Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board

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

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.

10/02/2025

Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout the state, and encourages South Carolinians to work together to advance the message that people with disabilities are equal to the task.

09/30/2025

The South Carolina Department on Aging has developed a Dementia Toolkit, which provides an overview of dementia resources to address the needs of those diagnosed with dementia, and educational opportunities that may be helpful to those working with individuals diagnosed with dementia. Because individuals with Down Syndrome, Brain Injury, and the aging are all at higher risk of developing dementia, this toolkit is an ideal resource for the populations served by OIDD and their caregivers. An electronic version of the toolkit can be accessed via the QR code on the attached flyer. In addition to the information provided in the toolkit, the Department on Aging offers two training opportunities: Dementia 101: The Basics, and Dementia 201: Positive Interactions. Both webinars occur regularly and can be accessed via the toolkit, which contains registration information for each training opportunity.

09/29/2025

The Special Olympics State Fall Games was recently held in Myrtle Beach. The multi-sport event hosted competition for bowling, bocce, disc golf, golf, flag football, soccer, and volleyball. An individual that we serve won a Gold Metal in golf! Congratulations to him and all other winners! There are many sports and events that take place year round. If you would like to know more about becoming an athlete, coach, volunteer, etc., please click link below for more information.

https://so-sc.org/get-involved

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/