July 2019 Newsletter
Advocacy Watch
This week is National Disability Voter Registration Week, July 15 – 19. Did you know that if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities in 2016, there would have been an additional 2.2 million votes cast? Together, lets #REVUP and make sure the disability vote is heard. Join P&A and get out and register this week. It only takes 2 minutes to register online!
We Need Your Help
Protection and Advocacy wants to hear from people with disabilities, families, professionals, and the general public about what issues impact the disability community. If you would like to share your thoughts, please complete our priority survey.
Client Success Story
A mother recently came to P&A because she was having concerns about the independent living skills her child was receiving at school. P&A assisted the mother and requested the child receive a transition assessment. Transition services help prepare students with disabilities for adult life. If a student has an individualized education program (IEP), school districts must provide services to help the student move from school to post-high school activities. After the assessment the IEP team implemented goals to focus more on post-school skills to include money management, hygiene and sanitation, meal preparation, researching potential employment and completing job applications.
Staff Spotlight
Anna Maria Darwin is an attorney in our Greenville office and has been with P&A for 18 years. Anna Maria is currently the team leader for the Protection and Independence Team addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with disabilities while also promoting community integration and free choice for our clients. Originally she worked on the Equal Access and Community Integration teams. Anna Maria is a Master Gardner who enjoys making jams, jellies, and fruit butters and spending time with her dog and two cats. Thank you Anna Maria for the many years of time and dedication you have given to P&A clients.
Mark Your Calendar
July 26 SC Brain Injury Conference in Columbia
July 26 Anniversary of the ADA
August 8 Engaging the Untapped Workforce in Easley Hosted by HireMe SC
August 8 Disability Benefits and Employment in Sumter Hosted by HireMe SC