Press Release
According to the CDC, 1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability. However, many people with disabilities remain unseen and unheard in our state's policies, politics, business, and communities. From now until November 30th, people with disabilities in South Carolina have a chance to be heard by participating in the South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council's (SCSILC) Needs Assessment. This survey, conducted by the SCILC and promoted by the Centers for Independent Living in South Carolina, will give a clear picture of the state of disability in South Carolina.
The survey serves as the basis for developing a three-year Statewide Plan for Independent Living. This plan directs the Centers for Independent Living on how they provide services to people with disabilities and advocate for their needs and rights. By telling the SCILC exactly what barriers people with disabilities have experienced, past surveys have resulted in increased advocacy efforts for employment for people with disabilities, transportation access, housing access, and access to the community.
The survey is open to anyone living with a disability in South Carolina. The survey should take only 10 minutes to finish and is 100% confidential. The survey can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/2mduapc5. Paper copies of the survey or copies in alternative formats such as braille can be provided upon request. Those with questions about the survey or about services should contact Lori Hammond at lhammond@able-sc.org.
ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL
The South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Independent Living for people with disabilities throughout the state. SILC members are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina. Federal regulations requires at least 51% of SILC members be people with significant disabilities. The South Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) promotes the independent living philosophy of consumer choice, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy.
