Conference Schedule - Family Connection of South Carolina

Hopes & Dreams 2025 Schedule

Tanner Smith and Nicci Smith
Love on the Spectrum

Finding Joy in the Journey

Tanner Smith is a 26-year-old South Carolina native who came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum US. Tanner’s joyful spirit and zest for life captured the hearts of thousands, and his story of living and thriving on the Autism Spectrum has been an inspiration and source of hope to many. Tanner was diagnosed with high functioning Autism and Sensory Integration Dysfunction at 4 years old. He is a 2022 graduate of ClemsonLIFE and a proud employee at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, SC.

Nicci Smith is a proud mother to 4 children, autism advocate, and fitness enthusiast. Sharing her family’s story of Tanner’s diagnosis, acceptance, and eventual joy in the Autism journey has been a dream come true for her. Nicci’s greatest wish is to spread hope and inspiration to other families who are blessed with a differently abled child.

Neurodivergent Play! A Different Way

To support neurodivergent children, we must recognize that different brains need different approaches! Diverse needs necessitate implementing various strategies, sensory supports, and environmental modifications. This workshop will teach you how to understand better, appreciate, and support neurodivergent play.

Amy Nelson

Sessions Include:

Decoding TEFRA & SSI: The Roadmap to Eligibility

Amber Lydford
Beverly Harper
Cortney Heuer

Do you have questions about TEFRA, SSI, and how they affect Medicaid eligibility? This workshop is designed to help families and caregivers gain a strong foundation in these essential programs. We’ll explore how TEFRA and SSI work, their key differences, and how they interact within Medicaid. By the end of the session, participants will feel more confident in navigating eligibility requirements and accessing necessary benefits.

Independent Living: Planning for the Future

Hannah Mathis
Cindy Tomlinson

Have you and your youth reached the stage where you’re starting to consider what independence will life look like after high school? What support systems should be in place to increase daily living skills and independence before beginning this journey? In this training, we’ll explore essential tools to help guide conversations about independent living, adult Medicaid waiver supports, Social Security benefits, and work programs. Our goal is to reduce fear and empower you with knowledge and resources needed to navigate this transition as you take next steps towards your youth’s successful future

The Journey of Joy

Amy Nelson, LCSW, RPT-S

There is no denying that the pandemic has reshaped the education landscape across our country. But the journey is not over. In many ways, it is only the beginning. When we shift our primary focus from what is behind to what lies ahead, our journey opens with endless possibilities to find joy. Participants will rediscover the joy our colleagues and children bring to our work and lives in this refreshing keynote.

South Carolina Law for Families

Kirby Mitchell

From education and public benefits to family law, understanding South Carolina’s legal landscape for youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs is essential. This session will provide state-specific updates, including recent changes to the guardianship filing process in South Carolina. Attendees will leave with valuable insights, practical guidance, and resources to access legal services and support their families effectively.

Hot Topics in Education Policy

Jennifer Rainville

Education policy is constantly evolving, with legislative decisions directly impacting students and families. This session will provide updates from the South Carolina State House, focusing on key policy discussions, including pre-K expulsion, school vouchers, and other legislative initiatives shaping the state’s education landscape. Participants will gain insight into how these policies affect their communities and explore ways to engage in advocacy efforts.

DDSN 101: Overview of Department of Disabilitites and Special Needs

Stephanie Turner

This session is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). Join Stephanie Turner, DDSN’s Autism Division Director, for an overview of available services and supports across the state for children and young adults with disabilities

Life Care Planning: Making the Future More Secure for your Dependent with Special Needs

Douglas A. Vogel, Special Care Planner

This workshop will discuss what a Life Care Plan is and the steps recommended to create one for a loved one with special needs. As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. There are some needs that will always be present and they must be carefully considered and planned for appropriately. This workshop will address such critical issues as protecting government benefit eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, creating Special Needs Trusts, the importance of a Will, Guardianship, Financial Strategies including ABLE Accounts and preparing Letters of Intent. You will learn about the comprehensive steps, available resources, and necessary tools to help develop your personal agenda – a customized path that will keep you on track as you consider what’s right for your situation. Following the planning stages can help insure the type of care and quality of life for your loved one’s well-being today and tomorrow.

March Into Spring With These School Tips

Susan Thomas

Spring is a busy time for schools. Join us as we share some helpful tips to plan for testing season in schools, transitions to new school levels, and extended school year.

Bridging Supports: Everything You Need to Know about Transition from Part C to Part B

Jennifer Buster
Sherri Evans

This session will focus on the key components of early childhood transitions. Part C to B transition refers to children who are transitioning from early intervention (Part C) to early childhood special education (Part B) prior to the child’s third birthday. This session will discuss how to support a consistent implementation of effective transition practices. Child Find components of Part C and Part B will also be discussed.

Your Voice Matters: Let’s Advocate for Kids

Deborah DePaoli
Citaly Rojo

Being an advocate for children means standing up for their rights, well-being, and opportunities to thrive. Advocacy can take many forms, from supporting a child’s individual needs to influencing broader policy changes that benefit all children. This session will explore the role of advocacy and how parents and caregivers can become effective champions for children in their communities.

Exclusionary Discipline Practices in Early Childhood: Definitions and Resources to Prevent These Practices

Heather Googe
Kerri Wikel

During this session, we will describe the policy landscape in our state related to exclusionary practices such as suspension and expulsion. We will explore the process used to draft definitions that can be shared across the early childhood system to develop policies and professional development to reduce or eliminate these exclusionary practices in early childhood. We will highlight current supports in SC to prevent the use of these practices for providers and families. Lastly, we will solicit feedback from attendees related to their current needs related to suspension and expulsion in their work.