ABLE SC, Youth Newsletter

 

February Youth Newsletter Spotlight Welcome New Equip Leaders! We are thrilled to announce four new Equip Leaders joining our team! Andrew Hancock  · Still in High School, he has worked with Able SC youth programs for the last few years through Equip and SC YLF. · Andrew is an incredible athlete, is involved in many clubs, and has a talent for connecting with his peers. Barrett Counterman  · Barrett has been actively engaged with Able for many years through Equip and SC YLF.  · He is also a strong advocate who runs his podcast and aims to develop a public speaking career. · Barrett is interested in assistive technology and has worked with the Equip program and some of our partners to develop more accessible gaming controllers. Gabe Pizzo  · Gabe is one of our newer youth participants.  He joined us at SC YLF last year and, since then, has been an active participant in our Equip program. · He is still in high school but is also completing College classes at the same time. · Gabe will host his own radio or talk show one day, but for now, he will support us in the Greenville office. Isa Torres · Isa has worked with our youth programs for a long time as well.  She has been to multiple SC YLFs and has been a part of Equip for multiple years.  · She is a talented digital artist excited to join the Equip team. We are excited to see their positive impact and the energy they bring to the Equip program. Able SC Youth Events Equip Hangouts 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.  1st and 3rd Thursday in March, 6:00 - 7:00 PM · The meeting on the first Thursday is virtual. · The meetings on the third Thursday are in person at the Greenville and Columbia Able SC offices! To register for the upcoming Equip Hangouts, complete this online form. If you have any questions or need help joining, contact us at equip@able-sc.org  Meeting Dates This Month:  · March 7th · March 21st Register for the link here! Youth Leadership Forum The South Carolina Youth Leadership Forum is a summer experience where you can become a leader for disability rights — all while having fun. This is a 4-day, 3-night leadership learning experience for youth with disabilities in South Carolina. Selected delegates get the opportunity to learn about independent living and advocacy in a safe and supportive setting while building relationships with other young adults from around the state. The 2024 YLF will be held from July 21st-24th, 2024 In order to apply, you must: ·         Be 15-23 years old ·         Have a disability ·         Live in the state of South Carolina ·         Show leadership potential at school or in the community Applications are open now-April 30th! Apply here or email us at ylf@able-sc.org with questions. Apply for SC YLF! Equip + SC-CATER Virtual Reality Lab In partnership with the South Carolina Center for Assistive Technology and Educational Research (SC-CATER), our Equip Leaders are hosting an event on the last Saturday of each month, starting in March, from 10am- 1pm. Come join us for loads of fun playing with different robots, drones, Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, and video games. Come on down and immerse yourself in a whirlwind of excitement! From high-tech robots to mesmerizing tech, mind-bending VR headsets, and heart-pounding video games – there's something for everyone! And guess what? We've got you covered with accessible controllers catering to all gaming enthusiasts, ensuring an inclusive and epic experience on the Xbox! 🎮 🌟 Don't miss out on the action-packed fun! Secure your spot by registering now! 🌟 Hope to see you there!! Register for Virtual Reality Lab!  Join the Equip Discord Community! Join Equip’s Discord community to connect with our team of Equip Leaders and fellow members. Stay updated on the events we have planned throughout the year. Our dedicated Equip Leaders are here to offer guidance, engage in conversations, participate in gaming experiences, and create memorable social interactions for our members. Our Discord is where learning and laughter come together, providing daily opportunities to build friendships, broaden your horizons, and enjoy moments of fun. Click the button below to join! Sign up for Discord! Youth Resources Transition For Young Adults With Disabilities May Be Complicated, If So, Some Steps Can Help As young people with disabilities transition into adulthood, they face challenges in accessing care, services, and programs tailored to their specific needs. The shift from pediatric to adult health care, finding employment, and securing suitable living arrangements become complex tasks. Many disability advocates argue for increased resources to support individuals with disabilities in remaining within their communities.   Many nonprofit organizations aim to assist parents and families in preparing their children for this transition, offering support groups and events for young people with disabilities. Quality programs emphasize teaching self-advocacy and self-determination skills early on, help individuals communicate boundaries and discomfort, and are customized to each individual's health conditions and disabilities. Beyond health care, planning for living situations is crucial, with regular check-ins to ensure a good fit for young adults with disabilities. Here are some groups in South Carolina to check out: · Centers for Independent Living: These agencies provide support and services to individuals with disabilities, focusing on enhancing independence and quality of life and offering resources for community integration and empowerment. · Family Connections: Family Connections changes lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and special healthcare needs. · South Carolina Assistive Technology Program: The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) uses technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work and learn more independently. We are federally funded and part of a national network that provides the devices that increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities for people with disabilities. · SC CATER: The South Carolina Center for Assistive Technology and Educational Research (SC-CATER) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment of faculty, professionals, and persons with disabilities working together to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities in the areas of school and transitioning to work. We hold the belief that no person should be deprived of services, benefits, or opportunities due to a disability. · Transition Alliance of South Carolina: The Transition Alliance of SC works with state partners and local school districts to improve post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities. Assistance focuses on building capacity at the local level to improve student graduation and dropout rates and effectively use transition evidence-based practices. They have a comprehensive resource list showing agencies across the state that can help! · Supported Decision-Making Project: The SC Supported Decision Making Project is a collaboration between Able SC, The Arc of South Carolina, Family Connection of South Carolina, and Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. It seeks to increase awareness of Supported Decision Making in South Carolina and promote alternatives to guardianship that allow individuals with disabilities to retain control of their lives. While challenges exist, the importance of support groups, advocacy, and knowledge of available resources make the transition more manageable for both parents and adolescents. Read the Article! Youth-Related Advocacy Issues Save the Date for Advocacy Day April 16th, 2024 This year's event focuses on community living for people with disabilities and how access to employment, housing, transportation, and ADA compliance impacts our ability to live independently. Together, we can unlock the barriers to allow for full community inclusion! Register for Advocacy Day! Partner and National Events Assistive Technology Expo Join the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program within the University of South Carolina School of Medicine's Center for Disability Resources, on March 12, 2024, for a full day of exhibits and workshops showcasing assistive technology for people with a wide range of disabilities. This year's expo will be live and in-person once again at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Registration can be completed both online or in-person at the event. ·         Date: March 12, 2024 ·         Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ·         Target Audience: People with disabilities, their families, seniors, educators, veterans and healthcare professionals. ·         Cost: Free ·         Place: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Register for the AT Expo! Able South Carolina 720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210 803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org Follow Us Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences