Free Webinar: Mind Mapping + Neurodiversity = Successful Student!

Mind Mapping + Neurodiversity = Successful Student!

Target Audience: Students and adults with learning differences. 

Date:  Sept. 23rd, 2021 

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Register Now!

Description: MindView solves the anxiety students face with writer's block, outlining documents and time management. MindView is an all-inclusive software that assists students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD etc.  MindView is integrated with other assistive tools such as Dragon, Jaws, ZoomText, TextHelp, etc. 

MindView is ideal for: 

• Supporting students with learning difficulties organize their ideas 
• Generating academic papers with citations and references 
• Helping students to plan their work visually 
• Removing the anxiety associated with writing assignments 
• Gain organization & time management skills 

Participants will:

• have a firm understanding of the Mind Mapping Theory.
• learn the benefits of Mind Mapping for students with learning disabilities.

Speaker: Brandon Conrad, Product Manager at MatchWare Inc., is considered to be an expert in mind mapping software.  His specialty is bridging the gap between mind mapping technology and children’s learning behaviors.  Over the past 10 years, Brandon has been a key player in the development of assistive features as they relate to mind mapping software.  Prior to MatchWare, Brandon worked with children diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s, and other behavioral disorders. Utilizing the techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis, he focused on shaping children’s behavior to “mainstream” them into the traditional classroom and become independent in their residential setting. With degrees in economics and psychology, Brandon brings a unique skill set to mind mapping and assistive technology tools.

Over the past 10 years, he has presented the topic of mind mapping at numerous ATIA, PMI Global Congress, Project World, and Project Challenge conferences.  It has been the constant input from participants that has helped to evolve and fine-tune the learning objectives for this topic.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Cosmetic Hacks, Wheelchair Products, and Blogs

September 16, 2021

PRO TIPS

Disabled Women Share Their Cosmetic Hacks

When Esme Mazzeo researched how cosmetics companies are making their products more accessible, she was largely disappointed. But she did find a community of women who’ve developed their own hacks to apply their own makeup independently and beautifully. Click the link to read their stories and tips, and how Mazzeo found one brand — Guide Beauty — that is taking inclusion seriously.

Dating with a Disability and Accepting Care

When it comes to disability and relationships, most people think of accepting care in terms of functional help, whether it’s getting dressed or going to the bathroom. In her latest Own It column, Regan Linton argues that care is something we all deserve, regardless of disability. “Every person out there is porous and vulnerable, with injuries, insecurities, feelings and lots of baggage. Everyone has flesh, blood and spirit that need to be tended,” she writes. “Frankly, on every dating app profile page, there should be a little flashing GIF that says, “Note: This human requires care.” 

PARALYMPICS

Athlete Blogs: A Jammed Chain and Paddling Toward Paris

The Paralympics finished last week, and the world’s best adaptive athletes managed to put on an amazing show despite the all-consuming weirdness of competing in the middle of a pandemic. To help keep you fueled until the next Games (Beijing 2022!), check out our final athlete blogs: Handcyclist Alicia Dana recounts how a rogue chain jammed her gold medal dreams, and paracanoeist Susan Seipel details how a silver medal followed by a roller-coaster final race has her dreaming of Paris 2024. 

PRODUCTS

Pride's New Group 2 Power Chair Features Quicker Charging, Longer Range Lithium Batteries

Pride Mobility released a new wheelchair series, the Jazzy Evo 613, for power wheelchair users who don’t require complex seating and positioning. It boasts a host of new features including an option for a lithium-ion battery pack, 13-inch mid-drive wheels and three inches of ground clearance. Check out the full details here. 

VIRTUAL CELEBRATION

Register Now for United Spinal Association's 75th Anniversary Gala

What do Tony award winners Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ali Stroker, PBS correspondent Amna Nawaz, and congressman Steve Bartlett have in common? They’re all part of United Spinal’s blowout 75th Anniversary Gala, Building an Inclusive World. The virtual celebration is November 10 and registration is free! Please spread the word and invite your family, friends and network. Click the link to register. 

