Family Connection of South Carolina Corner

 

[A notebook, stack of coins, and a graduation figure posing.] FASFA 25-26: Helping Students with Financial Aid   The U.S. Department of Education is encouraging school leaders and community groups to raise awareness about FAFSA completion.   New Resources: Multilingual FAFSA Guides:  Updated Tools Access these resources on the FAFSA Support in Other Languages page. Let's help students unlock financial aid opportunities! [A group of young adults about to gp into a study.] Focus Group for United Healthcare Members   Are you a young adult (16-26) with special health care needs or a parent/caregiver of someone under 26 with special health care needs? Sessions only last 90 minutes and there is a $125 compensation for accepted participants.   Family Voices is hosting a virtual focus group on January 28 at 4 PM ET to hear your experiences. Fill this form out if interested.

[A group of young adults taking a selfie.] New Reports on Youth with Disabilities Aging out of Public Programs   The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health/Got Transition has released two new reports and three policy briefs highlighting the challenges youth with disabilities face when aging out of public programs like Medicaid, CHIP, SSI, and Title V.    Read more here. [A young man celebrating his success in university.] Furman Ready: Transition Workshop for Students with Disabilities   Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Location: Furman University   Join this free workshop ONLY for accepted Furman students with disabilities that are transitioning to college. Sessions cover time management, accommodations, assistive tech, and more. Parents will also receive guidance on supporting their student.   Register by March 1, 2025 at SOAR@furman.edu or call 864-294-2320.

[A father and kids sharing their story.] Share Your Medicaid Story: Make Your Voice Heard!   As Congress debates potential Medicaid cuts that could impact millions of children and families—especially those with special health care needs and disabilities—it’s more important than ever to share how Medicaid has made a difference in your life.   Family Voices, in partnership with the Georgetown Center for Children and Families, is collecting stories to highlight the importance of Medicaid to legislators.   Submit your story using this form. Stories will be collected for an ongoing project to inform future advocacy efforts. [A group of professionals in a meeting.] Support South Carolina’s Epilepsy Community with S.A.F.E. South Carolina Advocates for Epilepsy (S.A.F.E.) invites you to upcoming events aimed at fostering connection, education, and support for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy. More info found here.   Epilepsy Symposium: “Epilepsy Care Across Ages and Stages” A full-day event with expert speakers, breakout sessions, and resources for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Date: Saturday, February 1 | Time: 9 AM–5 PM l Location: Saluda Shoals Park River Center, Columbia, SC

Find the Best School for Your Child! 📅 When: Saturday, February 1, 2025 ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Where: Brookland Baptist Church Explore South Carolina’s K–12 education options—public, private, charter, online, and more—at the Columbia School Fair! Meet school representatives, enjoy free food, and have fun with face painting and balloon artists. RSVP today!

[Ablegamers logo] Gaming without Barriers: Accessible Gaming for All Gaming should be for everyone. For individuals with disabilities, an organization is breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion by providing customized adaptive solutions at no cost. Peer Counseling: Experienced gamers work with individuals and professionals to match the right adaptive technology, from controllers to switches. Custom Solutions: Engineers design and build unique equipment for unmet needs, using cutting-edge tools and collaborating with industry leaders. Helpful Resources: Access guides and tips tailored to gamers managing specific disabilities. Gaming connects people, builds community, and brings joy—and this support is available year-round. To learn more, visit AbleGamers to inquire about services.

FAMILY CONNECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA INC 1800 St Julian Place Suite 104 Columbia, SC 29204 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser Unsubscribe

Family Connection SC, Hopes and Dreams Conference

 

Registration now open for our Hopes & Dreams Conference!   Event Details 📅 Thursday, March 27, 2025 📍 R2i2 Conference Center (763 Fashion Dr, Columbia, SC 29229)   Join us for our annual Hopes & Dreams Conference—a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration designed for parents, students, and professionals. We are excited to welcome two keynote speakers: Tanner Smith, a South Carolina native who came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and "Quirky Kid" Amy Nelson, an autistic professional and award-winning author of Every Bunny Can Learn: A Tail of Inclusion. We also have a wonderful array of workshops planned and CEUs will be available.   Limited Parent Scholarships are available—apply today! 📄Parent Scholarship Application 📧 For more information, contact: Megan Branham   Sponsorship and Exhibitor opportunities are still available! Contact Jacki Garbinsky Learn more and register! FAMILY CONNECTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA INC 1800 St Julian Place Suite 104 Columbia, SC 29204 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser Unsubscribe