Palmetto Partnerships

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Freedom March
2025-01-20 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | SC
The 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Freedom March will return to Florence on Monday, January 20, beginning at 10 a.m.

The march will kick off at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Oakland Avenue, where participants are invited to arrive early for refreshments, including coffee and cocoa.

The procession will then make its way along Oakland Avenue, cross the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge, and continue to the Performing Arts Center for the closing program.

Councilwoman Lashonda NeSmith Jackson is eager for this year’s event and is hoping for a diverse turnout from the community, including local churches, Greek organizations, and motorcycle clubs.

At the Performing Arts Center, the program will feature a keynote address by Bishop R. Christopher Brown of Sword of Truth Church, along with poetry, praise dancers, and reflections on Dr. King’s lasting legacy. Following the program, city buses will transport participants back to their vehicles.

For Jackson, the return of the march in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic was deeply emotional.

It marked the first march without three key community leaders who were instrumental in establishing the event: former councilman Ed Robinson (died 2016), longtime city councilman Billy D. Williams (died 2021), and activist Freddie Jolly (died 2020).

This year, Jackson hopes to approach the march with less emotion while honoring the legacy of these leaders, who are profoundly missed by the community.

“This year, we want to make sure everyone has a voice, just as Dr. King did,” Jackson said. “We’re doing this for the community, to honor the past and set the tone for the future.”

The march is a tradition in Florence, and Jackson said she encourages all to join in commemorating Dr. King’s legacy and incorporating his teachings into their daily lives.
or those unable to walk, city buses will ensure everyone can still participate by riding behind the marchers

MLK Day 2025
2025-01-20 08:00 - 15:00 | Virtus Academy, 2407 Pisgah Road, Florence, SC, 29501, United States

FMU MLK Celebration Event
2025-01-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC, 29501, United States
Francis Marion University will host its 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on campus Thursday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m. in Chapman Auditorium.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes. The program will be emceed by members of the FMU Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board. The event will also include entertainment provided by the Young Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir and winners of FMU’s Got Talent.
Lethonia Barnes is an accomplished business owner, a former college administrator, wife, mother, and a current pastor. Barnes graduated from Wilson High School and went on to attend South Carolina State University, where she earned her degree in business. Prior to becoming Mayor of Florence, Barnes owned the largest beauty and barber salon in Florence and led the first business to kick-start the downtown renewal in the city. She also served as an administrator at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Virginia Tech for a combined 21 years. Additionally, Barnes served a four-year term as a Florence City Councilwoman

Let's Talk TEFRA Medicaid
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | SC
From eligibility to the application process, we’ve got answers for you on health care coverage for children with disabilities.

Register!

Accessibility Event at the State Museum
2024-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | South Carolina State Museum, 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, United States
Please join us for this month’s Accessibility Morning activities on Saturday, December 14. Let us know if you’d like to join us, The Grinch, and Santa for this awesome event. We’d love to have you!

Check out the information below to find out more about the event and what we ask of you as a Community Resource Partner. As always, we’d love it if you could share this event with others, and let us know if there is anyone else we could be inviting to it!

Accessibility Morning Information:
This inclusive program provides free access for families of children, teens, young adults, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, more sensory-friendly and disability adapted experience at the museum where they can explore at their own pace and enjoy the special activities.

ASL Interpretation will be provided by the SC School for the Deaf and Blind as noted in the schedule below. The museum also has several other accessibility tools available – just ask an educator upon your arrival!

The event is free, and guests are encouraged to pre-register as the FREE 9:45am show tickets can only be reserved on-site on the day of the event. There is no age limit, and you do not have to attend the activities. Guests are welcome to simply come and enjoy the museum.

Accessibility Morning Schedule:

8:45am Program Partners Arrive

9-10am Community Resource Partners present (1st Floor – Carolina Gallery)

Please note: You’re welcome to stay until 11am but we only advertise that you’ll be there until 10am, so no pressure!

9-11am Sensory Room available (2nd Floor – Huger St. Room)

9-11 Meet and Greet with Santa

9:45am Sensory Friendly 4D theater show, Rudolph

*ASL interpreter present

10:30 am Meet-and-greet with The Grinch (1st floor NASA Gallery)

*ASL interpreter present

11am Official event is over, but guests are welcome to stay all day 🙂

How can YOU get involved?

Share the event! The biggest help is just getting the word out.

Event Registration Page: Accessibility Morning – Meet Santa & The Grinch | South Carolina State Museum

Facebook Event: Accessibility Morning – Meet Santa & The Grinch | Facebook

Be a presenting partner! We’d love to have you here sharing the amazing things your organization is doing! There is no fee to do so. We want this to be free to everyone and simply to be a good resource fair for our guests. It doesn’t matter if you can only make it once a year or you come every month – just let us know when you’d like to reserve a table. We’d love to have you!

