SC disabled advocates address issues entering ‘26

Disability rights advocates across South Carolina are entering the new year addressing long-standing and emerging challenges related to funding, access and broader social change.

The availability of many resources that support empowerment and social inclusion depends on funding levels and on public- and private-sector decisions that influence how those funds are distributed. Budget cuts, along with uncertainty surrounding the restructuring, consolidation or elimination of government agencies that fund independent living programs, have prompted advocates to develop contingency plans.

Statewide advocacy nonprofit Able South Carolina has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to offset an estimated $800,000 loss resulting from federal funding cuts. The campaign, “We Are ALL Able SC,” has raised $120,000 toward a current goal of $350,000. While the organization continues to operate using grant funding and other sources, officials say the shortfall could eventually affect its ability to provide independent living resources in a state where one in three residents has a disability and could benefit from those services.

Walton Options for Independent Living, the Savannah River service-area center for independent living serving parts of Georgia and South Carolina, has also been affected by funding cuts and delays. Executive Director Tiffany Clifford said the organization has had to operate “a little leaner,” with some program funding impacted, but noted that its funding strategy has allowed it to remain operational.

“Because of Walton Options’ longtime approach to diversifying its funding sources, we have been fortunate to remain stable during the times faced recently,” Clifford said. “Sadly, a lot of smaller centers for independent living really struggle to stay open and are in situations where they have to furlough staff. Their budgets are already tight, covering operational costs that don’t decrease just because funding is reduced.”

Advocates also point to ongoing debate over diversity, equity and inclusion, commonly referred to as DEI, as another issue influencing funding, programming and decision-making. Clifford said she has not seen the issue directly affect Walton Options but remains concerned about potential pressure on her organization and others to alter programs.

Able South Carolina Director of Employment Programs Marly Saade said that although the Americans with Disabilities Act remains in effect, disability-related resources have been affected by confusion over what does and does not fall under DEI initiatives.

“With so much misinformation and confusion surrounding DEI and disability, many agencies overreacted out of fear,” Saade said. “The ADA remains fully intact and must be enforced. Essentially, due to mass confusion and overreaction, the disability community has become collateral damage in the attack on DEI.”

Despite current challenges, advocates cite several recent developments as major advancements, including the task force established under the Employment First Act, the elimination of the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities and April 2025 legislation requiring an Olmstead plan and creating an ADA coordinator position.

Advocates say they will continue working to build partnerships that expand access, employment and other initiatives they describe as mutually beneficial. Walton Options has developed partnerships with several foundations, and Able South Carolina has reported positive relationships with companies such as Michelin.

In a year-end message for 2025, Able South Carolina CEO Kimberly Tissot emphasized the importance of allyship led by people with disabilities. She acknowledged ongoing resistance but said the organization has also experienced meaningful support and encouraged new allies to join the effort to create positive change.

“The best moments were when leaders stepped back and said, ‘We trust disabled people to lead this,’” Tissot said. “Disabled people deserve real partnerships, and together, we can build those.”

Tissot also highlighted a guiding principle of the organization’s work: “Disabled people are not bystanders. We are change agents.”

The full text of Tissot’s remarks is available on the Able South Carolina website.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.