, explore, and support Shiloh Communities.

Does My Family Member Need Guardianship?Before taking a step as significant and permanent as guardianship, it’s importan...
06/19/2026

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

We love seeing our team out in the community!Our Director of Operations, Derek Smoot, had the opportunity to serve as a ...
06/18/2026

We love seeing our team out in the community!

Our Director of Operations, Derek Smoot, had the opportunity to serve as a judge for Pathwise’s Celebrity Showcase in Laurens County, and it looks like it was such a fun and meaningful event.

Thank you to Pathwise, formerly Laurens County Disability Board, for creating opportunities that celebrate talent, connection, and community. We were glad to be part of it!

Pathwise

Sharing for our friends at Akoma Cares.Families and caregivers: Akoma Cares is cohosting a free July webinar series with...
06/18/2026

Sharing for our friends at Akoma Cares.

Families and caregivers: Akoma Cares is cohosting a free July webinar series with A Special Needs Plan on important planning topics for people with disabilities and their families.

All sessions begin at 12:00 PM.

**July 9, 2026**
Planning for Two Lifetimes
Special Needs Trusts, Government Benefits, Medicaid Waivers, and ABLE Accounts
Register: https://asnplan.short.gy/070926

**July 16, 2026**
ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts
Register: https://asnplan.short.gy/071626

**July 23, 2026**
Building the Second Support Team
Register: https://asnplan.short.gy/072326

These sessions may be especially helpful for families who are thinking through long-term planning, future supports, benefits, and how to build a stronger circle of care.

Please share with anyone who may benefit.

Students with disabilities deserve strong, clear protections — and families deserve systems that are easy to understand ...
06/18/2026

Students with disabilities deserve strong, clear protections — and families deserve systems that are easy to understand and access.

The Arc of South Carolina has joined disability, civil rights, and education organizations across the country in opposing the proposed transfer of key federal education and civil rights functions out of the U.S. Department of Education.

These offices help oversee important protections connected to special education, Section 504, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights in schools. Moving these responsibilities to other federal agencies could create confusion for families, weaken coordination, and make it harder for students with disabilities to receive the support and protections they are entitled to.

Special education should remain connected to the broader education system. Students with disabilities are students first, and their rights, services, and opportunities should not be separated from the agencies responsible for education.

The Arc of SC will continue to advocate for policies that protect students with disabilities, support families, and preserve strong federal accountability.

Organizations that would like to join this national sign-on effort can add their name here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZjhcoVCSUWpFg3lZ5e1jQjrHi33--318ccJ7ZK2i82xnSww/viewform



South Carolina Human Service Providers Association

Are You Ready for an Emergency? Check out our Emergency Preparedness page to stay updated on how to prepare for the unex...
06/18/2026

Are You Ready for an Emergency?

Check out our Emergency Preparedness page to stay updated on how to prepare for the unexpected! We provide essential resources to help you and your loved ones stay safe, including:

The Emergency Preparedness Workbook for People with Disabilities
A link to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD)
Information on reporting power outages
The South Carolina Hurricane Guide
Special Medical Needs Shelters Preparedness Guide
Ready Hurricane Preparedness Information, and more!

Visit arcsc.org/emergencypreparedness to learn more!

06/17/2026

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

We’re helping spread the word about an opportunity to be part of a Community of Inquiry on autism and neurodivergence re...
06/17/2026

We’re helping spread the word about an opportunity to be part of a Community of Inquiry on autism and neurodivergence research in South Carolina.

This effort will bring together people with lived experience, family members, advocates, professionals, and researchers to help shape the questions that matter most.

If you’re interested in learning more or signing up, scan the QR code or use the link in the graphic.

https://forms.office.com/r/RChb3fGyam

Please feel free to share with others who may want to be involved.

Looking for a free summer opportunity for an autistic high school student interested in video games, coding, or technolo...
06/17/2026

Looking for a free summer opportunity for an autistic high school student interested in video games, coding, or technology?

Clemson University’s DevLab@Clemson team is hosting the 5th annual EdASE Summer Camp — Educating Autistic Software Engineers.

This free, fully virtual summer camp gives autistic high school students the chance to spend three weeks designing and building a real video game while also developing teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills that can support future careers in computing.

Camp details:

July 6–24, 2026
Fully virtual — students can participate from home
Free, funded by the National Science Foundation
Open to autistic high school students

Learn more or apply here:
edase.org/edase-summer-camp

Please help spread the word to families, students, school counselors, teachers, and anyone who may know a high school student who would enjoy this opportunity. Enrollment is closing soon, so now is a great time to share.

South Carolina Human Service Providers Association

Do you shop on Amazon?Now there’s an easy way to support The Arc of South Carolina while you shop — at no extra cost to ...
06/17/2026

Do you shop on Amazon?

Now there’s an easy way to support The Arc of South Carolina while you shop — at no extra cost to you.

When you start your Amazon shopping through our SmileAssociate link, eligible purchases can help support our work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across South Carolina.

Here’s how it works:

Start here: https://shop.smileassociate.com/arcsc
Shop on Amazon like you normally would
Eligible purchases can help support The Arc of SC

Small actions like this can add up and help us continue connecting families with resources, support, advocacy, and community across our state.

Before your next Amazon order, start here:
https://shop.smileassociate.com/arcsc

Address

254 Corley Mill Road
Lexington, SC
29072

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+18037485020

Website

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