Check Out These Upcoming Assistive Technology Trainings

AAC: Creating Conversations and Measuring Progress
Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time: 8:45 am – noon
Location:Sequoia Building Conference Room B Midlands Center
Cost: $10.00
NOTE: There is a limit of 25 participants.
Presenter: Patricia Quattlebaum, MSP, CCC-SLP
Description: The workshop will focus on the primary purpose of AAC: creating opportunities for interaction. The difference between using picture sets for academic tasks and using symbols for conversation will be discussed. Participants will also discuss how to include caregivers in the interventions and how progress can be measured in meaningful ways.
Each participant should bring at least two examples of symbol pages (picture symbols or written words) that their clients currently use or two examples that might be effective in the future. In addition, each participant needs to bring five example AAC goals/objectives for their clients (or future clients). These items will be used for brainstorming purposes, and no identifying information such as client names or speech-language pathologists’ names should be included.
Following this, each participant will have the opportunity to create message sets that allow for augmented language stimulation and for conversations.

AMPLIFY! LIFE - Grab Life by the Phone. How to get specialized phone equipment FREE.
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Assistive Technology Resource Center Midlands Center
Cost: FREE!
Presenters: Anne G. Bader, Outreach Coordinator for the South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program (SCEDP); Nich Godfrey, Assistant Outreach Coordinator for SCEDP
Description: SCEDP is a state supported, non-income based program managed by the S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff and administered by the S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind.
SCEDP is aware of the daily challenges facing individuals who are hearing or speech impaired. Telecommunications equipment distributed by SCEDP is carefully chosen to cover their various needs, and is distributed at no cost to qualifying South Carolinians. Qualifying disabilities are: hard-of-hearing, deaf, deaf-blind, blind/low vision with hearing loss, or speech impaired.

Building or Updating Your Home for Accessibility
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Family Practice Center Interagency Office of Disability and Health
Cost: FREE!
Presenters: Wesley Farnum, CAPS, owner of MyHome Builders, LLC and Catherine Leigh Graham, MEMBE, Interagency Office of Disability and Health, USC School of Medicine
Description: Wesley and Catherine will discuss a variety of home design features that can improve accessibility for people with disabilities or those wishing to remain in their homes as they age. The design features covered are common to all homes and are available without sacrificing aesthetics and style. The objective of this seminar is to educate participants on design, features and products that can make a home more accessible and enjoyable. Before and after pictures will illustrate options. Listed below are a few of the topics that will be discussed:
Exterior features for accessibility and curb appeal
Kitchen design, Electrical items for safety and comfort, Bath and shower design and products, Flooring that works, Funding options

Registration is fast and easy! To register, click on the title above.