Family Connection is the point of contact for those living with disabilities throughout their journeys, from birth to adulthood. Programs and services focus on five key areas: Parent Support, Healthcare, Education, Training, and Advocacy. Family Connection staff members are trained to help parents navigate each stage of their child's journey and chart a course for success. With the unprecedented changes in the educational system, families need help making sure their child's special education plans are created and carried out appropriately. Our Family Education Specialists can assist families with school meetings. Call the Family Information Center (FIC) at 1-800-578-8750 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Para Español: 1-888-808-7462. www.FamilyConnectionSC.org/referral/ Programs Education Partners Education Partners is a service offered through Family Connection as the state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) established PTI centers nationwide to ensure access to information and needed resources. Education Partners work to strengthen family engagement in a child's education by supporting, educating and empowering parents to learn self advocacy skills, problem solving strategies and effective communication techniques regardless of their child's disability, experiences or cultural background. https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/programs/education-partners/ Our Healthcare team provides families with Medicaid and TEFRA applications, appeals, and managed care information. www.familyconnectionsc.org/healthcare Peer-to-Peer Support for Parents There are many advantages to having an experienced parent of a child living with disabilities in your corner, and this program is intended to provide you with the support you need from one of our mentor parents. https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/parent-to-parent/ NICU Support Having a newborn baby with medical challenges or a disability can be scary. We help by providing crib-side support to parents with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in several South Carolina hospitals. Those helping truly understand that fear because they have experienced it themselves and now have NICU graduates. Our parents spend time with families, addressing both the emotional impact of this extended hospital stay as well as planning for their baby's future. https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/programs/nicu-support/ Training Programs Family Connection provides a variety of conferences, workshops and webinars for parents and professionals https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/ ________________________________________ Events Hopes and Dreams Conference Our Hopes and Dreams Conference offers professionals, family members and self-advocates an opportunity to learn more about resources and support available to the special needs community. Family members can connect with professionals, and this increased communication sets the stage for children and individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. March 21 is our 2024 conference, held at the R2i2 Conference Center! Check our web site for the 2025 date and location. www.familyconnectionsc.org/training/conferences/ LOOK! Photography Exhibit LOOK! is a photography exhibit showcasing the beauty and unique abilities of our families' children. Local photographers donate their time and talent to capture compelling photos of children in their favorite settings. The exhibit speaks to our goal of inclusion, equity, and community. We hope those viewing the photos take a moment to think, react, and feel, and to really see the joy and everyday moments experienced by children and youth who also happen to have a disability. www.familyconnectionsc.org/look Buddy Walk As part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month each October, Buddy Walk is a celebration for families who have a child with Down syndrome. Teams fundraise online and Family Connection hosts a festive walk and outdoor get together where families build relationships with each other and our participating businesses and community members. Buddy Walk is held in late October. Check for 2024 details at www.familyconnectionsc.org/our-work/our-events