March 2019 Newsletter

Advocacy Watch

Julie Hocker, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities, part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL), visited South Carolina on March 14th to learn about efforts being made that will improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Commissioner Hocker met with Governor McMaster to express her commitment to working on employment issues in South Carolina.  While she was here, she met with Able SC, South Carolina Development Disabilities Council, P&A, and the Center for Disability Resources.

Success Story

P&A attorneys regularly teach disability rights at the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) programs hosted by National Alliance on Mental Illness South Carolina (NAMI SC). These training’s are held across the state and are for police officers who, due to the lack of mental health crisis services, often serve as first responders in the community.  Recently, a new trainee who responded to his first mental health crisis wrote to thank the trainers “I just wanted to thank you again for teaching this class and really opening my eyes up to these calls and go into them with a level head.” Due to his training, the officer said he was able to peacefully transfer the patient to the hospital by ambulance.

Staff Spotlight

Phyllis Ross started at P&A in 1980 as a part time administrative assistant and is currently a full time advocate for the protection and independence team.  She loves working here because not a day goes by that she does not learn something new.  Phyllis is originally from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma and is a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation. She is a mother, grandmother, and enjoys activities such as tennis, paddle boarding and hiking with “Ya Ya Sisterhood” group of friends. She says there is never a dull moment working here.  Thank you Phyllis for your 39 years of service to P&A.

Mark Your Calendar

Advocacy Day for Access & Independence, April 4, 2019, SC State House,click here for more information

P&A Annual Gala, May 3, 2019, Nelson Mullins, Columbia, Click here for more information

Come Join Our Volunteer Team!

Who: Anyone interested in protecting people with disabilities from abuse and neglect.
What: P&A is currently seeking volunteers to help conduct inspections of Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs).
Where: Anywhere in South Carolina
When: You will be matched with inspections that work with your schedule.  The majority of inspections take place Monday-Friday during work hours.
How: Volunteers will inspect facilities and interview residents to ensure they are free from abuse and neglect, as well as financial exploitation. We provide in person training for all volunteers and staff are present at every inspection.

For more information visit our website.