For the average person, dealing with technology issues is often limited to dropped phone calls and lousy wi-fi connections. These solutions are easy enough to fix - it only takes a few seconds to re-start a router or re-boot your phone. But trying to find a solution to problems like server implementation or network installation is another ballgame entirely. Without the help of a professional, fixing these problems is like trying to walk home with a blindfold. There's a slight chance you might make it, but you're probably going to do more harm than good.
If you're a homeowner or business owner trying to wrap your head around a nuanced issue like network design, it's best to trust a company that specializes in managed IT services in cityname, state. That's where Atlantic Computer Services comes to the rescue.
For more than seven years, ACS has served the Lowcountry with the highest quality IT support and computer services in the game. Unlike other computer services companies, our team works as your partner to provide you with a full range of personalized IT computer services. From network IT support and cloud hosting to computer repair and disaster planning for important data, ACS exists to cater to your IT needs.
Our comprehensive list of IT services brings innate value to our clients. As a full-service IT support company, we serve businesses in various industries, from healthcare and finance to legal and education. Our team acts as an extension of your business, propelling you toward efficient, streamlined, worry-free IT solutions that let you focus on growing your company. That way, our team can work hard in the background while you focus on your day-to-day responsibilities.
Some of the most common IT support services we offer include:

Malware Removal and Prevention

Managed IT Services

Network Management

Business Continuity

Network Security

Data Cabling

Data Backup

Managed Services Help Desk

Router Management

Cloud Hosting
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Our Services
- Managed IT services in Mount Pleasant, SC
- The ACS Difference
- Serving Your Business with Trustworthy Computer Services in Mount Pleasant, SC
- Remain Competitive with Managed IT Services in Mount Pleasant, SC
- Network Installation and Support from ACS
- Protect the Business You've Built with Ongoing Network Security
- Atlantic Computer Services: An IT Provider You Can Trust
Services Area

The ACS Difference
At Atlantic Computer Services, we offer trustworthy, expert IT support in cityname, state. Unlike other IT support companies, our goal isn't to upsell you on unnecessary products or trick you with fine print. Our goal is to keep your business productive, profitable, and secure through the innovative use of technology.
With 24/7 availability, extensive cloud and hybrid hosting services, remote monitoring, and onsite support, ACS acts as your personal IT department without having to create, hire, and manage a team of professionals. And while our IT technicians hold many national certifications, we're proud to say we're Lowcountry locals.
Because we understand no two clients are the same, we keep our managed IT services customizable and personalized to your business, not someone else's. That way, you get the most value for your money without worrying about cookie-cutter solutions or mediocre service.
Businesses of all sizes trust Atlantic Computer Services because we provide:


Full-Service Help Desk Assistance
When an issue arises, our seasoned IT advisors are here to help 24/7.

Strategic Guidance
ACS wants to see you succeed. Our smart IT solutions are modern, effective, and fortified with experience.

Expert IT Technicians
We offer a full team of diversified IT experts that solve many modern IT problems.

Proactive Solutions
Instead of being reactive, our technicians are proactive and monitor your systems 24-hours a day to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Serving Your Business with Trustworthy Computer Services in Mount Pleasant, SC
South Carolina's Lowcountry is home to many successful businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large, multi-national companies with hundreds of employees. And while every business has its niche, products, and customers, each relies on technology to keep its doors open.
Technology runs behind the scenes silently, giving you the means to achieve your business dreams and reach the customers who will get you there. However, business tech is constantly evolving. What was once a viable solution today might be an outdated tactic tomorrow. That's why, at ACS, we focus on understanding your company's culture, challenges, and needs so we can deliver the IT solutions your business truly needs.
Having a reliable IT solutions company to implement, maintain, and protect that technology is crucial to your business's growth and success. Whether it's migrating data to a new location, overseeing a new system roll-out, or implementing essential security upgrades, IT projects and tasks can be exceedingly complex. ACS exists to shoulder that burden and save our clients time and money by acting as their partner, offering specialized IT support catered to their budget and needs.
With Atlantic Computer Solutions by your company's side, you never have to stress about tech again. With ACS as your partner, you have the opportunity to:
- Get an expert IT support consultant without overspending on in-house IT help
- Keep your most sensitive business data secure and backed up
- Create scalable technology infrastructure
- Streamline your business transactions and processes
- Boost business productivity
- Minimize network system downtime
Curious about what kind of IT support ACS offers? Keep reading to learn more about some of our most common services.

