Congressman Gowdy visits with employees with disabilities

Tour of GCDSNB Facilities

GREENVILLE, SC – On August 26^th, Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC) visited the Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board Patrick Center to learn more about the services of the organization and talk with the individuals with intellectual disabilities or other special needs employed by the organization. Congressman Gowdy began his tour in the main production facility to observe employees with disabilities packaging products for Standard Auto Parts, Inc. and Boss Bolt and Tool. He then toured the busy Auto Detailing crew expertly cleaning a line of vehicles for long time customers. He also visited the Document Management facility where employees with disabilities scan medical records into computerized formats for customers. He finished his tour at the newest work project for the organization, the Generous Garden. The Generous Garden is a collaboration with Feed and Seed, Culinary Partners, Trees Greenville, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, Greenville CAN, and Generous Garden for the purpose of teaching individuals with disabilities the skills necessary to take vegetables, herbs and plants from seed to market.

“I am proud to share the successes created for individuals with disabilities through our employment programs with dignitaries like Congressman Gowdy.   People with disabilities have so much to offer our community and it is best seen first-hand,” John Cocciolone, Executive Director, Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board.

Last year, individuals with disabilities employed by GCDSNB and businesses in the community were paid over $727,000 in wages. This represented a 17% increase over the previous year. In South Carolina, only 31.5% of non-institutionalized individuals with disabilities (ages 21 – 64) are employed, while 71.5% of individuals without disabilities in the same age group are employed (2013 Cornell University Disability Status Report for South Carolina).

Congressman Gowdy noted, “Meaningful employment is a big part of a person’s dignity and independence.   It is no different for individuals with disabilities or other special needs.”

Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board is a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization primarily funded by the Medicaid Waiver Program, grants, and private donations. The organization serves 2200 individuals with disabilities (ages 2 months to 91 years) and their families in Greenville County and surrounding areas through Case Management, Early Intervention, Community & Family Supports, Day Services, Head & Spinal Cord Injury Services, Employment Services and Residential Services annually. The mission of GCDSNB is to collaborate with community partners and families to empower people with disabilities and special needs to pursue and achieve the most fulfilling life possible through person-centered and evidence-based services that reflect our values of quality, innovation, and partnering.