Your Vote Counts -- Free Event

Your Vote Counts - Free Event

 

September is National Voter Registration Month, and Able SC is partnering with Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A) to host a Your Vote Counts event.

During the Your Vote Counts event, you'll have an opportunity to learn about your voting rights.

We will also be discussing other topics related to voting, like reasonable accommodations, self-advocacy, and where to get assistance if you’re experiencing barriers at your polling place. If you're not already registered to vote, you'll have the opportunity to do so during this event.

 

RSVP on Facebook Here

Your Vote Counts
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
5:30 - 7:00 PM

 

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Rd. Ste. 106
Columbia, SC 29210

For more information contact Dori Tempio at

dtempio@able-sc.org,

800-681-6805 or TTY803-779-0949

October Webinar!

 

 

Don't miss our WEBINAR!

 

 

We will be discussing wound prevention & care.

You don't want to miss this! We have Mary E. Hanley, DO, UHM, CWS-P, Medical Director of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Roper St Francis with us!!!  Webinar will be OCTOBER 31st @ 3 PM EST.  We will be releasing instructions on how to join to all those who register with the link below.

 

Register Now!



2018 Employer Summit: Meet Your Keynote Speakers!

National Speakers and Advocates to Keynote the Summit!

The South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition is inviting businesses to the third annual Employer Summit to build on their awareness of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Register here!

 

Rebecca and Patrick Cokley both have extensive experience working for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and daily life.

 

Rebecca is the founding Director of the Center for American Progress’ Disability Justice Initiative. She has also served as the Executive Director of the National Council on Disability, an independent agency charged with advising Congress and the White House on issues of national disability public policy and oversaw key reports on topics such as disability employment. Rebecca got her feet wet in advocacy while working at the Institute for Educational Leadership for five years, where she was responsible for overseeing the development of tools and resources to improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. She has spent the last 15 years making stronger and deeper connections across civil rights communities.

 

Patrick is the Disability Policy Engagement Manager at Anthem Inc., where he supports Anthem’s continued engagement and communication with stakeholders on issues related to disability and provides guidance on how changes in legislation and policy may affect care for individuals with disabilities. He has worked at the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as Director of the Workforce Recruitment Program and served as an Employer Policy Advisor for ODEP. Patrick’s expertise includes emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities, as well as the relationship between diversity issues and disability in the workplace. As a graduate of the historically black Howard University, Patrick believes that it is imperative that the disability and traditional diversity communities learn to work together as they both share the core values of inclusion.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

11:30 AM-2:00 PM

Stone River

121 Alexander Road

West Columbia, SC 29169

SHRM and HRCI credits pending

 
The agenda includes:

• Strategies to improve recruitment
• Practical tips for establishing an effective inclusive employment strategy
• Networking opportunities with disability resource providers

  

The cost is only $35 and includes lunch.

Space is limited, reserve your seat today!

For more information, email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org

Thanks to our sponsors!

 

 



 

Join us for our Telephone Peer Support Group!

 

 

Don't miss this month's

Telephone Peer Support Group!

 

Join us September 25th @ 1 PM

It can be very difficult for some us to be able to attend the peer support group local to the area.  There are also many of you that don't have a Breeze group in your area. This is an opportunity for you to interact with others on a monthly basis.

If you are interested in joining the group, email Brian at brian@scspinalcord.org or click below.  Call in information will be given when you RSVP.

RSVP

SC Transition News and Events

 

Credential Corner

 

 

Exciting news from the

South Carolina Department of Education
Office of Special Education Services
The South Carolina High School Credential

The South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is pleased to announce the State Board of Education’s Regulation 43-235 was passed by the General Assembly in May 2018 and is now published in the State Register to align with the State’s Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As a result, the new State Board of Education Regulation 43-235, as governed by S.C. Code Ann. Section 59-39-100, has in effect requirements related to the state-recognized employability credential, (now named South Carolina High School Credential) for applicable students with disabilities.  Though the South Carolina High School Credential is not a diploma, the credential will provide career-readiness opportunities, ensure they have evidence of employability skills, and will honor the work they have undertaken throughout their educational career.