Don’t have staff but have stuff? We do have a small table where we are able to place materials. Just bring by whatever you’d like us to put out and we’ll be happy to share it!

Support Parent Training
2024-12-07 09:00 - 13:00 | SC
Are you a South Carolina parent/caregiver of a child with a disability? Would you like to become a volunteer Support Parent and offer emotional support to other parents who have a child with a similar diagnosis as your child? If so, this interactive, virtual session could be for you!
Register!

Special Education: Evaluation & Eligibility Under IDEA
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | SC
This session will cover the process and requirements for evaluation and eligibility as defined in IDEA and breakdown important terms like parental consent and prior written notice. What is an educational evaluation and how is it decided if a student is eligible for special education services? We’ll answer these questions and more in this virtual training. Register!

DDSN 101
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | SC
This virtual session is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). Join Stephanie Turner, DDSN’s Autism Division Director, for an overview of available services and supports across the state for children and young adults with disabilities. Register!

STEM Saturdays: Land and Sea Design Challenges. Camp is specifically for children with ASD.
2024-11-16 09:00 - 12:00 | FMU Freshwater Ecology Center, 3742 North Williston Road, Florence, SC, 29501, United States
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. For 3rd-6th graders. $25. Have your kids come learn about the scientific and design process while working to make the best puff cars and penny boats! How far can your car go? How much weight can your boat hold?

You can register here: https://www.fmarion.edu/stem-saturday-land-and-sea-engineering-design-challenges-for-autistic-youth/

The Power of Play
2024-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 | SC
In this virtual session, we will discuss what we mean by “play”, why it is so important for learning, especially for our littlest learners and “how” you, as caregivers, can engage in and encourage play throughout your daily routines. Come ready to learn and have fun as Kerri Wikel, IMH-E®-Infant Family Associate, teaches us new ways to connect with and help our little ones grow. Register!

What to Know As Your Young Adult Turns 18
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 | SC
This virtual session, with guest speaker Amber Lydford from SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD), will provide information and support for young adults with disabilities who are approaching turning 18. In this session, participants will learn about their rights and resources, including navigating health care services and transitioning from TEFRA Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), employment opportunities and more. Attendees will also learn more about what’s available through SCVRD and how to access services in their communities. Young adults over 17, parents with children of all ages and professionals are welcome to attend! Register!

Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior
2024-10-24 11:30 - 13:00 | SC
Changing Problem Behavior into
Positive Behavior
Thursday, October 24
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join us for the final session in our three-part series. Cindy Tomlinson will address types of behaviors, why it’s important to address, and how to handle. Come with questions as we discuss six important steps to change or manage behavior. The session is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12–but all parents are welcome. This session is approved for 1.5 hours of Foster Parent Credit. Register!

Team Up to Teach Up: Supercharging Special Ed with Collaborative Superpowers!
2024-10-17 10:00 - 11:00 | SC
Registration
Participants must register to receive the webinar link. REGISTER NOW.

About the Program
Discover the transformative power of collaboration in special education! This engaging webinar will explore practical strategies for enhancing teamwork among educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and parents to create a dynamic literacy learning environment. Learn how to overcome common challenges, leverage digital tools, and implement best practices that will elevate your collaborative efforts and ultimately boost learner success.
Target Audience: AT, Paraprofessionals, SpEd Administrators, SpEd Teachers, Practitioners

Identify and implement effective strategies to overcome common collaboration challenges, including communication breakdowns and role confusion in special education settings.
Develop a comprehensive plan to enhance parental engagement, utilizing a variety of communication methods and involvement opportunities.
Apply digital tools and consistent instructional frameworks to streamline communication and foster a cohesive team approach in supporting learners with complex needs.

About the Presenters

Trisha Johnson
Trisha Johnson has been an advocate for learners for the last 26 years and now serves as the president of Building Wings. She believes that ALL Means ALL and that all learners can learn reading, writing, and communication skills. She splits her time between Illinois and South Carolina. You can follow her on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

Accommodations
CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate, please contact us at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail or by phone at 803-935-5263.
Webinars are recorded and archived on our training page.

How To Tuesday: All About TEFRA
2024-10-15 19:00 - 19:45 | SC
How to Tuesday:
All About TEFRA
Tuesday, October 15
7:00- 7:45 p.m.
Join the health care team for a conversation on TEFRA Medicaid, including a page-by-page review of the application and what to expect during the review process. Come with a copy of your application and questions for this 45 minute virtual session. Register!
Need the application? Download a copy here: https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/tefra-download/

White Cane Celebration Day
2024-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 | SC
Registration
Participants must register to receive the webinar link. REGISTER NOW.

