South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo Coming Next Week!

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo

Coming Next Week!

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2013
20th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
9 am – 4 pm
Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7525

Free and open to the public!

No pre-registration required!

Don’t miss the chance to see and try cutting-edge products for people with all types of disabilities and age-related limitations! The SC Assistive Technology Expo is the only event of its kind in South Carolina, offered only once a year, free of charge.

Over 50 unique exhibits and 12 workshops are available. Workshops address technology that helps students of all ages, tools that help people with communication challenges, electronic information and web page accessibility, planning for emergencies, devices that help people live more independently, and online tools that make meetings, trainings and collaborative work easier for people with disabilities or anyone who uses a computer, iPhone, iPad or similar devices.

For more information about the Expo, call Lydia Durham at the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program: 800-915-4522 or 803-935-5263. Email Lydia.Durham@uscmed.sc.edu.

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Difficulty in Recognizing Faces in Autism Linked to Performance in a Group of Neurons

Difficulty in Recognizing Faces in Autism Linked to Performance in a Group of Neurons

Mar. 18, 2013 — Neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) have discovered a brain anomaly that explains why some people diagnosed with autism cannot easily recognize faces -- a deficit linked to the impairments in social interactions considered to be the hallmark of the disorder.They also say that the novel neuroimaging analysis technique they developed to arrive at this finding is likely to help link behavioral deficits to differences at the neural level in a range of neurological disorders.
Neuroscientists have used traditional fMRI studies in the past to probe the neural bases of behavioral differences in people with autism, but these studies have produced conflicting results... . the scientists say that in the brains of many individuals with autism, neurons in the brain area that processes faces (the fusiform face area, or FFA) are too broadly "tuned" to finely discriminate between facial features of different people. They made this discovery using a form of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that scans output from the blueberry-sized FFA, located behind the right ear...after the study was completed, the researchers successfully attempted to improve facial recognition skills in an autistic participant. They showed the participant pairs of faces that were very dissimilar at first, but became increasingly similar, and found that FFA tuning improved along with behavioral ability to tell the faces apart. "This suggests high-level brain areas may still be somewhat plastic in adulthood," says Riesenhuber.

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Ramps and Rails Program Deadline TODAY!

What: Free installation of ramps and rails in homes

 within the city limits of Columbia

Deadline: 3/19/13 (Extended from 3/15/13)

Contact: Community Development Department at 545-3373

For a limited time, The Ramps and Rails Program will provide assistance to residents who have a physical condition that requires the installation of a ramp and/or rail for safe and easy access to their home.   

The City of Columbia Community Development Department will provide improved access to the homes of people who are elderly or disabled within the city limits of Columbia. The installations of ramps or rails will provide safer home access. The material for this service will be funded by the City of Columbia and all work will be completed by volunteers.

Medical documentation from the applicant’s primary care physician or other qualified medical practitioner is required to be submitted with the Ramps and Rails application. The medical statement must identify the medical necessity that warrants the installation of a ramp and/or adaptive rail.

To read more about the Ramps and Rails Program and to see the Eligibility Requirements, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Where Should Special Needs Kids Be Special?

Where Should Special Needs Kids Be Special?

Tricky questions about how to share public spaces.

By Amy S.F. Lutz

Earlier this year, I was out to dinner with a friend and our combined eight kids. My 14-year-old son, Jonah, who has autism, was very excited about the imminent arrival of his hamburger and french fries, so he was acting as he does when he’s happy: bouncing in his seat, clapping his hands, and vocalizing a mishmash of squawks and catchphrases from his favorite Sesame Street videos. He wasn’t exceedingly loud, but the oddness of his behavior had clearly caught the attention of an older gentleman at the one other table occupied at that early hour.

“Shhhhhhh,” he hissed from across the room.

Everyone at the table instantly froze—except, of course, for Jonah. “I’m sorry,” I explained, rising from my seat and taking a few steps toward him so I wouldn’t have to holler. “My son is autistic … ”

“Oh, sorry,” he said.

“He’s not trying to disturb you intentionally … ”

“I heard you the first time,” he snapped.

My face burned as I returned to my seat, his gratuitous nastiness instantly draining the joy from my evening. I spent the rest of the dinner constantly shushing Jonah, even though we had specifically decided to eat out at 6 on a Thursday night in a casual eatery so we wouldn’t have to hold any of the kids to impossible standards of behavior.

It turns out my friend and I weren’t the only ones who have been discussing the rights of disabled individuals in the community, the responsibilities of their families, and the expectations of the public, as we did that evening. Two recent high-profile incidents focused the nation’s attention on this very issue.

