Ability Beyond Barriers, formerly Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board
Our Mission is to provide access to high-quality services and proactively advocate for the rights of those with disabilities and special needs and their families.
The Horry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board was created August 28, 1984 as Horry County Mental Retardation and then amended on June 12, 1995 whereby changing the name to Horry County Disabilities & Special Needs Board. On December 11, 2023, the Board changed its name to Ability Beyond Barriers. The goal was to provide services to people in Horry County with developmental disabilities. After governmental restructuring in 1993, services expanded to include those with autism, head and spinal cord injury and related disabilities. The board is a private not for profit 501(c) 3 organization.
The Board is composed of 11 volunteer members who are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina after being recommended by the Horry County Legislative Delegation. Each geographical area of the county is represented by a Board member. The Board’s primary contractual partner is the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.
Funding for services is provided through the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, Medicaid, Horry County United Way, City of Myrtle Beach, Waccamaw Regional Foundation for Disabilities and Special Needs, and fund-raising efforts.
- A. Martin Bellamy – Chair
- Edwin Hinds
- Anna Gaskin
- Larry Mattive – Vice Chair
- Rev. Lonnie B. Chestnut
- Jeff Mense – Treasurer
- Deborah R. Johnson – Secretary
- Jennifer Tallevast
- Jesse Lind
- Amy Breault
- Cheri Verdone
For Board Meetings dates, time and location; please check the Calendar of Events.
Meeting Minutes are available by filing a Freedom of Information Act Request.