About the Program
This hour-long webinar celebrates White Cane Day by highlighting the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for people who are blind or have low vision. The event will feature informative presentations on the history and importance of White Cane Day, personal stories from white cane users.

Participants will learn about the history and significance of the white cane and white cane day.
Participants will learn about the types of white canes including low- and high-tech options.
Participants will learn the benefits of using a white cane.

About the Presenter

Amanda Stolz, COMS/TVI
Amanda Stolz is the Chief Programs Officer of Adult Services at the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina. She has been a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments for 15 years.

Accommodations
CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate, please contact us at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail or by phone at 803-935-5263.
Webinars are recorded and archived on our training page.

Support Parent Training
2024-10-12 09:00 - 13:00 | SC
Support Parent Training
Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Are you a South Carolina parent/caregiver of a child with a disability? Would you like to become a volunteer Support Parent and offer emotional support to other parents who have a child with a similar diagnosis as your child?
This four-hour evidence-based training will give you the skills to help educate, inspire, and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. As a volunteer of Family Connection, a Support Parent provides emotional support and information to families of individuals with disabilities or other special needs. Attendees who complete the training will receive a certificate as well as additional opportunities for skill development and volunteer time during their year commitment with Family Connection of SC. Learn more and register!

Let's Explore: Clicker Writer
2024-10-08 10:00 - 11:00 | SC
Registration
Participants must register to recieve the webinar link. REGISTER NOW.
About the Program
In this webinar, Kyle demonstrates the core features of Clicker Writer. During the session, Kyle will:

Navigate participants through the core features of Clicker Writer

Speech Support, Word Prediction, Voice Notes, Analytics.

Explain how Clicker Grids enable students to write with whole words and phrases. Emerging writers build sentences word-by-word, while Word Banks provide scaffolding to support developing writers.

Target Audience: Special Education Teachers, Assistive Technology Specialists, Occupational Therapists
Participants will Learn:

How to utilize the ready-made resources created by our team of teachers
How to quickly scaffold and differentiate Clicker’s Writing Grids to meet individual learner needs
How to create custom writing resources (Sentence Sets, Connect Sets, Word Banks, Planning Boards

About the Presenter

Kyle Odierno
Education Sales Consultant and MBA student at Sacred Heart University

Life Care Planning: Making the Future More Secure for Your Family
2024-10-07 11:30 - 12:30 | SC
Life Care Planning: Making the Future More Secure for Your Family
October 7, 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Douglas A. Vogel, Special Care Planner, this session will review components of a Life Care Plan and recommended steps parents and caregivers can take to create one for their child with disabilities or specific health care needs.
This workshop will address protecting government benefit eligibility for Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, creating special needs trusts, the importance of a will, guardianship, financial strategies including ABLE Accounts and preparing Letters of Intent.
Attendees will leave this session with a comprehensive overview of available resources and necessary tools to help develop their personal agenda to best meet the needs of their family.
Register!

Getting Started with Boardmaker 7 Subscription
2024-10-03 10:00 - 11:00 | SC
Registration
Participants must register in order to recieve the webinar link. REGISTER NOW.
About the Program
This course delivers instruction on essential featues that are part of a Boardmaker 7 Subscription; the Boardmaker Editor, myBoardmaker.com, and the Boardmaker Student Center.
Target Audience: Recommended for anyone that has not received formal training in Boardmaker 7.
Participants Will Learn:

How to use components together to maximize learning and efficiency.
Create, edit, find, play, and assign; all with your Boardmaker Subscription.
How to create activities from scratch and with Boardmaker templates.
How to find pre-made activities and curricula.
How to play and manage activities.

About the Presenter

John Gragnani – Tobii Dynavox
John Gragnani is the Director of Education Accounts for Tobii Dynavox (Boardmaker). He has worked for the past 14 years with organizations on how to acquire and implement Boardmaker, as well as, legacy Boardmaker versions for instruction. Prior to his work with Boardmaker, John was a Regional Director for Tobii Dynavox for 9 years working with individuals using high tech AAC to improve lives through greater communication. John was also Director of the UPC/Infinitec AT Center in Chicago and has been a sign language interpreter for over 20 years.

Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential
2024-09-26 08:00 - 13:00 | SC
Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential
Thursday, September 26
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Cindy Tomlinson will discuss the important role parents play in laying the foundations for children’s success at school and beyond. Learn the six tips to being an effective teacher at home. The series focuses on positive ways to promote children’s development, and is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12–but all parents are welcome. Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of Foster Parent Credit. Register!

