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Be the Change Charleston
empowering individuals with disabilities through community connection & employment opportunities
Resource & Agency Directory
Disability Based Information & Advocacy
Autism Science Foundation
National
Autism
The Autism Science Foundation’s mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.
Autism Society
National
Autism
Advocacy The Autism Society’s public policy and advocacy efforts have continually improved the lives of those affected by autism. At the national level, the Autism Society supports the needs of the millions of individuals impacted by autism in America and their family members. At the state level, the Autism Society helps state Autism Societies advancing advocacy efforts at the state level to advance the wellbeing of individuals and families impacted by autism. Each year, volunteers and staff from around the nation come to Washington, DC to meet with their national elected officials and to promote a responsive and accountable national legislative agenda to advance the quality of life of all diagnosed with autism. Education The Autism Society provides easy to understand, practical information related to the autism spectrum for a broad audience on a wide range of educational topics to empower people to more effectively advocate and obtain supports. We work to educate individuals with autism, their loved ones, professionals from multiple disciplines, and the public at large about autism and issues within the autism community in order to foster acceptance and appreciation of individuals on the autism spectrum as the valued members of our community that they are. Information & Referral Many parents say that their first call after receiving a diagnosis of autism is to the Autism Society, however it doesn’t end with that first call. We are here through all phases of one’s lifespan, empowering those affected by autism through a oneonone connection with our staff of trained Information and Referral specialists. Support Autism Society’s affiliates are your best source of information and support, and where the person in need is helped directly. Through support groups, help with understanding the services in the community or state, local and state advocacy, help to an individual and his/her family to navigate often complex and confusing service systems, and training to local and statewide organizations on being autism friendly and responsive, the local or state Autism Society affiliates thrive each and every day. Community The Autism Society’s vision is to increase the quality of life of everyone living with ASD by building autism friendly, inclusive communities. The Autism Society believes that individuals with autism deserve to live, work, play, socialize, learn and worship in the setting and manner of their own choosing.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
National
Autism
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us!
Organization for Autism Research
National
Autism
We strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to those living with autism defines our goals and program objectives and shapes our budget.
The MIND Institute
National
Autism
The UC Davis MIND Institute is a collaborative international research center, committed to the awareness, understanding, prevention, and treatment of the challenges associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
The Art of Autism
National
Autism
Our Vision To empower and connect individuals within the autism community through participation in the Arts. Our Mission To foster independence, self-esteem and artistic expression by participation in The Art of Autism Project.
The Asperger / Autism Network
National
Autism
AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome or similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. We do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy--all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.
The Miracle Project
National
Autism
The Miracle Project is a fully inclusive theater, film and expressive arts program focused on building communication, self-esteem, job and social skills for individuals with autism and all abilities – speaking and non-speaking. Using groundbreaking and evidence-based methods developed by our founder, Elaine Hall, The Miracle Project focuses on the strengths and abilities inherent in each participant while developing a unique neurodiverse community.
The National Autism Association
National
Autism
The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential.
Lowcountry Autism Foundation
South Carolina
Autism
We provide programs to support a family from the time they suspect their child may have autism, through the diagnosis and throughout their lives. Our programs are individualized and aimed to fill a gap in services. With a very small staff and a dedicated group of volunteers we have provided over half a million dollars in free autism services to over 1500 Lowcountry families. We are small, but mighty and all of our funds stay right here in the SC Lowcountry.
South Carolina Autism Society
South Carolina
Autism
The mission of the South Carolina Autism Society (SCAS) is to equip those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders with knowledge and support to maximize their quality of life.
South Carolina Commission for the Blind
South Carolina
Blindness
The Vocational Rehabilitation division also provides educational and career guidance for adolescents and young adults ages 14-21 through our Transition Program.
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina
South Carolina
Brain Injury
The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina is a nonprofit organization which was developed by persons with brain injury, their families, and concerned professionals in an effort to provide information and support to those who have experienced a brain injury. The BIASC is our state's chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America.
