No one knows more about what you need than you do. Learn how to make your voice heard! Register for a free online training on Monday, March 14 from 3:00-4:00 PM and learn all about your rights and how to effectively advocate for yourself and also for others in the disability community.
Registration will close on Sunday, March 13.
For questions, contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org.
Date: Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE! Open to the general public.
Location: Zoom Webinar with Live Captioning and ASL Interpreters
2022 VIRTUAL LIFE WITH
BRAIN INJURY CONFERENCE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS IS OPEN!
The conference is open to professionals, individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, and other interested persons. It provides a forum for the exchange of information on programs, resources, and best practices in brain injury rehabilitation and services. Presentation topics need to address all types of brain injuries.
Submit your proposal by emailing Yvonne
ALL PROPOSALS ARE DUE BY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022
The Autism Society is seeking personal accounts from members of the Autistic BIPOC community to more deeply understand and engage in conversations around ABA.
Throughout the month of February, the Autism Society of America’s ABA Commission hosted three virtual Town Halls that shared dozens of personal experiences with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), including Autistic individuals, parents, and professionals within the Autism community.
We are thrilled with the level of engagement and attendance these events received, and we welcome feedback on how to host more important discussions and do better in the future. We agree that the topic of ABA can be an emotional and challenging subject, and it is essential to be seen, heard, and valued.
We received hundreds of story submissions from Autistic individuals, parents, and professionals with personal ABA experience. Those who were selected to share their stories could choose to be a speaker at the event or remain anonymous and have their story read aloud by a moderator. We are proud to honor the vulnerability and privacy of those willing to share their stories and support their decisions. Dozens of stories were shared live during the events with equal accounts of positive, neutral and negative experiences with ABA; All of the hundreds of submissions received have been shared with our ABA Commission to review thoroughly.
The Autism Society is committed to diversity of thought, experience, and background, and this diversity is vital in our quest to create connections and address important issues like ABA.
We hear your feedback and are seeking more submissions specifically from the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community in their experiences with ABA. The BIPOC community faces systemic inequities in screening, diagnosis, and care, and we are committed to continuing our outreach efforts in order to ensure that this community is represented in our quest for more information.
Please click here to share your personal experience with ABA.
Meet the NeuroNode: Flexible AAC to meet the diverse needs of communicators
February 24, 2022 at 10-11:00 a.m. ET
FREE Webinar
Join us for an introduction to the NeuroNode 3.0, NeuroNode controller application, and the NeuroNode Trilogy as a speech-generating device that offers a flexible solution to AAC. Highlights of this introduction to the NeuroNode Trilogy will include: the NeuroNode, a wearable EMG/3D spatial switch, the 3-in-1 users of the Trilogy (switch scanning, traditional eye gaze, and the Trilogy user which combines eye gaze and the NeuroNode), and Grid3 communication software. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the demonstration.
Presenter: Lane Rials, MS, CCC-SLP and Regional Consultant for Control Bionics
Participants will learn:
Community Connections:
Vaccine Education Initiative
Through its Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI), the Autism Society aspires to promote Covid- 19 vaccine education and confidence in order to increase vaccination rates in the Autism community. Our VEI hub is designed to share information, resources, and knowledge specifically geared towards our community. Our affiliates across the country are working hard to build connections, raise awareness on vaccine safety and efficacy, disseminate information, implement educational programming, and partner to build adaptive vaccine clinics.
We are excited to announce our first Community Connections: Vaccine Education Initiative webinar with Dr. Wendy Ross this Thursday, February 24th from 7-8 pm EST.
Dr. Wendy Ross, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and the inaugural director of the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, will be hosting the live event.
Please click here to register.
The Connection Is You.™
Have you ever been told that if you do work, you will automatically lose your benefits? These are just two of the many myths we hear about how employment may affect a person's benefits. We want to set the record straight!
Register for our free virtual workshop on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 10 AM to 12 PM, where you can expect to:
Registration closes on Monday, February 28.
*This workshop will be most helpful to people who are already receiving SSI/SSDI.*
Registering helps us make sure that you get the Zoom link and all the materials you need for the workshop.
