SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015

Join us for the
SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
9 am – 4 pm
Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7525

Come see what's new in assistive technology and attend presentations about assistive technology and its use. It’s all free!

You can learn more about the SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015 and see information (and pictures) from past Expos at our webpage:  
http://www.sc.edu/scatp/expo/expo15.html .

CEUs have been approved for SLPs, Nurses, Social Workers, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists. Continuing education units have also been approved by Baby Net!

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2015 SC Assistive Technology Expo!

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

SC Autism Society Annual Conference 2015

SOUTH CAROLINA AUTISM SOCIETY 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

One Month from Today – Register Now!

Friday, April 17, 2015

Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Cost: $50 per person

Location:  Saluda Shoals, 5605 Bush River Road, Irmo, SC  29212

Click here to Register for the Conference 

Click here to Exhibit at the Conference

Click here to view our Annual Awards, and submit your nominations

DON’T MISS THE SOUTH CAROLINA AUTISM SOCIETY’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE, FEATURING JED BAKER AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER. 

Breakout Sessions to Include:

·       Autism, Insurance, & Medicaid

·       How to Get a Job

·       How to Make and Utilize Visual Supports to Encourage Independence and Choice-Making during Daily Routines and Activities at Home, School and in the Community

·       Self-Advocate Panel

·       Talking about AAC and Behavior

·       The Autism Spectrum Disorders Friendly Health Care Initiative

·       The Sensory Integration Toolbox: 15 Life-changing Tips That Bring Out the Best in People With Autism

·       VR and Transition Services:  Helping Students Prepare for Work

Limited Scholarships are available for parents and self-advocates.  Click here to apply.

Do you know someone who is deserving of recognition?  Click here to view our Annual Awards, and submit your nominations.

Click here to Register for this Conference

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

SC Autism Society Workshops

All workshops will be held at the SC Autism Society 

806 12th Street West Columbia

10:00 AM Until Noon

Space is limited

Register by calling Delilah at 750 6988 ext 108 or email iandr@scautism.org

Thursday, March 19th	Visual Supports in the Home and School Environment	Visual supports are crucial to children with autism.  They help them to break down tasks into small steps, know what is expected of them, know what to do and how to do it, and to help alleviate anxiety that comes from not knowing what to expect.  A student with autism needs structure and visual support that can help them in many ways.  In this workshop, we will demonstrate many wonderful free or low cost materials and resources that can be used for scheduling, task analysis and behavioral modification.
Thursday, April 23rd	How do I read my child’d IEP?  Important factors that all parents should know.	IEP meetings can be overwhelming to say the least.  In this workshop, we will go over IEP’s and show you exactly what you need to know when you attend these meetings.  Crucial elements of the IEP will be discussed to ensure that your child is getting the services that they need.

Using Self-Advocacy to Prevent Bullying

USING SELF-ADVOCACY TO PREVENT BULLYING!

During this training, individual with disabilities will learn:

What is considered bullying?

Tips for preventing bullying.

Ways to develop a strong support system.

How to improve self-determination skills to effectively communicate with others when being intimidated.

Please contact Able SC to register for the training: (803) 779-5121 ext.126 TTY: (803)779-0949 dtempio@able-sc.org
Wednesday March 18, 2015 2:00PM - 4:00PM, Able South Carolina 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29210

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

The National Dialogue on Family Support

Tell Us What You Think! The National Dialogue on Family Support is Monday, March 9th - March 30! What concerns do you have as a family caregiver or someone who relies on a caregiver? A national research project that runs through the end of March is looking to talk with people with disabilities and their family caregivers. For more information and how to participate: Click Here Who can participate? Family caregivers, people with disabilities, providers, and researchers can be involved in the talk through an online forum in English or Spanish. To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Autism Awareness for First Responders

The SC Autism Society is honored to announce that Autism Society Task Force members, Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe and Captain William Cannata, Jr, are coming to South Carolina in May to present training sessions in three locations around the state: Greenville, Charleston and Columbia.  They are providing ‘Autism Awareness for First Responders’ in collaboration with the SC Fire Academy, Mt. Pleasant PD, Greenville PD, and CICP Carolinas Institute.

