WORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

South Carolina Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to People with Developmental Disabilities

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, oversees and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury and conditions related to each of these four disabilities.

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
P. O. Box 4706
Columbia, SC 29240
Agency Receptionist: 803-898-9600
V/TTY: 803-898-9600
Fax: 803-898-9653
Toll Free: 888-376-4636

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered workshops provide employment opportunities for individuals who are not yet ready for competitive employment or have decided that this option is not the right one for them at this time. As with many states, South Carolina is moving toward less utilization of sheltered employment. Services for sheltered employment are available through the county Disabilities and Special Needs Boards (DSN).

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
P. O. Box 4706
Columbia, SC 29240
Agency Receptionist: 803-898-9600
V/TTY: 803-898-9600
Fax: 803-898-9653
Toll Free: 888-376-4636

Competitive Employment

The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department offers employment classes for "job ready" clients, including job-seeking groups, advanced interview skills, etc. On-the-job training can be provided by a prospective employer. On-the-job training can be provided by a prospective employer. A "job ready" client works for an hourly or at least minimum wage while learning the skills of the job. If the training is successful, the client is expected to be employed in the same or a comparable position. Supported employment includes job coaching assistance for clients who need some extra help learning a new job.

South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department
1410 Boston Avenue
P. O. Box 15
West Columbia, SC 29171
Phone: 803-896-6500
TTY: 803-896-6553
Toll Free: 800-832-7526

Health and Safety

The Office of OSHA Voluntary programs (OVP) offers courtesy inspections, technical assistance and training programs to employers seeking voluntary compliance with the stat Occupational Safety and Health Act. Services are free to private and public sector employers upon request.

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Office of OSHA Voluntary Programs
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, South Carolina 29211
Phone: 803-896-7744
Fax: 803-896-7750

Under the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act, the State is responsible for the enforcement of occupational safety and health standards in all workplaces, both private and public. Any employee or his/her representative may request an inspection of the workplace. Any employee may file an imminent danger complaint by telephone. All other complaints must be in writing. Complaint forms will be furnished upon request by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

All employees, including those working for the state and local governments are covered by the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Act.

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Office of OSHA Compliance
P.O. Box 11329
Columbia, South Carolina 29211
Phone: 803-896-7665
Fax: 803-896-4393

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The initial point of contact for reporting abuse and neglect should be with the county Disabilities and Special Needs Boards (DSN) where all cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation are reported to DDSN. DDSN enforces a 24-hour reporting rule required by law and law enforcement is involved as appropriate. Follow up for all reports is required by internal and/or third party investigations of all allegations. DDSN staff complete an analysis of the data for trends and patterns. DDSN staff meet with providers that are experiencing deviations from the average rate of reporting abuse and neglect.

Report abuse and neglect of adults who live in facilities and homes operated by DDSN, county DSN boards, or other DDSN contractors to the Vulnerable Adult Investigative Unit (VAIU) of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This includes adults who live in community Training Homes or in Intermediate Care Facilities/MR.

For immediate concerns contact local law enforcement: Adult Protective Services (APS). APS protects the health and welfare of elderly and disabled adults. These services are provided to individuals who are 18 or older and are victims of actual or potential abuse, neglect or exploitation. This mistreatment may be caused by others or it may be self-inflicted. If there is reason to believe that a vulnerable adult in the community is being abused, neglected, or exploited, contact Adult Protective Services at the County Department of Social Services (DSS) where the adult lives.

Adult Protective Services
S.C. Department of Social Services
P. O. Box 1520
Columbia, SC 29202-1520
Phone: 803-898-7318

Contact VAIU at: 866-200-6066, or
website

Protection and Advocacy

Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A) investigates abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. P&A provides free legal advocacy about disability issues.

Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities Inc.
3710 Landmark Drive
Suite 208
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-782-0639
Toll Free in S.C. 866-275-7273 (voice)
866-232-4525 (TTY)
Fax: 803-790-1946

Another contact is the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council. The Council provides leadership in advocating, funding and implementing initiatives which recognize the inherent dignity of each individual, and promotes independence, productivity, respect and inclusion for all persons with disabilities and their families.

South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council
Office of the Governor
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 450
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-0465
TTY: 803-734-1147