Mayor Curtis Boyd presents Darlington County Disabilities & Special Needs Board Chair Dorene Hughes and Executive Director Ruth Blocker with a Proclamation that March 2022 is Disabilities Awareness Month in the City of Darlington. Below, read the full text.

Learn more about the Board and its work here: http://www.dcdsnb.org/.

APPLYING FOR SERVICES

If you or a family member has intellectual disabilities, autism, head & spinal cord injury (HASCI) and related lifelong disabilities, or Traumatic Brain and/or Spinal Cord Injury and/or similar disabilities, call toll-free: 1-800-289-7012.

This toll-free line is staffed during normal business hours; messages left after hours/weekends will receive a return call in within two business days. If the applicant meets all screening criteria, he/she will be provided with a list of available Case Management or Early Intervention (CM/EI) providers.

Mayor’s Proclamation

WHEREAS, many City of Darlington residents and families are impacted by severe lifelong disabilities including autism, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual and related disabilities; and

WHEREAS, people with lifelong disabilities are productive citizens, neighbors, and family members, deserving of respect and opportunities for economic self-sufficiency, independence, and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, South Carolinians with and without disabilities work together, play together, worship together, learn together, and grow together; and

WHEREAS, family members, caregivers, and service providers selflessly offer daily care, assistance, supervision, and physical and emotional support to individuals with disabilities to help ensure their full participation in community life; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 observance of Disabilities Awareness Month celebrates 33 years of advocacy for and successes of people with disabilities in education, employment and community activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, James Curtis Boyd, Mayor of the City of Darlington, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH throughout the City of Darlington and encourage all citizens to work together to promote increased opportunities for people with disabilities, to recognize the many contributions made by people with disabilities in our communities, and to honor the dedication of the caregivers who bring support and hope to their fellow citizens.