Family Connection of SC: Roadmap to Success

Family Connection of SC, fueled by parents and professionals who care for children and adults with special healthcare needs has created a 'Roadmap to Success'.  

To access the roadmap and find information and resources please visit: http://www.familyconnectionsc.org/resource-roadmap.html

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Fundable is next week!

Order tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundable-2014-tickets-12693381245?invite=&err=29&referrer=&discount=&affiliate=&eventpassword= 

EASI - Two Free Webinars - Web Conferencing and Blackboard Collaborate

EASI Webinar Exploring Blackboard Collaborate Accessibility Features is a package of 2 free EASI Webinars:

•  Tuesday, November 4: Introduction to Web Conferencing
•  Tuesday, November 11: Experiencing Blackboard Collaborate First-hand Webinar 1: Introduction to Web Conferencing

Introduction to Web Conferencing

 Tuesday Nov. 4 at 11 Pacific, noon Mountain, 1 Central and 2 PM Eastern (all standard times)  

Presenter: Norm Coombs

Web conferencing systems are complex and powerful. This introduction will outline these features and discuss the issues each creates for accessibility. A significant aspect of accessibility frequently depends on the presenter. The particular features the presenter selects and the way the presenter makes use of them all become part of their accessibility or inaccessibility. This introduction Webinar is intended as background for the Webinar on Nov. 11. That Webinar will actually be using Blackboard Collaborate, and this Webinar will help you be sure your computer is configured for that experience.

The Accessibility of Blackboard Collaborate

Tuesday Nov. 11 at 11 Pacific, Noon Mountain, 1 Central and 2 Eastern STANDARD TIMES 

Presenters: David Hastie, Director Product Management, Blackboard Collaborate and Connect and Hadi Rangin from the University of Washington 

This Webinar will explain and demonstrate the accessibility of Blackboard Collaborate. Participants will hear about its features and be able to actually experience them as the Webinar is being held in Blackboard Collaborate.

To register for either or both parts of this 2-part package, go to:

http://easi.cc/clinic.htm#november

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Dr Temple Grandin - Future Horizons Autism Conference

Dr. Temple Grandin, is a world-renowned scientist and author affected by autism who often discusses the challenges she has faced and offers dynamic ideas on how others dealing with autism can meet these obstacles and improve the quality of their lives. Dr. Temple Grandin will be speaking at the upcoming Future Horizons autism conference in Roswell, GA on Wednesday, November 12, at Area 51 Family Entertainment. 

Throughout the conference there will be excellent resources available, as well as extensive networking opportunities with other parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals within the various ASD/SPD-related communities.

Future Horizons is offering a 10 percent discount off of their regular conference prices for this conference (use code TGCONF when registering). 

For more information about the conference, CEUs, to register, etc., you can visit Future Horizons' website at www.fhautism.com or call them at 800-489-0727.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Able South Carolina: Parenting with a Disability

To view the videos please visit: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c86fb5ede9ea4a8329ed696f6&id=9dd7ba98ba&e=77f2bea8ce

Upcoming videos include 'What you need to know about medical examinations and sexuality'

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Genetic Change in Autism Related Gene Identified

A new study from Bradley Hospital has identified a genetic change in a recently identified autism-associated gene, which may provide further insight into the causes of autism. The study, now published online in the Journal of Medical Genetics, presents findings that likely represent a definitive clinical marker for some patients' developmental disabilities.

"Genetic testing is a very powerful diagnostic tool for individuals with developmental delay," said Eric Morrow, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Developmental Disorder Genetics Research Program at Bradley Hospital and lead author of the study. "Through genetic testing, which is available to some in the clinical setting as well as in research, a medical diagnosis is possible for a large subset of patients."

To learn more please visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140828170007.htm

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

29th Annual Zero to Three's National Training Institute

The NTI is carefully developed to meet the learning and networking needs of those working with infants and toddlers in Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention, Mental Health, Early Head Start, Child Welfare, Parent Education, and Pediatrics.   NTI’s variety of programming allows you to design your own professional development experience by crafting an NTI agenda that meets your specific needs. Be informed and enriched by the NTI’s five general sessions, 72 breakout sessions, interactive Pre-Institutes, issue intensives, and a multitude of networking and other continuing education experiences. 
Regular Registration Rate Deadline is October 31. Register Now and Save.
For additional information, go here: https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1554362
To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

7th Annual Run for Thought 5K Trail Run and 1 Mile Walk/Roll

Have you registered for our 7th Annual Run for Thought 5k Trail Run and 1 Mile Walk/Roll yet?

