Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Askate Skateboard Clinic in Aiken




The Askate foundation is developing their first autism friendly skateboard clinic in SC. They are hosting a free event in Aiken, SC on March 29th from 2-4 pm.

For more information, please email info@askate.org


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

Monday, March 30, 2015

Strides for Autism 2015!


Register online now!
Strides for Autism is the South Carolina Autism Society’s signature fund-raising and awareness walk. Each event includes a fun-walk, entertainment, resource fair, and family-fun activities.
Monies raised for the SC Autism Society stay in South Carolina and go towards family supports, education, advocacy, and South Carolina-based research. 


Dates & locations:


Upstate
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Heritage Park, Simpsonville


Midlands
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo



Friday, March 27, 2015

Brain Injury Association Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

Golf FORE! Awareness!  *  Golf FORE! Support!  *  Golf FORE! a Better Future!


Register Today!
Support the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina and register your team for the 12th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser!


Date: Friday, April 17, 2015
Location: Indian River Golf Club, 200 Indian River Drive, West Columbia, SC 
Format: Captain's Choice
Tee Off Time: 11:00am Shotgun Start
How to Register: Register online here.

*There are also sponsorship opportunities! Click on the link above to become a 2015 BIASC Golf Tournament Sponsor.

Come and enjoy a great afternoon of golf, lunch provided by Zaxby's, dinner sponsored by Travinia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar and awesome gifts and prizes for all! 


Contests include: 
-Top three teams
-Hole in one prizes- Kindle Fire, $500 Visa Giftcard, Nike Irons, $10,000 cash prize. 
-Men's and Women's longest drive
-Closest to the pin
-$50,000 Putting Shot Chance*

*Purchase $10 tickets for a chance to putt for $50,000! Ten different names will be drawn at the end of the tournament. The ten individuals whose names are drawn will get a chance to putt 10 ft, 30 ft, and 50 ft away from hole. Those that make it in all three times will win $50,000! There is no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase. 

For more information on other ways to register or sponsor, please contact us at 803.731.9823/877.TBI.FACT or visit our website, www.biausa.org/SC/


Thursday, March 26, 2015

Parent Training Workshops


Institute for Behavioral Training and Project HOPE Foundation Partner to Provide Training

Project HOPE Foundation and Institute for Behavioral Training (IBT) today announced a partnership to provide training resources to South Carolina parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are waiting for therapy services. Project HOPE Foundation has been serving the South Carolina autism community for almost 20 years.   IBT has trained over 5,000 people across the U.S. and other countries since 2013.  The training resources include parent training workshops across the state as well as online tools that provide parents and caregivers with in-depth training on ASD, applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavior management techniques, and other important topics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement on March 27, 2014, autism impacts one in 68 children and one in 42 boys. Rates of autism in South Carolina are consistent with these statistics.  The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) indicates that there are over 1,200 families waiting for services for their children diagnosed with ASD.  Project HOPE Foundation and the Institute for Behavioral Training were awarded a $125,000 DDSN training grant to provide training for South Carolina families that are waiting.

"At Hope Reach we frequently impress upon our staff two principles:  ABA changes lives and every moment counts,” says Mark Knight, director of HOPE Reach, a program of Project HOPE Foundation.  “Through this grant and the partnership with IBT, we will help empower hundreds of families waiting for services to capture teaching opportunities and experience the benefits of ABA."

Project HOPE Foundation and IBT will host eight parent training workshops across the state of South Carolina in 2015.  The first event will take place in Spartanburg on April 30, 2015, at the Mary Black Foundation (downtown Spartanburg) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The second event will take place on May 11, 2015 in Aiken, South Carolina.  Additional events will take place in Charleston, Greenwood, Columbia, Florence, Clemson and Greenville.  Project HOPE staff will be on site to provide in-person training to parents on ASD, behavior management techniques, ABA and other topics.  IBT staff will be on site to provide free access to its popular Parent eLearning program, allowing parents to continue their training at home, at their own pace.  Families will also be able to access Skills®, the leading online assessment and curriculum utilized by autism treatment centers worldwide (www.skillsforautism.com), as well as a recently published book on evidence-based treatment for individuals with ASD.

Eligible parents should attend the training event that is most convenient for them.  For registration and more information about the events, please visit the Project HOPE Foundation website at www.projecthopesc.org/parent-training or call Project HOPE Foundation at 864-476-7400; parents can also visit the IBT website at www.ibehavioraltraining.com/IBT/SouthCarolina-UpcomingEvents.aspx


Wednesday, March 25, 2015

SC Autism Society Media Club

 
                                             

NEW!  SCAS Media Club!

The South Carolina Autism Society is accepting video applications for our new Media Club located in the Midlands. 

Applicants must have the ability to work in a team atmosphere and must feel comfortable talking about Autism in relation to themselves, as well as current events. They will shoot visually exciting content that promotes issues in the autism community, educational tips, life-saving information and more. 

Interested applicants are required to create their own digital video about who they are and why they would be an asset to the SCAS Media Club. Videos should be no more than 3 minutes long and emailed as an attachment by April 12th to Christie Fleming at: Christie@scautism.org

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Universal Design Workshop Series


Universal Design Workshop Series free event, with food provided
Facilitated by Kehoe Constructors / Tim Kehoe

April 8th   5:30pm – 7:00pm
What is Universal Design? - An introduction to making homes functional and attractive, inclusive, flexible, and barrier free and visitable for everyone, every day, at all stages of life – photos / UD planning + actual UD local results – program includes Q & A 

April 15th 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Planning Homes for Visitability / Livable Design - Creating lifelong homes using Universal Design, and green building practices; providing ‘a better way to live’ with spacious living, convenience and functionality, and a comfortable place to retreat, for family and friends -- program includes Q & A 

Where: USC’s Swearingen Engineering Bldg.
315 Main St, Columbia, SC  
Room 1D49

RSVP to Jenay Beer
Phone:  803-777-7361


Monday, March 23, 2015

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015



Join us for the
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 learn more about the SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015 and see information (and pictures) from past Expos at our webpage:  
http://www.sc.edu/scatp/expo/expo15.html .

CEUs have been approved for SLPs, Nurses, Social Workers, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Continuing education units have also been approved by Baby Net!

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


Friday, March 20, 2015

SC Autism Society Annual Conference 2015


SOUTH CAROLINA AUTISM SOCIETY 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
One Month from Today – Register Now!

Friday, April 17, 2015
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: $50 per person
Location:  Saluda Shoals, 5605 Bush River Road, Irmo, SC  29212

Click here to Register for the Conference 
Click here to Exhibit at the Conference
Click here to view our Annual Awards, and submit your nominations

DON’T MISS THE SOUTH CAROLINA AUTISM SOCIETY’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE, FEATURING JED BAKER AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER. 

Breakout Sessions to Include:
·       Autism, Insurance, & Medicaid
·       How to Get a Job
·       How to Make and Utilize Visual Supports to Encourage Independence and Choice-Making during Daily Routines and Activities at Home, School and in the Community
·       Self-Advocate Panel
·       Talking about AAC and Behavior
·       The Autism Spectrum Disorders Friendly Health Care Initiative
·       The Sensory Integration Toolbox: 15 Life-changing Tips That Bring Out the Best in People With Autism
·       VR and Transition Services:  Helping Students Prepare for Work

Limited Scholarships are available for parents and self-advocates.  Click here to apply.
Do you know someone who is deserving of recognition?  Click here to view our Annual Awards, and submit your nominations.


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


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

SC Autism Society Workshops

All workshops will be held at the SC Autism Society 
806 12th Street West Columbia
10:00 AM Until Noon
Space is limited
Register by calling Delilah at 750 6988 ext 108 or email iandr@scautism.org


Thursday, March 19thVisual Supports in the Home and School EnvironmentVisual supports are crucial to children with autism.  They help them to break down tasks into small steps, know what is expected of them, know what to do and how to do it, and to help alleviate anxiety that comes from not knowing what to expect.  A student with autism needs structure and visual support that can help them in many ways.  In this workshop, we will demonstrate many wonderful free or low cost materials and resources that can be used for scheduling, task analysis and behavioral modification.
Thursday, April 23rdHow do I read my child’d IEP?  Important factors that all parents should know.IEP meetings can be overwhelming to say the least.  In this workshop, we will go over IEP’s and show you exactly what you need to know when you attend these meetings.  Crucial elements of the IEP will be discussed to ensure that your child is getting the services that they need.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Using Self-Advocacy to Prevent Bullying


USING SELF-ADVOCACY TO PREVENT BULLYING!

During this training, individual with disabilities will learn:

  • What is considered bullying?
  • Tips for preventing bullying.
  • Ways to develop a strong support system.
  • How to improve self-determination skills to effectively communicate with others when being intimidated.

  • Please contact Able SC to register for the training: (803) 779-5121 ext.126 TTY: (803)779-0949 dtempio@able-sc.org
    Wednesday March 18, 2015 2:00PM - 4:00PM, Able South Carolina 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210

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

    Friday, March 13, 2015

    The National Dialogue on Family Support


    Tell Us What You Think!

    The National Dialogue on Family Support is Monday, March 9th - March 30!

    What concerns do you have as a family caregiver or someone who relies on a caregiver? A national research project that runs through the end of March is looking to talk with people with disabilities and their family caregivers. For more information and how to participate: Click Here

    Who can participate? Family caregivers, people with disabilities, providers, and researchers can be involved in the talk through an online forum in English or Spanish.

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

    Thursday, March 12, 2015

    Autism Awareness for First Responders


    The SC Autism Society is honored to announce that Autism Society Task Force members, Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe and Captain William Cannata, Jr, are coming to South Carolina in May to present training sessions in three locations around the state: Greenville, Charleston and Columbia.  They are providing ‘Autism Awareness for First Responders’ in collaboration with the SC Fire Academy, Mt. Pleasant PD, Greenville PD, and CICP Carolinas Institute.


    This opportunity is being provided free of charge for all emergency response professionals including law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel and school resource officers. Our instructors are first responders with extensive experience in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Training is available in three different locations on three different days.

    5/19/15 - Alhambra Hall, Mt. Pleasant, SC at 9:00 am
    5/20/15 - Greenville Technical College, Greenville, SC at 9:00 am5/21/15 - SC Fire Academy, Columbia, SC at 9:00 am


    Capt. Cannata and Sgt. Donohoe have collaborated with the Autism Society in its Safe and Sound initiative since 2005. Sgt. Jimmy Donohoe is the creator of the ‘Take Me Home’ program, a database where participants who are unable to properly identify themselves register with a photo, physical description, and contact information so first responders can interact with increased knowledge when contacting a person with autism. Capt. William Cannata is retired from the fire service after serving more than 30 years, and is now the Program Director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition, which was formed in 2003.

    First responders can register online at http://scautism.org/event/autism-awareness-first-responders/


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

    Wednesday, March 11, 2015

    Resource Fair Opportunities: Annual Conference & Strides for Autism


    Resource Fair Opportunities

    The South Carolina Autism Society is excited to announce several upcoming Resource Fair Opportunities.  We invite you to consider participating in these exciting events.  Spaces begin at just $75.  Register now, or email me at SusanL@scautism.org for further information. 

    Strides for Autism – Upstate
    Saturday, April 11, 2015, Heritage Park, Simpsonville
    http://scautism.org/event/strides-upstate-2015/

    Strides for Autism – Midlands
    Saturday, May 2, 2015, Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo
    http://scautism.org/event/strides-midlands-2015/

    Annual Conference
    Friday, April 17, 2015, Saluda Shoals Conference Center, Irmo
    Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jed Baker
    http://scautism.org/event/2015-annual-conference/

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


    Tuesday, March 10, 2015

    3-2-1 DASH for Down Syndrome


    3-2-1 DASH for Down Syndrome is a 5K fundraiser; run an extra .11 mile to the 2nd finish like for a 3.21 finish! 

    Event proceeds benefit Education Programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Educational programs in the greater Charlotte area are helping to support educators and enable students with Down syndrome to live up to their full potential.

    Time: March 21, 2015 from 8:30am -12:00pm
    Location: 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte NC 28277
    Course: 5k/3.1 miles; run an extra .11 miles to the 2nd finish line for a 3.21 finish!

    5K Registration Fees: $25 until Jan 31; $35 Feb 1-Mar 20; $40 Race Day
    Fun Run Fees: $15 until Jan 31; $20 Feb 1-Mar 30; $25 Race Day


    For more information and to register please visit: http://www.dsa-gc.org/services/5Krace/

    Friday, March 06, 2015

    SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015

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

    Free Trainings Sponsored by the AT Coalition


    Free Webinars - Younger Children

    Pre-Writing Apps from SETC
    Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
      
    Free Webinars - K-12 & Adults

    Switch Assessment, Part 2: for those w/increased muscle tone  from AbleNet
    Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 9am Pacific, Noon Eastern

    Free & Low-cost Strategies to Improve Reading and Writing- Tweetchat from CTD
    Tuesday, March 10 at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern

    Examining Your School's AT Service Design: Session 1 from AbleNet
    Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 9:30am Pacific, 12:30pm Eastern

    The Top 5 iPad apps for Struggling Readers and Writers from CTD
    Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 1pm Pacific, 4:00pm Eastern

    What Is Speech Recognition Software, How It Is Used, and What You Should Know about When Authoring Web Content - from the ADA Centers
    Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

    AEM (Accessible Educational Materials) in the IEP from NCAEM
    Monday, March 23, 2015 at 1:30pm Pacific, 4:30pm Eastern

    Voices in AAC Apps: What Are the Options...? from AbleNet
    Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern (30 min.)

    Personalized Learning with Assistive Technology from PACER
    Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 4:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Eastern

    Connecting All People to "Places:" Content and Design Considerations for App Accessibility - from the ADA Centers
    Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

    K-12 Teachers may also want to look at the 16 other webinars from the Special Ed. Technology Center in WA, mainly held at 3:30 PM Pacific, 6:30 PM Eastern. Topics: joystick & switch access for iPads, Fast ForWord, adapted books, AAC, etc.

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

    Thursday, March 05, 2015

    Accessible Technology Webinar Series Session 2015


    The Great Lakes ADA Center in collaboration with the ADA National Network is pleased to announce the March 19, 2015 Accessible Technology Webinar Series Session:


    Title:   "What is speech recognition software, how it is used, and what you should know about when authoring web content"

    Description:
    This presentation will describe what speech recognition is and the people who use and benefit from speech recognition. It will cover what is available on different platforms such as Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms. Sample demonstration of speech recognition will be provided and a review of designing websites for use with speech recognition will be provided. This review will include what to know about speech recognition and the Accessible Rich Internet Applications Specification (ARIA). Follow-up resources will also be provided and questions will be taken.
    Presenter:  Jonathan Avila, Chief Accessibility Officer, SSB

    Time:  2:00-3:30PM ET
    Cost:   Free
    Registration is available on-line at: http://www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/AccessibleTechnology/   (New users will be required to establish an account in our system prior to completing registration)
    Format:  The webinar will be held using the Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing System v 12.6   Real-time captioning will be provided via the webinar platform.   Audio is delivered via the webinar platform or telephone connection.
    Questions?: Call 877-232-1990 V/TTY M-F 8-5pm CT or email at webinars@ada-audio.org




    Wednesday, March 04, 2015

    Monthly Workshops Offered at the SC Autism Society


    All workshops will be held at the SC Autism Society 
    806 12th Street West Columbia
    10:00 AM Until Noon
    Space is limited
    Register by calling Delilah at 750 6988 ext 108 or email iandr@scautism.org


    Thursday, March 19thVisual Supports in the Home and School EnvironmentVisual supports are crucial to children with autism.  They help them to break down tasks into small steps, know what is expected of them, know what to do and how to do it, and to help alleviate anxiety that comes from not knowing what to expect.  A student with autism needs structure and visual support that can help them in many ways.  In this workshop, we will demonstrate many wonderful free or low cost materials and resources that can be used for scheduling, task analysis and behavioral modification.
    Thursday, April 23rdHow do I read my child’d IEP?  Important factors that all parents should know.IEP meetings can be overwhelming to say the least.  In this workshop, we will go over IEP’s and show you exactly what you need to know when you attend these meetings.  Crucial elements of the IEP will be discussed to ensure that your child is getting the services that they need.
    Thursday, May 28thAdolescents and Sexuality; Resources that can helpAll individuals experience sexual urges and some students need help with learning how to deal with these feeling when they start.  In this workshop, we will go over how to deal with your sexuality for males and females, personal hygiene, and birth control.  We will also demonstrate various texts and websites that can help your adolescent child better deal with their sexuality.
    Thursday, July 30thSensory Integration – How Can I Help My Child?The majority of students with autism have Sensory Processing Disorder.  Students can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sights, sounds, smells and especially noises.  This disorder can interfere with everything in the child’s life.  We will discuss what this disorder is and how we can help to desensitize children who experience problems in this area and how exercise and movements is vital to calm and relaxed to they can attend to various tasks.  We will demonstrate items that can help students in these areas and discuss books that can help educators’ and parents to learn more about SPD.
    Thursday, August, 27thCreating Social Stories 
    Since students with ASD are extremely visual, social stores can help alleviate difficult behaviors, anxiety, stress and the unknown.  In this workshop, we will discuss how to create a social story and we will also go over free and low-cost resources where you can find social stories that are premade.  Bring your own computer or iPad if available.












    Tuesday, March 03, 2015

    Resources To Help Families With Autism


    Columbia (WLTX) Sandi Bretten has been blessed with two wonderful boys... who happen to have autism.
    "Some children with autism are brillant and some children like mine are learning disabled. Some children have splinter skills, " said Bretten.
    Those with autism can have varying degrees of difficulty in a multitude of areas, like speech, learning and sensory and social skills.
    "Chase is an amazing musician. My son Julian was reading at a third grade level when he was three years old but can barely string three or four words together in a sentence", said Bretten.
    But one of the problems a 2012 study confirmed and that many parents already knew, wandering by children with autism is common. It's dangerous and puts tremendous stress on families.
    To read this story in full & to read tips to help prevent wandering and wandering-related incidents please visit: http://www.wltx.com/story/life/2015/02/25/resources-to-help-families-with-autism/24028797/
    To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp