Step Ahead Early Intervention

11/27/2025

Step Ahead Early Intervention and Richland/Lexington DSNB CTH I Program invites you to a Holiday Drop-In! It will be on Monday, December 1st from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 301 Greystone Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210. Please RSVP to your child's EI by 11/21/25. We hope to see you there!

11/06/2025

We’re excited to introduce Sensory Santa, a special holiday experience for children and adults with sensory processing and/or cognitive disabilities and their families!

Participants can take a picture with Santa during a designated time block, with each block limited to five families to reduce crowds and noise. While waiting, families can enjoy fun, sensory-friendly activities in the event space.

Each admission includes one 5x7 photo with Santa (additional photo packages available for purchase).

📅 Sunday, November 30 | 1–5 p.m.
📍 Environmental Education Center at Saluda Shoals Park
All ages | $20 per family
Additional activities will be available around the facility for families to enjoy. (Holiday Lights passes sold separately.)

10/26/2025

Get ready for the holidays! Lexington One SEPAC and the South Carolina Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are hosting a special Holiday Market on November 7th and 8th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Lexington One Special Services Building. Santa will be making an appearance, brought to you by the inclusive nonprofit Santa's Heroes.

10/24/2025

Buddy Walk, hosted by Family Connection of SC, is held each year in honor of families who have a child with Down Syndrome. Families, individuals, and businesses are invited to start fundraising, then on November 2nd, there will be an afternoon of fall festivities, family-fun, a mini-walk, and an awards presentation to honor each of our participating Buddies and our top fundraisers!

Donations can be made to any registered team or team member. Make your donation now!

For more details, go to https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/buddy-walk/

Buddy Walk
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Fields

11:00 AM: Tailgaters and Specialty Vehicles Arrive
12:00-2:00 PM: Family Fun Activities
2:00 PM: Walk around the Field
2:15 PM: Celebration Ceremony honoring Buddies and Teams

10/11/2025

10/08/2025

10/02/2025

Step Ahead Early Intervention would like to cordially invite you and your little ones to our Trunk or Treat Event! Wear your favorite costume, and bring your treat bag for lots of candy, fun, and smiles. If we happen to experience any inclement weather on the day of the event, we will postpone.

10/02/2025

October 7th will be a Sensory-Friendly Day at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. It is designed to create a warm, welcoming space where all guests can enjoy their visit in the way that feels best for them. On this day, you will find thoughtful adjustments across the park like softer sound levels, peaceful quiet areas, clear visual guides, and from local community partners.

09/24/2025

On October 16th, the lights will shine a little less, and the sounds will be more quiet. This will happen from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the South Carolina State Fair hosts a Sensory Friendly Morning on Exceptional Citizens Day at the Fair.

09/11/2025

Gi'Gi's Playhouse is a Down syndrome organization with over 61+ brick-and-mortar locations across the United States and Mexico, and 200 inquiries to start new locations all over the world, as well as the only network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers. Every day, they provide free, life-changing therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for 30,000+ individuals of all ages. View their website for more information, and visit their Charleston location.

https://gigisplayhouse.org/charleston/

09/08/2025

Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Clinic

Free In Person Event on Tuesday 09/23/25

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203

The SC Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is hosting an AAC-focused training day for individuals with communication differences, their family members, and clinicians working with AAC. All attendees will rotate between vendors for small group trainings and interact with the communication devices.

Participants will:
1. Define different types of AAC
2. Compare different styles of communication device hardware and software options to help an individual communicate
3. Identify the best possible AAC options for a future trial and/or use for an individual depending on their needs

Accommodations:
If you need an accommodation to take part, please contact Janet Lambert at Janet.Lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or at 803-935-5263 at least one week prior to the scheduled training.

08/26/2025

One of our Case Managers came home last week with two special gifts. One was a pet turtle she adopted from a person we serve who could no longer care for it. The other was a hand drawn portrait from another person we serve of her, her 2 dogs, new pet turtle, and a cup of coffee. Our Case Manager's response? “Feeling very grateful for both!”