January 2020 Newsletter
New Community Champion Award
This year P&A is introducing a new Community Champion award that we will be presenting during our annual award ceremony at the Celebrating Abilities Gala. This award will be given to an individual, business, or organization anywhere in South Carolina that fully embodies P&A’s vision that people with disabilities are able to live, learn, work, and play independently in an integrated barrier free community. We would like your help finding who in our community is most deserving of this award. To make a nomination please fill out this form.
Advocacy Watch
Check out our new video on understanding your rights after a Traumatic Brain Injury.
Upcoming Community Events
Empowering a Future, February 7
Hopes and Dreams Conference , February 25 & 26
Assistive Technology Expo, March 3
Advocacy Day for Access and Independence, April 1
P&A Celebrating Abilities Gala April 24
P&A Service Highlight
In partnership with the Social Security Administration, P&A manages a new program designed to increase protection for Social Security beneficiaries who use a Representative Payee. A Representative Payee, also called a Rep Payee, is a person who acts as the receiver of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income for people who are not fully capable of managing their own benefits. P&A works to ensure that funds are being used correctly and in the best interest of the beneficiary. This new program provides vital accountability services to protect the rights of SSA recipients. For more information on this program or to report an issue relating to a beneficiary or representative payee go to the new Rep Payee section of our website.
Staff Spotlight
Amanda Hess has been an attorney with P&A for over 12 years. She works in P&A’s Charleston office and is currently the Equal Access (“EA”) team leader. The EA team works to try to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their community, including services, goods and education. Amanda is grateful to work with an amazing team at P&A. Outside of P&A, Amanda loves to spend time with her family.