To read the rest of the article, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Communication Strategies Trainings

Communication Strategies

Date: March 27, 2013
Time: 4:30 – 6:30
Location: 520 Francis Marion Road, Florence, SC  29506
Presenter: Val Gioia
Description: Various strategies used to facilitate communication for children with ASD.

SCATP is funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration and mandated by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-394). The Governor of South Carolina has designated the University of South Carolina University Affiliated Program as the lead agency for our program. We are located at Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia SC, with the Center for Disability Resources in the School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. 

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Thousands Offered For Disability Innovations

Thousands Offered For Disability Innovations

In 2012, UCP, our affiliates and global partners joined together to establish the first annual World Cerebral Palsy Day, an international day of awareness about cerebral palsy. As part of the day, we introduced the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest. We asked people with disabilities from around the world to create a one-minute video telling us what could be created, developed or modified, that would change their world and how. We received a staggering 500 submissions, and from this incredibly diverse pool, a specially appointed committee selected three ideas as finalists: a solar-powered wheelchair, a fold-up motorized wheelchair, and a documentary about people living with cerebral palsy in the 21st century.
 

The next phase of the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest is the most exciting; we are challenging, the world’s inventors, craftsmen, makers and hackers, tinkerers and anyone who thinks they can bring one of these ideas to life, to compete for a share of a $25,000 prize. So if you or someone you know could build or create one of these ideas, let us know! We are so excited about this contest—not only will we get to see the world’s creativity at work, but the final products will make a significant difference in the lives of people living with disabilities.

For the estimated 57 million Americans and 650 million people around the world living with

 disabilities, World CP Day and the “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest is more than just

 a single day or awareness or a cash prize. It is a daily recognition of their lives—and the need

 to increase accessibility and independence for everyone.  It’s an innovative approach for a 

nonprofit: Asking for ideas instead of dollars. Then  rewarding the people who can make 

those ideas a reality. 

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Tax Tips for Families with Special Needs

Tax Tips for Families with Special Needs

By Richard L. Sayre, Esq., Spokane, WA

It’s time to begin organizing your tax documents, an exercise that can be particularly confusing when a family member has special needs. Here are some suggestions to bear in mind…

Exemptions and Deductions
When a loved one has special needs, the cost of health care is usually a major concern, so be sure that you claim all the deductions to which you’re entitled.

Tax Credits
Families should also be aware of the following credits:

• Dependent Care – Up to 35 percent of day care expenses incurred while the taxpayer is working or seeking employment.
• Earned Income Tax Credit – For low- to moderate-income families with children under 19 (up to age 23, if children are full-time students). This also applies to adults with disabilities who work.
• Elderly Disabled – For individuals 65 or older who are filing income taxes.
• Disability income from a previous employer’s benefit plan – Eligibility is dependent upon income level.

SNT Income

Perhaps the most important tax decision occurs long before April 15, when a special needs trust (SNT) is first established for a child with disabilities.

Tax planning is clearly a complex matter for families with special needs and regulations may shift from year to year. Obtaining qualified advice can prevent costly mistakes.

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AbilityOne Design Challenge

The annual nationwide competition is sponsored by NISH and encourages high school students to develop assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities to break through barriers in the workplace. Established in 1974, NISH (www.nish.org) is one of two national, nonprofit agencies designated by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission™ to support nonprofit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program.

The AbilityOne Design Challenge is a competitive process which requires students to build a functioning prototype of their device in order to be considered for contention. High school teams must complete an online training module and work through the fall to research, design and submit a discussion paper and video presentation featuring their device. The device must be in use or intended to be in use by the end of the school year in order to be considered.  The annual nationwide competition is sponsored by NISH and encourages high school students to develop assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities to break through barriers in the workplace. Established in 1974, NISH (www.nish.org) is one of two national, nonprofit agencies designated by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission™ to support nonprofit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program.

All participants in the Design Challenge work in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations, who train, hire or provide job opportunities for people with significant disabilities. 

Winners of the 2013 AbilityOne Network Design Challenge 

High School Winners

Best Overall Design

Wethersfield High School, Wethersfield, CT

Earplug Chain Fixture

Second Place Winners
Gardner Edgerton High School, Gardner, KS – LABB (Lever Action Box Builder), Outstanding Engineering Design 
Poolesville High School, Poolesville, MD – The Tea-Packaging Device. Outstanding Assistive Technology 

Third Place Winners
Poolesville High School, Poolesville, MD – Rain Barrel Cradle, 

Minnetonka High School, Minnetonka, MN – The Buckle Box

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2013 Disability Policy Seminar

TAKE YOUR MESSAGE TO CAPITOL HILL

Does what happens in Washington, D.C. really matter? You bet! Every day millions of Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are impacted by the public policy decisions – big and small -- made by their representatives in Congress.

