2022 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo is on March 1st!

Join us at the 2022 

Virtual Assistive Technology Expo!

Date: Tuesday, March 1st, 2022

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE! Open to the general public.

Location: Zoom Webinar with Live Captioning and ASL Interpreters

Register Now!

Go to the AT Expo webpage for more information.

The SC Assistive Technology Program hosts the SC Assistive Technology Expo and is the go-to source for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans, and healthcare professionals. This is the only Assistive Technology event in South Carolina where you can learn about new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. 

AAIDD FYI - February 2022

 AAIDD Webinars 

Assessment for Transition Planning

February 16, 2022 4:00 pm ET 

Presented in collaboration with the AAIDD Education Interest Network

Kendra L. Williams-Diehm, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Oklahoma

Tracy Sinclair, PhD, University of Connecticut

Transition Assessment is a critical part of the transition planning process for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, finding valid, reliable, and appropriate transition assessment for students with an intellectual or developmental disability can be difficult. This webinar will review the requirements of transition assessment and provide recommendations of appropriate assessment to use with students with higher support needs.

Revisiting the Kallikaks: A Conversation with Good Blood, Bad Blood Author Michael Wehmeyer

February 23, 2022 3:00 pm ET

Good Blood, Bad Blood is a landmark publication in the history of the treatment of people with disabilities in this country. Written in a compelling narrative style, it tells the story of the impact of the American eugenics movement. Good Blood, Bad Blood tells the true story of the impact on the woman in Goddard’s book, who had been given the pseudonym Deborah Kallikak, and who became the poster child for the cultural fear generated by American eugenicists, such as Charles Benedict Davenport. They, in turn, provided the Nazi regime with the “evidence” to take the eugenic horror to its ultimate conclusion.

In anticipation of the second edition's release as well as in memoriam co-author J. David Smith, AAIDD is hosting a webinar with co-author Michael Wehmeyer in which he will discuss the inspiration, creation, and impact of this essential piece of literature in the field of IDD.

Structural Factors that Influence Outcomes for Black People with IDD

March 1, 2022 2:00 pm ET 

Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

LaRon A. Scott, EdD, Virginia Commonwealth University

Sarah Dababnah, PhD, MPH, MSW, University of Maryland

AAIDD released a special edition of Inclusion in September 2021 focused on racial and ethnic equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in society. The articles within the issue explore different topics related to intersectionality and the experiences of non-white individuals with IDD, as well as their families and caretakers. This webinar features a panel of authors published in the September 2021 Inclusion special issue sharing their expertise and research.

Crucial Conversation: Utilizing Universal Design for Learning

March 16, 2022 3:00 pm ET

Loui Lord Nelson, PhD, The UDL Approach

Owner of the UDL Approach Loui Lord Nelson, PhD, facilitates a discussion on the principles and practical applications of Universal Learning Design.

Free Webinar this Thursday

An Introduction to the “Families” 

of Pretorian Products

Target Audience: OTs/SLPs/End Users/AT experts

Date: February 17, 2022

Time: 10am – 11am ET

REGISTER NOW!

John Stacey from Pretorian Technologies gives us an introductory insight into their award winning and world-renowned products in AT and AAC. Including Digital Access Devices, Alternative Mice and Joysticks, and Environmental Controls. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the demonstration. 

Participants will learn:

• About the ranges of products, with brief insights on how they can be used
• Specialist products for niche audiences
• How to find out more, and more importantly, how to get hold of them!

Presenter: John Stacey, Sales and Marketing Manager, is an experienced marketing manager having worked within education and training at all levels for over a decade. He joined Pretorian in Feb 2020 and is responsible for training, growth of business, and development of marketing collateral for all of their products. Part of John’s role is to develop training and “how-to” videos for product functionality, so please do contact John if you have something you’d like to see/have in a video for one of their products.

Join BrainStorm for their February Meeting!

 

A support and advocacy group for young adults who have been impacted by brain injury

BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity. 

This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support. 

