According to the 2021 U.S Census Bureau, more than 42 million people in the United States live with a disability - that's over 13% of our citizens. It was not so long ago that we, as a nation, marked the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. The bill was originally passed on July 26, 1990 - only 34 years ago.

As this anniversary approaches and we strive to create an inclusive, supportive Greenville for all, we'd like to emphasize the importance of advocating alongside the disability community. Advocacy begins with education. Together, let's continue to understand the history and laws designed to protect and empower individuals with disabilities.

Join our mission to serve as a CHAMPION for individuals with disabilities! Learn more about the complete Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, As Amended, by clicking on the button below and please reach out to us if you're interested in getting involved with our signature initiative Greenville CAN.

Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation's volunteer Board of Directors has shown great commitment to and involvement with the disability community. Working together as champions for individuals with disabilities, this collection of leaders strives to exemplify the meaning behind "Nothing about us, without us." This Latin phrase, first used by the South African disability rights movement in the 1990s, expresses the importance of advocacy and the disability community's right to have a say in how they are governed. The BSF Board of Directors serves as self-advocates, family members, professionals, and community leaders who believe in the power of opportunity and the right to flourish.

Nick Skenteris - Board Chair

Michele Reeves - Vice Chair

Brooke Schmidt - Secretary (not pictured)

Riku Oinonen - Treasurer

Amy Hallasy - Past Secretary

Elizabeth Piper - Board Member

Matthew Collins - Board Member (not pictured)

Lee Sowell - Board Member

Dana Gantt Moore - Board Member

Audra Vellucci - Board Member

Lisa Finch - Board Member

Jane Hart - Board Member

Marion Elliott - Board Member Emeritus

The Honorable Nick Theodore - President Emeritus (not pictured)

Last month, BSF's first-ever PEP (Pre-Employment Program) class wrapped-up a twelve-week Spring session with a workplace visit and recognition of participant accomplishments. Congratulations PEP Class One!

Our next PEP semester will be begin in August and is limited to eight participants. See below for more info.

Chick-fil-A Work Site Visit

Participant Recognition

Job Liaison Presentation

Grant Impact: Trailhead Community Farm School (TCFS) received a Barbara Stone Community Innovations grant in Fall 2023 to support a series of Family Summits (available to the public) for families with a neurodiverse family member. 

The first Family Summit was held in February 2024. Twenty-five people attended the event, including four families, which offered educational sessions for parents, outdoor experiential educational activities for children, family/team-building activities, a group meal, and more. Learn more about Trailhead Community Farm School here.

The Barbara Stone Foundation offers two grant cycles a year. Our upcoming grant application deadline is September 15. Please visit: Barbara Stone Grants for more information about how to apply.

NEW! Newsletter Submission Form

We are working on updating our newsletter format and streamlining the process of sharing the various opportunities this amazing community has to offer.

If your organization would like to be featured in the Community Events, Opportunities, and Resources section of an upcoming issue, please click on the link below and complete the Google Form.

Submissions must be received no later than the 2nd day of the month that our newsletter is published. We will highlight activities, events, opportunities, resources, and volunteer requests for disability-related events if you submit your information in the submission form. Thank you! 

Roger C. Peace UCAN Adaptive Sports

Greenville CAN

Disability Employment Discussion Group

The Disability Employment Discussion Group (DEDG) meets quarterly and exists to share information about employing people with disabilities with service providers, employers, and the public. The group works collaboratively to promote the employment of people with disabilities by sharing information about Greenville-based disability programs, connecting employers with service providers, and providing information about new and innovative disability employment programs.

To be added to our DEDG email list, please contact: Chris Sparrow.

Bridged Disability Resource Expo

Disability Rights of South Carolina Survey

Disability Rights South Carolina (DRSC) is a statewide nonprofit serving as the protection and advocacy system (P&A) and Client Assistance Program (CAP) for South Carolina. To ensure their work is having the greatest impact on people with disabilities, they need your input so they can define their goals and priorities based on your feedback. Information gathered through this survey will be used to refine these goals and objectives, ensuring that DRSC's work aligns with the needs of our community.

Family Connection of South Carolina

South Carolina

Developmental Disabilities Council

Partners in Policymaking® is a leadership training program designed for adults with disabilities and parents. It equips participants with the skills to advocate for themselves and others. Program details are listed below.

• Duration: Five months
• Location: Columbia, SC
• Schedule: One weekend per month (Friday 12:00 pm - Saturday 4:00 pm)
• Session Dates:
• October 18-19, 2024
• November 8-9, 2024
• January 17-18, 2025
• February 7-8, 2025
• March 14-15, 2025
• Benefits for Participants:
• Reimbursement for travel costs
• Provided lodging / meals (dinner on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Sat.)
• Attendant support and respite reimbursement for eligible participants

Join us again on Thursday, September 12 to learn more about the Upcountry History Museum's programming, providing inclusive educational, social and recreational opportunities.

CAN Talks 2024

The Barbara Stone Foundation is thrilled to present year five of CAN Talks, a community-engaging event modeled after the famous TED Talks, which features six Greenville locals with various disabilities who are flourishing in our community. In the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing our speakers who have been meeting monthly to develop their public speaking skills and craft their speeches. On Tuesday, October 22, each speaker will share a topic they are passionate about, through the lens of a disability, developing a unique connection with the audience.

We are currently seeking sponsors for the 5th annual CAN Talks 2024, so please consider supporting this special event which broadens perspectives about disabilities, highlights self-advocacy, and promotes inclusion.

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Greenville CAN is an initiative of the Barbara Stone Foundation - committed to making Greenville County a better place to live for individuals with disabilities.