Orangeburg County Disabilities and Special Needs Board

A Key to Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities

OUR MISSION IS TO SUPPORT PERSONS WITH DISABILITES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN ACCESSING OPPORTUNITIES OF THEIR CHOICE SO THEY ARE ABLE TO MAXIMIZE THEIR POTENTIAL TO LIVE, WORK AND THRIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITY AS PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.

Orangeburg County Disabilites & Special Needs Board is a public agency created by the Orangeburg County Council to oversee, provide and coordinate services for Orangeburg County Citizens with mental retardation, autism, head and spinal cord injuries and other life long disabilities.

It has the energy and vision of a new agency with a historic base of over forty years in the community.  First as Pied Piper, a daycare center for children; it was then renamed Orangeburg Association for Retarded Children; later becoming Orangeburg Association for Retarded Citizens.  In 1988 Orangeburg County approved an ordinance to establish Orangeburg County Mental Retardation Board.  Finally in 1993 in accordance with state government restructuring, its mission was expanded and it was renamed Orangeburg County Disabilities & Special Needs Board sometimes abbreviated OCDSNB. 

OCDSNB is committed to helping individuals with disabilities and special needs move toward a greater measure of control over their own lives.

SERVICE COORDINATION

Service Coordination is the "key" through which all agency services are obtained.  Applications and referrals are handled by this department.  Service Coordinators are professionals that coordinate services to fit each consumers needs and desires after eligibility has been established.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

Kapable Kids - An Early Intervention Service designed to teach family members to work with their children to stimulate developmental skills.  Services are provided to children from birth to six years of age.

Respite Care - Offers families a well-earned, well-deserved break.

Summer Option - Families are given the opportunity to choose a summer activity that will benefit their school-aged family member the most.  Financial Support is offered for summer services.

Family Suport - Financial assistance provided that directly benefits the consumer with disabilities and will allow them to remain in their home with family.

ADULT DAY SERVICES

The Adult Day Program is tailored to the needs of the participants to assist them in becoming contributing members of the community.  We encourage the individuals to make choices and gain control over their own lives.  Our focus is person centered.  It focuses on vocational training and successful job placement as well as functional and social skills.  Adult Day Services include:

Industrial Services and Santee Industries - Work activity centers serving the Orangeburg and Santee areas, where actual in-house contracts are used to develop vocational skills and work habits.

Supported Employment - Provides a number of options for employment and paid wages in the community.  Includes mobile lawn crews, janitorial services and work enclaves with OCDNSB instructor staff supervision.

Job Coaches - OCDSNB employment specialists locate desirable job opportunities, then place and train persons to work successfully in local businesses and industries.

Functional/Social Skills Training - Supplemental training in functional and social skills to enhance successful job placement and retention.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

OCDSNB serves over 100 people in community residences and apartments.  Each residence has its own special environment and uniqueness.  Several residential programs offer structured home environments within the flow of the community, while meeting residents specific needs.  Residents take responsibility for maintaining their homes by sharing daily and weekly chores.  Family of residents has the opportunity to interact with neighbors and friends as members learn new skills and gain the ability to participate with family and friends.  Meals are served family style and frequent "family meetings" occur around the dinner table to share daily experiences and make plans.  Our homes are staffed by trained specialist to assist each resident.  OCDSNB residential programs offer a network of support and friendship and provide a home which presents conditions, situations and experiences which will enhance the quality of life of each resident as an individual.

Eligibility for service by OCDSNB is determined by the S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.