As districts continue to plan for implementation of the South Carolina High School Credential (SCHSC), OSES will assist in answering questions related to the credential. Inquiries generated during the February SCHSC Launch and to date have been compiled, analyzed, and has resulted in a Frequently Asked Questions document. All future questions related to the credential, will need to be submitted using this link: SCHSC Inquiry Form.

OSES in partnership with the Transition Alliance of South Carolina (TASC) announces the release of the first official video regarding the SCHSC. This video will not only assist with awareness, but also in educating parents, students, teachers, administrators, businesses, and other key stakeholders regarding the requirements of the credential. Both the video and the Frequently Asked Questions document can be found on the, newly redesigned, website at www.thesccredential.org.

 View Video Now

 

Need ideas to start your School Based Enterprise?

 

Check out these resources-

Complete with step by step instructions, lesson plans and assessments! 

 

Learn More

 

 

September 19th

 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the SC APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) Chapter that has been developed and how you can be involved in it, join us for this event on Wednesday, September 19 at the Babcock Center. See the attached flyer for more info. To RSVP, please contact Sandy at sjordan@able-sc.org or 846-235-1421 ext. 310

 

 



September 21st

 

Two Great Grant Opportunities!

 

The Francis Marion University  Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty  is pleased to announce that funds are available and will be awarded this Fall semester for P-12 Professional Development Projects that address issues related to the education of under-resourced learners.

 

The Center is also pleased to announce that funds will be awarded this academic year for National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) Outreach Projects that address issues related to school, family, and community partnerships and the education of children in and of poverty. 
 
The Fall 2018 deadline for submitting completed project applications is September 21, 2018.

To read the Guidelines and Call for Proposals click HERE! or visit the Center website at http://fmucenterofexcellence.org.
 

October 1st - 2nd

 

2018 SC Transition Conference
North Charleston

Featured Keynote and Sessions will include presentations by:

 

Dr. Tammy Pawloski- Strategies for Reaching Rural and Impoverished Students & Families

 

Charlie Walters- Employment First is for Everyone

 

Dr. Valerie Mazzotti- Strategies for Data Based Decision Making in Transition

 

Register Now! 

 

December 5th

 

Got Access?
50 Ideas to Enhance Student Engagement

We know technology can be a powerful tool and in most instances, the only way students with significant disabilities can reach their potential. During this workshop, participants will learn to identify access opportunities by examining common curriculum objectives, identify strategies to increase student access and participation, and explore curriculum examples that demonstrate increased opportunities for student success. Come explore strategies to maximize the tools you have and increase opportunities for student engagement and achievement throughout the day. Participants will come away with over 50 ideas for achieving access to common core standards through easy tech communication devices, the iPad, and switch accessible classroom tools.

 

Time: Registration: 8:30-9:00 am; Workshop 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Location: Two Medical Park, Lower Level, Palmetto Health Richland, Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29203

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

 

Mail checks to: SC Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208

Make credit card payment by calling Brittney Green at 803-935-5239.

 

Speaker: Cindy Richardson, Assistive Technology Consultant

 

Limit: 60 people

 

Register Here

 

Safe Schools Conference, September 21st and 22nd

2018 Safe Schools Summit

The State Coalition for Youth Empowerment and Access

Friday, September 21, 2018 at 8:00 AM - Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

West Columbia, SC

The Summit is an opportunity for South Carolinians committed to creating safer living and learning environments for youth to learn more about the problems and challenges youth face in schools and beyond, including bullying, dating violence, discrimination, etc., and be empowered to effect change.

REGISTER HERE 

Cycle for SCI is underway!

Have you heard?

Cycle for SCI is underway!

 

 

What is Cycle for SCI?