Click here to read more! 

Make an Impact During National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Our September Toolkit focuses on adulthood transitions, housing, long-term care support, and National Suicide Prevention Month; additionally, we'll continue emphasizing COVID-19 and how to safely transition to in-person situations; additionally, we'll continue emphasizing COVID-19 vaccination information and general support. Our policy resources include information regarding the Better Care Better Jobs Act, the Residential Systems Project, and more.  

Did you know: Suicide risk is 3 times higher for individuals with autism? Parents and loved ones can play an important role in recognizing warning signs of suicide. Look for clues like lack of social interactions, appetite, low energy, and changes in typical sleep patterns. 

ACCESS OUR SEPTEMBER TOOLKIT

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National Suicide Prevention Month

Adult Transitions

Housing and Long Term Care

COVID-19 and Vaccine Support

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The Autism Society network is comprised of 73 affiliates across the country. Highlighted below are just some of the events and programs offered related to our September theme:

• Autism Society Florida is offering a PEERS Young Adult learning program. Young adults are taught important skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills. 
• Autism Society of Indiana created "The New Normal" guide to successfully transition parents and students back to in-person situations.  

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Visit our Website | Donate 

Our Promise During COVID-19: The Autism Society of America promises to remain committed to improving the lives of all affected by autism across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, and will focus on providing information, resources, and advocacy efforts to address these urgent needs.  

Don't miss the Assistive Technology Leadership Conference for K-12!

2021 Assistive Technology 

Leadership Conference

Date: October 8, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE 

REGISTER NOW!

The Assistive Technology Leadership Conference is designed to provide resources, networking and support to SC school district assistive technology leaders and teams and other state agencies. Join us for a morning filled with opportunities to collaborate, share, and expand your knowledge of assistive technology best practices for Assistive Technology Implementation. Participants will receive information to assist with leading the way to excellence in Assistive Technology Services.

• Meet AT Team members from other school districts
• Learn about AT implementation
• AT Team Shareout
• Tell us how we can support you in the coming year!

Conference Facilitators:

Madalina Tudora is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional and experienced educator, currently serving as an Assistive Technology Specialist for the SC Department of Education. She supports local school districts and state agencies in building capacity for assistive technology by providing guidance, resources, and training for local assistive technology teams in SC.

Carol A. Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, ATP is the Program Manager of the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) at the USC School of Medicine, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Center for Disability Resources, Department of Pediatrics. She received her PhD degree in speech-language pathology from the University of South Carolina and her assistive technology professional certification from RESNA. Carol provides trainings at a local to international level on assistive technology for persons with disabilities of all ages, their caregivers and professionals who serve them.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Two Free Webinars You Won't Want to Miss!

Teaching Students with Complex Barriers Readtopia: A Path to Believe in Better

Target Audience: Special Education Educators

Date: September 15, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Register Now!

With the right teaching resources we can Believe in Better! We have to…and we’re doing everything possible to make things better for you and your students with complex needs. In this session, we show you how by diving into Readtopia®—a comprehensive set of instructional resources designed specifically for upper elementary, middle, and high school students with complex barriers.

Participants will learn:

• Differentiate across your entire range of student needs with leveled materials
• Improve engagement and behavior with video, graphic novels, informational texts, hands-on activities, and more.
• Connect literacy with content area learning (ELA/Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science, Functional Life Skills)
• Believe in Better and reconnect with the joy of teaching (our most important job)!

Speaker: Kimberly Jackson-Betke is a Curriculum Specialist at Don Johnston Incorporated. Her expertise in education trends, funding and statewide initiatives provides curriculum resources to key administrators, principals, district directors and teachers for students with complex needs, with an emphasis on organizational culture. Kimberly helps educators integrate and deliver classroom and virtual solutions to improve reading and writing performance for struggling students and students with disabilities.

