On May 5, 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act into law. This new program allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship worth $6,000. These scholarships may be used to create a customized, flexible education for their child, as outlined below. The South Carolina Department of Education administers the Education Scholarship Trust Fund and has contracted with Class Wallet for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year opens on January 15, 2024, and closes on March 15, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.classwallet.com/programs/southcarolinaestf/  To be eligible, students must: Students currently enrolled in a public charter school, home school, and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children’s Fund program are not eligible for this scholarship program. What types of flexible education expenses are eligible? From SC Department of

Columbia, SC – Family Connection of South Carolina is partnering with Irmo Branch Library to display pieces of Family Connection’s LOOK! 2023 Photography Exhibit. Family Connection serves South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition.  “We are honored to have this opportunity to bring pieces of our current LOOK! collection to the Irmo Branch Library! said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “These beautiful photos of the children and youth we serve represent Family Connection’s goals of creating inclusion, equity, and community.”  The photos were taken by professional photographers from across the state who volunteered their time to capture the participants in candid moments doing the things they like to do best. “We hope visitors to the library will take the time to view the photos and read the inspiring stories that accompany them,” added Amy Holbert.  “The Irmo Branch is thrilled to have some of the photos

A publication of NATIONAL CENTER ON EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES The Empowering Families Toolkit toolkit provides accessible materials for parents about topics related to assessment-related SSIPs and SIMRs. These materials are designed to help support their participation in stakeholder meetings. The toolkit includes short video clips and printed flyers. The materials are designed for dissemination through social media, state websites, and at meetings.

Columbia, S.C. – Family Connection of South Carolina is partnering with Lexington County Library to display pieces of Family Connection’s LOOK! 2023 Photography Exhibit. Family Connection serves South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition. “We are honored to have this opportunity to bring pieces of our current LOOK! collection to the Lexington County Library! said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection. “These beautiful photos of the children and youth we serve represent Family Connection’s goals of creating inclusion, equity, and community.” The photos were taken by professional photographers from across the state who volunteered their time to capture the participants in candid moments doing the things they like to do best. “We hope visitors to the library will take the time to view the photos and read the inspiring stories that accompany them,” added Amy Holbert. Lauren Ignet, Assistant Branch Librarian at Lexington Main Library states: “Each

Annual Exhibit Honors Children and Youth Living with a Disability (COLUMBIA, SC, July 11, 2023) – James Russell is a happy four-year-old boy who loves learning, has boundless energy, and is constantly seeking a challenge. James shocked his parents when he played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on his toy piano at the age of two and a half. Soon after, he taught himself to play classical music he had heard in the Disney movie Fantasia on a real piano. He has gone on to take lessons through the Carolina Lifesong Initiative at the USC School of Music and has performed in recitals at the USC Recital Hall. James and his family are one of 80 families participating in Family Connection of South Carolina’s LOOK! 2023 photography exhibit. The exhibit offers an inspiring glimpse into the lives of children and young people who have a disability or chronic health condition. To

Annual Conference—presented in 2023 by My Pharmacy & Optical—highlights resources for families and professionals caring for children who have disabilities (Columbia, SC)—Family Connection of South Carolina will be hosting the Hopes and Dreams 2023 Conference—presented by My Pharmacy and Optical—on May 3rd at the R2i2 Conference Center. The annual conference offers professionals, family members, and self-advocates the opportunity to learn more about resources and support available to the special needs community. “We are passionate about serving and supporting South Carolina families who have children with a disability or chronic health condition as well as their caregivers” says Katrina Jamison, a pharmacist and strategic leader at My Pharmacy and Optical. “We understand many of the existing obstacles that prevent access to both pharmacy and optical services, and we strive to bridge the gap that often separates these individuals from access to the exceptional healthcare they deserve.”  “We are excited to partner