Friday, April 04, 2025

Project Lifesaver, Richland County Sheriff's Department

Michael Griffith, Senior Coordinator Project HOPE

In keeping with his desire to provide service to every citizen, no matter the need, Sheriff Leon Lott researched and obtained information on a great program that could safeguard our “at risk wanderers” within our communities. Sheriff Lott immediately knew this was a program he wanted to bring to our citizens because he saw a way to give some peace of mind to those whom might wander away from their homes and for those who love and care for them.

Funding through our local Pilot Club enabled the Sheriff’s Department to purchase the necessary equipment and get personnel trained and improve the communities awareness to the need for this program. In 2007, Project Lifesaver was introduced to Richland County citizens.

Project Lifesaver was founded in Chesapeake VA in April of 1999. Today, there are 1,300 participating PLS agencies across the USA, Canada, and Australia. Presently in South Carolina, Project Lifesaver agencies are: Richland (state coordinator agency), Aiken/N. Augusta, Horry/Myrtle Beach, Charleston Co, Lee Co, Oconee Co, Chester Co, Cherokee Co, Darlington Co, Orangeburg Co, and Sumter Co.

Project Lifesaver is the only organization that is allowed to electronically track human beings. It was designed to protect our “at risk wanderers” who suffer from Alzheimer’s, children of Autism and those with Down Syndrome and other brain disorders which may lead them to wander. The concept came from King North Carolina at the Stokes County Mountain Rescue where they were providing hikers and campers who entered the State Park a transmitter in case they got lost while on their travels within the park. The Rescue service would collect the transmitters from the guests when they left the park. Project Lifesaver adopted this idea, and with the Federal Government stating Project Lifesaver could electronically track “at risk wanderers”, Project Lifesaver was born.

Today, Project Lifesaver has conducted over 2,900 searches with a 100% recovery rate. A normal search would take Law Enforcement an estimated 9 hours at $2,500 per hour per search and sometimes using hundreds of officers and volunteers. With those costs and time frames, recovery rates were low and agencies were depleting their budgets with these costly searches. With Project Lifesaver, the search time is dramatically decreased to an estimated 30 minutes per search, with using about 10 officers total for the whole operation. RCSD utilizes the ground units which can track by vehicle or on foot and by air with our helicopter. We have approximately 50 trained and certified as electronic search specialist and three deputies trained for the airborne search.

The concept is very easy. A caregiver would call Project Hope, who does our client management, and lets them know they are interested in enrolling their loved one in the program. Project Hope would send out one of their techs and make a home visit. There, the caregiver would receive the paperwork on the program and would be advised of the conditions of the program. If the caregiver/loved one are accepted to the program, they will receive a transmitter for their loved one.

If a client wanders off from their caregiver, the caregiver will call a predetermined number from the program and activate Project Lifesaver. Responding officers will use their training, equipment and knowledge of the program to bring that loved one home.
Richland County Sheriff’s Department does not charge Richland County residents or their loved ones who are “at risk wanderers” to be on the program.

All required paperwork, contracts, doctor exams and follow ups have to be completed before a client is admitted into the program.

If you would like to have more information about this program or you may think this program would benefit your family please contact Lt. Tom Amaro at 803-576-3183 or you may email your request.

New Mobility Newsletter

 

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April 2, 2025 - View in browser

PRODUCTS

Four Products We Wanted to Try at the 2025 LA Abilities Expo

Four Products We Wanted to Try at the Los Angeles Abilities Expo
The Los Angeles Abilities Expo is the largest showcase of disability products in the United States. NM editor Ian Ruder takes you inside the 2025 show for a peek at four intriguing products, including a neural earbud to control devices, easy-on-and-off shoes, a super customizable cushion and an innovative new manual wheelchair.

Spex Constructa Cushion Offers Fully Customizable Postural Support

The Constructa Cushion line from Spex Seating is a new family of foam cushions with a modular design that can be customized to meet complex postural needs. Multiple levels of adjustable foam supports can be easily moved around to relieve pressure points and improve comfort, function and posture.

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Air Travel Horror Stories
When news broke that major air carriers are suing to nullify the new Department of Transportation rules that strengthened protections for disabled passengers, we asked you to share your own stories of inaccessible air travel. Sadly, and unsurprisingly, your experiences hammer home how far the state of accessible air travel has deteriorated — and how much work needs to be done to ensure disabled travelers can fly safely. 

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Change, Not Charity Chronicles Road to the ADA
A new documentary weaves together archival footage and interviews to tell the story of the decades-long fight for access and inclusion that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Civil rights aren’t given. You have to fight to get ’em, and then you have to fight to keep ’em,” says longtime disability rights activist Anita Cameron in the documentary. 

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It’s that time of year when you start to dream about the adventures you’ll have when the weather turns nice. In 2021, Kenny Salvini talked to wheelchair users about what types of RVs are most accessible, what modifications they’ve made and how bringing your accessible lodging with you can take some of the uncertainty out of long trips.



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Thursday, April 03, 2025

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, Focus Foward Newsletter

 

Make your plans now to join us and Able SC at the South Carolina State House as we call on the state to Unlock Barriers, advocate for disability rights, and advocate for a Barrier-Free SC!
 
Tues. April 8 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
South Carolina Statehouse North Steps
1100 Gervais Street • Columbia, SC
Register Now

Walk, Run & Roll Wrap Up
Over 200 participants from across the state joined in the 2025 Walk, Run & Roll for Brain Injury Awareness, helping us to exceed our goal of raising $10,000 for BI prevention, research, education, and advocacy. Thank you!
Check out the photo gallery on our website. 
Don't forget to tune into the Headstrong Hits playlist curated by BI survivors and featured at the Walk, Run & Roll Kickoff in Columbia, SC. 

Free Narcan Available 
Research shows that individuals with TBI may be especially vulnerable to opioid use disorder and its consequences. To help prevent overdose deaths, BIASC is offering free Narcan to those in need.

Contact samone@biaofsc.com today to request your free Narcan and help protect our community.


Free Training for People with Disabilities
Build your independent living skills and understand ways to take care of yourself and your health. 

In Person April 15 • 3 p.m. • Columbia and Greenville Able SC Offices
Virtual  April 16 • 3 p.m.


Learn More and Register.

Accessibility Morning:
Meet and Greet with Peter Rabbit

Sat. April 12 • 9–11 a.m.
Free access to the SC State Museum is available for families of children, teenagers, young adults, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience.
Learn More.


Survivor Story: Mitchell Driggers

After a devastating traumatic brain injury, Mitchell's life seemed uncertain, but his wife, Meike, refused to give up hope. With unwavering love and determination, she became his biggest advocate, helping him through every step of his long recovery. Their journey is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the miraculous bond that helped them both overcome the impossible.
Read their story.


Want to be featured on our website, in this newsletter, or on social media? Submit your Survivor Story now.

2025 Online BI Survivor Series Continues
April 11 • 3–4:30 p.m. ET
Family Dynamics and Your Brain Injury

Explore ideas that help BI Survivors and family members communicate and understand how to support each other after a brain injury.
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Save the Date!
Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference! 
Aug. 1, 2025
Columbia, SC 

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Support groups for BI survivors and caregivers. 

Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events. 

Webinars
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? How Neighborhood Factors Affect Life After TBI

April 10 • 3 p.m.

Includes 1 ACBIS CEU
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Silent Struggles: TBI and Mental Health in Law Enforcement

May 13 • 3 p.m.
Includes 1 ACBIS CEU
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