NEW DATES for the Advocacy in Action Training!

Do you care about disability rights? 

Do you want to learn how to advocate for yourself and others? 

Join us for our new 

ADVOCACY IN ACTION training—

now with added dates! 

Who should attend?

Able SC's Advocacy in Action Training is about giving you the skills you need to make you feel confident in speaking with your elected officials. If you are interested in becoming a Team Captain and leading a group of advocates to their elected officials on Advocacy Day, the completion of this class is mandatory. However, we also encourage anyone who is interested in learning how to be a better self-advocate to participate! 

What is the class?

During this one-day, 3-hour training, we will cover the basics of how to be a political self-advocate. Topics covered will include: 

• How to identify the real issues 
• Identify who to talk to 
• Crafting an impactful elevator pitch 
• Making the ask 
• The importance of active listening 
• Knowing how and when to walk away 
• Do's and don't's when representing the disability community 

When is it?

• March 11, 2020, from 1:00-4:00 PM
• March 23, 2020, from 2:30-5:00 PM 

We have both in-person (in Columbia) and online training options for both dates. If you are unavailable on either of these dates, you can sign up to be notified if other dates become available.

Attendance is free 

but space is limited, 

so RSVP below. 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Register here!

Able South Carolina

720 Gracern Road Suite 106

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121

advocacy@able-sc.org 

Free Webinars on Assistive Technology

The Accessible Technology Coalition 

compiles this listing of free webinars 

from around the Web! 

Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions. 

AT Webinars - Adult and All Ages

Apps that Support Wellness for All Ages from PACER
March 11, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Introduction to Accessibility in Adobe PDF from AT3 Center
March 24, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Technology Help for Stroke Survivors and their Carers from AbilityNet
March 31, 2020 at 3am Pacific, 6am Eastern (Early rising, anyone?)

AT Webinars - K-12

Assistive Technology for Vision Loss from SETC
March 2, 2020 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Creating Low cost Assistive Technology Solutions for Reading, Writing, Learning and Demonstrating Skill Acquisition from Idaho Training Clearinghouse
March 3, 2020 at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern (2 hours)

AT in Minutes: New, Cool, and Awesome Solutions for Students with Severe Disabilities from Idaho Training Clearinghouse
Mar 3, 2020 at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern

AT to Support Social-Emotional Development for Young Children from PACER
March 3, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern
 
An Emergent Literacy Routine that Supports Communication from SETC
March 3, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Advancing AT Processes: AT in the IEP at SETC
March 4, 2020 at 3:30am Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

How can robotic avatars help children who are long-term ill take part in school from home? from CALLScotland
March 4, 2020 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern(30 min.)

Beyond the Slideshow - Using Google Slides from AbleNet
March 5, 2020 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

The Path to Being an AEM Cohort State from NCAEM
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Accessibility for All: Creating an Equitable Learning Ecosystem from edWeb
March 9, 2020 at 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern

NEW Bookbug resources for Clicker and Grid 3 software on PC and iPad from CALLScotland
March 11, 2020 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern (30 min.)

Working with Students Using Switches: Collaboration is Key from SETC
March 11, 2020 at 3:30am Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Enhancing Communication for Individuals w/Autism: Prompting and AAC from edWeb
March 12, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3:00 Eastern

Breaking Barriers: Movie Editing with Alternative Access from SETC
March 12, 2020 at 3:30am Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

AT for your Child w/Complex Cognitive Needs: Communication Supports from AbleNet
March 17, 2020 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

We have a communication device, now how can we use it? Strategies for AAC Implementation from PACER
March 17, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

How Young is Too Young for Assistive Technology from SETC
March 17, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Using Widgit Online to support learners with additional needs in the classroom from CALLScotland
March 18, 2020 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern(30 min.)

UDL in Action: Practical Ideas for the Classroom from SETC
April 2, 2020 at 3:30am Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
 
Archived Webinars

Introduction to Creating Accessible Documents from Idaho Training Clearinghouse

Selecting an Access Method - Switches, Keyboard or Eye Gaze? from Call Scotland

6 Tips for Accessibility in Microsoft Word from ABLE Tech

WIND IS COMING! Are you registered?

WIND IS COMING!

Our Wheeling in New Directions conference is just over 3 months away! The focus of this year's conference is all about Research & SCI. We have all kinds of speakers who have been professionals working with spinal cord injury for years.  They will be covering topics from depression to pressure injuries, from general research understanding to the latest and greatest research going on today.  You won't want to miss this fun filled day.

