Developmental Disabilities

South Carolina Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to the Developmentally Disabled

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), as stated in Section 44-20-240 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, has authority over all the state's services and programs for people with severe lifelong disabilities. DDSN provides services through contracts with local service-provider agencies. Most of these agencies are called Disabilities and Special Needs Boards (DSN). Every county in South Carolina has a DSN Board and the board is the local, single point of entry into the state's disability service delivery system.

The local DSN Board serves as the initial point of entry into the DDSN system. The DSN Board is responsible for developing a plan for each person and supervising the implementation of the plan. The DSN Board employs service coordinators who work with individuals and/or the family to develop, implement and monitor a plan of services and supports. Most DSN Boards deliver services directly, but some arrange for specific services to be delivered by other community organizations. The DDSN offers a Qualified Provider List (QPL) which is a list of organizations or agencies that are qualified to provide DDSN-funded services to the consumer or to the family member. Each organization on this list must meet the federal, state and DDSN requirements for quality and safety to become a provider of DDSN supports and services.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Call or write to obtain a complaint form.

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.

For immediate concerns contact local law enforcement or 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.

Protection and Advocacy

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.

A general source for information on issues for abuse and neglect of workers with developmental disabilities is: