SPEAKER: Shannon Staley December 15 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Title: Medicaid 101: An overview of Medicaid and TEFRA This Medicaid 101 Video will take you to a replay of the webinar. To download the transcript of the webinar, click this Medicaid 101 (WORD) document.

This is a workshop that discusses options for Teens and/or Young Adults planning to live independently and their parent or caregiver. Date Recorded: 4/16/2016 Link to Webinar Recording

  COLUMBIA – October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the time to join Family Connection of South Carolina for its 17th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk®. The event is from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212. (This is the new athletic field complex off St. Andrews Road.) The family friendly event is free and features games, bounce houses, food, music, vendors and fun for all ages. Registration and Team Check-In begins at 1 p.m. and the actual walk begins at 2:15 p.m.. The Special Buddy Final Lap will take place around 3:30 p.m., followed by special presentations. Approximately 70 Special Buddies, along with 1,500 of their family members and friends, are expected to participate this year, coming together to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion of those with Down syndrome. As more people are introduced to and

Come run, walk or stroll at Saluda Shoals Families and children of all abilities are invited to join us to promote active lifestyles and inclusion for everyone! Family Connection and Ainsley’s Angels are partnering on their first Midlands Area 5K and family event at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 24 at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC. Thanks to Ainsley’s Angels, those who cannot complete a 5K on their own can now experience the thrill of crossing the finish line, as an angel rider. Serious runner? Sign up at the Columbia Family Connection 5k Registration page Interested in joining an angel team? Family interested in participating for free or having a loved one as an angel rider? Call Family Connection at (803) 252-0914.

The SC Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Statewide Transition Plan is going through a third public comment period due to changes made in the plan per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements. The comment period is Aug. 17 – Oct. 7, 2016. To view the Revised Plan and Public Notice, visit the HCBS Statewide Transition Plan website. A webinar was held on Tuesday, August 23, 2916. You may listen to this webinar at this HCBS Statewide Transition Plan Webinar page. Nine regional public meetings (listed below) will be held to review the changes made to the plan, which outlines how South Carolina will meet the new standards for waiver services (specifically where services are provided) as required by CMS. Comments may be submitted during the webinar, at a public meeting, or written comments on the Statewide Transition Plan may be sent to: Long Term Care and Behavioral Health

Columbia, SC: The torrential rains and floods have caused tremendous loss and damage in the Midlands and across South Carolina. But the spirit and connections of our communities and our state remain strong. Regardless of backgrounds or beliefs, people have come together to help neighbors and strangers alike. First responders work tirelessly to rescue those in danger and to keep others safe. And there is still much work to be done as people begin cleaning up while the threat of additional flooding remains. The team at Family Connection of South Carolina remains ready to serve – in whatever ways possible and needed. If you’ve been impacted by the flooding and need assistance, please contact us at: State Office, Columbia: (803) 252-0914 or (800) 578-8750 En Espanol: 1 (888) 808-7462 Anderson Office: (864) 231-8100 Greenville Office: (864) 331-1340 Spartanburg Office: (864) 585-5462 Rock Hill Office: (800) 578-8750 Charleston Office: (843) 556-5010

Are you someone that is looking for an opportunity to support your community, while having fun at the same time? We have the opportunity you have been looking for. Family Connection of South Carolina hosts three Buddy Walks across the state each year. Buddy Walk is a day to support and celebrate individuals with Down syndrome. We have had wild success with our walks in the past, due to the hardworking volunteers that make it happen. It is that time when we are calling for volunteers to help us make this event the biggest and best yet! We need help to prepare, set up, work and clean up for the event, and we would love to have you on board. Our ANDERSON Buddy Walk will be held on October 18, 2015 at Anderson University. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Sherry Fields at [email protected]. Our COLUMBIA Buddy Walk

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Family Connection of South Carolina has been awarded the 2015 Office of Special Education and Information for Parents and Children of Disabilities – Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI) grant issued by the US Department of Education and Rehabilitative Services. Upon receipt of the funding, Family Connection will be tasked to provide information and training for parents and individuals, birth to 26, with disabilities and healthcare needs in South Carolina. Family Connection will help parents navigate systems of early intervention, general and special education, and postsecondary education. Individuals served will better understand their role as self-advocates and their rights and responsibilities in order to develop increased inclusion in both school, postsecondary settings, and future employment settings. Since 1989, Family Connection’s mission has been to strengthen and encourage families of children with special healthcare needs through parent support. As South Carolina’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center, with the addition