Early Voting Starts TODAY!

Please join us in welcoming two new members to the Disability Rights South Carolina Board of Directors! 🎉 We’re excited to have Geoff and Duncan join our board and bring their experience, perspectives, and commitment to advancing disability rights in South Carolina. Learn more about our newest board members and get to know them on our website: disabilityrightssc.org/news/… disabilityrightssc.org/news/…

Planning to vote in person on Election Day? The design of the voting machine makes it easy to customize for your specific needs: • Tabletop placement for wheelchair accessibility. • Full-color touchscreen display with zoom functionality and a high-contrast mode. • Audio-tactile keypad. • Headphone jack. • Input for Sip-and-Puff Device and other assistive switches. Need assistance? Notify a poll manager. Voters with disabilities and voters who are blind or unable to read or write may receive assistance in voting. Additionally, poll managers have printed instructions available for voters who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What South Carolinians Are Voting on in 2026? In 2026, voters in South Carolina will choose leaders at the federal, state, and local levels. US Federal Government - 7 U.S. House of Representatives members - 1 U.S. Senator These officials make laws that affect the entire country, including disability rights, healthcare, and federal funding. 🏛️ State Government - Governor - Attorney General - State Treasurer - Superintendent of Education - All members of the South Carolina House of Representatives These leaders make decisions about state laws, schools, public services, and state agencies. 🏘️ Local Government Local races vary by where you live and may include: - County council or county commission - City or town council - Mayor - School board - Local judges or special districts 📍 How to check what’s on your local ballot - Visit scvotes.gov

💡 Do you know about the Client Assistance Program (CAP)? CAP helps people with disabilities get vocational rehabilitation services and supports for independent living. 🎥 Watch this short video to learn more: English: youtu.be/W4sT1oP0e10 ASL: youtu.be/KjClp64IH_w Video en español: youtu.be/Zl-ri9LVysw

What’s ahead for Disability Rights South Carolina? Our Board of Directors recently approved DRSC’s goals and priorities for the new fiscal year, which begins today. These priorities help guide our work to protect rights, expand access, and create lasting change across South Carolina. And we didn’t develop them alone. Your feedback from our 2026 community survey helped inform where we focus our work. See what’s ahead: disabilityrightssc.org/goals…

Know your housing rights! South Carolina law continues to protect the use of Emotional Support Animals as a reasonable accommodation in housing. Have questions about your rights? Read our latest article to learn more. 👉 disabilityrightssc.org/news/…

🗳️ 4 Ways to Vote in South Carolina Everyone has different needs and situations. People with disabilities should plan ahead and choose the option that gives them the most accessible experience. 1️⃣ In person on Election Day – Vote at your assigned polling place. 2️⃣ Curbside voting – Vote from your car if you cannot enter the polling place. 3️⃣ Early voting – Vote in person at a voting center before Election Day. 4️⃣ Vote by mail (absentee) – Apply for a ballot and vote from home. Learn more at scvotes.gov

🗳️ Will You Be 18 on or Before the Next Election? In South Carolina, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 on or before the next election date. That means: ✔️ If you are 17 now but set to be 18 by the 2026 November 3rd election, you can register and vote in the primaries and the general election. ✔️ You must still meet all other registration rules (like being a U.S. citizen and a resident). This lets young voters get registered early and have a say in both the primary and the general election.

September is National Service Dog Month. Have you read our guide on assistance animals? This book reviews your rights to service dogs and emotional support animals. disabilityrightssc.org/resou…

📣 Your voice matters at the State House! Have you ever wondered how people with disabilities can advocate with their state legislators? Now there’s a video to help you get started! “How Can People with Disabilities Advocate at the State Legislature?” shares practical ways to contact your legislators, share your experiences and concerns, and make your voice heard in the legislative process. 🎥 Watch now: English: youtu.be/aIUg3-zujEI Español: youtu.be/W0X_GDGfy9w?si=6FsF… ASL: youtu.be/0B1g8hGzmLc

Disability Rights South Carolina is the Protection and Advocacy System for South Carolina. P&A’s are the only legally based advocacy organization established by Congress to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Learn more about us: disabilityrightssc.org/

The fight for the rights of young people with disabilities in South Carolina’s juvenile justice system continues. On Monday, September 14, Disability Rights South Carolina joined our partners before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit as the court reconsidered our case challenging conditions in South Carolina’s juvenile detention facilities. At the heart of this case is an important question: Can a Protection & Advocacy organization like DRSC use its federally authorized role to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including young people in juvenile detention who may not be able to advocate for themselves? DRSC has a unique responsibility under the federal Protection & Advocacy system to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Our work includes investigating abuse and neglect, monitoring facilities, and advocating for people whose rights may be at risk. The court has not yet issued a decision. We will continue to advocate for the rights of young people with disabilities and keep you informed as this case moves forward. Read the Courthouse News Service coverage of Monday’s hearing: courthousenews.com/fourth-ci…

🗳️ Register to Vote in South Carolina Not registered yet? You must register before you can vote. Already registered? Make sure your info is correct. Update if you changed your address or name. 📅 Registration deadlines October 2 (5:00 p.m.) – Last day to register to vote in person October 4 (11:59 p.m.) – Last day to register online October 5 – Last day to register by mail (postmarked by this date) 📍 Register (or update) at scvotes.gov

Last week, members of the DRSC team attended the 2026 South Carolina State Mental Health Conference, hosted by NAMI South Carolina connecting with mental health professionals, advocates, and community partners. This past Saturday, our team joined the Superheroes in Motion 5K, hosted by the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association, supporting an event that brings people together to raise awareness, connection, and community. We’re grateful for every opportunity to connect with people across South Carolina, share resources, listen, and talk about disability rights.

Wondering how to support your child's behavioral needs? A series of videos are available for families of children in special education. Learn about social and emotional skill development, advocating successfully, IEP team collaboration, and addressing behavior concerns. ow.ly/UCry50Xilm9

Learn more about your rights transitioning from school to adulthood. ✅ Don’t forget to like, share, and comment! 📺 Watch now: ow.ly/J8qZ50V6WcP 📺 En español: ow.ly/WBnH50V6WcQ

🗓️ South Carolina 2026 Election Dates October 2 (5:00 p.m.) – Last day to register to vote in person October 4 (11:59 p.m.) – Last day to register online October 5 – Last day to register by mail (postmarked by this date) October 19 – Early voting begins October 23 (5:00 p.m.) – Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot November 3 – General Election Day 🗳️ ✔️ Mark your calendar, plan how you’ll vote, and make sure you’re registered!

Our team had a great time at the Disability Expo in Greenville yesterday! We enjoyed meeting new people, connecting with the community, and sharing information and resources to help people with disabilities understand and advocate for their rights. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

Speaking up for yourself can help you get the support, services, and opportunities you need. Our new Self-Advocacy Guide explains what self-advocacy is, why it matters, and shares practical tips to help you communicate your needs, understand your rights, and make informed decisions. Whether you're at school, at work, in the community, or navigating healthcare, this guide can help you build confidence and advocate for yourself. Download the guide: disabilityrightssc.org/self-… #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #KnowYourRights #DisabilityRightsSC