Disability Rights South Carolina

Disability Rights South Carolina (DRSC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal, civil, and human rights of individuals with disabilities in South Carolina.

History and Mandate

Established in 1977, DRSC serves as the federally authorized and funded Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) for South Carolina. As a P&A system, it is part of a network of similar organizations in each U.S. state and territory, all mandated by Congress to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities.

Core Services

DRSC provides several key services to support persons with disabilities:

• Information and Referral: Offers resources and assists individuals in understanding and advocating for their rights.
• Legal and Advocacy Support: Provides legal assistance to those whose rights have been violated or who have been denied services because of their disability.
• Training and Outreach: Conducts education and outreach programs across the state to raise awareness about disability rights.
• Monitoring and Investigations: Oversees institutions and facilities serving people with disabilities to prevent abuse and neglect.
• Public Policy Advocacy: Works to improve laws, policies, and practices that impact individuals with disabilities, promoting community integration and workplace inclusion.

Special Projects

In addition to its core services, DRSC engages in special projects, such as the Representative Payee Program, and refers clients to other supportive resources when necessary.

Collaboration and Reports

DRSC collaborates with other organizations to address systemic barriers affecting people with disabilities. For example, it has partnered with the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH) to release reports on improving home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina. These reports highlight challenges such as healthcare workforce shortages, waiting lists for Medicaid waivers, and the need for accessible housing and transportation.

Goals and Priorities

DRSC's work is guided by annually updated goals and priorities, which reflect specific issue areas mandated by federal grants. These priorities include addressing barriers to community integration, as outlined in the Olmstead ruling, which requires states to provide services in integrated settings.

Importance

Through its advocacy efforts, DRSC plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities in South Carolina can live independently, pursue education and employment, and participate fully in community life. The organization also emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive plans, such as an Olmstead plan, to further enhance these opportunities and mitigate legal challenges faced by other states.