Applying for Services

Family Support Services is the entry point for accessing services through the Disabilities Board of Charleston County (DBCC). Individuals must be eligible for services from the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN).

To apply for services, the individual with a disability, or a family member or other advocate, should contact the office of Family Support Services by phone at (843) 805-5800. A Family Support Supervisor will provide information about services, take basic referral information, and direct the individual to the appropriate initial screening provider. Eligibility determination begins with an initial screening, completed by providers chosen by SCDDSN.

After initial screening, the individual is referred back to DBCC by the screener for assignment to an Early Interventionist or a Service Coordinator. This coordinator will contact the person referred and assist the individual with the eligibility determination process, which is done through the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). SCDDSN requires specific documentation regarding the individual’s disability in order to establish eligibility.

To be deemed eligible by SCDDSN, the person must have a severe, lifelong disability, such as intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. While the Disabilities Board of Charleston County will assist an individual or family member with the process, SCDDSN is solely responsible for eligibility decisions. For more information about the eligibility determination process, please visit the SCDDSN website.

Once an individual is determined to be eligible for services, the Early Interventionist or Service Coordinator will assist the person with assessing needs, identifying resources, planning services and coordinating services with those of other agencies, such as the school, health and social services, and community mental health.

If the person is determined to be ineligible for services, the coordinator will refer the individual to other resources in the community.