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Georgetown County receives Golden Palmetto award

The Georgetown Times - 8/15/2017

The South Carolina Commission on Disabilities and Special Needs presented the Golden Palmetto award to Georgetown and Williamsburg counties July 31, during the organization’s annual conference.

The award recognizes South Carolina counties that provide exemplary support to people with disabilities.

“Georgetown and Williamsburg counties have each done an exemplary job,” said Gary Lemel, SCDSN Commission vice chairman, when presenting the awards. “Significant improvements have resulted from their commitment to people with disabilities, and these two counties richly deserve this honor. Meaningful jobs, having friends and earning money are very important to people with disabilities, just like everyone else. Georgetown and Williamsburg counties’ enthusiasm and commitment to individuals with disabilities are transforming peoples’ lives daily through jobs, essential services and increased community involvement.”

Lemel highlighted some of Georgetown County’s accomplishments. He said the county’s Parks and Recreation Department hired two individuals with disabilities to work as facility attendants.

The county’s Emergency Operations Center staff went above and beyond the call of duty during Hurricane Matthew, and the EOC’s guidance saved lives.

County EOC staff played a critical role in determining where the safest place was to shelter 40 vulnerable people with disabilities and 20 dedicated staff members who remained with them to provide care and support.

The Georgetown Disabilities and Special Needs Board operates the Hugs for Horses therapeutic riding program, which serves more than 60 children and adults year-round.

The county’s Parks and Recreation staff members help the annual horse show draw hundreds of people and raises funds vital to the program. Members of the county’s fire department teach fire safety and 911 training, and volunteer to serve food at the annual Fun Day event.

“The many different ways we work with the Disabilities and Special Needs Board,” said Georgetown County Councilman John Thomas, “demonstrate how natural it is to include people with disabilities in all aspects of our community.”

SCDDSN is the state agency that provides services to people with severe, lifelong intellectual and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury and similar disability. DDSN has presented the Golden Palmetto Award annually since 1975 to the most deserving counties in South Carolina.

“This is our way of thanking county governments for making the lives of people with disabilities a priority in their communities,” Lemel said. “Increasing demands, limited resources and balancing competing needs reinforce the importance and necessity of strong partnerships. County government efforts in partnership with their local disabilities and special needs boards are greater and more valuable than ever before. The Disabilities and Special Needs Commission applauds the leadership and dedication of all county governments across South Carolina.”

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