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 | Able SC February 2025 NewsFebruary is a month full of celebrations that bring awareness and celebration for our collective disability history. In this newsletter we will celebrate Black disabled history as part of Black History Month, with the story of Joyce Ardell Jackson. We will talk about Eating Disorder Awareness Week, as eating disorders are in fact, disabilities. We will celebrate Rare Disease Day, a day honoring the millions of people with rare diseases. Celebrations and recognitions like these are more important than ever, as disability rights are under threat. For much of February, our advocacy team has been occupied advocating for the end of a lawsuit, Texas vs. Becerra. The lawsuit was brought by 17 states, including SC, to name Section 504 unconstitutional. Get details on this suit from our official statement, that is continuing to be updated as the story progresses. We firmly believe that continuing misunderstanding and lack of disability-led involvement is part of the issue that has led to such a detrimental suit to be filed. We do not agree with the suit. People of any disability type should not be discriminated against or singled out, ever. Thankfully, advocacy efforts brought by thousands individuals and hundreds of organizations both locally and nationally has led to the suit being on an indefinite pause, however the threat remains. As people with disabilities, suits like this, and other announcements in the news that directly threaten us and our community, leaves us drained. We recognize that we need joy. So for Valentine's day, we chose to radically celebrate the joy that does come with disability, and disability pride. For the 24 hours of the day, we posted across our Facebook and Instagram pages quotes, directly from 24 members of our staff, about radical joy. The posts really lifted our spirits and reminded us that we are powerful, capable, and worthy of joy! We hope these joyful moments can do the same for you. |
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 | Black Disability History:
Joyce Ardell Jackson & Section 504This article brought to you by Able SC's public health team. February is Black History Month. Able SC is proud to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Joyce Ardell Jackson. A trailblazer in the fight for racial and disability justice, Jackson dedicated herself to uplifting Black and other people of color within the disability rights movement. Her relentless advocacy and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact on American society.
Joyce was a lively and outgoing young girl who loved adventure. Her life took a turn at age 12 when she was diagnosed with arthritis. Over the years, she underwent more than 50 surgeries, yet she refused to let her condition define her or hold her back. Her sense of humor led her to adopt the nickname “The Bionic Woman,” inspired by the popular 1970s TV series, reflecting her strength.
Joyce was determined to live independently and pursued various professional opportunities to achieve this goal. She worked for several firms in the Bay Area of San Francisco, C.A., including British Telecommunications and The San Jose Mercury News. At times, she managed two part-time jobs alongside her full-time role.
A defining moment in her career came when she accepted a position with the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, marking the beginning of a second chapter in her life.
Joyce joined the nearly month-long sit-ins, which fought for the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Her activism, along with other disability rights advocates, led to a meeting with the administration of the then-U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. Their efforts helped implement Section 504, a landmark civil rights law that bans discrimination against people with disabilities in programs and activities funded by the federal government.
Joyce Ardell Jackson’s life was of strength, determination, and advocacy. Her work helped pave the way for a more just and inclusive society. Able SC honors her legacy and her impact on the disability rights movement. Sources: 17 Black Disability Activists and Advocates - Disability Rights Florida US DHHS, YOUR RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT |
| | Eating Disorder Awareness WeekThis article brought to you by Able SC's public health team.
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is February 24–March 2. This year, the focus is on raising awareness about eating disorders in “mid-life”—a group often overlooked when it comes to getting help and support. Eating disorders are not just about physical appearance—they are complex mental health conditions that affect both the mind and body. They disrupt a person’s relationship with food and can lead to serious health issues if not addressed. Unfortunately, like many marginalized groups, the disability community often struggles to access inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent care from healthcare providers. |
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| It’s important to recognize that eating disorders don’t discriminate. They can affect people of any age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or background. However, individuals in the disability community and those with co-occurring health conditions are at greater risk. For example, people with physical disabilities may experience body image challenges related to their condition, and those managing dietary or gastrointestinal issues may face additional stressors. Yet, finding appropriate, accessible treatment remains a significant challenge for many within our community. Read one disabled woman’s personal journey towards eating disorder recovery. Key Statistics About Eating Disorders These statistics underscore the need to break down barriers to treatment and ensure equitable, inclusive care for everyone. Able SC invites you to raise awareness, foster empathy, and provide unwavering support for individuals living with eating disorders. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels empowered to seek help and begin their journey toward healing and recovery. Helpful Resources: |
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Rare Disease Awareness Day 2025 This article brought to you by Able SC's public health team. Rare Disease Day is an event recognized around the world on February 28th that builds awareness about rare diseases. The event aims to ensure everyone has equal opportunities, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and treatments. Since it started in 2008, Rare Disease Day has helped create a worldwide community of people living with a rare disease, all working together for the same goal. A disease is considered rare when it affects fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. People with rare diseases make up about 3.5 - 5.9% of the population. That is roughly 300 million people worldwide! |
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There are over 6,000 rare diseases, each presenting a wide range of symptoms that can differ greatly, even among individuals with the same condition. These common symptoms can sometimes mask the presence of rare diseases, leading to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. This highlights the critical need for increased awareness, research, and improved diagnostic methods to ensure timely and accurate identification of rare diseases. Rare Disease Examples: Ehlers Danlos Syndromes: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. The conditions are caused by genetic changes that affect connective tissue. Huntington’s Disease: Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary and deadly disorder that causes nerve cells in the brain to break down. It affects a person's movements, thinking ability, and mental health. Marfan Syndrome: Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that impacts connective tissue, which provides support and structure to your organs and other body parts. This condition primarily affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels, and skeleton. Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis is a disease where the immune system causes small lumps called granulomas to form in different parts of the body. These lumps can show up in places like the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin.
To learn more about Rare Disease Day, visit the Rare Disease Day website. |
| | Upcoming EventsAble SC has an abundance of educational events, social events, and more. Be sure to save these dates: Youth Events: Events for Disabled Youth ages 13-28Consumer Events: Events for People with DisabilitiesEducation Trainings: |
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| | Save the Date: Advocacy Day for Access & IndependenceMake your plans now to join us at the South Carolina State House as we call on the state to Unlock Barriers, advocate for disability rights, and share our mission for a Barrier-Free SC! |
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| |  | Grateful Brew=Grateful for You!This month we enjoyed a fun and educational Brews Clues Trivia Night at Grateful Brew in Greenville. The fundraising event saw 20% of drink sales benefitting Able SC, and gave us a chance to share our message with others. We had a great time representing Able SC, meeting new friends, and hanging out with members of our community. If you missed your chance to support us, you can always make a contribution to Able SC anytime on our website (linked in donate button below). |
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Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org |
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