Part 3: How to Advocate for Your Rights  

Disability Rights South Carolina 

We offer many services to help you protect your rights, including information and referral, self-advocacy assistance, legal and advocacy support, and training. Our services are free of charge to all residents of South Carolina with a disability. We can also provide information and technical assistance to family members and professionals advocating for people with disabilities in South Carolina.

Help Line: 1-866-275-7273

Email: [email protected]

If you live in another state, visit the National Disability Rights Network’s website at www.ndrn.org to find your state’s Protection & Advocacy office.

Federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Investigates alleged violations of a person’s right to live in the community under the Olmstead decision.

Website: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/complaint-process/index.html

South Carolina Legal Services

South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) provides free legal assistance in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters to eligible low-income residents of South Carolina.

Phone: 1-(888) 346-5592

Website:  https://sclegal.org/

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center advocates for low-income South Carolinians on issues such as health care, immigration, reentry issues, housing, education, hunger, public benefits, domestic violence, and consumer issues.

Phone: 803-779-1113

Website: https://www.scjustice.org/

South Carolina Bar Association

South Carolinians can find an attorney online via the SC Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service or attend a free legal clinic in their local community.

Phone: (803) 799-6653

Website: https://www.scbar.org/

Centers for Independent Living

There are three Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in South Carolina. They provide independent living services for people with disabilities. These programs provide tools, resources, and supports for integrating people with disabilities fully into their communities.

Able South Carolina

Serves Midlands and Upstate

Phone (800) 681-6805

Website: www.able-sc.org

AccessAbility

Serves Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Orangeburg and Williamsburg Counties

Phone: (866) 874-7730 

Website: https://www.abilitysc.org/

Walton Options for Independent Living 

Serves Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Edgefield, Hampton, Jasper and McCormick Counties

Phone: (866) 793-3407  

Website: www.waltonoptions.org