From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com [mailto:xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com] On Behalf Of Sheryl Matney
Sent: Monday, October 12, 2015 4:41 PM
To: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com
Subject: DD Councils Message from South Carolina

Dear Councils –I’m sure everyone knows of our tragic flood event that started last weekend in South Carolina.  Many places had around 2 feet of water in the span of 3 days.  That sounds almost unfathomable to me!  First let me say that we are all ok in the Council.  We have been closed most of the week, because our office is in Columbia which was hit very hard.  Thanks to Donna and Mat for reaching out to me to check on how we’re doing.  It was difficult to connect much except via my phone, which doesn’t recognize any of my groups.  I have been busy checking on self-advocates and connecting people to resources they need.  I have stayed in touch with our network of stakeholders and we’ve had a call every day this week via our Functional Needs Planning Group – Red Cross, FEMA, other shelter folks and providers.  We have had lots of challenges, but everyone has pulled together well and people in shelters have gotten necessary adaptive equipment, medication and other things they needed.  We will continue to meet daily as long as we need to.  Many people had to leave their homes immediately with no belongings of any kind.  Homes and vehicles were destroyed and last I had heard 17 people died because of the flooding.  Our Governor and other leaders were quick to request federal aid and last I heard we had 16 counties available for disaster aid – both as communities and individuals.  It will take a long time to set things in order.  We still have some communities in danger.  But South Carolina is strong and we will rebuild.  We have had a tremendous outpouring of generosity and kindness.  Our emergency responders have worked tirelessly as have our leaders.  I still hope to get to the Directors’ Summit in Atlanta, but not positive if that is possible.  I should know next week.  I hope this email finds all of you well and I’m sure very busy!  Best regards, Val Bishop

Valarie Bishop

Director, Developmental Disabilities Council

Office of Executive Policy and Programs

The South Carolina

Department of Administration

1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 461, Columbia, SC 29201

(803) 734-0215 | (803) 734-0241 fax