Accommodations: CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

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Wheel Pads, ADUs, and Universally Accessible Home Attachments

Date: September 16th, 2021

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Cost: Free 

(Participants must register to receive the Zoom confirmation email)

Register Now!

Participants will learn about Wheel Pad’s mission to create more universally accessible housing. Wheel Pads are for those who desire choices when faced with injury, disability, or chronic health complications. With a Wheel Pad, you have the choice to remain at home to heal and live. Wheel Pads offer tiny home-style accommodations with true universal accessibility, ready to adapt to your home and property, and to any lifestyle change.

Speaker: RJ Adler, Business Development Director, Wheel Pad

Accommodations: CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

BIASC: Same Web Address, Brand New Website Look!

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina is so excited to share with you that we have updated our website! It is the same URL (www.biaofsc.com) with a whole new look. We are so excited about it and think it will be a much cleaner and user-friendly experience. We have reorganized some of the information and updated our visuals to make navigating our website, resources, and programs much easier.

We encourage you to check out the new website and pass this information on to your family, friends, colleagues, and community members. The information we have to share is important and helpful for survivors of brain injury and their support systems. You can check out our new website by visiting Brain Injury Association of SC website here or by utilizing the QR code below:

One of the features we are most excited about with this new website is our accessibility widget through UserWay. This accessibility widget can be found at the bottom right of the website on any page that you click on, and allows for people with various disabilities (such as visual disabilities, color  blindness, astigmatism, dyslexia, etc.) to access the essential and important brain health information found on our site. Some of the accessibility features are described below.

The Userway accessibility widget includes a variety of features that can be present for anyone, but are more likely to be present in someone who has experienced a TBI or mTBI (concussion). Some of those features include, but are not limited to:

• Keyboard navigation 
• Read page = the page will be read aloud by the widget, which is great for users with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual disabilities, or who have difficulty with looking at screens for long periods of time 
• Contrast = this will change the contrast colors of the web page, background, font color, etc. to make it easier to read the information on the website, which is great for users who are colorblind, have astigmatism, etc. 
• Highlight Links = this makes it easier to find where clickable links on each page are 
• Bigger Text = this allows users to change the size of the text on the page to assist with seeing the information easier, which can assist users who are legally blind or who need larger font size 
• Text Spacing = this feature allows for different variations of spacing between words. This can be really helpful for users with dyslexia, learning disabilities, or visual disabilities. 
• Pause animations = any videos that auto-play or moving text/images can be paused so that they can be viewed on the user's timeframe 
• Legible fonts = this feature allows for the user to change fonts that are easier to see. Depending on the disability, fonts that are closer to cursive can be more difficult to read. 
• Cursor 
• Page Structure = this can help restructure the page to make it easier to navigate and follow 
• Move/Hide = gives the user the ability to move and hide some features of the page 

Thank you so much for your support of the 

Brain Injury Association of South Carolina's mission!

Family Connection of South Carolina: Join us for the LOOK! 2021 Premiere coming to our Facebook page this Sunday, September 12, at 3:00 p.m.

 

Join us for the LOOK! 2021 Premiere coming to our Facebook page this Sunday, September 12, at 3:00 p.m.  Don't miss this virtual watch party which includes an awards ceremony, presentation of our LOOK! Stars, and details on in-person viewing of the exhibit at Koger Center for the Arts. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Have your popcorn ready and scan the code or click here on Sunday, September 12, at 3:00 p.m.! Family Connection of South Carolina 1800 Saint Julian Place, Suite 104 | Columbia, South Carolina | 29204 1-800-578-8750 | Para Espanol 1-888-808-7462 | info@familyconnectionsc.org Follow Us Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences

Let's Get Cooking! - FREE online consumer training

It can seem hard to choose what to eat and what to buy to make meals every day. We can help! Join us for a free online training on Monday, September 13, from 3:00-4:00 PM to learn all about: 

• planning meals 
• shopping for groceries 
• using adaptive cooking tools 
• and more! 

REGISTER NOW!

Registration will close on Sunday, September 12.

We will email you the Zoom link and materials 

on the morning of September 13. 

For questions, contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org. 

Pediatric Equipment Available

Pediatric equipment available!

To make an appointment to pick up a piece of equipment 

please email Alli.Upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu or call 803-935-5273. 

Each photo is linked to more information. 

Stander

(user height 25" to 41"; max user weight 75 lbs.)

Stroller

Stroller 

12 inches wide

Stander 

(R82 Caribou size 2)

KidWalk

Tumble Forms Seat

Please note: 

This seat is not approved for use in a car or on bus.

Gait trainer

Size medium

Three FREE Document Accessibility Trainings for K-12

Using Microsoft Word to Create 

More Accessible Documents

Targeted Audience: K-12 General Education and Special Education Teachers, Administrators and Therapists

Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Speaker: Lyssa Prince

Register Now!

Microsoft Word has several features that help document creators and editors to create more accessible documents. More accessible Word documents create more accessible PDF files as well. During this session, you will learn tools and techniques in Microsoft Word to make sure that your documents are more accessible. At a minimum, we will discuss and demonstrate how Word supports creating accessible document titles, properly structured headings, properly structured lists, text equivalents for visual elements, more accessible data tables, using color more carefully, and providing descriptive text for links. Should we have time we will pass along more tips and tricks. You will leave the session with more confidence that your Word documents are more accessible to people with disabilities.

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Accessible PDF Documents from the Start

Targeted Audience: K-12 General Education and Special Education Teachers, Administrators and Therapists

Date: Thursday, September 9, 2021

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Speaker: Lyssa Prince

Register Now!

PDF documents can present some significant barriers if accessibility is not accounted for in the source document (ex: Word, PowerPoint, InDesign). In this session, we will discuss the accessibility issues we commonly see in PDF documents and connect them back to the topics discussed in the session on Microsoft Word. We will dig into the Tags Tree and discuss how each of the structures, such as headings, lists, links, and tables should be represented in the PDF. We will also provide some tips on things to watch out for upon conversion from Microsoft Office. We recommend that anyone attending this PDF session either has previous knowledge of Microsoft Word Accessibility or attends the session on Microsoft Word in this series. We will be using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for this session. 

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Using Google Docs to Create More Accessible Documents + A Focus on Accessible Tables

Targeted Audience: K-12 General Education and Special Education Teachers, Administrators and Therapists

Date: Friday, September 10, 2021

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m. ET

Speaker: Lyssa Prince

Register Now!

Google has several features that help document creators and editors to create more accessible documents. During this session, you will learn tools and techniques in Google to make sure that your documents are more accessible. At a minimum, we will discuss and demonstrate how Google supports creating accessible document titles, properly structured headings, properly structured lists, text equivalents for visual elements, more accessible data tables, using color more carefully, and providing descriptive text for links. We will also discuss Grackle Docs, which is necessary to create accessible PDF files from Google documents. In addition, we will focus on how to best to use tables, strategies for simplifying complex tables, and the necessities of accessible tables, such as proper header structure.

*****

Speaker:

Lyssa Prince is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Coordinator with Oklahoma ABLE Tech. She has a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) degree from the University of Oklahoma and applies the user-centered approaches from the information sciences to digital accessibility. Lyssa enjoys digging into the meat of websites and applications to provide targeted feedback on how to include people of all abilities in an organization's digital presence. In addition to assessing websites for accessibility, she provides training and technical assistance on how to integrate accessibility into Adobe PDF, Microsoft Office, as well as how to perform accessibility testing. Lyssa was certified by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) as a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) in 2020.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Q and A Session: Join Us!

Join us for a Q and A Session

SC Assistive Technology Program’s Open Forum is a great way to discuss using products, learn about new products, and ask questions in an informal atmosphere. We look forward to talking with you! 

If you require closed captioning or an American Sign Language Interpreter, please contact Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu at least 5 days prior to the event.

Date: Tuesday, September 7th, 2021

Time: 3:00-4:00 PM ET

Cost: FREE!

Zoom Link for Q and A Session 

Meeting ID: 921 0327 6080

Passcode: 360121

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ajx2mzpnm

Research Survey Opportunities for Brain Injury Survivors

There are two research survey opportunities we would like to share with you. Please see details below on each opportunity to see if it would be a good fit for you and if you would be interested in participating. If you are interested in participating or getting more information, please make sure to reach out to the contact person that is specified for that particular opportunity!

Research Opportunity #1

The Brain Injury Association of America is conducting a survey on PBA. PBA stands for pseudobulbar affect, and is characterized by sudden, frequent, uncontrollable episodes of crying and/or laughing that are excessive or don't match how you feel. Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) wants to know more about people who have PBA and whether or not they can access treatment for the condition. If this sounds like something you or a family member, friend, patient, etc. are experiencing, and you would like to participate in this survey, please click this link. Surveys need to be completed by September 30, 2021.

Research Opportunity #2

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are conducting a study about TBIs in children.

This is a study to learn about the role of social communication on social behavior in children, reported by parents and caregivers. Participants will be asked to complete an intake phone call (about 10-15 minutes), and to fill out questionnaires regarding their child's social communication and social behavior abilities (about 30-45 minutes).

You are eligible to participate in this survey if:

• You are a parent or caregiver of a child who sustained a brain injury of any severity (concussion/mTBI, TBI, severe TBI, etc.) 
• Your child sustained a brain injury after 6 months of age 
• Your child is currently between the ages of 6-18 years 
• It has been at least 6 months since your child's brain injury 

Participants will be compensated for their time with a gift-card.

For more information about this study, contact Libby Crook at 216-282-6037 or libby.crook@case.edu, or Dr. Sarah Hope Lincoln at sarahhope.lincoln@case.edu.

FREE Assistive Technology Webinars!

This list of free webinars is compiled from around the Web by the Accessible Technology Coalition. Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions. The SC Assistive Technology Program offers free webinars, too!

K-12 AT Webinars

Post-Pandemic Tips to Support SPED Students in (and Out) of the Classroom from edWeb and Bookshare 

September 1, 2021 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern 

Low cost digital visual supports (LessonPix) from CallScotland

September 15, 2021 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern (30 min.)

Accessible Web and Documents from SETC

September 15, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Tech for Teens Club : Coding Virtual Reality from PACER

September 18, 2021 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern

Switch Access Series: Types of Switches and Interfaces from SETC

September 20, 2021 at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern

Emergent Literacy: Looking at Tech, Text, Task, Environment from SETC

September 21, 2021 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern 

AAC Webinars

Text-Based Augmentative and Alternative Communication Tools from PACER

September 8, 2021 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Coaching AAC Implementation from SETC

September 14, 2021 at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern

AAC Talk: Integrating your Device into Everyday Life from SETC

September 23, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

AAC Decision-Making: Finding the Right Fit from ISAAC

September 23, 2021 at 4pm Pacific, 7pm Eastern

Multi AAC Classrooms from SETC

September 27, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

AT Chatter: Bring Your AAC Technical Questions from SETC

September 28, 2021 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern 

Other

Wired Wednesday: AT Bits & Bytes with TFL and WATAP

September 9, 2021 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern (45 min.)

Recently Archived Webinars

• 1-2-3 Captions: Workflows for Creating Accessible Video from AEM
• ALS: The SLP ALS Augmentative Communication Evaluation from the ALS Society
• Digital Agencies and Responsibilities for Website Accessibility from TPGi
• Unpacking the 2021 State of Digital Accessibility Report from LevelAccess