News
January Newsletter
February 4, 2021
New Special Education Webinar
“Navigating Special Education in South Carolina Public Schools During Covid-19. Resources and Answers to Common Questions.” is a webinar created as part of an effort to help families and students receiving special education services during this very unique school year. This is our first webinar, developed as part of a joint project with Disability Rights South Carolina, Able South Carolina, Family Connection of South Carolina, the SC Advisory Council for Educating Students with Disabilities, and the Office of Special Education Services at the SC Department of Education. This webinar discusses the changes between a typical school and this school year, addresses some common questions that have been raised, and provides some resources and contact information at the end. We hope you will find this first webinar helpful.
Stimulus Check Fraud
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have been delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans. The IRS emphasizes that there is no action required by eligible individuals to receive this second payment, the IRS will not call, text or email anyone to verify their information. Last year the IRS had over 250,000 complaints of fraud concerning stimulus checks. Coronavirus-related (COVID-19) scams should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or submitted through the NCDF web Complaint Form. Taxpayers can always report phishing attempts to the IRS. Those who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to [email protected]. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.
Vaccine Information
Are you confused about when and where you can get a vaccine? Able SC is updating their Covid-19 Vaccine website as new information is available. This is a great place to get the information you need and are looking for.
Public comment period: SC HCBS Statewide Transition Plan and Category 2 settings for Heightened Scrutiny review
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will release the revised South Carolina Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Statewide Transition Plan for a public comment period. During the public comment period, which will occur from Feb. 10-March 12, 2021, SCDHHS is soliciting feedback for the following:
• SCDHHS is submitting a list of settings in the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs network to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for heightened scrutiny review under Category 2, defined as buildings on the grounds of, or immediately adjacent to, a public institution; and,
• The final approved South Carolina HCBS Statewide Transition Plan, which has been revised to reflect date changes, updated heightened scrutiny settings numbers, and other technical changes.
The public can view the full public notice and revised HCBS Statewide Transition Plan online beginning Feb. 10, 2021, at https://msp.scdhhs.gov/hcbs/site-page/hcbs-statewide-transition-plan
Staff Spotlight
Janette Chen Rodriguez started working for DRSC in May 2016 as a Paralegal, Hispanic Outreach, and Advocate/Investigator. She enjoys helping people and advocate for the Hispanic community. She is bilingual and interprets for clients. She loves our Annual Gala and volunteers to work at it every year. When she is not at work, she likes to sit in a quiet place and read, watch TV and play Frisbee with one of her dogs.
