Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What is PEP’s Philosophy?
A1: PEP believes in the strengths of members and their families and believes in the person-centered approach to service delivery. PEP understands that the individual, usually with the support of the family, family knows best, their needs and preferences. At PEP, the goal is to empower individuals and families by providing the necessary supports to build on the individual’s strengths and talents and increasing choice and control over services and supports. Q2: What are the eligibility requirements for PEP?
A2: To participate in PEP, an individual must be at least 21 years of age and be eligible to receive services through South Carolina Disabilities and Special Needs. Please see the eligibility page for full details. Q3: What is the daily schedule for PEP activities and services?
A3: Normal hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. PEP staff are available on-site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. Recreation and Respite activities and other special events are scheduled on a monthly basis and often take place on evenings and weekends. Q4: Who decides on which program activities and training an individual engages while at PEP?
A4: At PEP, goals and training objectives are established at a participant’s annual plan of service meeting. During this meeting, the PEP member, with their chosen Circle of Support, will discuss and decide upon program goals based on the member’s expressed needs and desires. The Circle of Support usually includes the members’ Service Coordinator, relative PEP staff, family, members, and perhaps friends. If at any time the individual desires to amend his or her plan, objectives, goals, and/or activities, the Circle of Support will again meet to ensure that the members’ presenting needs are acknowledged and accommodated. A family member, staff member, or Service Coordinator may call a meeting at any time. Q5: If an individual does not wish to attend PEP full time, are there options available for them?
A5: Yes. An individual’s personal goals and interest are the primary concern and therefore, PEP strives to offer programs and services that can meet a variety of needs. An individual may wish to attend PEP only a few days per week or may opt only to participate in Recreation and Respite or Employment Support Services. A team meeting will provide a forum for exploring an individual’s needs and desires and collaboratively, the individual and his or her Circle of Support will devise a plan and schedule that is satisfactory to the PEP member. Q6: What is PEP’s policy on confidentiality?
A6: PEP holds confidentiality in the highest regard and ascribes to the mandates set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, PEP staff are mandated reporters and therefore, must lawfully report any situations and/or suspicions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation as well, the intent to harm self, persons and/or property. Q7: What if I have been told that there is a waiting list for services?
A7: Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for Day Program funding. Once a person is eligible for services through South Carolina Disabilities and Special Needs and expresses to his or her service coordinator the desire to receive day program services, the assigned service coordinator will make a referral to the chosen day program. The individual’s name is placed on a waiting list for day program funding or a “slot” and this list is managed by SCDDSN through Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs. PEP does not have any control over this waiting list but will make every effort to accommodate an individual as they wait funding. To check on the status of an individual’s place on the waiting list, the individual and/or a family member is advised to contact the assigned service coordinator. The main phone number to Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs is 843-470-6300. Q8: Does PEP provide assistance with obtaining entitlements and benefits such as SSI and Medicaid?
A8: PEP does not technically provide assistance regarding an individual’s benefits or entitlements such as Medicaid and SSI, related to his or her disability. The best source of support for these issues is a member’s service coordinator. PEP staff however, will assist a member as much as possible by providing support, referrals, and cooperation with governing bodies. Q9: Does PEP provide transportation?
A9: PEP provides transportation during program hours and for extracurricular program activities. PEP does not typically provide transportation to and from the day program and does not provide transportation to and from work or to medical appointments. Most of our program participants use the public transportation system (LRTA) and Medicaid transportation. To reach these entities, please dial 843-524-8001 to speak to someone regarding the Medicaid transportation system and dial 843-757-5782 for LRTA.
| 
