Agency

Resource File
ECD 107

Heather Boyce

Table of Contents

Local Resources..........................2
Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs3
South Carolina Department of Mental Health.4
Autism Advocate Foundation...5
SOS Autism Health Care, Inc...6
Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society (GDSS)7

State Resources.8
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP)9
BabyNet..10
MUSC Children's Hospital11
Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina..12
Camp Burnt Gin.13

National Resources..14
Hands & Voices15
AbilityFirst16
LDA Learning Disabilities Association of America..17
Zanes Foundation..18
Easter Seals19

Local Resources

Mailing address: 250 Victory Lane, Conway, SC 29526

Phone: (843) 347-3010
FAX: (843) 347-7308
Email: dsn@sccoast.net
Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs coordinates services for
individuals with mental retardation or related disabilities, autism, or who
have experienced a brain or spinal cord injury.

Services for persons with mental retardation and autism

Service Coordination assists with eligibility and with the development of
individual plans for needed services.
Early Intervention serves children ages birth to 3 years who appear to have
developmental disabilities.
Family Supports provide a variety of services to families who care for
disabled individuals.

164 Waccamaw Medical Park Drive

Conway, SC 29526
(843) 347-4888
(843) 347-4102 fax
http://www.waccamawmentalhealth.org/conway.php

The mission for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health is to give
priority to the seriously mentally ill and to emotionally disturbed children and
their families.
Mental Health Services are offered to adults, adolescents, children and their
families. Services are provided in programs that are offered in individual
clinic locations. Treatment services are geared toward a model of recovery.
People are served based on their individual strengths, needs, abilities, and
preferences.
Waccamaw Mental Health provides a full-range of outpatient treatment
services to children, adolescents and their families within a comprehensive
community mental health center. Services are provided to individuals who
are experiencing emotional, relational, and/or behavioral problems and may
include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychiatric
evaluation, and medication management.
The goal of Outpatient Services is to provide treatment that will meet the
needs of children and families so that they can function successfully at
home, in school and in the community.

921 N. Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 213-0217
http://www.autismadvocatefoundation.com/
The Autism Advocate Foundation is a non-profit organization formed in 2004, by
parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders living in Horry County, South
Carolina.
Our goal is to provide supports and services to individuals with Autism Spectrum
Disorders so that they may become active, contributing and fulfilled members of
our community.
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver went LIVE! on February 7, 2007. Project Lifesaver is a tried and
true radio technology tracking system used to recover children and adults, by land
or air, that wander away from their family or caregivers.
Due to the scope of the disability, people with ASD have the propensity to wander,
and lack the awareness to assure their personal safety. It was with true concern for
the safety of those we love that the Autism Advocate Foundation sought assistance
from local public safety agencies to bring Project Lifesaver to Horry County.
Life Lessons
Life Lessons is a Cognitive Therapy Program that provides individuals with High
Functioning Autism or Aspergers an opportunity to gain the appropriate skills
essential for social and vocational success. This program is made possible by a
grant from the Office of the Governor Developmental Disabilities Council. "Life
Lessons" will focus on nine skills that are not naturally acquired during
development.
These skills include communication, nonverbal communication, feelings, friendship
building, bullying/self-esteem, perspective taking, abstract thinking, life transitions,
and embracing change

P.O. Box 7136

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572-7136
(843) 449-0554
http://scautismhelp.com/
After School Program
Our after school program is designed for children with Autism, this program
provides homework help and fosters social skills. The program will also
include other planned activities such as wellness/fitness groups, games, arts
and crafts, and gardening. Children attending the Myrtle Beach schools can
have the bus drop them off.
Building Futures Autism Clinic
The BFAC program is an early intervention program for children diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum Disorders delivered by a highly qualified staff. Each
Childs program will be individualized to meet the needs of the child and the
family.
We assist parents and teachers in unlocking each childs unique learning
potential, provide program training, develop behavior reduction plans, and
facilitate the implementation of positive behavior support programs. Our
philosophy toward individualized programs for each child will guarantee the
highest quality of consistency, efficiency and specialized services.
SERVICES: The Building Futures Autism Clinic programs services include a
complete skill assessment with the ABLLS-R, verbal behavior training, social
skills training, play/leisure skill development, functional assessment of
problem behavior, as well as parent and staff workshops. Therapy can be
delivered in our clinic setting or at home and in the community.

