Equip Alumni Spotlights
Here are some incredible alumni we wanted to shout out and celebrate for their hard work and success here at Able!
As an Equip Leader, Holden developed, hosted, and assisted with programs for youth with disabilities in order to teach essential living skills, encourage interdependence, and connect youth with disabilities with their community of peers like them. He has actively promoted Equip’s mission to empower youth in the community.
Derrick recently won the April Dunn Start Your Journey Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities for his dedication in encouraging and educating all individuals with disabilities across South Carolina. Congratulations, Derrick!
Derrick’s involvement with Equip was through teaching others with disabilities how to self-advocate. He enjoyed working with Equip because it allowed him to put his skills to the test.
“People with disabilities can do it and we are able.”
Derrick Means
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Events
Equip Hangouts
The Equip Hangouts occur on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6-7 PM. The first Thursday hangout is a virtual meeting. The third Thursday hangout is in person at the Greenville and Columbia Able SC offices. In December, the in person Equip hangout will be on the 2nd Thursday, December 14, since the Able SC offices will be closed on December 21. Equip Leaders and Mentors help empower their peers to take charge of their lives, find their unique voice to self-advocate, and engage with their community of peers more fully. If you have any questions or need help registering, email equip@able-sc.org or call us at 864.235.1421.
Upcoming Equip Hangouts:
Thursday, December 7, 6-7 PM, Virtual
Thursday, December 14, 6-7 PM, In Person
Join Equip's Discord community to engage with our team of Youth Transition Specialists and mentors to stay informed about the exciting events we have planned throughout the year.
Our dedicated Equip Leaders and mentors are made available through this program to provide you with valuable guidance, facilitate insightful conversations, participate in exhilarating gaming experiences, and curate unforgettable social interactions for our esteemed members.
Picture yourself immersed in riveting gaming sessions, enjoying hilarious memes, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions, all within a vibrant atmosphere that allows you to express your true self. It's where the convergence of learning and laughter takes place, offering a fresh chance each day to forge meaningful friendships, expand your horizons, and savor moments of enjoyment. Join us now, and let the journey begin!
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Youth Resources
"Can I Play That?" Accessible Gaming Resource
“Can I Play That?” is a gaming review that assesses how certain games may affect someone with a disability. Assessments are done by gamers with disabilities! Here, they explore the game's design, mechanics, controls, and overall user experience, considering factors like physical disabilities, visual disabilities, cognitive disabilities, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and more.
The program aims to provide comprehensive insights into how accessible or challenging a game may be for disabled individuals. By shedding light on these critical aspects, "Can I Play That?" empowers both gamers with disabilities and game developers alike. Gamers can make informed choices about the games they wish to play, while developers can gain valuable feedback to enhance their games' accessibility features. This symbiotic relationship fosters a gaming community where everyone can enjoy the immersive worlds of video games, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.
So, if you're a gamer with a disability seeking the perfect new game, "Can I Play That?" is your trusted resource, bridging the gap between gaming and accessibility and ensuring that everyone can participate in the joy of gaming. Welcome to a world where gaming truly knows no boundaries!
The New ACCESSIBLE Beauty Industry
Recently, the beauty industry has been expanding to include people with varying identities. There has been a slow but steady push for greater accessibility within the beauty industry. This article discusses the creators who are paving a way to making makeup and beauty products attainable, affordable, AND accessible for everyone!
If you’re interested in learning more about this movement, read this article! There are some great references and conversations about the ways that we can all help to continue the positive change in accessibility happening within the beauty industry.
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Advocacy
North Carolina Now Leads the U.S. in Suspending Students With Disabilities
WCNC reports that North Carolina has the highest rate of suspending students with disabilities. Students with disabilities across North Carolina are labeled with behavioral issues within public schools and, unfortunately, are subject to disciplinary action at a MUCH higher rate than their peers.
This article explains why this is happening, who is most at risk, and possible solutions for the community and lawmakers. The state of North Carolina is considering related policies from across the United States, but when will we see action?
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Partner and National Events
South Carolina Interagency Transition Conference
Only a few tickets remaining!
TASC is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 8th Annual State Transition Conference, taking place in Greenville from November 26th to 28th.
The State Transition Conference is a premier gathering that brings together experts, thought leaders, and practitioners from various disciplines to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to state transition. This year's conference promises to be an enriching experience, offering diverse workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.
During the three-day event, attendees can engage in interactive sessions led by renowned experts in the field. These sessions will cover many topics, including best practices in state transition planning, effective strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities, and the latest advancements in assistive technology.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference will also feature an exhibition hall showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and resources related to state transition. This will allow attendees to connect with industry-leading organizations and discover innovative solutions that can enhance their work in this field.
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Able South Carolina
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org
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