If your child has an IEP, you may hear about Extended School Year (ESY) services as summer approaches. But what is ESY and how do you know if your child qualifies?

This is an important conversation and one that often comes with confusion.

Let’s break it down so you can walk into your next IEP meeting with clarity and confidence.

At BRIDGED, we believe in bringing awareness to resources in our community and connecting individuals and families to those resources. Today, we’re highlighting Valarie Bishop, Executive Director of the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council, through a Q+A conversation focused on impact, advocacy and how YOU can get involved.

Your child’s IEP can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Parents often walk into IEP meetings unsure what to ask, what their rights are, or if their child is getting the support they need. This guide walks through five IEP topics parents ask us about the most and provides basic tips so you can feel more confident in supporting your child’s learning and growth.

Words matter. 💛

With the “R” word back in the headlines, we want to gently but clearly remind our community:  this word is harmful, outdated and deeply offensive.

At BRIDGED, we’re committed to using language that respects and affirms the dignity of every person. And we invite our community to do the same.

Let’s Talk . . . Disability. Disability is not something to fear—it is part of our human diversity and every community. Yet, many parents wonder how to start conversations around disability.

That’s why we created our LEAD Guide — a simple tool to LEAD the conversation about disability with confidence.

Let’s Talk . . . Disability. Disability is not something to fear—it is part of our human diversity and every community. Yet, many parents wonder how to start conversations around disability.

That’s why we created LEAD — a simple way to LEAD the conversation about disability with confidence.

Let’s Talk . . . Disability. Disability is not something to fear—it is part of our human diversity and every community. Yet, many parents wonder how to start conversations around disability.

That’s why we created LEAD — a simple way to LEAD the conversation about disability with confidence.

Let’s Talk . . . Disability. Disability is not something to fear—it is part of our human diversity and every community. Yet, many parents wonder how to start conversations around disability.

That’s why we created LEAD — a simple way to LEAD the conversation about disability with confidence.

Let’s Talk . . . Disability. Disability is not something to fear—it is part of our human diversity and every community. Yet, many parents wonder how to start conversations around disability.

That’s why we created LEAD — a simple way to LEAD the conversation about disability with confidence.

Navigating disability resources can feel overwhelming—there are so many organizations, programs, and services out there, but finding the right ones for your family takes time you might not have.

That's why we created this Disability Resource Guide: a curated, comprehensive list of trusted organizations serving people with disabilities across South Carolina and beyond.