The Georgetown County Board of Disabilities & Special Needs was established in 1986 by county ordinance. This governmental board succeeded the not-for-profit Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) that first provided local services to children and adults with mental retardation in Georgetown County during the 1960s and 70s.

The Board provides an array of services to persons with intellectual disabilities in Georgetown County and now offers, to a limited extent, services to individuals residing in Charleston, Williamsburg, and Horry counties.

The Board serves more than 250 persons with disabilities. Eligibility for services is determined by the State of SC Disabilities and Special Needs office, but referrals for eligibility determination should be made to the USC School of Medicine’s Disability Resource Center at 1-800-289-7012.

Once someone is determined eligible for services, a Care Coordinator will assist them in choosing  community resources or providers who can possibly meet their service needs.