How to Get Services
To receive any of the services offered by the Charles Lea Center, you must have an open case with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). Once you have an open case, a Case Manager of your choice will help you navigate through the services offered and enroll you in the best program for your needs.
Applying For Services
The first step in starting services is to contact the SC DDSN, which provides services for children and adults with severe, lifelong disabilities.
There are seven distinct categories of eligibility:
To be eligible for SC DDSN services, you must reside in South Carolina and be confirmed by SC DDSN to meet criteria.
Getting Started
If you, or a loved one, are interested in having a Case Manager and an open case with SC DDSN, call one of the following appropriate intake numbers and then follow the process outlined below.
Process
Call and leave a message indicating your desire to open a case.
A representative will call back within a few days and complete an over-the-phone screening. If the screening supports preliminary eligibility, a Care Coordinator will be assigned to complete the intake process. During this screening, be prepared to spend about 15 minutes on the call and answer the following:
- You will be asked questions to establish your residency in South Carolina.
- You will be asked questions to get general information about your disability.
- You will be asked to select three (3) Intake Service Providers from a list read to you over the phone. The Intake Provider will help you through the Eligibility process at no cost to you. DDSN will contact the Intake Service Provider(s) you choose.
- You will receive a letter from DDSN confirming your application for DDSN eligibility. -The Intake Service Provider you choose, or an Autism Eligibility Coordinator will contact you by telephone within two (2) weeks and will provide you information and collect medical and educational records needed by DDSN to determine eligibility.
- Once appropriate records are submitted by the Intake Service Provider or the Autism Eligibility Coordinator, DDSN will notify the applicant in writing of their eligibility status.
- The parent/guardian will be asked to obtain all records and documentation that support the person's diagnosis. Once all records are received, a psychological evaluation that will include an IQ test and adaptive testing may be completed if a current evaluation is not available.
- All documentation will then be forwarded to the DDSN Eligibility Team for eligibility determination.
If the person is found eligible, their records will be forwarded to the Case Manager of your choice.