Check out this training opportunity!

Informal PRC Training
Thursday, June 3, 2010
1:00 – 3:00
Assistive Technology Resource Center
Poplar Building, Midlands Center
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203

This class will explore the vocabulary available on all Prentke Romich devices. These devices are the SpringBoard, SpringBoard Lite, Vantage, Vantage Lite, Vanguard, Pathfinder and ECO. Basic programming, such as customizing messages to include personal information, hiding keys, and changing icons on existing keys will be addressed. The informal, hands-on training will address participants’ individual issues, including implementation ideas.
Participants will need to bring one of the devices mentioned above or a laptop computer loaded with PASS (device demo software).
Registration: Contact Sandy Baldwin, Regional Consultant for PRC, at 205-522-2929 or 800-262-1984 X 468 to register.

Through the Same Door: Inclusion Includes College—A Webinar

This webinar will provide an in-depth presentation of the five-year postsecondary education experience of Micah Fialka-Feldman, a 25 year old student with an intellectual disability, at Oakland University, through the OPTIONS Program. Micah, along with Dr. Shea Howell, one of Micah’s college professors, his mother Janice Fialka, and one of Micah’s friends and peer tutors will discuss this journey through postsecondary education from each of their unique perspectives.

The webinar will present and discuss a range of practical strategies and supports used to enhance Micah’s active participation in the classroom, course work, student activities, and dorm living. Critical components which contributed to a successful experience will be shared, such as: the immediate and inclusive participation of Micah on the campus in all domains of student life and learning, the intentional engagement of other students in planning with and supporting Micah, the creation of opportunities for Micah to participate in student activities, and others.

R e g i s t r at i o n I n f o rm at i o n
In order to register for this webinar please go to:
http://tinyurl.com/thinkcollegewebinar1

There is no charge for this webinar, but due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. Once you have registered you will
receive an email with the link to participate in the webinar.
For questions about registration please contact Maria Dragoumanos at maria.dragoumanos@umb.edu
For questions about the webinar itself please contact Cate Weir at cathryn.weir@umb.edu

NOTE: To view the PDF flyer, click on the title above.

Transitioning Into Special Education,Sponsored By Darlington County DDSN

Meeting Description:

This workshop is for parents or service providers working with young children age three who will be coming to the public school system from early intervention program.

Date: Tue, May 25, 2010
Time: 12:00 PM EDT
Duration: 2 hours
Host(s): Tanya Inabinet

Tanya is the Regional Education Coordinator for PRO-Parents of SC for seven years serving the midlands of SC.
She is the mother of three beautiful daughters, one whom has a disability and attends school in Richland School District One.

NOTE: To register for the workshop, click on the title above.

SC Assistive Technology Financial Loan and Telework Loan Programs

The SC Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program would like to introduce ourselves to you. We are a federally funded program that helps South Carolinians with disabilities and their families who qualify for a loan, to purchase assistive technology devices and services. Anyone who intends to use the loan to buy assistive technology for a SC resident with a disability may apply. That includes people with disabilities, family members, or friends on behalf of the individual with a disability. For qualified applicants, loans range from $500 to $30,000. Interest rates vary based on the type of equipment to be purchased.
For questions or to get an application mailed or faxed to you, please contact the loan program.
Leslie Shipp, Community Rehabilitation Assistant
SC AT Loan Program
P.O. Box 280243
Columbia, SC 29228
P: 866-247-8354
P: 803-896-4553
F: 803-896-6937
E-Mail: AFP@scvrd.state.sc.us
www.assistivetechnologyloans.scvrd.net

Aiming to Cure Deafness, Scientists First to Create Functional Inner-Ear Cells

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2010) — "Deep inside the ear, specialized cells called hair cells detect vibrations in the air and translate them into sound. Ten years ago, Stefan Heller, PhD, professor of otolaryngology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, came up with the idea that if you could create these cells in the laboratory from stem cells, it would go a long way toward helping scientists understand the molecular basis of hearing in order to develop better treatments for deafness."

NOTE: To read the entire article click on the title above.

Another Free Webinar!