Get in touch!
hiremesc@able-sc.org or 803.779.5121
2022 Virtual Life with Brain Injury Conference
Request for Proposals is now open!
The conference is open to professionals, individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, and other interested persons. It provides a forum for the exchange of information on programs, resources, and best practices in brain injury rehabilitation and services. Presentation topics need to address all types of brain injuries.
Submit your proposal today by clicking below:
https://www.biaofsc.com/press/life-with-brain-injury-conference-2022-request-for-proposals
All proposals are due by
Monday, February 28, 2022
Assessment for Transition Planning
February 16, 2022 4:00 pm ET
Presented in collaboration with the AAIDD Education Interest Network
Kendra L. Williams-Diehm, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Oklahoma
Tracy Sinclair, PhD, University of Connecticut
Transition Assessment is a critical part of the transition planning process for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, finding valid, reliable, and appropriate transition assessment for students with an intellectual or developmental disability can be difficult. This webinar will review the requirements of transition assessment and provide recommendations of appropriate assessment to use with students with higher support needs.
Revisiting the Kallikaks: A Conversation with Good Blood, Bad Blood Author Michael Wehmeyer
February 23, 2022 3:00 pm ET
Good Blood, Bad Blood is a landmark publication in the history of the treatment of people with disabilities in this country. Written in a compelling narrative style, it tells the story of the impact of the American eugenics movement. Good Blood, Bad Blood tells the true story of the impact on the woman in Goddard’s book, who had been given the pseudonym Deborah Kallikak, and who became the poster child for the cultural fear generated by American eugenicists, such as Charles Benedict Davenport. They, in turn, provided the Nazi regime with the “evidence” to take the eugenic horror to its ultimate conclusion.
In anticipation of the second edition's release as well as in memoriam co-author J. David Smith, AAIDD is hosting a webinar with co-author Michael Wehmeyer in which he will discuss the inspiration, creation, and impact of this essential piece of literature in the field of IDD.
Structural Factors that Influence Outcomes for Black People with IDD
March 1, 2022 2:00 pm ET
Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
LaRon A. Scott, EdD, Virginia Commonwealth University
Sarah Dababnah, PhD, MPH, MSW, University of Maryland
AAIDD released a special edition of Inclusion in September 2021 focused on racial and ethnic equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in society. The articles within the issue explore different topics related to intersectionality and the experiences of non-white individuals with IDD, as well as their families and caretakers. This webinar features a panel of authors published in the September 2021 Inclusion special issue sharing their expertise and research.
Crucial Conversation: Utilizing Universal Design for Learning
March 16, 2022 3:00 pm ET
Loui Lord Nelson, PhD, The UDL Approach
Owner of the UDL Approach Loui Lord Nelson, PhD, facilitates a discussion on the principles and practical applications of Universal Learning Design.
Target Audience: OTs/SLPs/End Users/AT experts
Date: February 17, 2022
Time: 10am – 11am ET
John Stacey from Pretorian Technologies gives us an introductory insight into their award winning and world-renowned products in AT and AAC. Including Digital Access Devices, Alternative Mice and Joysticks, and Environmental Controls. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the demonstration.
Participants will learn:
Presenter: John Stacey, Sales and Marketing Manager, is an experienced marketing manager having worked within education and training at all levels for over a decade. He joined Pretorian in Feb 2020 and is responsible for training, growth of business, and development of marketing collateral for all of their products. Part of John’s role is to develop training and “how-to” videos for product functionality, so please do contact John if you have something you’d like to see/have in a video for one of their products.
A support and advocacy group for young adults who have been impacted by brain injury
BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity.
This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support.
WHO: Survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury ages 15-29 years of age
NEXT MEETING: February 16, 2022 from 6:30 - 8 pm EST
HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION:
We are hosting the conference in a virtual format to ensure a safe experience and to extend the opportunity to additional participants.
This year’s focus will be “Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Needs of Our Children, Youth and Families as a Result of the Pandemic”
The pandemic has affected all children and families, and it has exacerbated existing inequities and inadequacies in our supports for families, children, and individuals with a disability across the United States. Family Connection of South Carolina is seeking speakers for our Annual Hopes & Dreams Conference on April 6-7, 2022. We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds who can speak on topics relating to parents and professionals at this year's Hopes and Dreams conference.