This opportunity is being provided free of charge for all emergency response professionals including law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel and school resource officers. Our instructors are first responders with extensive experience in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Training is available in three different locations on three different days.

5/19/15 - Alhambra Hall, Mt. Pleasant, SC at 9:00 am

5/20/15 - Greenville Technical College, Greenville, SC at 9:00 am5/21/15 - SC Fire Academy, Columbia, SC at 9:00 am

Capt. Cannata and Sgt. Donohoe have collaborated with the Autism Society in its Safe and Sound initiative since 2005. Sgt. Jimmy Donohoe is the creator of the ‘Take Me Home’ program, a database where participants who are unable to properly identify themselves register with a photo, physical description, and contact information so first responders can interact with increased knowledge when contacting a person with autism. Capt. William Cannata is retired from the fire service after serving more than 30 years, and is now the Program Director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition, which was formed in 2003.

First responders can register online at http://scautism.org/event/autism-awareness-first-responders/. 

Read about how the SC Autism Society is working with First Responders statewide! http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150308/PC16/150309560/1005/training-geared-toward-public-safety-interactions-with-autistic-individuals

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Resource Fair Opportunities: Annual Conference & Strides for Autism

Resource Fair Opportunities

The South Carolina Autism Society is excited to announce several upcoming Resource Fair Opportunities.  We invite you to consider participating in these exciting events.  Spaces begin at just $75.  Register now, or email me at SusanL@scautism.org for further information. 

Strides for Autism – Upstate
Saturday, April 11, 2015, Heritage Park, Simpsonville
http://scautism.org/event/strides-upstate-2015/

Strides for Autism – Midlands
Saturday, May 2, 2015, Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo
http://scautism.org/event/strides-midlands-2015/

Annual Conference
Friday, April 17, 2015, Saluda Shoals Conference Center, Irmo
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jed Baker
http://scautism.org/event/2015-annual-conference/

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

3-2-1 DASH for Down Syndrome

3-2-1 DASH for Down Syndrome is a 5K fundraiser; run an extra .11 mile to the 2nd finish like for a 3.21 finish! 

Event proceeds benefit Education Programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Educational programs in the greater Charlotte area are helping to support educators and enable students with Down syndrome to live up to their full potential.

Time: March 21, 2015 from 8:30am -12:00pm
Location: 8835 Blakeney Professional Drive, Charlotte NC 28277
Course: 5k/3.1 miles; run an extra .11 miles to the 2nd finish line for a 3.21 finish!

5K Registration Fees: $25 until Jan 31; $35 Feb 1-Mar 20; $40 Race Day
Fun Run Fees: $15 until Jan 31; $20 Feb 1-Mar 30; $25 Race Day


For more information and to register please visit: http://www.dsa-gc.org/services/5Krace/

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2015

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Free Trainings Sponsored by the AT Coalition

Free Webinars - Younger Children

Pre-Writing Apps from SETC
Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern
  

Free Webinars - K-12 & Adults

Switch Assessment, Part 2: for those w/increased muscle tone  from AbleNet
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 9am Pacific, Noon Eastern

Free & Low-cost Strategies to Improve Reading and Writing- Tweetchat from CTD
Tuesday, March 10 at 5pm Pacific, 8pm Eastern

Examining Your School's AT Service Design: Session 1 from AbleNet
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 9:30am Pacific, 12:30pm Eastern

The Top 5 iPad apps for Struggling Readers and Writers from CTD
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 1pm Pacific, 4:00pm Eastern

What Is Speech Recognition Software, How It Is Used, and What You Should Know about When Authoring Web Content - from the ADA Centers
Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

AEM (Accessible Educational Materials) in the IEP from NCAEM
Monday, March 23, 2015 at 1:30pm Pacific, 4:30pm Eastern

Voices in AAC Apps: What Are the Options...? from AbleNet
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern (30 min.)