WEBINAR

Transitioning Into Special Education
For: Parents of children with Special Needs
Sponsored By: Darlington County DDSN
Presented By: Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina
PRO*Parents

Tanya M. Inabinet
Regional Education Coordinator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May 25, 2010
12:00pm-2:00pm


Internet access and phone line required to access this webinar
___________________________
Webinar Content
What is Trasition?
The Initial Evaluation
What is Special Education?
What is an IEP?
What happens during the IEP meeting?
___________________________________________

To register for this WEBINAR:
Call 1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Free Webinar, Open to the Public!

WEBINAR

Transitioning Out Special Education
For: Parents of children with Special Needs
Sponsored By: Barnwell/Allendale County DDSN
Presented By: Parents Reaching Out to Parents of South Carolina
PRO*Parents

Tanya M. Inabinet
Regional Education Coordinator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May 20, 2010
12:00pm-2:00pm


Internet access and phone line required to access this webinar
___________________________
Webinar Content
Transition Goals and Objectives
Transition Development and Contents of the IEP
Parental and Student Rights in Transition
Age of Majority in the IEP Process
___________________________________________

To register for this WEBINAR:
Call 1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Kids With Hearing Loss in One Ear Fall Behind in Language Skills, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (May 5, 2010) — "By the time they reach school age, one in 20 children have hearing loss in one ear. That can raise significant hurdles for these children, say the results of a new study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, because loss of hearing in one ear hurts their ability to comprehend and use language."

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

My Trip to Fort Jackson, By Kelly Doyle

"I went to Fort Jackson for the whole weekend. When I got there it was before dinner time. So we had time to get unpacked and get settled in. Then we got to know each other. Then it was time for dinner. Then we got ready for the opening ceremonies. Then after that we hung out until it was time to go to bed. The next day we got up, ate breakfast got ready for our events. My event was the soft ball throw for the track and field. I got third place. After we had our lunches there we went to Olympic town. That was my favorite thing to do at Fort Jackson. I bought 3 things there. A bag, 1 cup, and a shirt. You can play games, get free sodas ( which I did of course), eat and make arts and crafts and sometimes they play bingo. To me that is fun to do. And that is why I went to Fort Jackson. Then that night we went to the dance. Usually I’m the main one dancing. But not this time. I was too tired. But I always drink sodas at any dance I go to. The only things I didn’t like about Fort Jackson is: getting up at 6:00 a.m., the shower, I couldn’t go to the pancake breakfast, I couldn’t take my purse to the track and field, and they ran out of sodas at Olympic town. And they also tell you what to do. But other than that I had a great time."

Zam Communicators - free from AstraZeneca through SCATP

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program is pleased to announce the donation of Zam Communicators from AstraZeneca, a Delaware-based pharmaceutical company.
The Zam Communicator is a portable, lightweight, rechargeable, two-sided communication device that was developed to help improve communication between people who are unable to speak and others. The device has a keypad for spelling out words and pictures representing 35 messages such as “Thirsty,” “Hungry,” and “What time is it?” The messages are displayed on a dual-sided LCD screen at the top of the communication device. To use the Zam, the individual will need to use at least one finger or some type of mouthstick or headstick to push the buttons.
SCATP is making the Zam Communicators available for long-term loans to South Carolinians of all ages with temporary or permanent communication difficulties. The Zam Communicators long-term loans are free of charge on a first come, first served basis. The Zam Communicators can be given directly only to individuals or their friends/family members on their behalf. When the Zam Communicator is no longer needed, it must be returned to SCATP. SCATP cannot sell or distribute Zam Communicators to medical facilities, healthcare personnel, agencies or organizations.
If you know of someone who could benefit from this device, please have the individual, a friend, a family member, a speech-language pathologist or other professional who is inquiring on behalf of an individual contact SCATP. There are two ways to receive a Zam Communicator:
1) Pick up the device from the SCATP Resource Center by appointment. Call 803-935-5337 and speak to an SCATP staff member or leave a message to make an appointment for pick up. You will need to fill out a long-term device loan agreement to receive the Zam Communicator.
2) If you are not able to pick up your Zam Communicator and need it shipped to you, please e-mail Crystal Loynes at crystal.loynes@uscmed.sc.edu or call and leave a message at 803-935-5337. You will need to fill out a long-term device loan agreement to receive the Zam Communicator.