We are only 2.5 weeks away from the 7th Annual Run for Thought (Saturday, November 8, 2014)! Have you registered yet? Don't forget to register by this Friday, October 24th to be guaranteed a race t-shirt!

With your help, the BIASC will be able to:

-Continue prevention programs such as Heads Up! SC!, a concussion education program, and ThinkFirst, and injury prevention program.

-Provide financial support to nine brain injury support groups throughout SC through stipends, which help send group members to workshops, webinars, social outings and more.

-Provide an annual statewide brain injury conference that is a forum for the exchange of information on programs, services, and resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals.

-Print bi-annual newsletters and other print material that is sent to over 2,000 survivors, caregivers and professionals. Individuals depend on this information to learn more about brain injury, make informed decisions, and gain peer support.

Click here to go to our event website. On our event website, you can register to run or walk, create a fundraising page, and become a sponsor! 

Please contact our office at 803.731.9823 or 1.877.TBI.FACT if you have any questions. 

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP)

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2014 

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location:
South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
Collaborative Training Center8301 Farrow Road
Columbia, SC  29203
Cost: $85 
(50% discount is available for parents and students)

Description: Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) is an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) approach designed to give individuals who are non-verbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently and spontaneously expressing themselves through the use of a voice output communication device. LAMP was initially developed to give non-verbal individuals with autism a means of communication but can be adapted to benefit individuals with a variety of disabilities. The components of LAMP address the features and vocabulary available on the device as well as the method of teaching communication while taking into account the individual’s sensory needs.

Topics to be covered include:

• The 5 components of LAMP: readiness to learn, joint engagement, and pairing a unique and consistent motor plan with auditory output and a natural response.

• The role of motor learning in language development and AAC fluency

• Device features that support implementation

• Choosing and teaching vocabulary

• Introduction to the Words for Life AAC iPad app and vocabulary file for PRC devices

To register for this workshop please visit: Center for AAC and Autism LAMP workshop registration page

To access the CDR library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) will be hosting twelve public meetings.  They are traveling to many areas of the state to provide you with information about the new Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Rule and giving you the opportunity to ask questions and provide input to how this will look for South Carolina.  If you receive Home and Community Based Waiver Services or are on a waiting list make sure you are at one of these meetings.  SCDHHS wants your opinion on how to improve services in South Carolina.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.

2nd Annual Fundable

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundable-2014-tickets-12693381245

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Expect. Employ. Empower! Job Fair October 21

To access the CDR library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Parkinsons Disease Southern Symposium, Upstate SC

www.pdsummit.org

To access the CDR library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Free Webinar!

Free Webinar from Georgia Tools for Life
Title: Exploring Transition Service Plan Technology Supports : A Unique Perspective
Date: Thursday October 23 2014Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Registration: None
Description: This webinar is a combination of instruction for writing Transition Service Plans and conversations with people with disabilities who have already or are about to transition to post-secondary life. The presenters, experts in the field of transition planning and assistive technology, interviewed current and former students and families about what they wish they had known about transitioning from school to the workplace. In the candid conversations, the dialog was paired with the Georgia Transition Service Plan emphasizing the need for assistive technology integration for post-secondary success. Join us to listen to these eye opening revelations and learn ways you can improve your Transition Service Plan writing skills and opportunities.
To sign on, choose the option "Guest" and add your name and organization. Please use the URL above as it is unique to this TFL webinar

For more information please visit: http://www.gatfl.gatech.edu/event.php?i=873

To access the CDR library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp 

Columbia Area Events - Family Connection SC

October 14Morning Coffee10:00 AM
Panera Bread on Harbison in Irmo

October 18ABM Information DayBy Appointment
The Therapy Place- Covenant Road Columbia SC 29204Bring your child and experience this cutting edge method of improving the lives of children with special needs. It is a non-medical, learning based approach that uses gentle touch and movement to enable the child to improve physically, mentally and emotionally.
This event is intended to allow families to learn more about ABM and how it could help their child. Families are seen individually for an appointment that will take one hour. Your child will receive an ABM session and plenty of time is set aside for questions and discussion.
Further information : www.honestevolution.com/children (Please note: attendance is by appointment only - call or email to schedule)
For more info, contact: John Robson john@honestevolution.com or 828 - 423 - 3173

October 19, 2014Buddy Walk Sesquicentennial State Park
Complete details can be found on our website.

