Friday, January 15, 2016

SC Autism Society Annual Conference Call for Presentations Now Open!

South Carolina Autism Society's Annual Conference Call for Presentations Now Open

This is your chance to be part of the South Carolina Autism Society’s Annual Conference!

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS NOW OPEN

http://www.autism-society.org/conference

The South Carolina Autism Society’s Annual Conference is scheduled for 
Friday, April 15, 2016 in Columbia, SC.  
This year in addition to our Keynote Speaker, 
we will have numerous breakout sessions for attendees to choose from.

Our Annual Conference is the only statewide event to consistently bring together professionals, individuals on the autism spectrum, family members and advocates
 in energetic forums for in-depth presentations that cover what’s new in the field of autism and explore how to improve existing services and supports.
This Call for Presentations is seeking presentations that address the full range of issues facing those affected by autism today, provide best practices, practical skills/knowledge, and cutting edge research on topics of interest to those affected by autism.  
Content areas include transition, early intervention, education, employment, quality of life, behavior, communication, social skills, community inclusion, mental health and others.

Presentations should be about 45 minutes long, with the opportunity for audience questions.

The varied expertise and experiences of presenters enables attendees to learn how to more effectively advocate and obtain needed services and supports. The ultimate goal of the Annual Conference is to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum 
and professionals to make informed decisions.

Approved presenters will receive complimentary admission to the Annual Conference, 
as well as space in the Resource Fair.

You may complete your submission online at http://scautism.org/call-for-presentations/.

Submissions may also be emailed to:conference@scautism.org

or mailed to 
SC Autism Society
ATTN:  Annual Conference
806 12th Street
West Columbia, SC  29169 

Submissions are due by February 12, 2016.

Should you have any questions, please email:conference@scautism.org

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Upcoming Training: Advocating for Your Needs

 

Advocating For Your Needs

 

 

Able SC is hosting a free training for individuals with disabilities. 
Join us to build up your inner self-advocate, improve your communication skills, and express your needs.

Join us in person or online!
 
Online Webinar
Thursday, January 21
2:00PM - 3:00PM
 
In Person
Tuesday, January 19 2:00PM - 4:00PM 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29210
 
Please make reasonable accommodation requests for this event a week in advance of the event date.

Professionals who wish to attend are encouraged to participate in the webinar session as there is limited space for individuals with disabilities during the in person training.

 
For more information, contact Dori Tempio
Phone: (800) 681-6805
TTY: (803) 779-0949
e-mail: dtempio@able-sc.org
 
 
 

2016 SC Autism Society Annual Conference

2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Announcing the South Carolina Autism Society’s Annual Conference, featuring Peter Gerhardt, E.D. as Keynote Speaker, Breakout Sessions, Bookstore, and more!
Date:  Friday, April 15, 2016
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost:   $75 per person, includes lunch
Location: Medallion Conference Center, 7309 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC  29209
 
Keynote Speaker — Peter Gerhardt, E.D., is the director of education at the Upper School of the McCarton School and the founding chair of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). He has more than 30 years of experience using the principles of applied behavior analysis in supporting adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in educational, employment, residential, and community-based settings. Dr. Gerhardt is the author or the coauthor of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASDs and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. He serves on the editorial board of Behavior Analysis in Practice and on numerous professional advisory boards. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Graduate School of Education.
Breakout Sessions to be announced by March 1, 2016.
Limited Scholarships are available for parents/guardians, self-advocates, and full-time students.  Click here to apply.
Annual Awards will be presented at the Conference.  Do you know someone who is deserving of recognition?  Click here to nominate them now.
Call for Presentations. If you are interested presenting during the breakout sessions at the Conference, please click here for more information.
Resource Fair. Spaces are available in our Resource Fair for businesses, organizations, and state agencies. Click here for more information.
For additional questions, please contact the South Carolina Autism Society at 803-750-6988 or email scas@scautism.org.

2016 Shuck-A-Rama Oyster Roast


Save the Date! 
The 2016 Shuck-A-Rama Oyster Roast all-inclusive tickets are on sale now!

 Come and enjoy an unlimited amount of fresh oysters, BBQ sliders and coleslaw, beer, wine, soft drinks, live music, and fun fellowship with friends!

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more!
 Sponsorships also available! Click here to learn more!
 To learn more about this event please click here.

Special thanks to our Bushel Sponsors Roper St. Francis Rehabilitation, Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger and The Doscher Family! We greatly appreciate your commitment to helping survivors of brain injury and their families.

Friday, January 08, 2016

Able SC Exceeding Expectations



Able SC’s EQUIP Young Adult Leadership program proudly presents a video about Exceeding Expectations for young adults with disabilities.
 
To learn more about the EQUIP Program, please visit 
www.able-sc.org/equip

Monday, January 04, 2016

Donate to the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

Donate to the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina!
Flier for GivingTuesday2

To donate, you can visit their website (www.biausa.org/sc/), or click here!

Thank you for continuing to support the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina!

Transition Conference for Youth, Families, and Professionals


Logos for Mapping Your Future & Empowering A Future


Photo of USC Alumni Center
Mark your calendars for the third annual Mapping Your Future & Empowering A Future Conferences to be held at the USC Alumni Center in Columbia, SC in February 2016!
Logo for Empowering A Future
Empowering A Future is a one day conference where professionals who work with young adults ages 13-28 with disabilities will learn new strategies to assist in successful transition outcomes.
Date: 2/26/16
Registration Fee: $50
Register Today
Logo for the Mapping Your Future Transition Conference
Mapping Your Future is a one day conference where young adults ages 13-28 with disabilities and their families will gain skills and resources for successful transition into adulthood.
Date: 2/27/16
Registration Fee: Free
Register Today

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Networking for Social Opportunities

black and white clip art of three people.

Networking for
Social Opportunities


Able SC is hosting a free training for individuals with disabilities. Join us as we:
  • Understand socializing and networking
  • Identify ways to meet new people
  • Recognize networking techniques
  • Develop intermingling skills
  • Determine safe methods for getting to know others

Join Us In Person or Online!

Online Webinar
Tuesday, December 15
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

In Person
Wednesday, December 16
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100
Columbia, SC 29210

Please make reasonable accommodation requests for this event a week in advance of the event date.

Professionals who wish to attend are encouraged to participate in the webinar session as there is limited space for individuals with disabilities during the in person training.

For more information, contact Dori Tempio
Phone: (800) 681-6805
TTY: (803) 779-0949
e-mail: dtempio@able-sc.org

An Introduction to Sign Language for Parents of Children with Special Needs

An Introduction to Sign Language for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Spaces are still available!

Date: 
Friday, December 11, 2015

Time: 
10:00 - 11:30 am

Cost: 
Free, but pre-registration is required

Location: 
Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203

Registration: 
Complete the Sign Language for Parents of Children with Special Needs online registration form

Presenter: 
Jill Eversmann

Description: 
This is a fun, interactive workshop for parents of children with special needs. It covers 25 signs, the manual alphabet, and numbers 1-10. Parents will learn and practice the signs and learn tips for teaching signs to their children.  It also covers how sign language can encourage speech and language development, enhance overall communication and reduce frustration for children who are not yet able to effectively communicate using speech.

About the Speaker: 
Jill Eversmann is a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience and a certified Signing Time Academy instructor. She loves working with young children and their families and also teaching sign language to children and adults. Jill received her B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University. She is ASHA certified and licensed in SC.

For questions about registration, call Will McCain at (803) 935-5004 or Lydia Durham at (803) 935-5263 or 800-915-4522.

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Midlands Spring 2016 Social Skills Group

Midlands Spring 2016 Social Skills Group:
Running Out of Space! 

We hope you and your family enjoyed Thanksgiving!
We just wanted to send out a quick reminder that spring social skills groups will be beginning on January 11th! 

Groups will be held at the Autism Academy of South Carolina (1505 Blanding St. Columbia SC 29201) on Mondays at either 4:00pm or 4:45pm (depending on age and functioning), and will cost $30 per session for 10 sessions. 

Groups are interactive and fun, and the children really seem to enjoy it! Ages for groups range from 4-23 years old and we cover several different topics including emotion recognition and regulation, conversation starters, bullying and problems solving.


We are also excited to announce our new Family Groups that will be held on Thursdays! These groups will encompass lessons on physical activity, nutrition, and mindfulness/yoga and are for the entire family. These sessions will be over period of 9 weeks and will also cost $30 per session per family (GREAT DEAL!). 

If you are interested in participating in either/both of these opportunities and have not already signed up, please email arandel@autismacademyofsc.org as soon as possible. There has been a lot of interest and spots are filling up fast!

Thank you, and we hope to hear from you soon!

Help Wanted!



Looking for a new job 
with great benefits and exciting opportunities?

Positions available at the 
USC School of Medicine -- Center for Disability Resources
  • Occupational Therapist II (009375)
  • Program Coordinator II (009713) 


If you have questions, or need additional information, 
please contact 
Carol Page, Program Manager at the SC Assistive Technology Program at 803-935-5301, 

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

ASD Parent/Caregiver Support Group Meeting

Midlands Parent/Caregiver Support Group Meeting
Join us this Wednesday, December 2nd from 10 am – 12 noon at our West Columbia office!  This group is for caregivers of individuals with ASD to provide support, education, and encouragement and to share resources to help our children and young adults reach their full potential.  Come with your questions and learn more about how we can help you.
Please click here to RSVP so we know to expect you!