IN THE BEST OF SITUATIONS, SHELTERED ENVIRONMENTS, SEGREGATED WORK, AND THE SUB-MINIMUM WAGE DO NOT TRULY PROVIDE A MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE FOR WORKERS

AAIDD (Feb2,2011)- The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) released a report on sheltered and segregated work environments for people with disabilities. Segregated and Exploited: The Failure of the Disability Service System to Provide Quality Work identifies the barriers to employment that people with disabilities face and dispels myths about their capability to be a fully employed, equally compensated, and integral member of American workplaces and communities.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

THIRTY-ONE STATES CUT NON-MEDICAL AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES PROGRAMS IN FY2010, A NEW 70-PAGE ANALYSIS ON LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FROM AAR

AAIDD (Feb. 2, 2011)- In response to the current economic crisis, many state officials are grappling with difficult decisions on budget cuts and reductions in services. A new report from AARP provides a comprehensive analysis on the budget cuts to both Medicaid and non-Medicaid–funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) in each state, and illustrates state-by-state how LTSS are financed. In addition, the study provides a very early snapshot of the likelihood of states pursuing some of the LTSS provisions within the Affordable Care Act. Overall, the report finds that the impact of the Great Recession on LTSS lingers; balancing remains a priority; the ARRA stimulus funds preserved programs; and the Affordable Care Act provides opportunities and challenges.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

The ADHD Basics from A-Z

Presented by

Chris Zeigler Dendy, M.S.

Glenforest School

1041 Harbor Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169

February 11, 2011

9:00 am - 3:30 pm

This announcement is from Pro-parents- This conference will focus on practical and effective intervention strategies and assistive technology for addressing the profound impact Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and executive function difficulties have on a student’s academic performance. Parents and educators will find that use of these strategies and assistive technology items could be helpful to students with other types of disabilities.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

NEUROSCIENTISTS AT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY FIND EVIDENCE THAT ADULTS WITH AUTISM HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING OTHER PEOPLE'S INTENTION

AAIDD (Feb. 2, 2011)- A study from MIT neuroscientists reveals that high-functioning adults with autism appear to have trouble using “theory of mind” to make moral judgments in certain situations. In the mid-1980s, a team of autism researchers theorized that one of the major features of autism is an inability to infer the thoughts of other people. This skill, known as theory of mind, comes naturally to most people. Though there is much anecdotal evidence that this skill is impaired in people with autism, it has been difficult to show it experimentally in adults until now.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

2011 SC Assistive Technology Expo

The 2011 SC Assistive Technology Expo is being held on Tuesday, March 15 in Columbia at the Columbia Conference Center.
Exhibits and fifteen workshops provide the once-a-year opportunity, free of charge, to see and try the latest assistive technology. Opportunities for networking are tremendous!

This year people can also have non-electronic equipment cleaned and sanitized at a Hubscrub event, co-sponsored with the Disability Action Center and Walton Options for Independent Living. We would really appreciate your sharing this information with nursing homes, churches and assisted living facilities in Columbia, especially those near the Conference Center (off I26 between St. Andrews and Piney Grove Road). The Hubscrub doesn’t come this way very often; don’t miss this chance to clean, sanitize and prolong the life of your equipment!

There are several workshops of particular interest:

Staying Connected: AAC for Adults
Components of effective evaluation and treatment for adults needing augcom or adaptive equipment. Importance of communication about stages of progression in diseases such as ALS. Benefits of early introduction to AT and hands-on trials to facilitate communication, computer access, telephone access and other environmental controls. Types of AT and practical application. Amy Wright, SLP, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC

The Evolving World of Digital Audio Books and Players
Update on new digital book players and refinements to existing players that benefit readers of all ages. Sources and resources. Marty McKenzie, Clay Jeffcoat, SCSDB

Perspectives on Home Modifications
Practical/economical considerations in reducing barriers related to vision, hearing and mobility challenges. Resources, real life experiences. Todd Batt, Rehab Engineer, SCVRD, Wesley Farnum, Building Contractor, Roger Williams, SCDMH, Jed Elmaleh, PT. Facilitator: Catherine Graham, Rehab Engineer, USC SOM