And each year, hundreds of advocates attend the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. to learn more about and discuss the hottest topics in disability public policy. We invite you to join us for an opportunity to advance the grassroots movement for people with I/DD and make sure your elected officials know what’s important to you. Two days of informative in-depth sessions from disability policy experts and opportunities to network with others from your state will culminate in a third day starting off with breakfast on Capitol Hill before you personally meet with your elected representatives and their staffs.

About the Seminar

During full day sessions April 15-16, you will have the opportunity to hear from leading public policy experts, disability advocates and Congressional staff discussing current key policies important to the disability community.

But on Wednesday, April 17, the real work is done when you will meet your Congressional delegation and deliver a unified message, in person with 500+ other advocates, that persons with disabilities must have equal opportunity to participate in our economy and society, and receive the necessary services and supports.

Who Should Attend?

• Self-advocates;
• Parents and family member of an individuals with disabilities;
• Board members, staff, trainees, and volunteers for disability organizations;
• State and local public policy committee members;
• Public policy staff; or
• Constituents

During this crucial election season, we need YOU in Washington, D.C. to help us build bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for high-priority disability issues. When you attend the Disability Policy Seminar, we’ll arm you with all of the information you need to help educate our Members of Congress and their staff on the priorities of the I/DD community. Then, you can return to your hometowns with the ability to spread the word, educate new advocates and reach out to the candidates to help put the needs of people with I/DD front and center on the campaign trail this year.

Priority Topics

Topics to be discussed include: Medicaid and Community Living, Federal Funding, Social Security, Employment and Education, Health Care, and Asset Development. Check our program schedule for a list of informative sessions about the issues important to you.

Disability Policy Seminar
April 14-17, 2013
Grand Hyatt Washington
Washington, DC

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Equipment Donation Drive

It's time to clean out your garage!

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program 
and Able South Carolina 
are sponsoring an Equipment Donation Drive.

Bring any equipment you don't 
use anymore with you to the 
Assistive Technology Expo on March 27.

For additional information and a list of items you can bring, click here.

For additional information about the Assistive Technology Expo, click here.

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Join Quintex Low Vision for a Free Seminar in Your Community

Join Quintex Low Vision for a free seminar in your community to discover more about solutions to help those with low vision and blindness regain independence. We'll focus on available assistive technologies through education and hands-on demonstration.

When: March 14th, 2013
Time: 9 AM - 1 PM, lunch will be provided.

Where: Midlands Center, Collaborative Training Center Building

8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203

Directions: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/directions.htm#collab

Who Should Attend?

• Those with vision loss
• Parents and family members
• Occupational therapists
• Instructors and trainers
• Seniors and senior center staff
• Vision support groups

Door prizes: a Ruby Handheld Video Magnifier or Magic Screen Magnification Software and Large Print Keyboard

Registration: Space is Limited

-          By Phone: (800) 336-5658

-          By Email: seminars@FreedomScientific.com

-          Online: www.FreedomScientific.com/Seminars

To learn more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Global Autism Project Announces New Partnership With YCHI in Indonesia

Global Autism Project Announces New Partnership 

With YCHI in Indonesia

The Global Autism Project is excited to announce a new partnership with the Yayasan Cinta Harapan Indonesia (YCHI). Founded in 2009 by the current Chairman of the Executive Board, Zulfikar Alimuddin, YCHI aims to help children from underprivileged families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  The most recent prevalence rates say that 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with some form of ASD. This high number demonstrates the need to increase capabilities around the world for early intervention and use of approved practices to treat these individuals. This is particularly true of under-resourced communities where understanding of ASD is extremely low.  Approaching its tenth anniversary, the Global Autism Project has been working to provide necessary skills to their partners abroad, equipping them with training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). ABA is the only evidence-based treatment currently in use by those working with ASD. The organization already has strong partnerships in India, Peru, and Kenya and is looking to continue to expand their reach worldwide. Their SkillCorps program gives professionals working with ASD as well as other volunteers the opportunity to travel to their partners’ locations and spend a few weeks working directly with the organization and training its staff.

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Man Using Disability to Inspire Others

COCA President Alex Perry talks to Good Day Columbia about how he uses his disability to inspire others

"COLUMBIA (WACH) --- It’s an annual event that gives a voice to disabled South Carolinians and their families. Wednesday March 6 is the 24th annual Disability Advocacy Day at the State house. The event raises awareness and reminds legislators of the hundreds of long term disabled people here in the Palmetto State. Alex Perry, a man living with cerebral palsy spoke to Good Day’s Fraendy Clervaud about living with a disability and how he uses it to encourage others."

To watch the interview, please click on the above title.

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