📍 Location:
Virtual services across South Carolina, with outreach in the Upstate region
📞 Contact: 1-800-578-8750
🌐 Website:familyconnectionsc.org

🔎 What It Does:
Family Connection supports families who have children with disabilities or special healthcare needs through peer mentoring, training, workshops, and resources.

✨ Highlights: Peer-to-peer support from trained parent mentors. Webinars, educational events, and transition planning. Free resource navigation and IEP help. Spanish-speaking support available

💡 Helpful Hints: Ask for a mentor who has experience with your child’s specific diagnosis.

📍 Location:
Main office in Columbia, SC; services available throughout the state including Greenville

🔎 What It Does:
SCAS offers advocacy, family support, and case management services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

✨ Highlights:Family support specialists available to guide you through diagnosis, school issues, and service coordination. Free assistance with Medicaid waivers and DDSN access. 💡 Helpful Hints SCAS also runs an autism-friendly business network – ask about events in your area.

📍 Location:
Statewide (services provided in the home or child’s natural environment)

🔎 What It Does:
BabyNet is South Carolina’s early intervention program for children under age 3 with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions. It provides evaluations and connects families with service coordinators and therapy providers.

✨ Highlights: Free developmental evaluations for children under age 3. In-home or daycare-based services tailored to family routines. Referrals to speech, occupational, or physical therapy

💡 Helpful Hints: Early referrals = earlier services. Don't wait for a formal diagnosis if you suspect delays.

📍 Location:
Greenville, SC (with offices throughout the state)
🔎 What It Does:
Bright Start provides early intervention services for children from birth to age 6 with developmental delays and disabilities.

✨ Highlights:Family-centered, in-home services with flexible scheduling.Case managers guide families through the special needs journey. Available as a BabyNet provider and beyond

💡 Helpful Hints:Bright Start continues services even after your child turns 3, helping bridge the gap into school-based support. Ask about their Family Resource Navigator for help connecting with local specialists.

📍 Location:
Serves all schools within Greenville County School District

🔎 What It Does:
Child Find identifies and evaluates children ages 3–21 suspected of having disabilities who may need special education services under IDEA. Evaluations are free and lead to the development of an IEP if needed.

✨ Highlights: Free evaluations for speech, developmental delays, autism, and more. 💡 Helpful Hints: Parents can self-refer their child by contacting the district directly. If your child is turning 3 and aging out of BabyNet, start the Child Find process early to avoid gaps in services.

📍 Location:
Greenville, SC (operates as a community network – not a walk-in office)

🔎 What It Does:
Greenville CAN is a volunteer-driven initiative that works to improve quality of life and increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Greenville County. It’s not a service provider, but rather a powerful connector — linking individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to improve access, inclusion, and awareness.

💡 Helpful Hints: Check out their “New Diagnosis – Now What?” section for an excellent starting point if your child has recently been diagnosed with a disability or developmental delay.

📍 Location: 1700 Ridge Road, Greenville, SC
🧩 What It Is: The local disabilities and special needs board offering services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

🌟 Highlights:Residential, day, and employment programs. Support coordination and early intervention. Occasional family events and support groups

💡 Helpful Hints for Families:Ask about waitlists early for services like respite or ABA. They can help you navigate state-funded programs.Works closely with DDSN (Department of Disabilities and Special Needs)

📍 Location: Greenville, SC (event-based, community-centered)
🧩 What It Is: A nonprofit promoting kindness, inclusion, and support for children with disabilities in schools and the community.
🌟 Highlights:Inclusive school programming. Community events celebrating diversity. Volunteer and advocacy opportunities

💡 Helpful Hints for Families: Ideal for parents looking to get involved in advocacy and awareness. Check out their seasonal events for family-friendly fun.A great way to connect with like-minded families.

📍 Location: Online (serving Greenville & the Upstate)

🧩 What It Is: A private Facebook group for local parents and caregivers of children with special needs to share advice, support, and resources.

🌟 Highlights:Real-time support from local parents. Resource recommendations and therapist suggestions. A safe, judgment-free place to ask tough questions.💡 Helpful Hints for Families:Introduce yourself when you join – this group is very welcoming.

📍 Location: Caine Halter YMCA, 721 Cleveland St, Greenville, SC
🧩 What It Is: Monthly inclusive community events at the YMCA for children with autism and their families.
🌟 Highlights:Free or low-cost events like swimming, crafts, and open gym.Calm and welcoming environment with trained staff.Siblings welcome
💡 Helpful Hints for Families:Follow their Facebook page for upcoming event announcements.Bring your child’s favorite toy or headphones if needed. A great low-pressure way to meet other families and get active

📍 Location: Greenville, SC

🙌 What It Is:
David’s Table is a faith-based nonprofit that creates inclusive community spaces for individuals with disabilities and their families. From weekly gatherings to mentoring, spiritual support, and life skills programs, David’s Table is a place where everyone is welcomed— just as they are.

⭐ Highlights: Weekly dinners, Bible studies, and hangouts for teens and adults with disabilities. Mentorship opportunities for building friendships and life confidence.

💡 Helpful Hints for Families: Programs are free and designed to be welcoming, not overwhelming.

📍 Location: Statewide, including services in Greenville

🧠 Services: Offers case management to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them navigate and enroll in services through DDSN.

🌟 Highlights:

Services are customized to fit each individual's and family's unique needs.

Provides additional programs like digital literacy and supported decision-making.

💡 Helpful Tips:

To determine eligibility for case management services

📍 Location: Statewide, including Greenville

🧠 Services: Provides case management services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, head and spinal cord injuries, and related disabilities.

🌟 Highlights: Case managers help coordinate medical, social, educational, and other services. Services aim to support individuals in community settings rather than institutional ones.

💡 Helpful Tips: To learn more about case management