Please consider joining this opportunity to help educate and inspire!
2022 Virtual AT Expo: https://bit.ly/2022ATExpo , March 1st 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For all ages, people with disabilities, their families, professionals who serve them and the general public.
Please share!
The next Techie Tuesday will be February 15th at 2:00 p.m.
We will give virtual demonstrations of devices, apps and features you tell us you are most interested in.
If you need closed captioning or an ASL interpreter, please notify Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu. You must provide notification of an accessibility need no later than the Thursday prior to the Tuesday meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295324782?pwd=RDl6MFhIeVZoeXpZcEIvN0hFWTNCQT09
Meeting ID: 882 9532 4782
Passcode: 623433
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kw0lkVQji
PRODUCTS
SOREL Introduces Its First-Ever Adaptive Winter Boots
We’ve got some good news for everyone still digging themselves out of this winter’s storms. Sorel has introduced a line of adaptive winter boots. Available in men’s and women’s styles and sizes, the boots feature wide-zippered access with oversized pull tabs to make getting them on and off easier.
TRAVEL
Web Portal Makes Researching Your Next Accessible Trip Easier
Accessible Destinations, a new web portal from the team at TravelAbility, offers a curated and centralized collection of accessibility guides for over 120 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, supplemented by articles and listings from disability travel bloggers and other reliable sources. You can see which locations at least try to be accessible and research everything from top attractions to hotel options.
NM LIVE
Adaptive Fitness Trainer Christina Chambers
On this month’s NM Live, Teal Sherer talks with Christina Chambers, who started hosting online workouts and personal training after realizing how the pandemic adversely impacted wheelchair users’ fitness routines. Chambers offers some great advice about how to get fit without expensive equipment — hint: use a backpack filled with books in place of a medicine ball — and shares her own mental and physical struggles that led her to put health first.
A support and advocacy group for young adults
who have been impacted by brain injury
Meet Your BrainStorm Peer Facilitator: Jasmine Norris
My name is Jasmine Norris, I'm 28 years old and I'm on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. I graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law in 2020, and I am currently working full-time as an attorney and part-time as an EMT for Lexington County. I've had 6 diagnosed TBIs, one of which ended my college soccer career. Having personally dealt with the lack of resources and support that often comes with head injuries, I'm very passionate about helping provide support and education to individuals affected by brain injuries, concussions, etc. It's hard dealing with an invisible injury, especially if you don't have someone in your life that understands what you're going through and can provide the resources or support you may need. My hope is to be that person for anyone that needs it, by facilitating this group.
Meet BrainStorm Attendee & BIASC Volunteer: Carli Simms
My name is Carli Simms, I’m 27 years old and a volunteer for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. I first learned of BIASC after losing my boyfriend to suicide in August 2021. While my boyfriend never showed any signs of mental illness, he was living with multiple concussions from playing football throughout high school. Since his death, I’ve learned about the many ways that brain injuries can affect people both physically and mentally. I’ve become passionate about spreading awareness and advocating for those with brain injuries, as well as connecting with people who have one themselves or know someone living with one. I hope that this group will bring support and resources to anyone affected by brain injuries, and I am excited to be able to be a part of it!
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide (ending your life) here are some resources that can be helpful:
What is BrainStorm?
BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity.
This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support.
WHO: Survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury ages 15-29 years of age
NEXT MEETING: February 16, 2022 from 6:30 - 8 pm EST
HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION:
Assistive Technology to Facilitate
Independent Eating and Drinking
Target Audience: OTs, PTs SLPs, teachers and other school staff, individuals who are unable to feed themselves and their family members.
Date: February 10, 2022
Time: 10am – 11am ET
Cost: Free!
Presenter: Catherine Wyatt, Research Director for Mealtime Partners, Inc.
The webinar will provide an overview of the different types of dining systems that are commercially available and provide information about each system and its best application. Also, the importance of hydration will be discussed and how a drink can be accessed by those who are unable to hold and lift a cup.