October 27Smiles Mom's Night Out7:00 PM
For parents of children with special needs.  Cracker Barrel 2208 Bush River Road Columbia SC 29210

October 19Fall Festival6:30 - 8:00 PM
Fall Festival- Bethel Worship Center, 814 Fair Street Camden
For children and adults with disabilities and their families or caregivers. 

For more information please visit: http://www.familyconnectionsc.org/columbia-area-events.html
To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

Check Out These Free Upcoming Live Webinars!

October 21, 2014 6:30pm CDT - 60 minutes

Title: AT for Common Core College and Career Readiness, Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities Part 2: Fluency in Reading, Writing and Math

Opportunities for learning academic content is essential for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Functional skills can be taught as part of any academic lesson. This workshop will explore instructional and access strategies for literacy, math and science concepts for students with significant cognitive disabilities

Cost: FREE

Learn More or Register Now

 

October 22, 2014 2:00pm CDT - 45 minutes

Title: Introduction for Practitioners to AbleNet's New Assistive Technology Support Services

As part of the IEP planning process, IDEA mandates that the assistive technology (AT) needs of students be considered, yet the selection and implementation of AT continues to be a significant challenge for districts around the country. This webinar will introduce teachers and practitioners to the new Assistive Technology Support Service from AbleNet, a comprehensive program designed to help school districts meet the AT needs of identified students. This year-long program of support includes help with conducting AT assessments, providing product trials, delivering on-going support with technology implementation, and documenting AT utilization. This webinar will provide an overview of the program, as well as a look at AbleNet’s Learning Management System, an online tool for teachers and administrators, to support and document effective implementation practices.

Cost: FREE

Learn More or Register Now

 

October 28, 2014 12:00pm CDT - 60 minutes

Title: Classroom Suite Activity Exchange

Since the early 1990s people have been creating and sharing activities using Classroom Suite. This session is an overview of the Classroom Suite Activity Exchange. In the Activity Exchange, there are over 4,500 activities currently available to download for FREE. And, there are new activities being added almost every day. Activities about holidays, the seasons and activities aligned to Common Core standards are very popular. The Activity Exchange is a huge and wonderfully useful resource that truly enhances the application of Classroom Suite. The Activity Exchange is free to join. The strategy for the effective use of the Activity Exchange is to download selected activities and import them into Classroom Suite. Learning how to search for activities, download them and then use the activities within the Classroom Suite

Cost: FREE

Learn More or Register Now

 

October 29, 2014 11:00am CDT - 60 minutes 

Title: Positioning for Access

This webinar will present positioning strategies to optimize access, focusing on providing a stable and functional posture. Access methods include direct, switch and voice, as well as mouse and joystick. Targeted positional changes may be required to determine or optimize an access method for successful assistive technology use. A series of case studies will be used to illustrate these principles.

Cost: FREE

Learn More or Register Now

 

October 30, 2014 3:00pm CDT - 60 minutes

Title: Sorting through AAC Options (Apps / Devices): Making Educated Choices

After you evaluate an individual who would benefit from AAC options, how do you decide which AAC solution best meets the individual’s functional communication needs? This webinar provides resources to help you decide what the optimum solution is, whether it is an AAC App or an AAC device. AAC TechConnect has developed a set of evaluation forms which can not only assist you in identifying what communication functions to consider, pros/cons of Apps / Devices, but also a list of required features to consider. These forms will be discussed and offered to participants as well as access to an online clinical tool (AAC Apps and AAC Device Assistant) that will do the work of searching through required features you have identified and then give you popular options of either AAC apps or AAC devices to consider in a side-by-side comparison chart.

Cost: FREE

Learn More or Register Now

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

Columbia Buddy Walk

Sunday, October 19th
Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223.

Family Connection of South Carolina will host its 15th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk on Sunday,
October 19, during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month at Sesquicentennial State Park.

This is a day to celebrate the Down syndrome community and to promote acceptance and inclusion. As more people are introduced to and interact with individuals with Down syndrome, barriers fall, prejudices diminish and doors open. The event is FREE and includes bounce houses, food, games, music and lots of fun!

We hope to see you there!

For more information and to register please visit: http://www.familyconnectionsc.org/columbia-buddy-walk.html

Growth in Autism Confirmed

Autism cases aren't up just because mental health professionals are overdiagnosing the disorder. A study by two researchers using market theory shows the disorder really is more prevalent.

The number of autism cases has soared over the past three decades, leading some to wonder if mental health professionals might be overdiagnosing the disorder.Two economists who used market theory to study the trend in autism growth, however, have confirmed that at least part of the increase is real.

To read the full story please visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140909191843.htm

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

7th Annual Run for Thought

The Brain Injury Association of SC will be hosting it's 7th Annual Run for Thought on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Have you registered yet?

With your help, the BIASC will be able to:

• Continue prevention programs such as Heads Up! SC!, a concussion education program, and ThinkFirst, and injury prevention program.
• Provide financial support to nine brain injury support groups throughout SC through stipends, which help send group members to workshops, webinars, social outings and more.
• Provide an annual statewide brain injury conference that is a forum for the exchange of information on programs, services, and resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals.
• Print bi-annual newsletters and other print material that is sent to over 2,000 survivors, caregivers and professionals. Individuals depend on this information to learn more about brain injury, make informed decisions, and gain peer support.

Click http://www.biausa.org/sc/ to go to our event website. On our event website, you can register to run or walk, create a fundraising page, and become a sponsor!

Please contact our office at 803.731.9823 if you have any questions.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

Get Your Fundable Tickets Today!

Get Your Tickets Today!

Fundable is a month away!
The evening will feature live music from Drink Small, a silent auction, awards ceremony, open bar, and heavy hor d'oeuvres. We hope to see you there as we celebrate independence for people with disabilities!
Click here <http://able-sc.us4.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c86fb5ede9ea4a8329ed696f6&id=95f39bf549&e=77f2bea8ce> to register for Fundable and get your tickets today.
See you in November!

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

Speech Disability? A Free Phone Service!

Speech-to-Speech is a service for people with speech disabilities. 

Do you know someone who has a speech challenge and does not use the phone because of it? Learn how to use 7-1-1 Speech to Speech at relayservices@att.com (and click Speech-to-Speech Relay)

Or, attend a free webinar!
To register for the webinar send an email to stsinitiative@gmail.com 

Webinar dates:
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
0.1 ASHA CEUs available for free


To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2014!

Mark your calendar!

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015

Thursday, March 26, 2015

9 am – 4 pm

Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 

1066 Sunset Boulevard

West Columbia, S.C. 29169

(803) 796-7525

Come see what's new in assistive technology and attend presentations about assistive technology and its use. It’s all free!

You can see information (and pictures) from the SC Assistive Technology Expo 2014 at our webpage: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/expo/expo14.html 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2015 SC Assistive Technology Expo!

To learn more please visit: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/expo/expo14.html 

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/. 

Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessments: Utilizing the SETT and the WATI

There are still a few spots available in the Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessments: Utilizing the SETT and the WATI workshop that will be held next Wednesday, October 8^th, in the Assistive Technology Resource Center in Columbia, SC.

Assistive Technology Consideration and Assessments:  Utilizing the SETT and the WATI

Description:  Conducting student AT assessments can be sometimes difficult, but by using the WATI assessment and SETT framework, your assistive technology team will understand the process and will have the materials needed for documentation. The WATI and SETT are research based and used by many assistive technology specialists throughout the country. We will review resources and materials to show you how to conduct a professional AT assessment with students who need adapted materials, access to technology, help with seating, written productivity, and much more. Free materials and resources will be provided.

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Presenter:  Madalina Tudora, Assistive Technology Specialist, SC Dept of Education
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required

Register for the Assistive Technology Considerations and Assessments workshop

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/cdr/