Vehicle Modifications and Adapted Driving
Overview of resources available to people who need adapted driving instruction, support and resources. Considerations, options and resources available to those who need modified vehicles. Tom Jackman, Rehab Engineer, SCVRD, Leslie Shipp, SCVRD, Jed Elmaleh, PT

Finding Your Way Through the AT Maze
Where do you start if you know you might need assistive technology? Overview of South Carolina's online resources for AT evaluation, funding, acquisition, application and support. Resources from SC Access and the new Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Denise Rivers, Lt. Governor's Office on Aging

Apps Galore! Educational Applications for the iPad/iTouch/iPhone
Features and options of iPads and iTouches (many free or low-cost) that are universally designed to meet the needs of many students. Integrated accessibility options and a wide range of education applications, for students with disabilities and those needing additional support to be successful in the classroom or in other environments. Stacy Springer, OTR/L, Val Gioia, SCDE AT Specialists

Assistive Technology Reutilization in South Carolina
Overview of programs and resources to find and share used equipment at reduced prices or even free of charge. Online programs, equipment centers, agency collaboration and future growth of these initiatives. Catherine Graham, Rehab Engineer, USC SOM, Janet Jendron, SCATP, Kimberly Tissot, DAC

Brain Injury and Assistive Technology
Latest technology that can help people with brain injury and memory challenges, such as GPS systems, cell phones, and iPads. How everyday technology can be used to help with daily life. Perspective and experiences from a consumer who uses a variety of these options. Janet Spires, RN, SCVR

NATIONAL WORKSHOPS BY AAIDD ON POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT STRATEGIES AND SUPERVISORY SKILLS TO BE HELD IN FLORIDA THIS MARCH

AAIDD (Feb. 2, 2011)-Effective supervision in agency and special education settings as well as positive behavior support strategies are the focus of two training workshops to be held by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) in Charlotte, North Carolina this March. Content for both workshops is based on AAIDD publications co-authored by Dr. Dennis H. Reid: The Supervisor Training Curriculum: Evidence-Based Ways to Promote Work Quality and Enjoyment Among Support Staff by Dennis H. Reid, Marsha B. Parsons, Carolyn W. Green and The Positive Behavior Support Training Curriculum by Dennis H. Reid and Marsha B. Parsons. Learn more and register. Deadline for registration is February 25, 2010.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Accessibility Survey for AT users and accessibility professionals

Hello,

If you have a few minutes, please consider giving a hand to Jimmy
Chandler who will be presenting on accessibility at the Interaction 11 conference
in Boulder, CO next week. He is looking to get perspectives from both
accessibility professionals and users of assistive technology to include
in his talk. Please see info below. Any opportunity to promote
accessibility and build awareness among folks who may know little to
nothing about the subject is never a bad thing.

If you work to make accessible interfaces and/or if you are a user of
Any assistive technologies, please take this short survey
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/460685/Improving-Accessibility

Results (including all raw data except personal information, such as
Name or email address) will be published and shared to promote a better
understanding of the current state of accessibility. If you have any
questions about the survey, please contact Jimmy Chandler at
jimmy.chandler@gmail.com.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
9 am – 4 pm
Columbia Conference Center
169 Laurelhurst Avenue
Columbia, SC 29210

Free and open to the public
No Pre-registration
Free CEUs for many disciplines

Don’t miss the chance to see and try cutting-edge products and services for people with all types of disabilities and age-related limitations! Some workshop topics include: home and vehicle modifications, augmentative communication for people who have trouble speaking, iPad and iPod applications for students and for communication challenges, literacy and study supports for students, making electronic information accessible, and tools that help people with brain injuries.

This year's Expo features another unique opportunity, free of charge. The Disability Action Center and Walton Options for Independent Living are providing a disinfecting, cleaning service through a system known as the "Hubscrub." Bring your non-electronic equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, commode chairs and bath chairs. For more information about this event call the Disability Action Center at 1-800-681-6805 or 779-512.

Sponsored by South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine Center for Disability Resources, SC Assistive Technology Advisory Committee.
NOTE: To learn more about the expo, click on the title above.

