The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs(DDSN) is facing huge budget cuts unless the SC House and Senate provide more funds than were recommended by the House Ways and Means Committee.  There is a shortfall of over $25M in state dollars  and this will result in many more federal dollars being lost.  The cuts will threaten the health and safety of many people in SC including hundreds on the autism spectrum. Waivers for many disabilities  such as spinal cord injury and pervasive developmental disorder will end.  Services can be withdrawn from children in school and many parents will be forced to leave jobs to take care of their children. See the Autism Society of South Carolina for more info HERE.

The only services guaranteed are for those in residential homes with no place else to go.
This is happening in SC now, but it could follow in any other state.  We need to fight together NOW and preserve the rights and needs for our disabled, the most vulnerable in our society.

If you live in SC, please contact your own representatives See List Here and gave them your personal stories and how the cuts will affect you.

If you are out of state, please phone or e-mail any of the legislators you choose.  I know the list is long and nobody can do all of them.  Let them know(politely as possibly) that this is an outrageous act if these cuts pass.  Special thanks to Craig Stoxen, director of SC Autism Society and Ralph Courtney, Executive Director of the Aiken County Board of Disabilities for their help.  Debate begins Monday, March 15 so we need to act NOW. A vote is expected shortly after.
 
Thank you for your help.
Maurine Meleck