Disability Rights South Carolina

The Equal Access Team focuses on ensuring that people with disabilities have access to goods, services, places, and employment equal to that enjoyed by people without disabilities.
This team also takes select cases that focus on children with disabilities who experience discrimination as it relates to their healthcare needs, least restrictive environment, and assistive technology in a public school setting. Should a child with a disability be denied something s/he are entitled given applicable state and federal laws in the aforementioned areas, DRSC may pursue administrative/legal remedies.

The Protection & Independence Team focuses on preventing abuse and neglect of people with disabilities residing in facilities AND focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities who choose to move from institutions to their own homes in the community; and on preventing unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities who are currently living in the community.  This team also operates the Team Advocacy Program through a contract with the SC Department of Mental Health which provides surprise inspections of community residential care facilities.

DRSC staff work to improve laws, regulations, policies or practices to prevent abuse or neglect of individuals with disabilities and to enable individuals with disabilities to gain greater independence and full inclusion in the community and the workplace.

DRSC staff work with disability communities to provide self-advocacy training, education, and outreach. Advocates make presentations, meet with community leaders and conduct consumer focus groups.