No Label Defines Me
Lowcountry
Cerebral Palsy
I am committed to helping people create their “No Label Defines Me” Life. I believe we live in a world filled with labels, and the labels we wear determine the story we create around our value. The great thing about a label is it can be peeled away and replaced. My vision is to live in a world where we are walking around with labels we choose for ourselves that empower us. I create the “No Label Defines Me” mindset through my coaching; my podcast, No Label Live; my book, Empower Yourself: Awaken The B.E.A.S.T. Within; and my Beyond Basics course.
Cerebral Palsy Treatment Guide
National
Cerebral Palsy
It is our mission to create an easy-to-use, informative website that provides solutions for families. It is our hope that Cerebral Palsy Guide can help parents of children with cerebral palsy find peace, healing and happiness.
Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry
Lowcountry
Down Syndrome
The Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry, established by a group of parents in the 1990s, is a volunteer driven organization created for local families. We wish to see our children and adults with Down syndrome live fulfilling, empowered lives and strive to meet the individual needs of each family. Our mission is simply: To provide support to new parents Enrich lives through art, athletic and educational opportunities and events To increase community awareness of Down Syndrome To enhance employment opportunities for people with Down Syndrome, and To improve education for students with Down Syndrome.
National Down Syndrome Society
National
Down Syndrome
The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome.
Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
National
Dyslexia
In working towards our mission, the behavior of the CHADD staff and volunteer leadership is determined by the following core values: Integrity Respectful, open communication Quality of our work product and productivity in our work effort, to assure sustained customer satisfaction Flexibility and teamwork A demonstrated commitment to diversity in all its forms Dedicated to fulfilling CHADD’s mission with passion and enthusiasm
International Dyslexia Association
National
Dyslexia
To create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need.
South Carolina Advocates for Epilepsy
South Carolina
Epilepsy
South Carolina Advocates For Epilepsy devotes its energy to passionately advocating for members of the epilepsy community. Vital components to improving the quality of life for all epilepsy patients include our commitment to raising the level of awareness in our state, removing the stigma often associated with seizures and epilepsy, teaching seizure first-aid throughout our communities and providing educational opportunities and social activities to all our members.
American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
National
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
LD OnLine
National
Learning Disabilities
LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD. The site features hundreds of helpful articles, multimedia, monthly columns by noted experts, first person essays, children’s writing and artwork, a comprehensive resource guide, very active forums, and a Yellow Pages referral directory of professionals, schools, and products.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
National
Learning Disabilities
LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education and advocacy. LDA accomplishes its goal
Reading Rockets
National
Learning Disabilities
Reading Rockets is a national public media literacy initiative offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help. We bring the best research-based strategies to teachers, parents, administrators, librarians, childcare providers, and anyone else involved in helping a young child become a strong, confident reader. Our goal is to bring the reading research to life — to spread the word about reading instruction and to present "what works" in a wa
Understood
National
Learning Disabilities
Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. We want to empower them to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.
Drug Watch
National
Medical
Keep people safe from potentially harmful drugs, medical devices and procedures by informing them of medical conditions, severe side effects and ways to take action.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National
Mental Health
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
South Carolina
Mental Health
Our mission is to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses. Through a Statewide network of community mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes the Department’s clinical staff provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina. We believe that with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder
National
Sensory Processing Disorder
To improve the quality of life for children, adolescents and adults with SPD, and their families by providing: Comprehensive assessment and effective intervention for Sensory Processing Disorder Rigorous research with our collaborating university-based research partners Education for caregivers, pediatric professionals, and educators; and Advocacy for official recognition of SPD worldwide.
South Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association
South Carolina
Speech Language Hearing
Welcome to the South Carolina Speech Language Hearing Association! SCSHA is a professional and scholarly organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Our goal is to meet the needs of our members and the individuals they serve by promoting and advocating of the highest quality services and professional standards, providing opportunities for professional growth and the exchange of knowledge, and educating the public about communication disorders and the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.
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