A bridge to independence · serving South Carolina
Independence. Access. Inclusion.
AccessAbility challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities, so we are accepted and included in communities throughout South Carolina. Call 843-225-5080 to get started.
Who we are
Built around the people we serve.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Dorchester, Charleston, and Berkeley counties and the wider Charleston Lowcountry, so people with disabilities are accepted, included, and in control of their own lives.
Job & resource fairs
Leadership Initiative Team
Independent-living skills
Out in the communityWhat is a CIL?
We're a Center for Independent Living — nobody lives here.
A CIL is not assisted living, not a nursing home, and not a residential facility. It's a nonresidential resource center, run by and for people with disabilities — a place people go for skills, equipment, peer support, and advocacy so they can keep living independently in their own homes and communities.
- Consumer-controlled — led by people with disabilities
- Cross-disability — all disabilities, all ages
- Community-based — we work where you live
- Nonresidential — a resource hub, not housing
Clear up the confusion in two minutes.
Exactly what we do, what we don't do, and why the name means what it means.
What we do
Services that meet people where they are.
From information and referrals to advocacy, leadership, and workshops. Call 843-225-5080 to learn more about on-location and in-school options.
We offer direct services & advocacy
- Information & referrals — to all
- Peer mentoring services
- Daily living skills training
- Individual advocacy assistance
- Young adult leadership
- Emergency & disaster preparedness
- Education & transition
- Employment advising
- Outreach to under-served populations
- Voting-rights guidance & seats on committees where consumers have a say
We provide workshops for every age & need
Including, but not limited to grief, bullying, empowerment, soft skills (elementary, intermediate & advanced), hard skills, nutrition & health, and legacy.
More workshops and interactive services can be provided on-location, in your school, or here at AccessAbility. Call 843-225-5080 to learn more.
We offer fee-for-service for businesses & groups
- Sensitivity Awareness Training (contract or one-time)
- ADA compliance & accommodation training and workshops for businesses
- Rental of refurbished Durable Medical Equipment (personal or business use)
- Rental of our Training Room for your meeting needs
More than services
Signature programs & initiatives.
Beyond our core services, we build community through spaces, training, and events made with — and for — people with disabilities.
Scotties Place
A new multipurpose community hub for programs, training, and gathering — coming soon.
Home Again / Loan Closet
Refurbished durable medical equipment — loaned to members or available at fair low cost — keeping independence within reach.
Leadership Initiative Team (LIT)
Peer-led leadership development — and advocacy in action.
Inclusive Leadership Academy
Leadership training — plus our podcast, The Advocators, and the Building Me series.
Fine Finds
Our thrift store of affordable, refurbished goods — born as the AbilityThrift mobile unit, now at our physical location. Every sale funds the mission and builds real-world job skills.
Create your own
We build custom workshops and programs for your specific needs.
In the community
Real moments from across the Lowcountry.
Resource fairs, leadership sessions, Home Again equipment, statewide recognition, and our branded mobile unit — a few moments from the work.
Get involved
There's a place for you here.
Support the mission
Your gift builds a bridge to independence.
Every contribution helps people with disabilities across South Carolina live more independently.