Ready? Set? Go…Chrome! Apps and Extensions for Learning Differences

Ready? Set? Go…Chrome!

Apps and Extensions for Learning Differences

 

Date: February 10, 2016

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Location: Poplar Building Conference Room

Cost: Free

Register for the Ready? Set? Go...Chrome! workshop

Description: Chromebooks have become a viable tool in providing curriculum access and facilitating academic achievement for students with learning differences. It is well known that one size does not fit all. Accessibility options through Chrome apps and extensions can provide solutions for student success in the classroom and beyond. Finding the right apps and extensions can be difficult and time consuming, so we will provide ready-to-use solutions for learning differences. Chrome apps and extensions can help students with vocabulary, spelling, reading, writing, grammar, studying, taking notes, and organization. These resources are typically free of cost while providing invaluable benefits. Apps and extensions will be demonstrated during this session. A list of helpful resources will be provided.

Presenter: Madalina Tudora is an Assistive Technology Specialist for the SC Department of Education. She supports school districts in building capacity for assistive technology by providing guidance, resources and training for local assistive technology teams in SC. She also conducts workshops for teachers, therapists, administrators, and parents on various assistive technology topics. Her undergraduate degree is in Special Education, and her graduate degree is in Psychology. She is nationally certified as an Assistive Technology Professional through RESNA.

Brazil Mobilizes Against Outbreak of Mosquito-Borne Virus

Brazil mobilizes against outbreak of mosquito-borne virus

(The Washington Post) - Jusikelly da Silva was full of expectations for her baby. This was to be her fourth with her spouse, Josenildo, and the couple had three other children from previous relationships. "All perfect, all normal," her husband said of their family.

Then, at the six-month mark of her pregnancy, Jusikelly, 32, learned from a scan that her baby had microcephaly, a rare defect that causes infants to have unusually small heads and can lead to learning and motor difficulties.

Parents such as the da Silvas are struggling as South America's largest country faces an unprecedented outbreak of microcephaly cases. Brazilian officials say that disease is being triggered by Zika - a little known virus borne by mosquitoes. The government has spent more than $300 million to battle the mosquito, mobilizing hundreds of soldiers in the effort.

Concern about Zika has grown so strong that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Friday issued a travel alert urging pregnant women not to visit Brazil or about a dozen other countries in the region where mosquitoes have spread the virus.

To continue reading this article, click here.

Repeated Blasts Linked to Brain Changes in Combat Vets

Repeated Blasts Linked to Brain Changes in Combat Vets

(HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they've gained new insight into how repeated exposure to explosions affects the brains of combat veterans.

Many U.S. veterans exposed to blasts have suffered mild traumatic brain injury, but the exact impact on the brain has not been clear.

In a new study, researchers found that the more explosions veterans were exposed to, the greater the odds for chronic changes in activity in the cerebellum.

The team also found that mice exposed to mild blasts lose neurons in the cerebellum. This pattern of loss is similar to that seen in retired boxers, according to the study published Jan. 13 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

"There is a huge gulf separating our understanding of what kind of brain injuries develop because of mild blast and how they relate to the neuroimaging changes many research groups have detected," David Cook, a research associate professor of medicine and pharmacology at the University of Washington, said in a university news release.

"The similarities we see in the pattern of neuron injury in the cerebellum of mice, the neuron loss previously seen in boxers, and our neuroimaging findings in veterans is a step toward reducing this knowledge gap," added Cook, a scientist at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle.

Along with coordinating movement, the cerebellum also influences emotions.

Study author Dr. Elaine Peskind, co-director of the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at VA Puget Sound, said in the news release, "Problems with mood, irritability and impulsivity are very common in [these] veterans."

To continue reading this article, click here

Playing adaptive sports linked to higher employment, economic impact

(ScienceDaily) - Wheelchair rugby and basketball players are aggressive, conditioned and determined, just like people without disabilities. Unlike them, though, is their likelihood of employment and economic independence. A new study from the University of Houston Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) finds playing an adaptive sport can have dramatic results on the athlete and the economy.

"Our analysis shows that playing an additional year of adaptive sport is associated with an approximately 4 percent increase in likelihood of employment every year for 10 years before the benefits flatten out," said Michael Cottingham, associate professor and the study's principal investigator. "Resources to support disability sport are lacking, though, in part because of the perceived lack of economic return of investing in these programs."

The study was published in the international, multidisciplinary journal Disability and Rehabilitation.

To continue reading this article, click here

Youth Transition Conferences

Be sure to check out the sessions on Assistive Technology and Education!

Youth Transition Conferences

When: February 26 & 27

Where: USC Alumni Center

Time: 8:30 am Friday and 9:00 Saturday to 4:30 pm

Location: 900 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29208

Empowering a Future: Transition Conference for Professionals (Friday, February 26, 2016)

Teachers, transition coordinators, vocational professionals, college students pursuing careers in special education and community advocates are invited to attend Empowering a Future Transition Conference on Friday, February 26, 2016 at USC Alumni Center! Social Work and Education CEUs will be available for professionals. The conference is $50 and includes lunch and parking!

Register for Empowering a Future Here

Mapping Your Future: Transition Conference (Saturday, February 27, 2016)

 

Mapping Your Future is a FREE conference for transition-aged students (13-22) and their families. Lunch and parking are included.

The goals of the Mapping Your Future transition conference are:
•      To inform participants about their rights regarding transition services.
•      To provide students with the tools & resources to create meaningful transition goals.
•      To empower students to become self-advocates and reach their goals after high school.
•      To empower parents to set higher expectations and to effectively support their children in reaching transition goals.

Register for Mapping Your Future Here

Able South Carolina, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities Inc., Family Connection of SC, and the SC Department of Education are hosting the Transition Conferences.

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

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

 Click here to register for online webinar.

 

In Person

Tuesday, January 19 2:00PM - 4:00PM 136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29210

Click here to register to attend in person.  

 

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

Click here to Register Now!

 

Call for Presentations    Resource Fair   Limited Scholarships    Annual Awards

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.

Click here to Register Now!

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.

Able SC Exceeding Expectations

Able SC’s EQUIP Young Adult Leadership program proudly presents a video about Exceeding Expectations for young adults with disabilities.

 

ASL Version | Descriptive Narration Version
 

To learn more about the EQUIP Program, please visit 
www.able-sc.org/equip

Donate to the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

Donate to the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina!

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

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!

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

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