What We Do
Who We Are
We are the Protection and Advocacy system (P&A) and the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for South Carolina. We are here to help people with disabilities understand and defend their rights. We provide a variety of services to include client assistance, training, abuse & neglect investigation, legal assistance, and advocacy for change.
What is a Protection and Advocacy System?
P&As are the only legally based advocacy organization established by Congress to protect the rights of all individuals with disabilities. As part of that mandate, there is a P&A agency in every state and U.S. territory, working to provide legal protection and advocacy services for people with disabilities.
What is a Client Assistance Program?
The CAP assists individuals who receive or want to receive services from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD) or the South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB) understand their rights to services. We also help people with disabilities who want to get services from SCVRD and SCCB. Lastly, the CAP also helps people understand their employment rights; such as their rights to reasonable accommodations and to be free from disability related discrimination.
Goals and Priorities
Our goals and priorities ensure that we can serve the most vulnerable populations and address the most critical needs in South Carolina.
Get Help
Our staff provide resources and help callers understand and advocate for their disability rights.
Monitor and Investigate
We monitor and investigate institutions and community facilities that serve people with disabilities.
Representative Payee
This program is designed to increase protection for Social Security beneficiaries who use a Representative Payee.
Schedule a Training
Our staff travels across the state speaking to groups, sponsoring conferences, and hosting booths. Learn about outreach opportunities.
Get Legal Support
We provide assistance to people with disabilities whose rights are violated or have been denied a service because of their disability
Public Policy
We work to improve laws, regulations, policies, or practices that affect the rights of people with disabilities.
Watch this video to learn more about the Protection and Advocacy System
Grievance Policy and Procedures
As the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system in South Carolina, we intend to operate in compliance with the federal laws regarding protection and advocacy systems. We strive to provide appropriate services to individuals with disabilities and to treat them with respect while we are assisting them. To assure that individuals have full access to our programs and that we are operating in compliance with federal protection and advocacy acts, we recognize the right of clients or prospective clients of the P&A system to grieve any action or decision relating to the services we may provide to them.
Grievance Policy and Procedures
Not sure where to start?
We have a few recommendations.
If you have questions, you’re always welcome to contact us directly. We also have a wealth of information on our site about being a strong self-advocate and knowing your rights.
Get Involved
Wondering how you can help individuals with disabilities? We have volunteer opportunities, internships, special events, fundraising efforts, and more. See how you can get involved.
Ways to Help