Register Now!

SESSIONS:

Keynote Speaker:

Katie Gant Ph.D, Director of Education and Outreach at the Miami Project
"Update on SCI Research from The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis"

Depression and SCI with Rafe Ellisor, MSW
Session sponsored by Paralyzed Veterans of America

Pressure Injury and Best Practices with Susan Newman, Ph.D, CRRN
Session sponsored by Columbia Rehabilitation Clinic

Aging Well with SCI with Dr. Micheal Priebe, MD
Session sponsored by Anchor Medical

Research 101 with Kaci Handlery, PT, DPT
Session sponsored by Encompass Health


Join Us Next Week!

What is your area of interest?

• Is AAC your Thing? 
• Developing skills in Low-Vision Blind AT? 
• Looking into Rehabilitation through Virtual Reality? 
• Hoping to find resources for navigating the Funding Maze? 
• Seeking supports for Learning Differences? 
• Wanting to learn more about Legal Requirements for AT in Schools?

Join us at the 

2020 Assistive Technology Expo 

to learn about all this and more!

When: Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Where: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Time:   8:30 am - 4:00 pm 
Cost: FREE! Open to the Public!

EXHIBITS AND WORKSHOPS SHOWCASING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

Imagine everything you need, all under one roof! The SC Assistive Technology Program will host the 27th annual SC Assistive Technology Expo.  This event is the go-to source for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Every event opens your eyes to new technologies, new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. Where else can you discover ability-enhancing products and services, learn about adaptive sports, and attend informative workshops and only scratch the surface of what the Expo has to offer?

EXPLORE THE EXHIBIT HALL FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Attendees experience cutting- edge products and services for people with a wide range of disabilities. They discover mobility products, devices for people with developmental disabilities, medical equipment, home accessories, daily living aids, products for seniors and equipment for people with sensory impairments and much more.

ATTEND WORKSHOPS

A series of compelling workshops which address pressing disability issues are offered free-of-charge to all attendees.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Contact Lydia Durham at (800) 915-4522 or 803-935-5263 or email at Lydia.Durham@uscmed.sc.edu .

Key Reasons to Attend the 2020 AT Expo!

5 Key Reasons to attend the 

SC AT Expo on March 3, 2020

1. Learn about the latest technology from over 70 exhibitors in the Exhibit Hall.
2. Network with individuals and professionals interested in assistive technology.
3. Connect the dots between your work and home and the devices and resources that can help you achieve.
4. Learn from AT leaders from across the nation whose expertise will lead to your success.
5. Get FREE CEU’s for SLP’s, EI’s, Nurses, Social Workers and Long Term Care staff while attending sessions on assistive technology topics.

SC Assistive Technology Expo

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

1101 Lincoln Street

Columbia, SC

Registration on-site the day of the event

FREE!

Visit the Expo page at

http://scatp.med.sc.edu/ 

for more information.

AT Exchange website

The SCATP AT Exchange 

website has recently been upgraded. 

If you had a listing or you had previously created an account, 

you will need to re-register and re-post your items.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you need any help setting up your account or posting items, 

please contact Alli Upchurch at (803) 935-5273 

or alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu.

Learn about respectful relationships!

What are healthy relationships built on?

One of the main things is respect! Relationships don't have to be romantic; they can involve your friends, family, or even co-workers. Register for a free training online on February 24 or in-person on February 25 and learn all about:

• having respect in relationships,
• working to keep relationships healthy and happy,
• and knowing when you may need to leave a relationship.

Register here!

For questions or accommodation requests

contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org

or 800-681-6805/TTY: 803-779-0949.

Able South Carolina

720 Gracern Road Suite 106

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121
advocacy@able-sc.org

Family Connection of South Carolina's Hopes & Dreams Conference

Don't miss the the 

Hopes & Dreams Conference!

Join us this year at the R2i2 Conference Center, 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC to connect and learn more about how to better meet the needs of those with disabilities and special healthcare needs. 

Register Now!

Tuesday Keynote Speaker

Lise Fox, PhD

Keynote Session: Changing practices, changing lives: Partnering with families to promote social emotional outcomes and address challenging behavior

Learn more about the critical importance of early intervention, effective practices, and how professionals and families can team to achieve positive outcomes.