PO Box 30398
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
No phone
http://www.grandstrandds.org/home.html
Mission
The mission of the Grand Strand Down Syndrome Society (GDSS) is to
enhance the quality of life for all individuals with Down syndrome by
providing information and support to individuals, families, professionals, and
the community through educational and social activities.
We will:
provide a positive image of Down syndrome in our area.
bring to light the potential and greatness that each person with Down
syndrome possesses.
strive to create the kind of awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome
that will last long after our generation is gone.
nurture parents of babies with Down syndrome.
provide all people whose lives have been touched by Down syndrome a
group where they will feel welcomed and accepted.
create opportunities for individuals and families to network, socialize, and
become better informed.
support local, state, and national efforts to ensure fair and equitable
conditions for all people who have Down syndrome or other disabilities.

State Resources

8301 Farrow Road, Columbia SC 29203

(803) 935-5263 (803) 935 5342 fax (800) 915-4522 toll free
http://www.sc.edu/scatp/
The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is a federally
funded program concerned with getting technology into the hands of people
with disabilities so that they might live, work, learn and be a more
independent part of the community. As part of a national network of
technology-related assistance programs, our goal is to enhance
independence, productivity and quality of life for all South Carolinians
through access to assistive technology devices and services.
Assistive technology can help infants, toddlers, and their families in critical
ways. Devices such as computers and augmentative communication systems
can help children learn and develop social, communication, and cognitive
skills. Assistive technology can let very young children explore and control
their environments, developing self-assurance and self-sufficiency. Daily
living aids can enable children and families to more easily carry out routines
like bathing and feeding, making these activities more enjoyable for
everyone involved.

AT and Education
Children with disabilities may require assistance in learning basic skills such
as cause and effect or problem solving. Computer simulations, special toys
and games and other devices can help teach these skills and broaden the
childs experience in a variety of situations. These devices also let children
from infancy through school age explore and discover, practice, repeat,
imitate, and engage in a variety of other learning approaches.

1300 Sumter Street, Suite 100

Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 734-0479
Toll Free: 877-621-0865
Fax: (803) 734-1431
http://scfirststeps.org/babynet/
BabyNet is South Carolinas interagency early intervention system for infants
and toddlers under three years of age with developmental delays, or who
have conditions associated with developmental delays.
BabyNet matches the special needs of infants and toddlers who have
developmental delays with the professional resources available within the
community. Services are provided in everyday routines, activities and places
relevant to the life of the family. BabyNet is funded and regulated through
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and managed through South
Carolina First Steps to School Readiness.

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169 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425 | 843-792-1414

http://www.musckids.org/index.htm
Medical Services
MUSC Children's Hospital is made of many divisions and programs. These
represent the individuals, teams and special initiatives within the MUSC
community that are dedicated to children.
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
About our Clinical Service:
Developmental-behavioral Pediatrics is an area of expertise concerned with
the developmental, learning, or behavioral problems of children and
adolescents (birth-age 21). Some of the most common concerns addressed
by the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics include:
Delayed development in speech, language, motor skills, and thinking ability
Developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual
disability, autism spectrum disorders, and visual and hearing impairments
Behavioral and developmental problems complicating the full range of
pediatric chronic illnesses and disabling conditions (for example, genetic
disorders, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, prematurity, diabetes, asthma,
and cancer)
Learning disorders, including reading disability, writing difficulties, math
disorders, and other school-related learning problems
Attention and behavioral disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder and associated conditions such as oppositional-defiant behavior,
conduct problems, depression, and anxiety disorders
Tics, Tourette syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and other habit
disorders
Regulatory disorders including sensory concerns, sleep disorders, feeding
problems, discipline difficulties, complicated toilet-training issues, enuresis
(bedwetting), and encopresis (soiling)
Adjustment to medical illness or developmental disability
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652 Bush River Road, Suite 203

Columbia, SC, 29210
Phone: 800-759-4776
Fax: 803-772-5341
http://proparents.org/
Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina, Inc., is a private, nonprofit organization which provides information and training about education
to families of children with all types of disabilities.
PRO-Parents believes parents can be the best advocates for their children.
Experienced staff assist parents to become more aware of their rights and
personal consulting through telephone counseling, workshops and written
material.
With confidence and knowledge, parents can participate as equal partners
with professionals on behalf of their children.
PRO-Parents also serves professionals in education and related fields
throughout South Carolina.
Workshops
PRO-Parents provides training to parents of children with disabilities to
prepare them to make decisions about their childs education: Regional
Education Coordinators conduct free workshops around the state on several
topics:
Parents rights and responsibilities under the law: An overview of the special
education process. How to participate successfully in designing the
Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child. What does inclusion
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really mean? What constitutes the least restrictive environment? How to

advocate effectively and work collaboratively with professionals. The laws:
What are they and how do they differ? How do they protect my child with
special needs? Transition: What help can I expect as my child prepares to
leave school? Attention Deficit Disorder: Effective educational intervention.

Address: 1980 Burnt Gin Rd, Wedgefield, SC 29168

Phone: (803) 494-3145
http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/ChildTeenHealth/ServicesforChildrenwithSpecialHealthCa
reNeeds/CBG/
Camp Burnt Gin is a summer camp in Wedgefield, South Carolina, for children who
have physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. From early June until mid-August, Camp
Burnt Gin operates four six day sessions for 7 through 15 year old children, two six day
session for teenagers, ages 16-20 and a four day session for young adults, ages 21-25.
Camp Burnt Gin accepts boys and girls from South Carolina who are 7 through 25 years
of age and have a physical disability or chronic illness. The disabilities of the campers
may include such conditions as; cerebral palsy, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, hearing
impairments, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, seizures, cleft lip and palate, endocrine
disorders, metabolic disorders, amputations, burns, head and spinal cord injuries.
Staff members, in a ratio of one for every two campers, live with the children and assist
those children who require help with their personal needs and participation in the
activities. Camp Burnt Gin has two nurses in residence. Nurses are responsible for
medication administration, first aid and overseeing medical treatments. Sumter
Pediatrics and Tuomey Regional Medical Center are available in the event of illness or
an emergency. Nutritious balanced meals are planned by a registered dietician and
served to the children as part of the US Department of Agricultures summer feeding
program.
Camp Burnt Gin provides a fun, safe summer camp experience to over 460 children
who might not otherwise have the chance to attend camp because of their special
health care needs. The Burnt Gin experience offers them an opportunity to meet new
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friends, develop recreational skills, become more independent and improve their selfconfidence.

National Resources

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PO Box 3093
Boulder CO 80307
(303) 492-6283
Toll Free: (866) 422-0422
http://www.handsandvoices.org/about/index.htm
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to
supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are nonbiased about communication methodologies and believe that families can
make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information
and support. Our membership includes families who communicate manually
and/or orally. From American Sign Language to cochlear implants, our
organization represents people from all different approaches to, and
experiences with, deafness or hearing loss. We have local chapters
comprised mainly of parents along with professionals.
Hands & Voices is dedicated to supporting families with children who are
DHH without a bias around communication modes or methodology. We're a
parent-driven, non-profit organization providing families with the resources,
networks, and information they need to improve communication access and
educational outcomes for their children. Our outreach activities,
parent/professional collaboration, and advocacy efforts are focused on
enabling DHH children to reach their highest potential.