AstraZeneca and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Center for Disability Resources make no warranty and assume no liability for the device or any of the included components.
For more information see http://www.sc.edu/scatp/zam.html, including a FAQ sheet.

SC STAR Network Equipment Pickup and Delivery Routes

SC STAR Network

SCATP has contracted with Walton Options for Independent Living to administer the SC STAR Network as part of the Southeastern Technology Access and Reuse Network (STAR). The goal of this collaboration is to provide South Carolinians and South Carolina's organizations with opportunities to access assistive technology and durable medical equipment through the redistribution of used equipment that has been sanitized, checked for safety, and repaired for appropriate use. Walton Options collects donated equipment from their partner sites and prepares it for redistribution to persons who need the equipment.

Donated items such as wheelchairs, tub benches, hospital beds, hoyer lifts, cctv’s, rolling walkers, lift chairs, cell phones, and specialized assistive technology such as communication boards, amplified hearing devices are all needed to build the equipment supply.

The following is a list of scheduled routes this year. Note: The dates are subject to change, and if you have items to drop off, you should call the location first. Or, call Kathy Pelletier, Walton Options for Independent Living at 1-877-821-8400 or email her at equipmentdepot@waltonoptions.org to get information on where to drop off donations.

Disability Action Center (Columbia, SC)
1115 Belleview Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-779-5121
Route Dates:
05/19/2010
06/16/2010
07/21/2010
08/18/2010
09/15/2010

Disability Action Center (Greenville, SC)
330 Pelham Road Suite 102-B
Greenville, SC 29615
Contact: Andrew Brett Phone: 864-235-1421
Route Dates:
05/26/2010
06/23/2010
07/28/2010
08/25/2010
09/22/2010

Disability Resource Center
7944 Dorchester Road Suite 5
North Charleston, SC 29418
Contact: Linda Phillips Phone: 843-225-5080
Route Dates:
05/19/2010
06/16/2010
07/21/2010
08/18/2010
09/15/2010

L. I. F. E. (Savannah, GA)
12020 Albercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Contact: Wendy Eugene Phone: 912-920-2414
Route Dates:
04/14/2010
05/12/2010
06/09/2010
07/14/2010
08/11/2010
09/08/2010

Pickup and delivery information may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

AUCDigest submissions

The May issue of the AUCDigest will be developed in the upcoming week. I invite your Center/Program to submit any newsworthy items to be included in this issue. Please share any regional or national events, that your Center/Program is sponsoring or co-sponsoring with the Network. In addition, available positions, new research developments and faculty/staff awards are also welcomed.The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 13. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

View the April issue of the AUCDigest

Submit articles to the AUCDigest here

The AUCDigest archive page may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

Vital Connections of the Midlands Early Head Start Program Now Enrolling

Vital Connections of the Midlands' Early Head Start Program is now enrolling infants and toddlers at two of its nationally accredited (National Association for the Education of Young Children) childcare centers, located in Arthurtown and lower Richland. These two sites have been granted funding for pregnant teen moms, low income mothers with infantsand toddlers, infants and toddlers with special needs, and infants and toddlers of Spanish descent.

The program will do health and literacy home visits as well as serve children at its two locations, and will offically begin in August.

Also needed are foster grandparents/classroom volunteers (English and Spanish speaking) to assist the licensed child care providers in the classrooms. Please call or email me with any questions. The potential families are welcomed to visit either child care facility for observation/and enrollment.

Arthurtown CDC is located at 223 Riley Street off of Bluff Road; 803-254-9400; and Tender Years CDC, located on Lower Richland Blvd: 803-783-5212.

Free Boardmaker Training 5/13/10

Intermediate Boardmaker

Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Presenter: Val Gioia, Assistive Technology Specialist, SC Department of Education
Location: Assistive Technology Resource Center, Poplar Building, Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC

Description: If you are new to using Boardmaker Plus! V. 6 software this training session is for you. You will need a basic understanding of Boardmaker or have taken the Boardmaker Basics training to sign up for this training session. The training incorporates a combination of hands on use and functional application with Boardmaker Plus! Software. Functions new to the Boardmaker Plus! version will be reviewed. Boardmaker Plus! is a drawing program combined with a graphics database that also has the ability to talk and play recorded sounds and movies. This interactive component allows users to create talking activity boards, worksheets, schedules, interactive books, writing activities, and more.

The training is in the Assistive Technology Resource and Demonstration Center so no food or drink please.

Cost: There is no cost for this workshop, but pre-registration is required. This workshop is limited to a maximum of 18 participants.

To register for this workshop:
Option 1: Complete the online registration form
Option 2: Email Sally Young at Sally.Young@uscmed.sc.edu
Option 3: Call Sally Young at (803) 935-5263 or 800-915-4522.
Option 4: Fax your registration information to (803) 935-5342. Please include your name, organization, address, email address, and phone.

The onling registration form may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

New American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Newsletter is out!

AAIDD F.Y.I.
May 2010, Vol.10, No.5

Visit www.aaidd.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter. Subscribe at http://www.responsetrack.net/aaidd/sign_up

---

Dear AAIDD Friends and Colleagues:

• Workshop on the new AAIDD System of diagnosing and defining intellectual disability to be held in Rhode Island in June
• Read analyses on how the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR-3590) affects people with disabilities
• Landmark chemical legislation introduced to protect the health of American families; Improvements needed before enactment
• New federal report released on how to increase access to affordable and reliable transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes
• Educational scholarships available for youth with Down Syndrome

To read more about the latest AAIDD newsletter, click on the blog entry title, or select one of the newsletter article headings above.

List of Donated Books From MUSC

Thanks to our friends at the Medical University of South Carolina Library, the CDR Library has recently acquired the following older titles, many of which offer a unique glimpse into the history of how different intellectual and developmental disabilities were once viewed.

Babies With Down Syndrome (1986)
Medical Aspects of Disability (1993)
Autism: Strategies for Change (1988)
The Sociology of Physical Disability and Rehabilitation (1976)
Adolescents With Down Syndrome (1997)
Diagnosis and Assessment in Autism (1988)
Advances in Down Syndrome (1988)
Autism (1989)
Understanding Other Minds (1993)
Parents and Children in Autism (1979)
Children With Down Syndrome (1990)
The Young Child With Down Syndrome (1983)
Medical Aspects of Disability (1999)
Autism (1976)
Psychological & Social Impact of Physical Disability (1977)
Growth Hormone Treatment in Down's Syndrome (1993)
The Young Person with Down Syndrome: Transition From Adolescence to Adulthood (1988)
Down's Syndrome and the Family (1978)
Early Childhood Autism (1976)
Autism (1979)
Assessing the Mentally Retarded (1983)
The Riddle of Autism (1983)

Pro-parents Calendar of Workshops for May

THESE WORKSHOPS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC,LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ACCOMMODATIONS WHEN REGISTERING.TO SCHEDULE A WORKSHOP IN YOUR AREAPLEASE CALL: 1-800-759-4776
* Are workshops for Foster Parents and DSS Staff

