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February
Youth Newsletter
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Welcome New Equip Leaders!
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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.
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Barrett Counterman
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Equip + SC-CATER Virtual
Reality Lab
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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!!
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Join
the Equip Discord Community!
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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!
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Transition
For Young Adults With Disabilities May Be Complicated, If So,
Some Steps Can Help
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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.
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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.
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Youth-Related
Advocacy Issues
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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!
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Partner and National
Events
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Assistive Technology
Expo
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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.
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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
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Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite
106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org
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Follow
Us
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