South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 18 - SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
1. Overview
The South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB) is a state agency that provides services to people in South Carolina who are blind or visually impaired. Its mission is to help blind individuals achieve independence, employment, and integration into the community.
Chapter 18 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations outlines the rules and procedures governing the SCCB. It is essentially the official set of regulations that guide how the commission operates.
2. Purpose of the Regulations
The main purposes of Chapter 18 are:
Define eligibility – Who qualifies for services.
Outline services – What programs and support the SCCB provides.
Set administrative rules – How the commission operates internally.
Ensure compliance with law – Align SCCB operations with South Carolina law and federal standards for services to people with disabilities.
3. Eligibility
Chapter 18 specifies who can receive services from SCCB:
Individuals legally blind or who have a visual impairment that substantially limits daily activities.
Individuals who live in South Carolina.
Individuals who are motivated to achieve employment or independent living goals.
Eligibility may require a medical verification of visual impairment from an eye specialist.
4. Services Provided
The regulations list several types of services the SCCB may provide:
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Job training for blind individuals.
Assistance with job placement.
On-the-job support or follow-up.
Independent Living Services
Skills training for daily living (cooking, cleaning, mobility).
Orientation and mobility training to use a cane or other aids safely.
Assistive technology like screen readers or braille devices.
Education and Youth Services
Support for students who are blind or visually impaired.
Programs to help youth prepare for careers and independent living.
Support Services
Counseling and guidance for blind individuals and their families.
Referrals to other services, such as financial assistance or health care.
5. Administrative Rules
Chapter 18 also covers how the SCCB manages its programs:
Case management: Each client gets a case plan outlining their goals and services.
Funding and billing: The regulations describe how services are funded and how payments are handled.
Records and confidentiality: SCCB must maintain records while protecting client privacy.
Staff qualifications: Staff must meet professional standards for serving blind individuals.
6. Compliance and Oversight
To ensure proper operation:
SCCB must comply with state law and federal regulations under the Rehabilitation Act.
There are procedures for grievances if clients feel they are treated unfairly.
The commission is subject to state audits and reviews to verify it is providing proper services.
7. Legal Authority
The authority for Chapter 18 comes from the South Carolina Code of Laws, which empowers the SCCB to create detailed regulations.
The regulations translate the law into practical rules for everyday operation.
✅ Summary
In simple terms:
Who it affects: Blind and visually impaired residents of South Carolina.
What it does: Establishes eligibility, services, administrative procedures, and oversight rules for SCCB.
Goal: Help blind residents become independent, educated, and employed, while making sure SCCB operates according to the law.
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