Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Free Assistive Technology Trainings Coming Up!



Accessibility on Mobile Devices: Accessibility Features in iOS 9 and Android-Based Devices

Date: 
February 16, 2016 
2:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenter: Jennifer Courduff

Level: Beginner

Register:

You have a smartphone, or a tablet, or maybe both – but do you really know just how smart it really is? For example, did you know that you could set your device to read a selection of text to you? Did you know that you could limit student access to just one app? In this webinar, participants will be guided through the accessibility features offered on iOS9 and Android-based devices. You will learn about the basics of accessibility and easy applications to teaching and learning. You will also be provided with some great resources to assist students in accessing educational content through their tablets and mobile devices.
Getting to Know “Speak for Yourself”

Date
February 18, 2016 
11:00 am CST - 60-minutes

CostFREE

Presenter: Heidi Lostracco

LevelBeginner

Registration: 

“Speak for Yourself” is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that is helping thousands of individuals with complex communication needs have a voice. Children as young as 11 months and adults pursuing a college degree are using it to successfully meet the communication needs in their lives. Learn about the evidence-based research and experience-based features that make “Speak for Yourself” complex enough to be functional for a range of AAC users and simple enough to be supported by parents and professionals.
Using QIAT to Improve AT Services, Part 1: Using QIAT to Develop Improvement Plans

Date: 
February 23, 2016 
11:00 am CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenters: Scott Marfilius and Jane Korsten

Level: Beginner

Registration:

QIAT Overview: Are you looking for ways to develop or improve your AT services? This series of four webinars will help you use the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) as a tool to evaluate and improve your existing AT service design. Each webinar will offer ideas, activities and examples of how QIAT has been used by AT programs across the country as well as internationally.
Part 1 Overview: The first of four webinars about using the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT), will offer an overview of the quality indicators and the tools that have been developed by the QIAT Consortium to make them more useful. QIAT can be used as a self-evaluation tool by IEP teams, district AT teams and state and regional programs as well as ways that the results of the QIAT self-evaluation can be used to create a vision for an AT program will be discussed. Stories about teams who have used them will be shared.
Let’s Look at Chrome: Apps & Extensions for STEAM

Date: 
February 24, 2016
10:30 am CST - 30-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenter: Mike Marotta

Level: Beginner
Registration: 

With Chromebooks taking over K-12 education, practitioners and educators need to refill their “toolkit” with a whole new set of supports for ALL learners. Using the power of Chrome, we can provide supports for learners not only on Chromebooks, but on any computer using the Chrome browser. This fast-paced webinar will introduce an array of Chrome-based apps and extensions focused on providing support for students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
Using QIAT to Improve AT Services, Part 2: Using QIAT to Set Program Goals

Date
March 08, 2016
 2:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenters: Joan Breslin-Larson & Joy Smiley Zabala

Level: Beginner

Registration: 

QIAT Overview: Are you looking for ways to develop or improve your AT services? This series of four webinars will help you use the Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) as a tool to evaluate and improve your existing AT service design. Each webinar will offer ideas, activities and examples of how QIAT has been used by AT programs across the country as well as internationally.
Part 2 Overview: Once a team has created a vision and set goals for developing or improving AT services there are many decisions to be made. How should the team proceed? What is the most effective use of the team's efforts? Who should be involved in planning and implementation? In the second webinar of the Using QIAT series, information about the types of actions that are most effective in developing an AT service improvement plan will be provided and tools and examples of the ways that teams have used QIAT to help create a plan of action will be shared.
Managing Conflict and AT, Part 1: Conflict and Disagreement About AT – Know Your Personal Style

Date: 
March 17, 2016
 11:00 am CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenters: Penny Reed & Gayl Bowser

Level: Beginner

Register:

Working with other adults is a requirement in the field of AT and yet most AT service providers will tell you that this is one of the most difficult components of their job. Conflict can arise when someone believes that AT is not a good idea, when a team cannot reach a decision, or when individuals do not understand their role.

Part 1 Overview:
When there is conflict, it is most effective to address it directly rather than trying to just “be nice to everyone”. In addition, there are strategies and procedures that diminish the likelihood of conflict arising in the first place. Everyone has their own style of dealing with conflict and disagreement. In the first of four webinars about Finding Common Ground, we’ll discuss the differences between conflict and disagreement and ways to identify your personal style for addressing conflict.
Technology Beyond the Classroom: Tools for Transition

Date: 
March 22, 2016
 2:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenter: Mike Marotta

Level: Beginner

Registration:

This webinar will focus on providing supports to transition age individuals with disabilities via mobile devices to increase independence in the areas of employment, community living and post-secondary education. Using the built-in apps available on all mobile devices, along with specific supports to increase the functionality, individuals can build a customized transition toolkit.
Managing Conflict and AT, Part 2: Effective Communication Skills for Addressing Conflict

Date: 
March 31, 2016
11:00 am CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenters: Penny Reed and Gayl Bowser

Level: Beginner

Registration:


Working with other adults is a requirement in the field of AT and yet most AT service providers will tell you that this is one of the most difficult components of their job. Conflict can arise when someone believes that AT is not a good idea, when a team cannot reach a decision, or when individuals do not understand their role.

Part 2 Overview:
The ability to use specific communication skills is of great benefit in addressing conflict and disagreement about AT services. Clarifying questions allow coaches and other supporters to bring out new information. Active listening encourages understanding and a reduction of conflict and disagreement. Reflective feedback helps each party to think creatively about the situation and identify new ways of addressing problems. In this session, we’ll focus on communication skills that can be used to directly address conflict and disagreement when it occurs in your AT practice.
Managing Conflict and AT, Part 3: Using Dialogue Skills to Find Common Ground

Date: 
April 07, 2016
 11:00 am CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenters: Penny Reed and Gayl Bowser

Level: Beginner

Registration:

Working with other adults is a requirement in the field of AT and yet most AT service providers will tell you that this is one of the most difficult components of their job. Conflict can arise when someone believes that AT is not a good idea, when a team cannot reach a decision, or when individuals do not understand their role.

Part 3 Overview:
Many assistive technology professionals experience find that they encounter disagreement or conflict with individuals as a part of their work. For example, a professional with a limited view of what AT means may state that "AT is only for kids who are blind or deaf or physically handicapped;" Others may be afraid to recommend AT because they are afraid it too expensive. In the third webinar in the Finding Common Ground series, we discuss strategies such as making it safe, starting with your heart and exploring others’ thinking.
Wearable Technology as AT

Date: 
April 12, 2016 
2:00 pm CST - 60-minutes

Cost: FREE

Presenter: Mike Marotta

Level: Beginner

Registration:

The latest trend in technology is wearable technology. From fitness trackers to the Apple Watch to the Internet of Things, this market is poised to explode. Market research shows that wearable device shipments will surpass 140 million and account for nearly $16 Billion in revenue by the end of 2016. With these devices comes new opportunity to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.Learn how these devices can assist with organization, independence, communication and so much more.

Photo Opportunity for People with Spinal Cord Injury

Do you know someone with a
spinal cord injury?

The South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association is looking for a few individuals in South Carolina with spinal cord injuries to be professionally photographed for our website. Individuals will need their own transportation to Columbia on a date in March.

Some of the the photography topic areas include:
  • Play a musical instrument
  • Mom or dad of school-age children
  • Attend yoga 
  • Spouse or partner snuggling with them on the couch
  • Involved with a home improvement project
  • Hobby or craft
  • A job where you dress in a suit or some kind of uniform
  • Parent of a baby
  • Play sports or engage in some sort of exercise
  • Pose with a friend for a silly selfie
If you know someone who fits one of these areas, please have them call 803-252-2198 or info@scspinalcord.org. 
Hurry! The deadline is February 29.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Independent Living Public Forums


Independent Living Public Forums

Come share your ideas and experience on the following:
  • Access to Public Venues
  • Transportation Services
  • Benefits Planning
  • Employment Services
  • Housing
  • Medical Services


According to a recent statewide survey, these issues are affecting individuals with disabilities in SC every day. The South Carolina Independent Living Council is working to understand these challenges and make a path towards addressing them. ASL interpreters will be present at both forums.

Now is the time to speak up and make South Carolina  abetter place to live for people with disabilities. Information gathered at these forums will help in developing the State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) for 2017 to 2020

Please contact the SCSILC at scsilc@scsilc.org for additional information

All request for accommodations are due at least 7 days before each event.

Midlands Public Forum: February 23, 2016 at 5:30 pm 
136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210

Upstate Public Forum: February 25, 2016 at 5:30 pm
1 Creekview Ct., Suite A, Greenville, SC 29615

Statewide Web-Based Forum: February 29, 2016 at 5:00 pm

Sign Up for Camp M.A.T.E.S

Sign Up for Camp M.A.T.E.S!

Camp M.A.T.E.S is a theory driven sports, music, nutrition, reading, and social skills camp for children and adolescents with social skills deficits, including but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Social Anxiety, and Learning Disabilities. Camp M.A.T.E.S enhances overall physical health, increases psychosocial functioning, and provides children and adolescents with social skills deficits a positive summer experience within a supportive environment.

Each week of camp has a different theme with unique lesson plans for social skills, nutrition, academics/life skills and physical activity.

When:

Wednesdays and Fridays
June 2016 - August 2016
8:30 am - 3:00 pm 

Where:

Location in Columbia TBD

Cost:

A non-refundable deposit which will be applied to tuition is due by May 1. Pay a $100 deposit by April 1 and tuition is $110/week all summer. After April 1, deposit is $115 and tuition is $115/week. Siblings are $100/week for each child. 

For more information, click here.
Space is limited, register today by emailing campmates@autismacademyofsc.org 
or calling 803-929-0011

Friday, February 19, 2016

2016 SC Assistive Technology Expo

AT Expo 2016 logo
Just two weeks away!
 
Thursday, March 3, 2016
9 am – 4 pm
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169 
(803) 796-7525
 Cost: Free
No pre-registration
 
Come see what's new in assistive technology and attend presentations about assistive technology and its use. It’s the only event of its kind in the state.
 
To learn more about the SC Assistive Technology Expo 2016 and see information (and pictures) from past Expos at our webpage, click here

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Dance USA Webinar


Dance USA Webinar #5. 
All In: Engaging Audiences with Disabilities

April 6, 2016 2:00-3:15 EST

Today, the dance field strives to be inclusive of all audiences, who vary in their physical and cognitive abilities. Hear from EDA grantees about how they plan and prepare accessible programs designed to reach audiences with disabilities. Grantees and their programs are: Cincinnati Ballet Company’s Gentle Nutcracker, attended by children with disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome and their families; Millersville University’s residency with Axis Dance Company, designed for audiences of mixed physical abilities and wounded warriors; and Keshet Dance Company’s repertory integrating dancers with disabilities throughout New Mexico.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Application Link for South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum


2015 SC Youth Leadership Delegates
July 6 - 8 | Columbia College | Columbia, SC
We are now accepting applications for SC Youth Leadership Forum (SCYLF)!

South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (SCYLF) is a unique 3 day overnight summer leadership experience that empowers leadership and self-advocacy skills for young adults with disabilities. SCYLF also enhances the personal, academic and career potential for young adults with disabilities through leadership activities and experiences with peers, mentors, lawmakers, and successful role models with disabilities.

The South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum (SCYLF) is open to young adults with any type of disability who are rising 11th or 12th graders, or 2016 high school graduates.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2016
Ready to apply? Find out more here.

ABLE Passionate and Powerful Relationships

Passionate and Powerful Relationships

Would you like to have a romantic relationship or easygoing friendship, but find yourself feeling anxious or nervous about exploring intimacy?  Enjoying relationships can be easy with a bit of knowledge and tips. With the right information, you can enjoy the benefits of happy, healthy connections!

During the training, we will: 
  • Examine myths about sexuality and people with disabilities.
  • Learn how to conquer your fears about being intimate or friendly by arming yourself with accurate information. 
  • Understand your needs and how to communicate them to a partner as well as those in your support system.
This training is for individuals with disabilities only.
Join Us On-line or In Person
REGISTER ON-LINE:
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Online Registration
REGISTER FOR IN PERSON TRAINIG
Tuesday, Februrary 16, 2016
2:00 - 4:00 pm
136 Stonemark Lane, Ste 100
Columbia, SC 29210
In Person Registration