Remain Competitive with Managed IT Services in Mount Pleasant, SC
In today's fast-paced, ultra-competitive business world, modern companies must be nimble and responsive to remain competitive. Often, you must leverage your current tech to maximize your business's performance, protect sensitive data, and streamline your costs. To help your business stay successful and safe as we progress through the 2020s, ACS steps in to provide:
Preventative IT Services
Our team monitors your systems remotely to identify potential problems and breaches before your operations are disrupted.
Proactive IT Services
Our team helps implement scalability and flexibility with strategic evaluations and tactical IT planning.
Responsive IT Services
Our local team of ultra-talented IT experts can help with your IT issues onsite and remotely.
Why choose Atlantic Computer Services as your managed services helpdesk? From automated network maintenance to around-the-clock monitoring and IT support, we remove all the stress associated with IT. That way, you can focus on doing what you do best: satisfying your customers and building your business.

Helping Your Dreams Turn Into Reality
Technology doesn't only help companies perform quicker and more efficiently. It provides security against hackers, viruses, malicious actors, and human errors. It saves you money and time through streamlined processes. But it can also be a huge distraction from your business goals and dreams. That's especially true when you try to solve complicated IT issues on your own. As your IT management company, ACS supplements your business with real-deal expertise, so you don't stray from your ultimate vision.

Your Answer to Full-Time IT Support
If you find that your company needs IT support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it's time to contact ACS. We provide cost-effective, pragmatic IT outsourcing solutions customized to your business needs. That way, you don't have to take out another line of credit just to keep your data safe and your business up-to-date.
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Elite IT Skills
If you're looking for an IT support company with the kind of diverse skillsets to address complex business challenges, look no further than ACS. From cloud hosting and VOIP help to computer repair and new business technologies, Atlantic Computer Services combines national-level know-how with reliable local service.


Network Installation and Support from ACS
Behind the scenes, your company's network acts as the unseen superhero in your universe, working day and night to ensure your data gets to where it needs to go. As the hub of your business, system downtime is both frustrating and worrisome from a financial standpoint. One minute, it's working just fine. But like the car you drive, your network needs maintenance and will one day need to be overhauled.
At ACS, we employ a proactive approach to network and server management to help eliminate network downtime as much as possible. Additionally, our team of managed IT services experts works with you to ensure your network and server design are appropriate for the tasks you're trying to complete.
From on-premises server maintenance to enterprise-level network systems that must accommodate huge demand spikes, we've got your back. Our team works extra hard to ensure your system delivers the speed and security you need.
Free EstimateA few of our network installation and support services include:

Performance Optimization
With years of network IT support experience, we've learned to spot performance issues early so our team can resolve them before they affect your business. As part of our cyclical performance audits, we evaluate benchmark tests, resource-usage trends, and capacity analysis to measure your server's ability to handle traffic and any projected spikes or lulls in productivity.

Infrastructure Monitoring
Detecting issues with servers and networks early on minimizes threats to your network's performance and protects your business data. That's why we're monitoring your network 24/7. We're looking for problems with your connectivity, system performance, database response time, access speeds, and network utilization. To put it simply, we keep track of every aspect of your network, so you get the most out of your infrastructure.

Swift Emergency Support
By monitoring your networks every day and night of the year, we can detect issues swiftly and implement an equally fast response and solution. That way, your systems get back online ASAP.

Troubleshooting
Servers and networks fail all the time, whether it's from hardware problems or software incompatibility. When that happens, your services often come to a halt. ACS relies on our years of experience to quickly discover network issues so that we can apply a permanent fix.
Protect the Business You've Built with Ongoing Network Security
By now, you're probably familiar with terms like hackers, scammers, spoofers, malware, and ransomware. While you're putting in overtime hours to serve your customers and grow your business, malicious actors are working just as hard to wreck your business and steal your profits. Because of hackers, none of us can have nice things. Worst of all, these highly-sophisticated individuals and groups don't sleep.
Fortunately for your business, neither does ACS' network security services.



What is Network Security from Atlantic Computer Services?
You know the adage that says, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link?" The same can be said for computer networks. In today's digitally-dominant world, your network computers are only as secure as their most vulnerable entry point. Unfortunately, modern scammers and hackers only need one hole in your defenses to ruin everything you've worked so hard to create.
From ransomware and Trojan horse strategies to viruses and malware, cyberattacks are usually destructive by nature and can wreak havoc on your company's sensitive data, processes, privacy, and productivity.
Network security services from ACS are designed to provide your business with iron-clad protection. We accomplish that mission by using innovative tools and best practices to predict, monitor, and prevent network breaches that expose privileged data to hackers.
At ACS, we understand that true network security isn't something that you can just "set and forget." It's not a series of random solutions - it's robust, proactive, and carefully tailored to your company. Our ongoing network security services in Mount Pleasant act as castle walls rather than rickety old fences, giving you peace of mind knowing your business has a professionally-designed security infrastructure.
When you trust ACS with your network security, you benefit from:
- Customized, Extensive, Proactive Network Defense Strategies
- Secure Data Transfers
- Full-Service Security Solutions
- PCI and HIPPA Compliance
- Enhanced Network Stability
- Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks


Free Consultation
Atlantic Computer Services: An IT Provider You Can Trust
If you're searching for the capabilities of an IT department but don't have the time to manage such an undertaking, Atlantic Computer Services is the perfect fit for your business. ACS provides a flexible computer services support team to augment your daily and ongoing IT needs. Unlike some companies, our onsite and remote IT support exceeds service-level agreements with on-call, local live helpdesk support.
Instead of one-and-done engagements, we prefer to nurture long-term business relationships built on trust and hard work. If you're looking for reliable IT help at cost-conscious prices, look no further than Atlantic Computer Services. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help your business stay successful and secure.
Call Us Now

Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC
School of Rock to offer music lessons for all ages in Mount Pleasant
Christina Lee Knausshttps://charlestonbusiness.com/news/creative-industries/83050/
School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, is opening its first South Carolina location in Mount Pleasant at 1907 U.S. 17 North, Suite 102. A grand opening event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. announces the grand opening of a school in Mount Pleasant, S.C.Founded in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 sc...
School of Rock, a leader in performance-based music education, is opening its first South Carolina location in Mount Pleasant at 1907 U.S. 17 North, Suite 102. A grand opening event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. announces the grand opening of a school in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Founded in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1998, School of Rock has become a rapidly growing international franchise with over 500 schools open and in development across 15 global markets. Since 2009, School of Rock has grown its student count from 4,000 to nearly 60,000.
School of Rock offers music lessons for students of all ages, including lessons in bass, guitar, singing, drum and piano. Drawing from all styles of rock and roll, students learn theory and techniques via songs from legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz and Led Zeppelin.
The opening event will include a ceremonial guitar smashing (School of Rock’s version of a ribbon-cutting),performances by a neighboring School of Rock house band, a raffle, balloon art, a prize wheel, and tours of the school with free demo lessons and program discounts.
School of Rock Mount Pleasant is owned by the McFarland family. Steve McFarland has been an owner for over 11 years with three Indiana locations, one in Wisconsin and now one in South Carolina. Matt and Mandy McFarland had previously been a part of School of Rock in Indiana before deciding to open in Mount Pleasant, according to a news release.
"Our family is completely committed to School of Rock because of its mission; a passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education,” said Matt McFarland. “We teach students how to rock on stage and in life. We enjoy helping students break out of their shells and become more confident in their skin. School of Rock is more than just a music school; it is a place to call home.”
“The McFarland family has such a strong motivation for providing students in their community with creative and personal development through music education,” said Rob Price, CEO of School of Rock. “I know they will go above and beyond in delivering upon our purpose. I am excited to see how this new school will positively impact the lives of its students and the community as a whole.”
Hello Charleston and the Low Country! . . . Ballard Designs Opens its First Ever Stand-Alone Retail Store on the East Coast of the Palmetto State
Ballard Designshttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hello-charleston-and-the-low-country----ballard-designs-opens-its-first-ever-stand-alone-retail-store-on-the-east-coast-of-the-palmetto-state-301757342.html
National furniture and home décor store Ballard Designs announces "Doors Open" in the high-end shopping destination, Mount Pleasant Town Centre, SC. This store is the brand's entry into retail locations in the state. As Ballard ramps up its retail presence nationwide, its new freestanding store joins more than 60 other shops and restaurants in this popular open-air mall just minutes from historic downtown Charleston. CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Home décor and furniture design company ...
National furniture and home décor store Ballard Designs announces "Doors Open" in the high-end shopping destination, Mount Pleasant Town Centre, SC. This store is the brand's entry into retail locations in the state. As Ballard ramps up its retail presence nationwide, its new freestanding store joins more than 60 other shops and restaurants in this popular open-air mall just minutes from historic downtown Charleston.
CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Home décor and furniture design company Ballard Designs has just opened its first South Carolina retail location, in its first stand-alone retail store. The new venue, a free-standing, airy space of almost 9,000 square feet, is part of the popular retailer's multi-year expansion currently spanning 13 states and 19 retail stores.
Ballard Designs' Mount Pleasant Town Centre retail store is just off Interstate 526 and Highway 17 North
"We're thrilled to be one more reason to visit this Lowcountry shopping destination," reports Dominic Milanese, VP of Retail for Ballard Designs. "With its beautiful homes, active lifestyles, and gorgeous coastal location, the Charleston area is the ideal choice for our first South Carolina store."
"If you entertain year-round like we do, you're going to LOVE our new Mount Pleasant store," Milanese adds. "We have a huge selection of gorgeous outdoor furniture, performance fabrics, indoor/outdoor rugs, and coastal accents. We hope to end up at the top of everyone's 'Things to Do in Mount Pleasant, SC' list."
Easy Access and Ample Parking - Near the Sweetgrass Baskets Stands
The new Ballard Designs store will serve passionate home decorating enthusiasts & professional designers alike, as well as visitors to the roadside Sweetgrass Baskets stands of Mount Pleasant's famed Gulla sweetgrass basket weavers. Located at 1128 Market Center Boulevard, the store has its own parking area at the front for easy access.
Regular store hours will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. See Ballard Design's stores and products online.
About Ballard Designs
Since 1982, Ballard Designs® has offered a unique curation of home furnishings and décor from all periods and provenance. Its designers travel the world for inspiration, translating the latest trends in fashion, color and style into finely crafted products not found anywhere else. Ballard Designs is part of Qurate Retail GroupSM which includes QVC®, HSN®, Zulily®, Frontgate®, Garnet Hill® and Grandin Road®.
Contact: Ann Bailey 404-603-7239 354544@email4pr.com
SOURCE Ballard Designs
Charlie Chaplin film festival coming to Towne Centre
Anna Sharpehttps://www.postandcourier.com/moultrie-news/news/charlie-chaplin-film-festival-coming-to-towne-centre/article_8f0cee66-b399-11ed-a727-438f41f978f6.html
A three-day festival experience for all things Charlie Chaplin is coming to town. Chaplin, famously known for his mustached, bowler hat-wearing character “the Little Tramp,” was one of the most influential filmmakers of the silent movie era.His use of slapstick comedy and pantomime in his movies, or dramatic, exaggerated movements in place of words, launched him to international stardom.On March 23 to 25 at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, a selection of Chaplin’s films will be played on the big screen, and festiv...
A three-day festival experience for all things Charlie Chaplin is coming to town. Chaplin, famously known for his mustached, bowler hat-wearing character “the Little Tramp,” was one of the most influential filmmakers of the silent movie era.
His use of slapstick comedy and pantomime in his movies, or dramatic, exaggerated movements in place of words, launched him to international stardom.
On March 23 to 25 at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, a selection of Chaplin’s films will be played on the big screen, and festivalgoers can learn more about the man behind the icon.
The festival will feature a keynote from University of Pennsylvania professor Dr. Toni Bowers, who teaches an advanced cinema studies course on Chaplin’s silent films. Bowers plans to speak about who Chaplin was beyond the Tramp character, and the lasting impacts his films have had on the film industry.
“We’ll explore the almost uncanny appeal of the Tramp figure on a global stage. I also want to go further than that and think about Chaplin himself, the man behind the Tramp who was definitely not the Tramp in any way. I also want to think about Chaplin’s artistic processes,” Bowers said.
Festival organizer Linda Dennis hopes the event will expose the Mount Pleasant community to Chaplin’s work and educate attendees on the role the filmmaker had in motion-picture history.
“Had Charlie not come out with some of his silent films following the close of World War I, the world would have been a sadder place. He was known for bringing love and laughter to populations who had just gotten over war, so he’s had a huge impact on our culture,” Dennis said.
Events lined up for the festival include a Tramp look-a-like contest, a filmmaking demonstration, and of course, screenings of Chaplin’s films at Regal Palmetto Grande. Festivalgoers can view The Kid (1921), The Circus (1928), Modern Times (1936) and City Lights (1931), which is said to be Chaplin’s personal favorite of his films.
The Mount Pleasant SC Film Festival – Charlie Chaplin Silent Films will be held at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre on March 23-25, with a half-day showing at Barnes and Noble for seniors on Friday and Family Day set for Saturday. Sponsors for the festival include Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, Barnes & Noble, Sweet Julep’s, Filmdomfete and Jon Smith Subs. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit mountpleasantscfilmfestival.com.
“It’s not just a film festival. It’s an experience,” Dennis said. “We hope people come and enjoy it and come inside and watch some of the films.”
Coastal Edged 4-3 at College of Charleston
Coastal Carolina University Athleticshttps://goccusports.com/news/2023/2/28/baseball-coastal-edged-4-3-at-college-of-charleston.aspx
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Coastal Carolina saw a 3-0 lead erased late in the contest on Tuesday night, as the Chanticleers fell 4-3 on the road at the College of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.The loss dropped Coastal to 4-4 overall and 0-2 in midweek contests. With the win, Charleston moved to 4-3 overall.The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Chants over the Cougars.Despite a solid start from super senior ...
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. – Coastal Carolina saw a 3-0 lead erased late in the contest on Tuesday night, as the Chanticleers fell 4-3 on the road at the College of Charleston in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
The loss dropped Coastal to 4-4 overall and 0-2 in midweek contests. With the win, Charleston moved to 4-3 overall.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Chants over the Cougars.
Despite a solid start from super senior Jack Billings, who struck out two hitters and allowed just two hits over 2.0-complete innings, and a career outing by sophomore pitcher Darin Horn, who fired a career-high 4.0-scoreless innings and struck out four CofC hitters, the Chanticleers were unable to steal a road win.
The loss fell to junior transfer Alex Edmondson (0-1), as the righty gave up two runs on two hits, two walks, and one strikeout in 1.0 inning of work out of the bullpen.
While the Cougars used four pitchers on the night, the win went to 2022 Colonial Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year William Privette (1-0), as the reliever struck out one over a scoreless eighth and ninth innings.
Coastal's offense used the long ball to score all three of its runs for the game, as sophomore Derek Bender (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs, run) hit a two-run home run in the second and senior Graham Brown (1-for-4, HR, RBI, run) added a solo home run in the sixth.
However, the Chants had just seven hits for the game compared to 12 strikeouts at the plate.
The Cougars' offense had just eight base hits on the night but was able to plate four runs, highlighted by Jared Kirven (3-for-4, 2B, 2 runs) and his game-high three hits. William Baumhofer (1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs) had a two-run double, while Luke Wood (1-for-1, 2B, RBI) and Khyree Miller (1-for-3, BB, RBI, run) had one RBI each in the win.
After both teams stranded a runner in the first inning, the Chants took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second on a two-run opposite field home run off the bat of Bender. The home run was his first of the season.
Billings and Horn combined to strikeout six hitters and strand three Cougar runners over the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, while the Chants added to their lead with a solo home run to straightaway center field by Brown in the top of the sixth. The long ball was the third of the year for Brown.
However, the Cougars were able to cut into the Chants' 3-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh, as Kirven led off the inning with a double to left field. After a ground out moved Kirven to third base, Miller hit a ball deep in the hole on the left side of the infield and legged out a base hit to plate Kirven to put the score at 3-1.
On the play, an errant throw to first base allowed Miller to advance to second base, which proved to hurt the Chants, as two batters later, Wood hit a pinch-hit double to right-center field to score Miller and cut the Coastal lead to one at 3-2.
Following a 1-2-3 inning for the Chants in the top of the eighth, the Cougars struck again in the bottom half of the inning as Baumhofer delivered a double down the left-field line and just out of the reach of a diving Chad Born to score two more runs and put the home team on top 4-3.
With three outs left, Privette was able to send the Chants down in order in the top of the ninth to seal the come-from-behind win by the Cougars.
The Chanticleers stranded six runners on base compared to the Cougars' seven.
However, CCU also hit into two double plays and was just 2-for-15 (.133) with runners in scoring position for the game.
Coastal will return home to host the Davidson Wildcats for a three-game series this weekend, March 3-5, at Springs Brooks Stadium.
For complete coverage of CCU baseball, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalBaseball (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUsports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUsports.com.
As feds investigate, SC must stop ‘warehousing’ disabled people, advocates say
Alexander Thompsonhttps://www.postandcourier.com/politics/as-feds-investigate-sc-must-stop-warehousing-disabled-people-advocates-say/article_591b6e58-b78c-11ed-b045-e3ce53f30aaf.html
COLUMBIA — Pam Loudon’s life changed forever nine months after she gave birth to her daughter P.J. Sloat.Doctors diagnosed P.J. with an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, an abnormal brain development that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles.P.J., now 20, is legally blind, uses a wheelchair and requires constant care to perform basic functions. Loudon, 52, had to quit her job as a software developer and devote herself to caring for P.J. The Mount Pleasant family renovated their home, h...
COLUMBIA — Pam Loudon’s life changed forever nine months after she gave birth to her daughter P.J. Sloat.
Doctors diagnosed P.J. with an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, an abnormal brain development that affects a person’s ability to control their muscles.
P.J., now 20, is legally blind, uses a wheelchair and requires constant care to perform basic functions. Loudon, 52, had to quit her job as a software developer and devote herself to caring for P.J. The Mount Pleasant family renovated their home, hired a nursing service and bought a used van they rigged with a wheelchair lift.
The family is barely making it work now with a mix of government support and donations through GoFundMe pages, but Loudon worries most about the future.
“A parent’s worst fear is outliving a child. Not so sure that’s the case in South Carolina when you’re caring for a child with a disability,” Loudon said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to P.J. when I cannot care for her.”
If P.J. had to go into state care, she would enter a system that the federal Department of Justice has been investigating since last January for parking disabled people in community residential care facilities, cutting them off from society and violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Advocates for disabled people on Feb. 28 called for the state to create a plan to come into compliance with the ADA and adequately fund services for families like Loudon’s during a press conference at the Columbia Convention Center. If nothing is done, the advocates pointed out that disabled people elsewhere in the country have sued their states into compliance.
“Historically, our clients ... have been segregated, they’ve been warehoused and they’ve struggled for many years to be recognized as human,” said Anna Maria Connor, an attorney for Disability Rights South Carolina.
“Do we want (change) imposed on us by litigation or an outside entity, or do we want to take this opportunity and come up with our own plan?” she asked.
The U.S. Supreme Court found in the 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. decision that the ADA requires disabled people be cared for in the most communally integrated setting possible regardless of their financial means.
South Carolina does not do that, advocates said in a report released this month.
Thirty-five states and Washington, D.C., have Olmstead compliance plans, but South Carolina does not, said Beth Franco, executive director of Disability Rights South Carolina.
Franco called on South Carolina to pass legislation to create a plan, benchmarks to ensure it’s enforced and a state coordinator position to oversee its implementation.
Advocates and families also faulted the state for poorly reimbursing support services, like nursing agencies, and for long waiting lists for state-administered Medicaid waivers. Loudon said her family has not had enough nurses since 2014 due to the tough working conditions and paltry pay driving people from the profession.
“There are some really genuinely great people out there who will do it, but I do feel like we in this state have leveraged their compassion,” she said. “We’ve guilted them into staying in a job that doesn’t pay.”
State Sen. Katrina Shealy, R-Lexington, pledged to support the advocates’ efforts in the Statehouse.
“We owe it to those who sometimes can’t advocate for themselves to see this work through and improve the lives of millions in our state,” she said at the Feb. 28 event.
Loudon hopes relief comes soon.
“It would provide some hope,” she said as P.J. sat quietly in her chair nearby.
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