Co-founders Ciara O'Sullivan and Larissa Clifford are riding their bikes down the East Coast in this September with a mission to raise awareness for spinal cord injury.

They started in NYC and ending in Orlando, FL, with a plan to raise spinal cord injury awareness by biking 1,300 miles and throwing some killer events along the way. 

 

Read More!

 

 

Coming to a city near you!

They will be riding through Myrtle Beach, SC September 12th and Charleston, SC September 13th! So far, they have planned an event in Charleston for the 13th and are working on plans for Myrtle Beach.

 

Charleston Event Details

Ciara and Larissa are cycling from NYC to Orlando and their Charleston stop will be at Twisted Cypress! The amazing crew there has offered to donate $1 from every beer sold that day! Those funds will all be going toward spinal cord injury research and quality of life programs.

Keep Reading

Who are they supporting?

They will be working with local chapters of United Spinal along our route to provide physical therapy and quality of life resources for individuals in their communities, LIKE OURS!

 

We will be releasing more information as we get it-- we would love everyone who can, to participate!

 

 

 

 



Learn How Assistive Technology Can Help You!

Assistive Technology Tools Training

Join Able SC and the SC Assistive Technology Program for a FREE training to learn about the types of AT available and resources you can use to access them. In-person attendees will be able to try different AT options during the training.

Online Training
September 17, 2018
2:00-3:00 PM
A link will be sent to you the day of the training.
Register here!

In-Person Training
September 18, 2018
2-3:30 PM at Able SC
720 Gracern Rd
Columbia, SC 29210
Register here!

For questions or reasonable accommodation requests, contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org or 800-681-6805/TTY: 803-779-0949.

 

Please make accommodation requests a week before the training.

 

 

Call for Proposals!

The Call for Presentations is now open for the 2019 Independence:  My Choices, My Life Conference in Columbia, SC on May 23, 2019.  Proposals for breakout sessions are being accepted until the deadline on October 26, 2018.

IMPACT SC Self-Advocacy Council invites you to submit a proposal for their state conference.  The focus of this conference is to promote and support independence for people with disabilities.  We welcome proposals for breakout sessions on any aspect of housing, employment, relationships, rights, or transportation.

For more information or to request an application, please email valarie.bishop@admin.sc.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners in Policymaking is Recruiting

We’re currently recruiting participants for our 2018-2019 Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class to be held October-March here in Columbia. The goal of PIP is to increase knowledge of South Carolina’s systems of support for people developmental disabilities and empower participants to be leaders and advocates within these systems. PIP has been empowering leaders in South Carolina for over 20 years and is based on a national peer-peer training model developed specifically for parents and individuals in the Developmental Disability community. 

• PIP recruits from all parts of SC.
• No cost to participate and DD Council provides overnight accommodation in Columbia.
• DD Council reimburses travel costs for participants travelling from outside of Columbia.
• DD Council reimburses respite care costs.

Click here for additional information about session dates and topics, an overview of PIP in SC, and the application, or email Reyhan Miller.

2018 Transition Conference

 

**Attention**
Special Room Rate Discount Ends:
August 31st

 

 

South Carolina's 5th Annual State Transition Conference
October 1st - October 2nd
North Charleston Convention Center

The conference hotel is the Embassy Suites

adjacent to the convention center in North Charleston.

**Special Room Rate Deadline: August 31st**

Reserve your room today!
Group Code: SCD
Phone: 1-843-747-1882

 

Hotel Registration Link

 

Featured Keynote and Sessions will include presentations by:

• Dr. Tammy Pawloski-Strategies for Reaching Rural and Impoverished Students & Families
• Charlie Walters- Employment is for ALL: Fostering Change in SC
• Dr. Valerie Mazzotti-Strategies for Data Based Decision Making in Transition

 

Conference Schedule

Conference Registration Link

  

  

**Attention**

Conference Networking Event
October 1st  7-9pm

 

Two hour harbor cruise on the Carolina Queen
featuring a live band, barbecue dinner, and cash bar.
Join fellow professionals and experts from around the state for
an evening of food, music, and networking!
 