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1300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106

Toll Free: 877-768-4600
Local Tel: 626-396-1010
Fax: 626-396-1021
http://www.abilityfirst.org/index.aspx
At AbilityFirst, our vision is of a society that values each individual and
provides the opportunity for all people to lead full and productive lives. For
more than 89 years, we have been looking beyond disabilities, focusing on
capabilities, and expanding possibilities.
Children's Programs
AbilityFirst after school and summer programs provide a nurturing
environment for school age youth with developmental disabilities. Our welltrained and caring staff engages participants with age appropriate activities
that support social, physical, cognitive, and creative abilities.
Through center-based activities and field trips, AbilityFirst helps participants
achieve their personal best in the following areas:
Basic Life Skills preparing simple snacks, learning personal care and
practicing safety in the community
Communication - participants work on communicating their basic wants and
needs through language skills, body language, picture boards or use of
technology
Socialization - participants increase their ability to interact with their peers,
such as respecting personal space, taking turns and making new friends
Healthy Living - including swim instruction - participants improve and
practice healthy living including learning to choose healthy snacks and
portion control, and have opportunities to play outside or swim.

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4156 Library Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
Phone (412) 341-1515(412) 341-1515 | Fax (412) 344-0224
http://ldaamerica.org/
Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their
parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning
disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.
LDAs Vision
LDA Visualizes a World in Which:
All individuals with learning disabilities are empowered to thrive and participate fully
in society
The incidence of learning disabilities is reduced
And learning disabilities are universally understood and effectively addressed
LDAs Mission
LDAs mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by
learning disabilities and to reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future
generations.
What LDA Does To Accomplish Its Mission
- Promote Prevention
- We believe that the number of individuals affected by learning disabilities can
be reduced with an effective, comprehensive prevention plan. We encourage
research that seeks to identify the causes of learning disabilities and
disseminate research findings which could lead to the reduction of the
incidence of learning disabilities.
- Foster Research in Best Practices
- We encourage ongoing research efforts into recognition, assessment and
intervention strategies throughout the lifespan. We monitor and disseminate
these research findings.
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Encourage Identification
Too many people go through life unidentified. We advocate for early
identification, which increases the possibility of successful intervention. We
will continue to advocate for access to identification throughout the lifespan.
Support Intervention
We strongly support best practice interventions for individuals with learning
disabilities throughout the lifespan

Address: 2995 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Phone: (330) 922-5855
http://zanesfoundation.org/site/?page_id=17
Mission Statement
The mission of Zanes Foundation, Inc. is to provide services for children and
adults with special needs. This is done through funding assistance; and
community outreach and educational programs.
Vision Statement
Funding assistance and community outreach and educational programs are
the cornerstone of Zanes Foundation, Inc. Through fundraising efforts and
outside community grants, we provide funding assistance for children and
adults who have assistance for children and adults who have disabilities so
that they may receive necessities not covered by insurance, government
agencies or other resources. The ultimate goal is to help each individual
reach their maximum potential so that every individual has a chance to
become a contributing member of society. Through our various community
outreach programs, we aim to educate and increase awareness of disabilities
and special needs.

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233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60606 | 800-221-6827 (tollfree)
http://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/childrens-services/

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs,
and their families, live better lives for nearly 100 years. From child
development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people
with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with
disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
Children's Services
Easter Seals is working to create a world where:
Each child born with a disability is given the support necessary to participate
fully in life and to have dreams and hopes, successes and achievements.
Parents of a newly-diagnosed child with a disability are aware of the services
and resources available to them and get unimpeded access to all necessary
services.
Children with disabilities are recognized by all as having vital contributions to
make to our society.
Communities value and support children with disabilities and their families.
Access to appropriate child care is available for children with special needs.
Families benefit from innovations and new technologies that help children
with disabilities be as independent as possible.

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