Wednesday Keynote Speaker

Dr. Kerry Magro

Keynote Session: Defining Special Needs: From Nonverbal to Professional Speaker 

This is a presentation from award-winning national motivational speaker Kerry Magro on how he got to and survived the education experience growing up being on the spectrum and how his experiences, both good and bad, can help students with disabilities from early childhood to the transition into adulthood. 

Wednesday Lunch Keynote Speaker

Bryann Burgess

Keynote Session: Rethinking disAbilties and Engaging Families in the Performing Arts

A young woman with Down syndrome shares her reflections of her journey in the performing arts thus far, and the importance of including families in the arts.

Full Conference Schedule

CEU Information

• Foster Care Credits have been approved for all workshops (up to 11.25 hours for the entire conference). 
• AHEC: This program is approved for 1.1CEU’s (11.25 clock hours) of continuing education by Mid-Carolina AHEC, Inc. and meets the SC AHEC Best Practices Standards. Participants must attend 90% of the program in order to receive a certificate of attendance. No partial credit will be given. 
• Social Workers: This program has been approved by the SC Board of Social Work Examiners for 2.5 clock hours of social work and 8.75 clock hours of NON-social work continuing education. 
• Babynet, Part C Credentialing: BabyNet personnel will need to email Lisa Henry at Lisa.Henry@uscmed.sc.edu to have the 2020 Hopes & Dreams Conference evaluation added to their training account. They will be asked to provide the name and brief description of the workshop that they attended during each of the breakout sessions. 
• Counselors and therapists-LPC, LMFTs: This program has been pre-approved for 11.25 hours of continuing education by SC AHEC under its accreditation by the SC Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Psycho-Educational Specialists. 
• Nursing:  Mid-Carolina AHEC is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by South Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This nursing continuing education activity approval # 1811-032PR-123 has been approved for 11.25 hours. 
• SC Endeavors (CCCC-D): Many workshops approved for credit! 

Register Now!

Sponsor Hopes & Dreams 2020

There are several sponsorship opportunities available. 

Show your support for learning and understanding in the community.

Become a Sponsor

Be an Exhibitor

Are you looking for greater exposure for your company? 

This is a unique opportunity for you to promote your services.

Exhibitor Registration

Assistive Technology Solutions for Transition Employment Success Training

**Training Opportunity**

Assistive Technology Solutions

for Transition and Employment Success

A Training Opportunity Co-Sponsored by
The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
And
The Transition Alliance of South Carolina

Join us from

10:00 am until 12:00 pm on
Wednesday, February 19th
in Columbia, SC

To learn about assistive technology resources –
From free and simple (“low tech”) to substantial and complex (“high tech”) -

That can open up possibilities you have never imagined for

education, employment and independent living!

Space is LIMITED!

Registration is free, but required.

Register Here!

Contact Information:

transition@uscmed.sc.edu

The Transition Alliance of South Carolina
is made possible by funding from:
The South Carolina Department of Education

BIASC - Graduate student opportunity

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

  Graduate Research Assistant

Position Description

SC Brain Injury Safety Net Overview: 

The South Carolina Brain Injury Safety Net is a 2.5-year project to create much-needed state-wide resources and infrastructure to support children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their families, schools and medical providers. The SC Brain Injury Safety Net (or “Safety Net”) program provides updated, high-quality training and educational resources for schools, families, and healthcare professionals on best practices in pediatric concussion management, and is funded by a South Carolina foundation grant. The graduate student will work under the supervision of the Safety Net Program Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating all the grant activities.  The Program Coordinator works under the supervision of the BIASC Executive Director.

SC Brain Injury Safety Net Graduate Research Assistant Responsibilities:

• Assist Project Coordinator and BIASC staff with the implementation of the SC Brain Injury Safety Net (SCBISN) project as needed
• Work with SCBISN Task Force and other key stakeholders to collect and analyze data and develop reports on project outcomes
• Create, organize and maintain all project-specific data in SCBISN project database
• Develop audience-appropriate reports, trainings, presentations, one-pagers and marketing materials for the SC Brain Injury Safety Net and key stakeholders under the supervision of the Project Coordinator
• Update and modify the Brain Injury Safety Net project website, including developing content, keeping the events page up to date, responding to emails and communicating updated information to web designer and other consultants (graphic designer, etc.) as needed.
• Develop content for and update BIASC social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, as related to the project
• Manage scheduling and logistics for the SCBISN Task Force meetings and other stakeholder meetings/workshops/trainings, including travel and other accommodations for in- and out-of-state experts
• Assist Project Coordinator, BISN Task Force, and national experts with the development and distribution of training webinars
•  Assist Project Coordinator with quarterly progress reports and reimbursement forms according to grantor guidelines
• Provide concussion management resources to key audiences across the state, including coordinating the SC REAP Manual training and presentation requests from interested organizations (e.g. parents/families, hospitals, providers, schools, etc.)
•  Assist in preparation of proposal(s) for funding and/or continuation from alternative resources
• Promote information about brain injury and the Brain Injury Association of SC on an ongoing basis
• Perform basic administrative and other duties as assigned by Project Coordinator or Executive Director

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; candidate in good standing for Master’s degree or higher preferred
• Self-starter with the ability to manage time effectively
• Professional writing, verbal, and organizational skills required
• Knowledge of and experience with computer management and software applications, including proficiency in Microsoft Windows (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Willingness to learn website design and content management platform skills (i.e. Squarespace, Wordpress)
• Possession of a valid driver's license and adequate personal vehicle insurance

Details & Benefits: 

This is a 15 to 20 hour/week Graduate Research Assistant position, located at the Brain Injury Association of SC offices in Columbia, SC to start in the spring of 2020 through the end of June 2021. This is a paid position ($12 to $16/hour), with pay commensurate with experience; access to a laptop and office space will be provided. Some travel and remote work required. Prefer candidates who can be available/in South Carolina during the summer months of 2020 and 2021. This position will provide extensive hands-on experience in a statewide non-profit setting. The Graduate Research Assistant will learn essential non-profit project management, coalition-building, data collection, research and evaluation skills, and will be a key part of the implementation of the Brain Injury Safety Net project. Highly-organized students with strong writing skills are encouraged to apply. Presentation and public speaking experience are not necessary but student must be willing to learn and be open to training and feedback. Student will be working with multiple stakeholders including SCDHEC, SC Department of Education, professional associations, and healthcare systems, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers, as well as school health advocates and experts.

Please send cover letter and résumé to

Katie Zenger, SCBISN Project Coordinator,

at safetynetcoordinator@biaofsc.com

by March 20, 2020.

Free Webinars on Assistive Technology

The Accessible Technology Coalition

compiles this listing of free webinars

from around the Web!

Follow the

ATC Facebook page

for late additions.

AT Webinars - General

Social Media Accessibility from AT3
February 12, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Tools for Living: How Technology is Transforming the Experience of Independence from GrandCare Systems
February 21, 2020 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Central (75 min.)  

AT Webinars - K-12

AT for your Child with Complex Cognitive Needs: Communication Supports from AbleNet
February 11, 2020 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

Integrating AAC into the Classroom from SETC
February 11, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern     

Advancing AT Processes AT Assessment from SETC
February 12, 2020 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

ATIA Recap from SETC
February 12, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern    

Beyond Switch Training Activities from SETC
February 13, 2020 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern        

Using AAC to meet Literacy Goals in Elementary and Secondary Classrooms from SETC
February 18, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Exploration of AAC Devices and Tools from PACER
February 18, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

AT in Minutes: New, Cool, and Awesome Solutions for Students with Severe Disabilities (Session 1 of 3) from Idaho State DoE
February 18, 2020 at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern (2 hours)

'Appy Hour' : Apps that Support Independence for Vision Loss from PACER
February 19, 2020 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

Executive Function Series : Part 2: Executing the Plan - Time & Focus from PACER
February 20, 2020 at 2:30pm Pacific, 5:30pm Eastern (90 min.)

AT for your Child with Complex Cognitive Needs: Behavior Supports from AbleNet
February 25, 2020 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

AT Chatter- AAC Implementation Strategies for the Classroom from SETC
February 25, 2020 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

Creating Low Cost AT Solutions for Physical Disabilities from Idaho State DoE
February 25, 2020; 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern (2 hours)   

Aided Language Input: How to! from SETC
February 27, 2020 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern       

Assistive Technology for Vision Loss from SETC
March 2, 2020 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Creating Low cost Assistive Technology Solutions for Reading, Writing, Learning and Demonstrating Skill Acquisition from Idaho Training Clearinghouse
March 3, 2020 at 3pm Pacific, 6pm Eastern (2 hours)

AT to Support Social-Emotional Development for Young Children from PACER
March 3, 2020 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern



Wheeling in New Directions Conference 2020

WIND Conference

on Saturday, May 30th!

You are invited to join us for a Research & SCI event! This year's Wheeling in New Directions (WIND) conference is in Columbia, SC on Saturday, May 30th.  It will be a day for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), their family, and professionals working with SCI to learn about research topics and interact with peers from all over the state.

 

You don't want to miss this opportunity.  Tickets start at $15 for individuals with SCI and one caregiver can attend free! See below for more information and click the button to register!

Register Now!

SESSIONS:

Keynote Speaker: Katie Gant Ph.D,

Director of Education and Outreach at the Miami Project
"Update on SCI Research from The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis"

Depression and SCI with Rafe Ellisor, MSW

Pressure Injury and Best Practices with Susan Newman, Ph.D, CRRN

Aging Well with SCI with Dr. Micheal Priebe, MD

Research 101 with Kaci Handlery, PT, DPT

Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

This conference was made possible by Grant SCIRF #2019-CET-01 from the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund. However, contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the SCIRF and do not imply by the funding agency.

Are you passionate about disability rights?

Do you care about disability rights?

Do you want to learn how to advocate for yourself and others?

Join us for our new 

ADVOCACY IN ACTION training!

Who should attend? Able SC's Advocacy in Action Training is about giving you the skills you need to make you feel confident in speaking with your elected officials. If you are interested in becoming a Team Captain and leading a group of advocates to their elected officials on Advocacy Day, the completion of this class is mandatory. However, we also encourage anyone who is interested in learning how to be a better self-advocate to participate! 

What is the class? During this one-day, 3-hour training, we will cover the basics of how to be a political self-advocate. Topics covered will include:

• How to identify the real issues 
• Identify who to talk to 
• Crafting an impactful elevator pitch 
• Making the ask 
• The importance of active listening 
• Knowing how and when to walk away 
• Do's and don't's when representing the disability community 

When is it? March 11, 2020, from 1:00-4:00 PM. We have both in-person (in Columbia) and online training options. If you are unavailable on this date, you can sign up to be notified if other dates become available. 

Attendance is free but space is limited, 

so RSVP below. 

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Register here!

Able South Carolina

720 Gracern Road Suite 106 

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121 

advocacy@able-sc.org 

AT Expo 2020 is One Month Away!

Join us at the 

SC Assistive Technology EXPO!

Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020
Time: 8:30 am Registration and Exhibit Hall Open / 9:30 Classes Begin
Cost: FREE! Open to the Public
Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (Directions)
Registration: No Pre-Registration
Parking: Free parking is available in convention center parking lot and in 1007 Park Street parking garage

The SC Assistive Technology Program hosts the SC Assistive Technology Expo and is the go-to source for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Join us for this year’s event and learn about new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. This is the only Assistive Technology event in South Carolina where you can explore the exhibit hall for the latest products and services and attend compelling workshops which address pressing disability issues

Program for parents aims to help youths with autism successfully transition to adulthood

Sharita Forrest, Education Editor 

217-244-1072 

slforres@illinois.edu

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A 12-week training program will be offered in Naperville, Illinois, for parents of youths and young adults with autism so they can help their children successfully transition to adulthood.

The Advocating for Supports to Improve Service Transitions program is open to parents of young people ages 16-26 who have an autism spectrum disorder.

The ASSIST training will include weekly two-hour group discussions covering a variety of topics, said Linda Tortorelli, the director of The Autism Program at the University of Illinois, who helped design the curriculum and will lead the training.

Parents will learn about advocating for the community-based supports and services their child might need, including obtaining Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Parents will also receive information on long-term planning for their child’s future through instruments such as special needs trusts, wills and guardianships.

Click here to read more!

Make your voice heard on emergency preparedness!

Share Your Point of View on 

Emergency Preparedness, 

Response, and Recovery

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) wants to hear and learn from people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers, about their experiences during emergencies or disasters. We want to learn how you plan, respond, and recover from these emergency situations. Your input will help us serve you better before, during, and after an event. 

WHEN: 

Thursday, February 13, 2020

2:30 - 4:30 PM 

WHERE: 

South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department

HR Development Center

1410 Boston Avenue, Columbia, SC 

RSVP here

Or call 803.779.5121.

For more information, 

email alston@sidemgroup.com 

or call 803.779.5121.

Click here to download the accessible PDF flyer. 

Light refreshments will be provided.