Networking Event Registration

 

This conference is supported in part by the following sponsors:

 

 

 

 

FREE Assistive Technology Webinars!

Assistive Technology Supports for Reading Disabilities

This free webinar will cover AT products and strategies to assist struggling readers in Tracking, Decoding and Comprehending text.
September 26, 2018, 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern
Read More and Register Now!
 
Free webinars from around the web: Adults and General

Inclusive PDFs by Design from AEM
September 18, 2018 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Online Video Accessibility from EARN
September 20, 2018 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Is Your State, District or School Website Accessible? from AEM
September 25, 2018 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Free webinars: K-12

AT in the Schools: Consideration, IEPs and More from PACER
August 28, 2018 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern OR 4:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Eastern (90 min.)

Fun Activities Using Interactive Devices from AbleNet
August 30, 2018, 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern (30 min.)

How Do I Determine What Type of Switch the Student Can Use? from AbleNet
September 18, 2018, at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Switch it Up! from PACER
September 19, 2018 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern (90 min.)

Tech Tools for Students: Researching & Organizing for School Projects from PACER
September 20, 2018 at 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern

Accessibility in Mobile Devices: Updates from the Field from AbleNet
September 26, 2018 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Feature Match… What’s That? from AbleNet
October 4, 2018, at 11am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

From SETC:

09/17/18 - AT Chatter: iPads and apps at 11:30 Pacific, 2:30 Eastern
09/19/18 - PowerPoint Books Rediscovered 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
09/20/18 - Tarheel Reader & Gameplay at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern
09/24/18 - Book Study: Every Move Counts, Clicks and Chats at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern
09/24/18 - Read & Write for Google at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
09/25/18 - iOS Switch Control Recipes at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
09/27/18 - Learning First, Technology Second Book Review 3:30pm Pacific,
                 6:30pm Eastern
10/01/18 - Book Study: Every Move Counts, Clicks and Chats at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern
10/02/18 - Switch Access for Early Switch Users at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
10/03/18 - Fast ForWord at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
 
AT Resource Pick of the Month

Check out this website with information on Free or Low Cost AT published by Augsburg University.

News and Tips from Family Connection

 

Education News and Updates

 

As the school year begins, the South Carolina Department of Education has several updates, on everything from drinking water to SROs to Alternative Pathways.

Learn more

 

 

Speak Up...for your child

It's that time of year where we find ourselves deep in the alphabet soup of the special education world. From IEPs and 504s to referrals and assessments, we want to help make your journey a little easier.

Wherever you are in your journey, these quick tips can help you thrive - and not just survive the back to school meetings.

Quick tips to advocate for your child

50 Ideas to Enhance to Student Engagement training

Got Access?

50 Ideas to Enhance Student Engagement

Date: December 5, 2018
Time: Registration 8:30-9:00 am; Workshop 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Two Medical Park, Lower Level, Palmetto Health Richland, Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29203
Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)
Speaker: Cindy Richardson, Assistive Technology Consultant
Limit: 60 people

REGISTRATION

 

We know technology can be a powerful tool and in most instances, the only way students with significant disabilities can reach their potential. During this workshop, participants will learn to identify access opportunities by examining common curriculum objectives, identify strategies to increase student access and participation, and explore curriculum examples that demonstrate increased opportunities for student success. Come explore strategies to maximize the tools you have and increase opportunities for student engagement and achievement throughout the day. Participants will come away with over 50 ideas for achieving access to common core standards through easy tech communication devices, the iPad, and switch accessible classroom tools.

• Mail checks to: SC Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208
• Make credit card payment by calling Brittney Green at 803-935-5239.

