Monday, July 13, 2020

Job Position Open

SC Assistive Technology Program logo

Interested in working at an agency 
that serves all of SC? 

Interested in a great working environment with wonderful staff?

The SC Assistive Technology Program 
is looking for an administrative assistant. 

Learn more at:

Carol Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, ATP, CBIS
Program Manager
SC Assistive Technology Program
USC School of Medicine
Columbia, SC 29208
803-935-5301
800-915-4522 toll free

Friday, July 10, 2020

Download social stories about COVID-19, racism & more

Autism Society logo

Autism Society July 2020 Toolkit logo

These past few days, weeks, and months have been trying. Each day seems to add another layer of challenges threatening our physical and mental health, and now more than ever, we must lean on each other for support. 

Our July toolkit provides resources for the autism community as we navigate the "New Normal" this summer. The toolkit focuses on racism and protest education, COVID-19 resources, and summer staycation and activity alternatives. 


Autism Society Back to School Global Discussion flier


Autism Society Black Lives Matter image

The Autism Society has always been dedicated to improving the lives of all affected by autism. We know that the only way to ignite change is to build awareness and practice acceptance - we can only build a better, more inclusive world for ALL, by building it togetherAccess our social stories on racism and protests now.


Covid 19 Resources image

Affliliates in Action image

Autism Society affiliates have gone above and beyond to provide creative solutions to support the autism community during this time, including:



Thursday, July 09, 2020

Take charge of your diabetes and your life!

ABLE SC logo

Do you have an intellectual or developmental disability 
and type 2 diabetes?

Check out this fun, informational video and learn ways to stay healthy!

The video was filmed with paid actors 
with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 
just like you, because you are the experts on your lives.




After you've watched the video, can you do us a huge favor 
and take this quick survey about it?


Thank you! 

Lastly, if you want more information about 
taking charge of your health and your diabetes, 
visit the website linked below:

Wednesday, July 08, 2020

Webinar: App for Nonverbal Kids

SC Assistive Technology Program logo

Complete Walkthrough of Avaz AAC​

Date: July 9th, 2020
Time: 9:30-10:30 ET
Cost: FREE

Speaker: Arbaaz Gowher, Product Specialist at AVAZ


Description: This webinar session shows how to use Avaz AAC for people with complex communication needs. This will give you an in-depth idea about all the features and will also cover several use-cases where the app can help.

Participants will:

- Complete walkthrough of the app
- Learn how to personalize and customize for the communicator's needs
- Learn about TeleAAC with Avaz Live
- See how to create a low-tech printable version of the app
- Locate built-in training and analytics module
- Q&A

Tuesday, July 07, 2020

Techie Tuesday

SC Assistive Technology Program logo

Join SCATP staff for free Techie Tuesdays! 

Each week we will have different equipment 
on hand to give virtual demonstrations. 

The next two Techie Tuesday will be 
July 7th and July 14th and will feature:
Communication Apps on an iPad.

To sign up for a time for your personal 1:1 demonstration 
for July 7th or July 14th, 

email Carol Page at

Thursday, July 02, 2020

6 Free July AT Webinars

SC Assistive Technology Program logo

Complete Walkthrough of Avaz AAC

Date: July 9th, 2020
Time: 9:30-10:30 ET
Cost: FREE
Speaker: Arbaaz Gowher, Product Specialist at AVAZ


Description: This webinar session shows how to use Avaz AAC for people with complex communication needs. This will give you an in-depth idea about all the features and will also cover several use-cases where the app can help.

Participants will:
- Complete walkthrough of the app
- Learn how to personalize and customize for the communicator's needs
- Learn about TeleAAC with Avaz Live
- See how to create a low-tech printable version of the app
- Locate built in training and analytics module
- Q&A


Practical UDL/Personalized Instruction Tools 
for ALL Students!

Date: July 16, 2020
Time:  10:00 a.m.  - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE
Speaker: Tim Jones


Description: In this session, attendees will see a demonstration of Read&Write for Google Chrome, EquatIO, and WriQ. These are powerful programs with over 25 million users. These ELA and STEM-focused products work with BOTH Office 365 as well as G-Suite programs. Participants will learn more about common technology supports such as text-to-speech, word prediction, dictation, text and picture dictionaries, annotations…and more… that can help ALL students and especially those who struggle with reading and writing. These tools can be used through the Chrome, Edge, Explorer browsers on PCs, Macs, IPads and Chromebooks.

Participants will:
-Learn to accommodate different learning styles using tools from the Read&Write and EquatIO Toolbars
-Create customized vocabulary lists and study guides
-Find new resources for accessing digital text
-Discover a great tool for grading writing with customizable rubrics
-Learn how to access a “Free for Teachers” account


Support Learning Wherever it Happens

Date: July 22, 2020
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cost: FREE!
Speaker: Cami Griffith


Description: Engage students from a distance using any device!  Kurzweil 3000 is assistive technology that makes it possible for learners to access content, anywhere.  Geared toward educators, this webinar will demonstrate how Kurzweil 3000.com and the Kurzweil 3000 for Google Chrome Extension is designed to help students independently process and articulate concepts more effectively.  When students feel competent and in control of learning, their motivation increases.

Participants will:
-Learn how to promote active reading and increase long-term retention with bubble notes
-Develop a vocabulary study guide by extracting highlights
-See demonstration of tools (brainstorm, outline, draft) that support the stages of the writing process
-Discover Kurzweil Academy and other organizational resources

Speaker: Cami Griffith possesses a Master’s Degree in Severe Special Needs Education and has taught in both the public and private sector.  Cami is presently employed with Kurzweil Education, where she works throughout New England, North Carolina, South Carolina and portions of Florida.  Cami has expertise in the areas of Assistive Technology and Autism, and a particular interest in fostering social and emotional learning / health.


Using Music to Engage and Teach AAC Users

Date: July 23rd, 2020
Time: 10:00-11:00 ET
Cost: FREE
Speaker: Stephen Kneece


Description: Add a new tool in your AAC toolbelt! See how to get the most out of Stephen’s core vocabulary songs, regardless of the AAC user's vocabulary set, method of selection, or level of proficiency. These songs are a completely free resource that you can immediately implement into your AAC therapy sessions. See sample lesson plans and learn how to integrate music into activities that you are already using.

Participants will:
-Be able to use songs to model and provide Aided Language Input for AAC users.
-Be able to provide parents and teachers with simple carry-over AAC activities.
-Have a better understanding of core vocabulary, aided language input, and prompting.

Presenter: Stephen Kneece is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and an AT/AAC Consultant working in Aiken County Public School District. He is currently President-Elect of SCSHA, the CEO/Founder of Speech and Language Songs, and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of South Carolina. Stephen strives to create speech therapy songs to help children communicate more effectively.


Make Your Learning Experience and 
Daily Tasks More Manageable

Date: July 29, 2020
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Cost: FREE!
Speaker: Cami Griffith


Description: Geared toward students and individuals, this webinar will focus on Kurzweil 3000.com and the Kurzweil 3000 for Google Chrome Extension. 

Participants will:
-Learn options to access content
-Customize and optimize reading settings
-Mark important places in document using bookmarks
-View ready-to-use writing templates

Speaker: Cami Griffith possesses a Master’s Degree in Severe Special Needs Education and has taught in both the public and private sector.  Cami is presently employed with Kurzweil Education, where she works throughout New England, North Carolina, South Carolina and portions of Florida.  Cami has expertise in the areas of Assistive Technology and Autism, and a particular interest in fostering social and emotional learning / health.


Staying Up-To-Date on Assistive Technology

Date: July 30, 2020
Time:  10:00 a.m.  - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE
Speaker: Ted Klopp


Description: Participants will see demonstrations of AAC devices, communication options, switches, adapted toys, device access items and more!

Speaker: Ted Klopp has worked with teachers and therapists in the special education area for the past decade. As the right-hand man for his wife's company - Ted is tasked with doing a little of everything. His experience includes, but is not limited to sales, marketing, training, and demonstrations. Most specifically - Ted works to make sure customers are successful with the products they use.

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

July Association Updates

SC Spinal Cord Association logo

Association July Updates
JULY 01

fireworks display photo image

Our offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd 
so our staff can enjoy the July 4th holiday.  
Please have a safe and fun weekend!!!
__________

Do you have a need relating to your spinal cord injury 
that could be alleviated with some financial assistance?

Please contact us to see how we can help!  

Applications for financial assistance can be found by clicking the link below.  
Information about how to qualify and how to apply is included on the application.


__________

Coronavirus COVID 19 image

Please take our COVID Wellness Survey


Do you have needs specifically related to COVID-19? 

For example, do you need masks or gloves 
but either can't find them or can't afford any? 
Let us know, and we may be able to help!

__________

September is...

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month logo


This year, SCI Awareness month will be virtual! 

If you have suggestions on how we can make this month special and fun, please let us know! Activities, speakers, challenges-- any and all ideas are welcome! 

Email angela@scspinalcord.org with ideas.

__________

open book with letters floating image

We need your stories!

(enter to win Amazon gift card)

Please help us with our donation campaign by providing your story of spinal cord injury-- it can be about how your injury happened, what life is like now, how the Association has enriched your life, etc.

Qualifying stories from members will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card and may help us continue to fund some of the valuable activities we give members access to each month.

Stories can be sent to sarah@scspinalcord.org

Monday, June 29, 2020

Free webinar on passing legislation for parents with disabilities!

ABLE SC logo

Are you interested in learning about 
the rights of parents with disabilities?

Join us for a free webinar on July 27 at 3 PM! 

Able SC's executive director Kimberly Tissot will speak 
alongside Oregon Senator Sara Gelser on passing state legislation 
to protect parents with disabilities.

ADA 30th Anniversary Webinar flier

Friday, June 26, 2020

Ways Able SC can help you during the pandemic

ABLE SC logo

COVID-19 is unfortunately not over yet. Almost every day, South Carolina breaks its record for number of new cases. On Wednesday alone, we had almost 1,300 new cases.

Together, we can fight this. Able SC is here for you. Not only are we still offering all of our traditional services, but we also have a wide variety of COVID-19 specific services and resources available to you.

In need of essential supplies like sanitizer, masks, and toilet paper? We've got you covered. Fill out this quick form to request a COVID-19 kit for you or members of your household: https://bit.ly/covidkitform

ABLE SC Covid 19 Kit ad


Other COVID-19 services we offer:

  • Help in advocating for yourself and your rights
  • Assistance understanding the virus, safety tips, and finding COVID-19 testing sites
  • Peer support every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 PM online!
  • Guidance on transitioning out of an institution (like a nursing home, hospital, or care facility) into community-based living
  • Advocacy to prevent at-risk individuals from being instituionalized
  • Connecting individuals with all available resources through Information & Referral.


In need of assistance? 
Give us a call at 803-779-5121 or email us at info@able-sc.org.


******

Be a Hero: Wear a Mask!

This Plain Language PSA is intended for youth and people with intellectual/developmental disabilities so that they can understand what masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) are, and why they should be worn to stop the spread of COVID-19:



Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Life with Brain Injury Virtual Conference Registration




2020 Life with Brain Injury “Virtual” Conference
Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31, 2020
Via Zoom Webinar

Hosted By:

Brain Injury Association of SC logo

SC Brain Injury Leadership Council logo

Sessions:

The True Meaning of Recovery
Brain Injury 101
Financial and Estate Planning
The Basics of the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program
Together We Stand
Cognitive Retraining and Maintenance for Mild Concussion
An Overview of ThinkFirst: Who are we and why do we exist?

KEYNOTE:

Anne McDonnell picture

Opportunity is Knocking: Get up and Open the Door!

Anne McDonnell, MPA, OTR/L, CBIST
Brain Injury Association of Virginia



Monday, June 22, 2020

Covid-19 Social Stories

Autism Society logo

Covid 19 Social Stories image

The Autism Society recognizes the many added challenges that the autism community faces during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of our staff members, Board of Directors, and affiliate families are experiencing the same hardships for themselves and/or their autistic loved ones.

As states begin reopening, we will continue to provide support resources to help families throughout this transition. The Autism Society is proud to present Covid-19 social narratives, created by the Autism Society of America in collaboration with our professional committees.


Friday, June 19, 2020

Techie Tuesday is June 23rd

SC Asssistive Technology Program logo

Join SCATP staff for Techie Tuesdays! 

Each week we will have different equipment on hand 
to give virtual demonstrations. 

The next Techie Tuesday will be June 23rd 
and will feature Vision devices. 

To sign up for a time for your personal 
1:1 demonstration for June 23rd 
email Carol Page at carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu . ​

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Free Webinar for Reading and Writing Help

SC Assistive Technologyy Program logo

ClaroReadPro Webinar

Date: June 25, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Speaker: Mary Wilcox​


Learn about ClaroReadPro and how it can help students with reading difficulties.  ClaroReadPro offers features like speech recognition, word prediction, spellchecking and more.  Participants will be able to identify students who may benefit from this software program.  Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences with ClaroReadPro during the Q&A session.​