Personalized Learning with Assistive Technology from PACER
Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 4:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Eastern

Connecting All People to "Places:" Content and Design Considerations for App Accessibility - from the ADA Centers
Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

K-12 Teachers may also want to look at the 16 other webinars from the Special Ed. Technology Center in WA, mainly held at 3:30 PM Pacific, 6:30 PM Eastern. Topics: joystick & switch access for iPads, Fast ForWord, adapted books, AAC, etc.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Accessible Technology Webinar Series Session 2015

The Great Lakes ADA Center in collaboration with the ADA National Network is pleased to announce the March 19, 2015 Accessible Technology Webinar Series Session:


Title:   "What is speech recognition software, how it is used, and what you should know about when authoring web content"

Description:
This presentation will describe what speech recognition is and the people who use and benefit from speech recognition. It will cover what is available on different platforms such as Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms. Sample demonstration of speech recognition will be provided and a review of designing websites for use with speech recognition will be provided. This review will include what to know about speech recognition and the Accessible Rich Internet Applications Specification (ARIA). Follow-up resources will also be provided and questions will be taken.
Presenter:  Jonathan Avila, Chief Accessibility Officer, SSB

Time:  2:00-3:30PM ET
Cost:   Free
Registration is available on-line at: http://www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/AccessibleTechnology/   (New users will be required to establish an account in our system prior to completing registration)
Format:  The webinar will be held using the Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing System v 12.6   Real-time captioning will be provided via the webinar platform.   Audio is delivered via the webinar platform or telephone connection.
Questions?: Call 877-232-1990 V/TTY M-F 8-5pm CT or email at webinars@ada-audio.org

Monthly Workshops Offered at the SC Autism Society

All workshops will be held at the SC Autism Society 

806 12th Street West Columbia

10:00 AM Until Noon

Space is limited

Register by calling Delilah at 750 6988 ext 108 or email iandr@scautism.org

Thursday, March 19th	Visual Supports in the Home and School Environment	Visual supports are crucial to children with autism.  They help them to break down tasks into small steps, know what is expected of them, know what to do and how to do it, and to help alleviate anxiety that comes from not knowing what to expect.  A student with autism needs structure and visual support that can help them in many ways.  In this workshop, we will demonstrate many wonderful free or low cost materials and resources that can be used for scheduling, task analysis and behavioral modification.
Thursday, April 23rd	How do I read my child’d IEP?  Important factors that all parents should know.	IEP meetings can be overwhelming to say the least.  In this workshop, we will go over IEP’s and show you exactly what you need to know when you attend these meetings.  Crucial elements of the IEP will be discussed to ensure that your child is getting the services that they need.
Thursday, May 28th	Adolescents and Sexuality; Resources that can help	All individuals experience sexual urges and some students need help with learning how to deal with these feeling when they start.  In this workshop, we will go over how to deal with your sexuality for males and females, personal hygiene, and birth control.  We will also demonstrate various texts and websites that can help your adolescent child better deal with their sexuality.
Thursday, July 30th	Sensory Integration – How Can I Help My Child?	The majority of students with autism have Sensory Processing Disorder.  Students can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sights, sounds, smells and especially noises.  This disorder can interfere with everything in the child’s life.  We will discuss what this disorder is and how we can help to desensitize children who experience problems in this area and how exercise and movements is vital to calm and relaxed to they can attend to various tasks.  We will demonstrate items that can help students in these areas and discuss books that can help educators’ and parents to learn more about SPD.
Thursday, August, 27th	Creating Social Stories	Since students with ASD are extremely visual, social stores can help alleviate difficult behaviors, anxiety, stress and the unknown.  In this workshop, we will discuss how to create a social story and we will also go over free and low-cost resources where you can find social stories that are premade.  Bring your own computer or iPad if available.

Resources To Help Families With Autism

Columbia (WLTX) Sandi Bretten has been blessed with two wonderful boys... who happen to have autism.

"Some children with autism are brillant and some children like mine are learning disabled. Some children have splinter skills, " said Bretten.

Those with autism can have varying degrees of difficulty in a multitude of areas, like speech, learning and sensory and social skills.

"Chase is an amazing musician. My son Julian was reading at a third grade level when he was three years old but can barely string three or four words together in a sentence", said Bretten.

But one of the problems a 2012 study confirmed and that many parents already knew, wandering by children with autism is common. It's dangerous and puts tremendous stress on families.

To read this story in full & to read tips to help prevent wandering and wandering-related incidents please visit: http://www.wltx.com/story/life/2015/02/25/resources-to-help-families-with-autism/24028797/

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp