Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department will receive two grants for more than $1.2 million dollars to assist individuals with disabilities. The Department will receive:

• $862,074 for the establishment and administration of an Access to Telework Fund. The ATF will feature one or more alternative financing mechanisms to allow individuals with disabilities access to computers and other needed equipment not provided by an employer to enable them to telework from home or other remote site.
• $414,060 for the establishment, expansion and administration of an alternative financing program to allow individuals with disabilities and their family members, guardians, and authorized representatives to purchase assistive technology devices and services.

“These programs improve lives and empower South Carolinians with disabilities,” said Graham. “The alternative financing mechanisms enable people to purchase the equipment they need to achieve success.” The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. ####