Family Live Chat from Parenting Special Needs: Helping your Anxious Child
2024-09-24 20:00 - 21:00 | SC
Many children live with anxiety and fears. In this family chat, families will have a chance to hear strategies from clinical psychologist Dr. Lauren Moskowitz whose research focuses upon parent-mediated approaches to improve the quality of life for anxious youth with IDD and autism. The event will be held on Zoom on September 24th from 8 – 9 PM.

QUESTIONS? Send Chantai@parentingspecialneeds.org any questions or challenges regarding accessing care for your loved one you would like addressed in this Family Chat.

Register here!

IDEA and McKinney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families
2024-09-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Lowcountry Conference Center, 406 Stigma Drive, Summerville, SC, United States
Coming to the Lowcountry:
Wednesday, September 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lowcountry Conference Center
406 Sigma Dr,
Summerville, SC 29486

Across South Carolina, more families are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability.
Join Family Connection of South Carolina to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This free, one-day training is open to professionals and family-serving organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina. Register!

For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

IDEA and McKinney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families: Summerville Location
2024-09-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Lowcountry Conference Center, 406 Stigma Drive, Summerville, SC, United States
Across South Carolina, more and more families are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability.
Join Family Connection of South Carolina to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. These free, one-day trainings are open to professionals and community-based organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina.
Registration now open!
Check back for more details. For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

Support Parent Training
2024-08-31 09:00 - 13:00 | Family Connection, SC, United States
Are you an SC resident and a parent/caregiver of a child with a disability or special healthcare need? Become a volunteer Support Parent and offer emotional support to other parents who have a child with a similar diagnosis as your child.
This four-hour evidence-based training will give you the skills to help educate, inspire, and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. Learn more and register!

IDEA and McKinney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families: Greenville Location
2024-08-28 09:30 - 12:30 | Childrens Museum of the Upstate, 300 College Street, Greenville, SC, United States

Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability
2024-08-22 11:30 - 13:00 | Family Connection, SC, United States
Cindy Tomlinson will present the seven key principles of positive parenting of a child with a disability. This first session in a three-part series will cover ways of creating a safe, positive, learning environment for your child. The series focuses on positive ways to promote children’s development, and is designed for parents and caregivers of children up to age 12–but all parents are welcome. Each session is approved for 1.5 hours of Foster Parent Credit. Register!

Understanding Your Child's IEP
2024-08-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Family Connection, SC, United States
New school year, new Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? Starting the 2024-2025 academic year, SC schools have a new IEP platform (EDPlan SC). Join Dr. Susan Thomas for a virtual session to help better understand your child’s IEP. We’ll cover purpose and required components, quality indicators of a well-written plan and how to measure success. Register!

IDEA and McKinney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families: Florence Location
2024-08-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, SC, 29501, United States
Are you ready to make a difference? Learn how to support SC families navigating disabilities and housing instability! Don’t miss this chance to empower yourself and your community. Spread the word and invite your friends and colleagues!
Why Attend?
Discover: Key rights and resources under IDEA and McKinney-Vento
Engage: In practical discussions on identification and implementation
Network: With fellow professionals and organizations
Bonus Perks:
Delicious boxed lunch
Fresh coffee and pastries from a local coffee shop
Earn Credits:
This training has been approved by three (3) Community Health Worker Continuing Education Units (CHW CEUs) by the SC Health Worker Association.
Social Work CEU credits pending approval from SC AHEC
Things to Know:
No Cost: There is no cost to attend.
Seats are Limited: Reserve your spot today!
Register in Advance: No registration at the door.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
Don’t forget to share with your networks and be a part of change in SC. We want to get as many people as possible involved to educate and share this information with their communities across South Carolina.
Can’t make it to this event? Only two more in-person trainings! Find other training sessions throughout the state by visiting our website. For questions or accommodations, email trainings@familyconnectionsc.org.

Before the First Day of School
2024-08-01 18:00 - 18:30 | Family Connection, SC, United States
The first day of school is quickly approaching for all families! Not sure what information to share with your child’s teacher(s) or best communication methods?
Join Sally Baker, Director of Education, for a virtual session with helpful tips to effectively communicate with your child’s school or childcare center.
Register!

IDEA and McKinney-Vento Laws: Rights and Resources for SC Families: Lexington Location
2024-07-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Lexington Municipal Conference Center, 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC, United States
Across South Carolina there are families who are navigating raising a child with a disability while experiencing housing instability.

Family Connection of South Carolina is hosting a series of summits for families and professionals working with families who would like to learn more about rights and resources for students under two federal laws: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Each one-day summit is open to families, professionals, and community-serving organizations and will include an in-depth discussion on identification, coordination, and implementation in South Carolina.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required, and tickets are limited.

Midlands Training date and location:
July 30th: Lexington Municipal Conference Center
111 Maiden Lane, Lexington
10am-2pm

Register!
