April 2019 Newsletter
Advocacy Watch
Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A) and several individuals with disabilities have reached a settlement with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) resolving a complaint filed in May of 2017. The agreement calls for, among other enhancements, expansion of SCDMH crisis services aimed at preventing involuntary hospitalization; annual increases in SCDMH community supported housing; and the creation of new SCDMH programs to streamline hospital discharge, improve hospitalized patients’ preparation for discharge, and reduce hospital lengths of stay by ensuring patients have access to appropriate community resources. For more information go to our website.
Celebrating Abilities Annual Gala
When: Friday, May 3, 2019, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Nelson Mullins, The Meridian Building, 17th Floor, 1320 Main Street, Columbia, SC
What: P&A’s fundraiser, Celebrating Abilities, hosts over 200 supporters across the state who come together for a night filled with silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and an award ceremony.
How: To purchase tickets online by April 25 go to EventBrite
Success Story
A recent client called P&A because she was a resident in an apartment complex and needed an electronic remote door opener so that she could continue to live safely in her apartment. Even though she was eligible for coverage of the device under Medicaid, SC Medicaid refused to cover the device because she lived in a private apartment, rather than a state-sponsored setting. P&A attorney Thornwell Simons helped her file a Fair Hearing request and contest the denial, which was successful. SC DHHS agreed to cover the device. Subsequently, extensive negotiations were required with the apartment complex management to approve installation, which caused significant delays, but ultimately the device was installed successfully and she was able to continue living in her apartment with a locking door.
Staff Spotlight
Sandra started working at P&A in December of 1986 as an administrative assistant for the newly Minority/Rural Outreach Project. In working with MROP Sandra got the opportunity to sit in on Radio Interviews for the P&A Radio Show titled “Outreach” that was produced by the Coordinator and Co-Coordinator of the Program. This program aired once a week on a local radio station “WTGH”, and Radio stations on the Campus of SC State University and Morris College. Sandra enjoys meeting people and traveling the state with the Outreach Team informing individuals of the services P&A offers. Sandra has also worked in the capacity of Administrative Assistant for what was then the Region II office in Columbia. In 1999 when the Region II office combined with Central Office her responsibilities changed to Outreach Information and Referral. Sandra has been employed with P&A for 32 years.
Mark Your Calendar
Disability Benefits and Employment: Make it Work for You!, April 25, Newberry, Click here for more information
P&A Annual Gala, May 3, 2019, Nelson Mullins, Columbia, Click here for more information
Midlands Gives, May 5, 2019, Online day of giving, Click here for more information