Advocacy Coalition for People with Disabilities

The Advocacy Coalition for People with Disabilities , a partnership of area support groups, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment and support of parents, families, and individuals with disabilities in the lowcountry of South Carolina. The ACPD is composed of charter organizations that come together to advocate locally and statewide on issues relating to disabilities and special needs.

The ACPD works with area educators, professionals, and service providers to improve and expand services and supports for individuals with disabilities and their families.

ACPD Charter Groups

Advocacy Council for People with Mental Retardation (ACPMR)
Family support group - No regularly scheduled meetings
Contact: Tina Paul (766-3926), Nancy Banov (556-4632), Andra Risinger (795-9288)

Trident Head Injury Support Group
Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM HASCI Center, St. Andrews Shopping Center, Savannah Hwy, Charleston.
Contact: April Ricklefs (529-9611)

SC Autism Society Lowcountry Support Group Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 PM 1064 Gardner Rd., Suite 301, Fairfield Park, West Ashley, Charleston
Contact: Bev McCarty (763-6877)

Lowcountry Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM Trident Regional Medical Center/Doctor's Dining Room, 9330 Medical Plaza Dr., N. Charleston
Contact: Louis Meluso(553-9129) or Harriet McIntosh (767-3841)

Low Country Polio Survivors Network Meets the 4th Sunday of each month at 3:30 PM Roper Hospital North (formerly Baker Hosp.) 2750 Speissegger Dr., N. Charleston
Contact: Dwight Ely (832-2327)

Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry Sponsors Four Information Programs and Four Social Events each year
Contact: (795-5531) 

Parent & Guardian Association of the Coastal Center Holds general meetings four times a year on Sundays in January, April, July, & October
Contact: Marion Dunlap (821-5809/875-1946)