Volunteers, Donations Needed to Build House for Disabled Veteran

The State (Feb. 3, 2011)- On Sept. 21, 2005, Staff Sgt. Ronell Bradley, then 26 years old, gave two legs and part of a hand for his country when the Humvee he was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb.

Bradley was on his third deployment — twice to Iraq and once to Bosnia — as an engineer, clearing bombs so other soldiers would be safer.

“It blew off my right leg and turned my left leg into spaghetti,” said Bradley, now assistant chief of prosthetics at Columbia’s Dorn VA Medical Center. “It set off the ammunition in my weapon, and that blew up in my hands.”
Now, donations and volunteers — both tradesmen and regular folks — are needed to build Bradley a brand-new, handicapped-accessible home at Lake Carolina, through the Homes for Our Troops program. The Massachusetts-based nonprofit has built 90 homes for severely disabled veterans across the country since 2004 and has committed to building 100 more.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

February 2011 Newsletter Out!

This month we had 681 hits on the CDR Blog and added three new patrons! We have also added several new titles to our collection:
Islands of Genius, Down Sydrome Association of Central Texas Educator Packet, and The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century.

To see this month's newsletter, follow the link in this post's title.

Columbia Parkinson's Support Group

The Columbia Parkinson's Support Group (CPSG) was formed to provide SUPPORT, INFORMATION, EDUCATION, and to create AWARENESS for Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients; their care partners and caregivers; family members; and others who are working in related fields or have an interest in Parkinson's disease.

Our support group offers the Parkinson's community a safe environment to obtain encouragement and support; news and information about PD research and clinical trials - special PD events - and educational programs; as well as other opportunities and information relevant to living with Parkinson's.

The Columbia Parkinson's Support Group is located in the mid-lands of South Carolina; serving the counties of (but not limited to) Aiken, Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Newberry, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter.

We welcome all visitors and guests to our monthly meetings. There is no cost to attend our meetings.

NOTE: To learn more about Columbia Parkinson's Support Group, click on the title above. Their website has also been added to our Disability Links Page.

Cancer Drug Aids Regeneration of Spinal Cord After Injuries

ScienceDaily (Jan. 28, 2011) — After a spinal cord injury a number of factors impede the regeneration of nerve cells. Two of the most important of these factors are the destabilization of the cytoskeleton and the development of scar tissue. While the former prevents regrowth of cells, the latter creates a barrier for severed nerve cells. Scientists of the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology in Martinsried and their colleagues from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and University of Miami in the United States, and the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, have now shown that the cancer drug Taxol reduces both regeneration obstacles.Paraplegia. This is often the long-lasting result, when nerve fibers have been crushed or cut in the spinal cord. In contrast, for example, to the nerves in a cut finger, the injured nerve cells in the central nervous system (CNS) won't regrow. Scientists have been working for decades to discover the reasons for this discrepancy in the regeneration abilities of nerve cells. They have found a variety of factors that prevent the regeneration of CNS nerve cells. One by one a number of substances that act like stop signs and halt the resumption of growth have been discovered. Other obstacles lie within the cells: The microtubules, small protein tubes which compose the cells' cytoskeleton, are completely jumbled in an injured CNS nerve cell. A structured growth becomes impossible. In addition to this, the lost tissue is progressively replaced by scar tissue creating a barrier for growing nerve cells.

NOTE: To read the entire article, click on the title above.

Family Connection Annual Conference

The 17th Annual Family Connection 'Of Hopes and Dreams' Conference
February 4 & 5, 2011
2011 Family Connection Conference, "Together We Can"
Hosted at Gateway Baptist Church in Irmo, SC.

Come to the 2011 Family Connection "Of Hopes and Dreams" Conference for parents with children with Special Needs and professionals who care for them.
There will be 47 helpful workshops and over 50 terrific presenters.
You will want to be there!
Three special workshops in Spanish on Saturday:
Recursos 101 * Taller de Programa de Educación Individual (IEP)
* Taller de Comunicación
Call Maggie Ortiz at 800-578-8750 for more information.

NOTE: To read more about the speakers and workshops, or to register online, click on the title above.