You’re Invited: Stream United Spinal’s 80th Anniversary & History-Making Exoskeleton Demo

 

The SC AT/AAC Think Tank is kicking for the 2026-2027 school year.  The Think Tank meets once a month on Fridays at noon.

Please register to join us using the following link: JOIN AT/AAC Think Tank.

Today's topic is: Moving from AI to AT- Guest Speaker is Bryan Dean from CAST.

Please mark your calendars for the following dates for the remainder of the 26-27 school year:

• October 23- AAC and Challenging Behaviors
•  November 6- AT Evaluation Tools and Toys Smackdown
•  January 8- Academic AT Smackdown
•  February 19- Highlights from AT Conferences (Closing the Gap, ASHA, ATIA, etc.)
•  March 5- AAC Beyond Requesting
•  April 9- AI Smackdown

All sessions will be held from 12:00-1:00pm.

We are looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and diving into another productive year of collaboration.

Best,

    Kirsta, Sharon and Rachell

 

• Dr. Sharon Walters, MA CCC-SLP, PhD | swalters@sdoc.org 
• Dr. Kirsta von Hellens, OTD, M. Ed., OTR/L, ATP | vonhellensk@bcsdschools.net
• Rachell Johnson, MCD., CCC-SLP, ATP, Program Manager, SC Assistive Technology Program |  rachell.johnson@uscmed.sc.edu

AAIDD FYI: Fall Into AAIDD Membership

September AAIDD Highlights Benefits AAIDD members are enjoying this month

Step into a new season of professional growth with an AAIDD membership! Unlock exclusive access to professional webinars, leading IDD journals, networking opportunities and more. Discover all the membership benefits waiting for you this month.   Celebrate 150 Years of Progress with AAIDD! Join the 1876-Step Virtual Marathon from September to November 2026 and show your AAIDD pride. Walk your way to 1876 steps in your neighborhood, at the gym, or right in your living room. However you get there, you're supporting inclusion and progress every step of the way. Snap a photo when you hit 1876 steps and share it using #AAIDD1876

Join AAIDD Today!

AAIDD at Reimagining Quality 2026 Reimagining the future of quality supports for people with IDD

Register for the 2026 RQ Conference! AAIDD is proud to be a joint host of Reimagining Quality, taking place October 4-6, 2026, in Baltimore, MD. Join professionals, leaders, practitioners, and self-advocates from across the IDD field for three days of shared knowledge, practical strategies, and bold ideas to advance quality, person-centered supports and services. Online registration closes on September 23, 2026 Register today!

AAIDD Interest Networks  AAIDD Members gain access to topic-focused networks where professionals connect, collaborate, and share resources

AAIDD Announces Formation of New Interest Network with a Historical Focus The History of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Interest Network (HIDDIN) is dedicated to advancing the study, preservation, and critical examination of the historical experiences, policies, institutions, and lived realities of people with intellectual disabilities.

AAIDD Webinars  Ongoing professional education  Why pay $10? Members receive registration at no cost for all AAIDD webinars

Providing Accessible Care to Latino Families with Children with IDD AAIDD Webinar September 22, 2026 12:00 - 1:00 pm Eastern  Register Here

Pro Tips and Resources for Creating a Successful Proposal Workshop for Community Service Providers  October 7, 2026 4:00 - 5:00 pm Eastern  Register Here

AAIDD Journals Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field Access articles at no cost for AAIDD Members

Volume 131, Issue 5 of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AJIDD) and Volume 14 Issue 3 of Inclusion are  Available Now!  Read AAIDD Journals

Ready to Take the Next Step? Join AAIDD and enjoy all these member benefits and more! AAIDD's mission is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Become a member today! Join AAIDD!

RQ 2026: Registration Reminder!

 

Online registration for Reimagining Quality 2026 closes September 23, 2026!   Reimagining Quality only comes around once every two years, don't miss your chance to be part of the conversations shaping the future of IDD services.   With inspiring keynote speakers, interactive educational sessions, and opportunities to network with colleagues who share your commitment to advancing quality supports, Reimagining Quality is an experience you won't want to miss!

Register Today! Other Important Registration Information: September 23, 2026 is the last day to cancel your registration for a partial refund. If you are unable to attend but would like to transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost, please email gherald@aaidd.org for assistance.

Connection Matters: Suicide Prevention & 988 Resources

 

Connection Can Make a Difference.  September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a reminder that mental health and emotional well-being are important parts of life after brain injury. Changes in relationships, independence, work, and daily routines can sometimes contribute to depression, loneliness, or isolation. Connection and support can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Find Connection Through BIASC BIASC offers opportunities for survivors and caregivers to connect with others who understand the challenges of life after brain injury. Brain Injury Support Groups Connect with other survivors and caregivers to share experiences, find encouragement, and build supportive relationships.  Find a Support Group Thrive Together Tuesdays Thrive Together offers weekly virtual opportunities to connect, learn, and support your well-being. On the fourth Tuesday of September, join us for a mindfulness and meditation class with Laura Holmes. Explore Thrive Together. Sept. 22 • 10 a.m. Advocacy Update: A Win for SC's Brain Injury Community BIASC has received $500,000 in state funding to strengthen support for people living with brain injury and their families across South Carolina. This investment follows months of advocacy from survivors, caregivers, professionals, partners, and others who helped make the needs of the brain injury community heard at the State House. Read the full update. Great Galactic Games Takes the Stage in Greenville The Thrive Upstate Acting on Impulse Ensemble and the Warehouse Theatre will present their annual original play, Great Galactic Games, Enjoy the performance and connect with the actors, their families and friends, and Thrive Upstate staff. Learn more. Sept. 22 • 7 p.m. McAlister Square, Greenville, SC National Concussion Awareness Day • Sept. 18 National Concussion Awareness Day raises awareness about concussions and promotes education about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Learn the facts, test your concussion knowledge, and find resources at Concussion Awareness Now.  Earn 1 Free CEU with BIASC & SCOTA For Occupational Therapists BIASC is partnering with the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (SCOTA) for “Beyond the Clinic: Community Support and Advocacy.” This webinar will introduce occupational therapy professionals to BIASC’s resources, education, advocacy, and support, and explore how community partnerships can support people with brain injury beyond traditional clinical care. SCOTA members can earn one free CEU for participating. Sept. 23 • 5–6 p.m. Free for SCOTA members • $10 for non-members Register now! State of Disability Pride Virtual Town Hall Sept. 16 • 5:30 p.m. Join South Carolinians with disabilities, families, advocates, and allies for a virtual conversation about disability rights, policy changes, and issues affecting the disability community. Connect, ask questions, and celebrate disability pride and advocacy. Register now! Brain Injury Research Survey Help the Illinois Institute of Technology improve its quality-of-life research with a 20-minute questionnaire. Your response can help improve support services for brain injury survivors. Participants have the chance to win a $25 gift card. Participate in the survey.

Hire Me SC Employer Summit “Disability Made for Business” October 7 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dominion Energy • Learn More BIASC Quick Links BI Survivor Resources Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person Thrive Together Tuesdays SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings 2026 Online BI Survivor Series Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events.

Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury. Find out how your organization can get involved. Heart of the Carolinas  •  Rosen Hagood Attorneys Larry Lucas State Farm Agency  •  Coastal Carolina National Bank   National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Columbia