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Summer Series Applications Closing Soon!
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The
Equip Summer Series is a multi-day self-advocacy, disability pride, and
skill-building opportunity for young adults with disabilities ages 13-28. Spread
over two weeks, Summer Series meets in person in Greenville and Columbia to
build skills that assist young adult leaders with increasing their independence!
When?
- In Columbia June 17, 18, 20 and 21 from 9 am to 12 pm each day
- In Greenville June 24, 25, 27, and 28 from 9 am to 12 pm each day
Who
is Eligible?
- Young adults ages 13-28 with ANY type of disability.
Why
Attend?
- Empower Yourself
- Learn Self-Advocacy Skills
- Build on Communication Skills
- Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
- Explore Independent Living Skills
- Promote Activism in the Community
Did
we mention that it is TOTALLY FREE?! Summer Series costs you nothing. Register
today through the link below. | |
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Youth Spotlight: Jesse
Watson | |
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Jesse
Watson is a youth who has been involved with Equip since 2019. Jesse enjoys
watching TV, playing games, and hanging out with friends, many of whom she met
through the Equip program. Jesse attends our virtual hangout every month and
hosts a chat night weekly on the Equip Discord. Jesse has been struggling with
health issues lately and can’t get out of bed, but she is still able to
socialize with her peers because Equip has many online activities available.
Although
Equip is mostly about peer support and having fun, it is also a place to learn.
Because of Equip, Jesse has learned to speak up for herself and others. She uses
her knowledge of self-advocacy at doctor’s appointments and can attend them
independently now. Jesse is also a graduate of the 2022 Youth Leadership Forum
and encourages other youth to apply, calling it a great place to learn and meet
other people with different disabilities.
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E-Sports Event
Another
E-Sports event will be held the same day as the VR-Lab but in Greenville! It
will be held on May 25th with The City of Greenville and Equip in Greenville
from 10 am to 1 pm for all Equip consumers!
Discover
the world of E-Sports, where high-tech gaming rigs, adaptive technology, VR
headsets, and video games collide for an amazingly fun experience! Whether
you're a seasoned pro or a casual gamer, we will have you covered with
accessible controllers designed to cater to all accessibility needs. Join us and
ensure an inclusive and epic gaming experience in the realm of e-sports!
Hope
to see you there!! This program is funded by the South Carolina Developmental
Disabilities Council. | |
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Creative Writing Events Now On Discord!
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Our
Equip leaders Abby and Malachi have begun a new discord event for all those
creative minds out there! The “Creative Writing” Discord events will be held on
Friday 5/24 from 6 pm to 7 pm.
Each
session focuses on teaching creative writing and self-advocacy through fun
guided activities.
Join
our discord for more info, or click the link below to register.
Equip
Discord Registration
This
program is funded by the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities
Council. | |
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Virtual Reality on 5/25 with SC-CATER
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Another
VR-Lab will be held at the end of this month on May 25th with SC-CATER in
Columbia from 10 am to 1 pm for all Equip consumers!
Learn
about high-tech robots, adaptive tech, VR headsets, and video games – there's
something for everyone! We've got you covered with accessible controllers
catering to all gaming enthusiasts, ensuring an inclusive and epic experience on
the Xbox!
Click
the button below to register.
Hope
to see you there!!
This
program is funded by the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities
Council. | |
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Youth Resources &
Updates | |
Standardized Testing for Students with
Disabilities
In
2015, the No Child Left Behind Act was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds
Act (ESSA). It is meant to improve equity in education for all students, but
especially students who are historically marginalized, such as students of color
and students with disabilities. Students must be tested yearly in math, reading,
and science in grades 3-8 and at least once in high school. State testing helps
show that students are making progress, and it helps ensure that people are
actually learning in school. This is important because students with
disabilities are often underestimated and denied access to age-appropriate,
grade-level curriculum. State testing helps reveal this unfair treatment. All
students should have access to an interesting and challenging curriculum that
helps them prepare for higher education or a career.
Students
with disabilities are mostly allowed to use accommodations on state testing, as
long as those accommodations are listed in their IEP and built into the test for
all students to use if they choose. Students are not allowed to use
accommodations that are not used throughout the ordinary school day or, in some
states, accommodations that defeat the purpose of a question. To read more about
these rules, you can click the following link: Accommodations for State Testing
Standardized
tests can cause anxiety. Be sure to use calming techniques, such as deep
breathing to help yourself feel better on test day. If you find that your
anxiety is overwhelming, that would be a good time to self-advocate! Tell a
teacher or trusted adult how you are feeling. You can even reach out to a Youth
Independent Living Specialist at Able South Carolina for help ensuring that your
accommodations are in place or for help finding test-taking strategies!
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Getting Ready for A New School Year
By
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
The
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) has released a newsletter
that provides parents and students with disabilities some advice on how to
prepare for a new school year. Advice includes organizing your IEP binder,
discussing what worked and didn’t work during the school year, advocating for
yourself during IEP meetings, information about the new FAFSA, and more! While
DREDF works closely with parents of students with disabilities, there is also a
lot of support, suggestions, and resources for youth with disabilities
themselves!
You
can read more by clicking the button below.
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Another Successful Midlands Gives!
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Supporting
Midlands Gives meant empowering our local community to thrive and grow.
Donations fueled vital programs and initiatives that addressed pressing needs,
from education and healthcare to arts and culture. By contributing to Midlands
Gives, you weren't just giving money—you were investing in the future of our
region. Together, we made a difference and created a brighter tomorrow for all
who call the Midlands home.
Able
SC went over our goal, raising over $32,000 across the Midlands Gives page and
in other donations made that day on our website!
Thank
you for helping us in building a stronger, more resilient community through your
generous support of Midlands Gives! | |
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Midlands Reading Consortium Volunteer Celebration
By
United Way of the Midlands
Please
join MRC as they recognize YOU, their amazing volunteers for your service and
commitment this school year at our MRC Volunteer Celebration on June 6 at 5:00
p.m.! You will receive a token of our appreciation. Light refreshments, drinks,
and fellowship will be provided.
To
learn more about how to get involved click the button below!
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SC-CATER
VR Lab
May
25, 2024 in Columbia | |
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E-Sports
Event
May
25, 2024 in Greenville | |
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Equip
Summer Series
Columbia
Able SC Office: June 17,18, 20, 21
Greenville
Able SC Office: June 25, 27, 28 | |
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Youth
Leadership Forum
Presbyterian
College: July 21-24, 2024 | |
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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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