5/03/2010
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
PRO-Parents of SC Overview Workshop
Sponsored By: Columbia Urban League
Bayberry Mews
4017 Lester Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/04/2010
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
and
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Charleston Air Force Base
104 East Simpson Street
Building 500
Charleston, SC 29404
Gayle Munn, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 1, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/04/2010
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Kershaw County DDSN
1619 Jefferson Davis Highway
Camden, SC
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/04/2010
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
Family Connection of SC
St. John’s Methodist Church
321 South Oakland Avenue
Rock Hill, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/05/2010
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
Orangeburg DDSN
2785 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/06/2010
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Section 504 of the Rehab Act of 1973 Workshop
Pediatric Team Center
Formerly Medially Fragile Children’s Programs
1807A East Main Street
Easley, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/06/2010
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
Carolina Youth Development Center
5055 Lackawanna Blvd
North Charleston, SC
Gayle Munn, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 1, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/06/2010
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Communicating With Your Child’s School Workshop
Lee County DDSN / Gibbs Training Center
307 Chappelle Drive
Bishopville, SC 29010
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/06/2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Georgetown DDSN
95 Academy Avenue
Georgetown, SC
Gayle Munn, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 1, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/12/2010
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Communications Workshop
Oconee DDSN
116 South Cove Road
Seneca, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/12/2010
10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities In Special Education Workshop
Sumter County DDSN
775 Electric Avenue
Sumter, SC 29153
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/13/2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Transitioning Out of Special Education Workshop
Family Connection of SC
2712 Middleburg Drive
Suite 103B
Columbia, SC 29204
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/15/2010
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Transitioning Into Special Education Workshop
Sponsored By: Fairfield DDSN
Fairfield County Hospital
102 Hwy 321 Bypass North
Winnsboro, SC
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/19/2010
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Individual Education Program (IEP) Workshop
Bamberg County DDSN
16553 Heritage Highway
Bamberg, SC 29042
Tanya M. Inabinet, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 2, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/26/2010
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Transitioning Into Special Education Workshop
Sponsored By: Edgefield DDSN / Burton Center
Edgefield County Library
105 Courthouse Square
Edgefield, SC 29824
Susan Bruce, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 3, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/26/2009
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Section 504 of Rehab Act of 1973 Workshop
SCYAP
3815 West Montague Avenue
North Charleston, SC
Gayle Munn, PRO-Parents of SC
Region 1, Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

5/29/2010
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
*
Linking Families with Special Education Workshop
Hope Center
901 Main Street
Sumter, SC
Kim Preston, PRO-Parents of SC
South Carolina Special Kids Project
Education Coordinator
For More Information or To Register Call:
1-800-759-4776 or (803) 772-5688

The Pro-parents calendar may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title.

THREE-PART TASH FAMILY SUPPORT TRAINING PROJECT

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Center for Disability Resources (UCEDD) in collaboration with

The SC Commission for Minority Affairs

PRESENTS A THREE-PART
TASH FAMILY SUPPORT TRAINING PROJECT
A CULTURALLY COMPETENT TRAINING SERIES ON:

BASIC FAMILY SUPPORT
LEADERSHIP IN ADVOCACY
LEADERSHIP IN POLICYMAKING

Self-advocates & families of children with disabilities from diverse cultural, linguistic, & ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to attend!

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

May 21-22, 2010

Midlands Center Training Center
8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC 29203

For registration and additional information contact:
Karen Irick - 803.935.5222 karen.irick@uscmed.sc.edu

or

Marcy Hayden - 803.333.9621 ext. 23 mhayden@cfma.state.sc.us
Scholarships are available. Seats are limited.

Flyer available in alternative format.

The TASH Family Support Training Project is supported by a grant (#90DN0266) from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Home-School Collaboration in Positive Behavior Support for Students with Autism: Challenges and Opportunities

June 10, 2010

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Lunch is included in workshop fee.

Workshop Fee: $75BACB CEU fee (optional): $20

Location: MAP

Columbia Conference Center

169 Laurelhurst Ave.

Columbia, SC

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to knowledge and skills in conducting functional assessments and designing positive behavior support (PBS) plans in collaboration with families of students with autism and related developmental disabilities who engage in problem behavior.

The focus will be on home and school contexts or routines in which collaboration between parents and educators in functional assessment and PBS is necessary to resolve problem behavior. These contexts or routines include a child’s initial entry into a public school setting, difficult transitions to and from school, doing homework, and contextual events during non-school hours that may adversely affect child behavior at school.

First, opportunities and challenges in home-school collaboration will be discussed and best practices in PBS and in home-school collaboration will be presented. Then, through a case study illustration and a small group exercise, participants will be introduced to the knowledge and skills necessary to:

1) build a summary hypothesis statement based on functional assessment results for a problematic home and/or school context/routine; and
2) design a positive behavior support plan that is likely to be effective and contextually appropriate when implemented by a parent or educator.

Information about this workshop may be viewed by clicking the link in this post's title. The registration page is here.