 

Free Training: How to Make & Use Accessible Documents

How to Make and Use Accessible Documents

Date: October 10, 2018
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203
Poplar Building Conference Room (Directions)
Cost: Free
Speaker: Tammy Wallace, Program Coordinator
Limit: 18 people

REGISTRATION

“How to” session for making documents accessible in MS Word, Google or PDF. Accessible documents allow people with disabilities access to the written word.  Resources will be shared.

Objectives:

• Participants will be able to make a MS Word document accessible
• Participants will be able to list two resources to use when making a document accessible

Note: Participants are encouraged to bring their own device to the training

Sign Up NOW!

 

 

TO REGISTER for the 2018
Wheeling In New Directions Conference

Stop, Focus, Connect: Pathway to Pleasure after SCI

with
Dr. Mitchell Tepper, PhD, MPH

 

Get your tickets NOW!

 

We have heard from many of our members that information regarding intimacy after disability is hard to find, much less talk about-- that's why we want to offer the South Carolina community a platform to do just that.  This conference is not just for individuals with spinal cord injuries!  Anyone with a physical disability may join.  Bring your spouse, your caregiver, or a friend! Everyone is welcome. 

Charleston, SC
August 28th
Register for Charleston

Columbia, SC
August 29th
Register for Columbia

Greenville, SC
August 30th
Register for Greenville

Help Us Win $25,000 for Able SC!

We Need You Now!

The Capital Bank Foundation is celebrating 25 years of giving by awarding $250,000 in funds to community organizations. Able South Carolina is hoping to be one of the organization to receive funding, but we need your help!

We have submitted a video to the 25 Years of Giving Video Contest and now we need YOU to vote for us! The top 30 videos with the most votes will advance to a panel of guest judges who will select the organizations and projects to receive funding. To vote for our video, follow this link to the 25 Years of Giving Site. Remember, you can vote once a day until August 31, 2018, so set a reminder in your phone, a calendar appointment in your email, or add a sticky note to your desk and vote for Able SC.

What can we do with $25,000? We know that people with disabilities are often excluded in leadership roles even though they provide a diverse perspective. With $25,000 we'll promote leadership roles for people with disabilities by empowering them to serve on nonprofit boards, councils, and committees via out Community Leadership Academy.

Please help us become a finalist.

 

We cannot do this without you!

Click Here to Vote For Able SC!

 

Thanks!

 

 

Free Training: AT Assessment

The Assistive Technology Assessment Process
Date: September 14, 2018
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free

 

Presenter: Madalina Tudora, ATP
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)

Registration

 

From referral and consideration to assistive technology (AT) recommendations, the formal AT assessment process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop, we will explore tools, resources and materials necessary for a successful process. The “do’s” and “don’ts” of conducting a professional AT assessment will be discussed.

2018 Transition Conference

JOIN US!

South Carolina's 5th Annual State Transition Conference
October 1st - October 2nd
North Charleston Convention Center

The conference hotel is the Embassy Suites

adjacent to the convention center in North Charleston.

**Special Room Rate Deadline: August 31st**
Reserve your room today!
Group Code: SCD
Phone: 1-843-747-1882

 

Hotel Registration Link

Featured Keynote and Sessions will include presentations by:

 

Dr. Tammy Pawloski

Strategies for Reaching Rural and Impoverished Students & Families

 

Charlie Walters

Employment is for ALL: Fostering Change in SC

 

Dr. Valerie Mazzotti

Strategies for Data Based Decision Making in Transition

   

Conference Registration Link

This conference is supported in part by the following sponsors:





BIG NEWS from SC Spinal Cord Injury Association!

 

 

We extended the deadline to register for the

2018 Wheeling In New Directions Conference

Stop, Focus, Connect: Pathway to Pleasure after SCI

with
Dr. Mitchell Tepper, PhD, MPH

Click here for tickets and more information!

Charleston, SC
August 28th
Register for Charleston

Columbia, SC
August 29th
Register for Columbia

Greenville, SC
August 30th
Register for Greenville