Check out Dan in his new apartment. Dan moved in about a month ago. He is enjoying his new place and working at the Bargain Basket in Camden. Thank you to Chesco for making him feel at home. Dan has autism and is enjoying his newfound independence. Way to go Dan!!

The SC Autism Society and the City of Hope Worship Center are partnering to provide families with a Valentine’s Respite Event! This event will take place Friday, February 3rd from 6-9pm at the City of Hope Worship Center (1403 D Avenue, West Columbia, SC). Activities will include face painting, jump castle, sensory tables, dance stations, carnival games, crafts, and more! Siblings are welcome.

Please RSVP to Margie Williamson, Parent Liaison (margie@scautism.org) before Thrusday, February 2nd! Please provide all children’s names, ages, and any allergies with your RSVP. Dinner and a snack will be served. You may also donate gently used shoes for Disability Advocacy Day at this event.

http://www.autism-society.org/​get-involved/state-resources/​south-carolina.html

Click Here to check out our 2012 Newsletters for Early Intervention and Service Coordination! Newsletters include information about local activities, fun recipes and crafts, as well as organizational events and health information resources.

Please note that Bright Start’s Upstate Office has a special area dedicated to the collection of children’s clothing, toys, and baby necessities. We always accept donations! You may either drop off your donations at our office or contact your EI to have them bring the items in for you. Bright Start will then distribute the donations to our families in need!

Click Here to check out our December 2011 Newsletter featuring our Cook’s Nook recipe, Activity Corner craft, and upcoming events for the holiday season in the upstate.

Breaking News for Bright Start

• Bright Start is now providing services in Chester, Lancaster and York Counties.
• We are excited to announce the addition of Speech Therapy services in Columbia. Susan Kaufman and Kelli Floyd are now members of the Bright Start Team.
• Bright Start has a new toll free number for your convenience. 1-855-221-9265
• Check out our brand new website: www.brightstartsc.com

Bright Start Now Providing ADULT Services

• Home and Community Based Waiver Services
• Transition planning from school to adult services in the community
• In-home supports for aging caregivers who provide care for a family member with disabilities and special needs
• Services for consumers who have intellectual and related disabilities and autism.

In South Carolina, the SC Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is the state agency responsible for all Medicaid funding. South Carolina has chosen to serve several different populations by utilizing the Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver option. SCDHHS, through its Community Long Term Care (CLTC) Division, administers HCB Waivers to serve the elderly and disabled (Community Choices Waiver), people with HIV or AIDS (HIV/AIDS Waiver), and adults who are dependent on a life support system (Ventilator Dependent Waiver). In addition, SCDHHS partners with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) to offer waivers to serve people with head or spinal cord injuries (HASCI Waiver), people with mental retardation or related disabilities (MR/RD Waiver and Community Supports Waiver) and people with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD Waiver). For most Home and Community Based Waivers, there is a waiting list.