Participants will learn:
Catherine Wyatt has spent the last 25 years specializing in the development of eating and drinking technology to ameliorate mealtime dependence. As an integral part of the development of eating and drinking technology she has developed the necessary strategies to facilitate their use by a broad range of children and adults. Ms. Wyatt served as Principal Investigator for three National Institutes of Health grants relating to the development and clinical evaluation of feeding technology. Prior to working for Mealtime Partners, she was Technology Coordinator for the Bioengineering Program at the Arc of the United States National Headquarters where she became involved in research, development, and clinical evaluation of assistive technology to support independent eating and drinking for individuals who have physical and/or cognitive disabilities. She is unique in her area of expertise.
Upcoming Family Connection Trainings
Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability: Triple P Stepping Stones
Seminar 1 – Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 10:00–11:30 am
Seminar 2 – Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 10:00–11:30 am
Seminar 3 – Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 10:00–11:30 am
These three seminars for parents focus on positive ways to promote children’s development. Each seminar includes an informational presentation followed by a question and answer session.
APPROVED for 4.5 hours of FOSTER PARENT CREDIT – certificate provided upon completion.
Zoom Meeting Link will be provided.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Understanding Goals and Progress Monitoring
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities have measurable annual goals designed to meet the needs that result from a child’s disability. Following this training, participants will:
Zoom Meeting Link will be provided.
Journey Toolkit: The Power of Organization
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Parents will learn how to manage the paperwork created by educational and medical services as well as the transitions their child will go through. This organizational tool facilitates communication between parents and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for their children.
APPROVED for 1.5 hours of FOSTER PARENT CREDIT – certificate provided upon completion
Zoom Meeting Link will be provided.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Speaker: Amber Lydford
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Learn how to apply for SSI, how the definition or criteria of disability is different between a child and an adult, and what happens when the child turns 18.
Zoom meeting link will be provided.
Fomentando Esperanza
Un espacio dedicado a familias Latinas con niños con necesidades de salud especiales. Donde se ofrecen recursos, informacion, capacitacion, y apoyo mutuo.
Facilitador: Jenny Nuvan
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Location: Unase a la reaunion virtual por Zoom
Hora: 7:00 pm a 8:30 pm
Registración:
Para registrarse puede contactar a Jenny Nuvan al 803-995-9124 or al correo electrónico: jnuvan@familyconnectionsc.org o en la linea de Family Connection en Español al 1888-808-7465
Overview of Medicaid and TEFRA Eligibility
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am or 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Attendees will learn about SC Medicaid State Plan, eligibilities, plan options, and the difference in MCO’s and Fee for Service plans. Topics also include transportation, mileage reimbursement and the Health Insurance Premium Payment program, how to apply and access the applications. This session is for families and the professionals.
Zoom meeting link will be provided.
Support Parent Training – Sessions 1 and 2
Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
This workshop provides four hours of evidence-based training providing skills to be able to support another parent effectively. The goal of the Support Parent Program is to help educate, inspire and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. Attendees who complete the training will receive a certificate as well as additional opportunities for skill development and volunteer time during their year commitment with FCSC.
Zoom meeting link will be provided.
Family Connection 101
Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
An overview and description of resources and services Family Connection of SC provides for children / youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs in South Carolina. Other community resources and supports will be discussed in this session. Families and providers who attend will have a better understanding of the resources available for themselves and/or families they serve.
Zoom meeting link will be provided.
The Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Commission is a group of Autistic self-advocates, parents, and professionals who are working to prepare a position paper that addresses the scope of practice, goals, strengths, and limitations of Applied Behavioral analysis (ABA).
The commission’s goal is to empower individuals and families to make well-informed decisions as they navigate services and support. As part of this process, we are seeking the opinions and experiences of ABA recipients & self-advocates, parents, and professionals with personal ABA experience.
Throughout the month of February, the Autism Society of America’s ABA Commission will host three virtual Town Halls. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to diverse perspectives and experiences of ABA clients, parents, and professionals within the Autism community.
Town Hall Dates:
If you would like to share your story during one of our Town Halls, or just want to tell us about your experience with ABA, please complete the interest form.
The Connection Is You. ™