WHO: Survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury ages 15-29 years of age

NEXT MEETING: February 16, 2022 from 6:30 - 8 pm EST

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION: 

• Contact Brain Injury Safety Net Coordinator, Rachel Kaplan by clicking here.
• Join our Facebook Group by clicking here. As a reminder, this group will only accept youth ages 15-29 years of age to create a safe and inviting peer support space.
• Download the informational PDF and share with anyone that may be interested by clicking here.

Check Out Our Website! 

Hopes and Dreams 2022: Submit your RFP!

RFPs are due February 21st —

Submit yours today! 

We are hosting the conference in a virtual format to ensure a safe experience and to extend the opportunity to additional participants.

This year’s focus will be “Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Needs of Our Children, Youth and Families as a Result of the Pandemic”

The pandemic has affected all children and families, and it has exacerbated existing inequities and inadequacies in our supports for families, children, and individuals with a disability across the United States. Family Connection of South Carolina is seeking speakers for our Annual Hopes & Dreams Conference on April 6-7, 2022. We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds who can speak on topics relating to parents and professionals at this year's Hopes and Dreams conference.

Please consider joining this opportunity to help educate and inspire!

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

2022 Virtual AT Expo, March 1, 2022

2022 Virtual AT Expo: https://bit.ly/2022ATExpo , March 1st 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For all ages, people with disabilities, their families,  professionals who serve them and the general public.

Please share! 

Join Us for Techie Tuesday!

Join SC Assistive Technology Program staff for free Techie Tuesdays!

The next Techie Tuesday will be February 15th at 2:00 p.m.

We will give virtual demonstrations of devices, apps and features you tell us you are most interested in. 

If you need closed captioning or an ASL interpreter, please notify Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu.  You must provide notification of an accessibility need no later than the Thursday prior to the Tuesday meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295324782?pwd=RDl6MFhIeVZoeXpZcEIvN0hFWTNCQT09

Meeting ID: 882 9532 4782

Passcode: 623433

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (New York)

+13017158592,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kw0lkVQji

Join us at the 2022 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo!

Join us at the 2022 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo!

Date: Tuesday, March 1st, 2022

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE!

 

Open to the general public.

Location: Zoom Webinar with Live Captioning and ASL Interpreters

REGISTER NOW!

Go to the AT Expo webpage to find out more.

The SC Assistive Technology Program hosts the SC Assistive Technology Expo and is the go-to source for people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans, and healthcare professionals. This is the only Assistive Technology event in South Carolina where you can learn about new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. 

Finally, Adaptive Winter Boots!

 February 1, 2022

PRODUCTS

SOREL Introduces Its First-Ever Adaptive Winter Boots

We’ve got some good news for everyone still digging themselves out of this winter’s storms. Sorel has introduced a line of adaptive winter boots. Available in men’s and women’s styles and sizes, the boots feature wide-zippered access with oversized pull tabs to make getting them on and off easier. 

TRAVEL

Web Portal Makes Researching Your Next Accessible Trip Easier

Accessible Destinations, a new web portal from the team at TravelAbility, offers a curated and centralized collection of accessibility guides for over 120 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, supplemented by articles and listings from disability travel bloggers and other reliable sources. You can see which locations at least try to be accessible and research everything from top attractions to hotel options. 

NM LIVE

Adaptive Fitness Trainer Christina Chambers

On this month’s NM Live, Teal Sherer talks with Christina Chambers, who started hosting online workouts and personal training after realizing how the pandemic adversely impacted wheelchair users’ fitness routines. Chambers offers some great advice about how to get fit without expensive equipment — hint: use a backpack filled with books in place of a medicine ball — and shares her own mental and physical struggles that led her to put health first.

 Click here to read more of this edition of New Mobility! 

BrainStorm: Why Young Adults Should Join

 

A support and advocacy group for young adults 

who have been impacted by brain injury

Meet Your BrainStorm Peer Facilitator: Jasmine Norris

My name is Jasmine Norris, I'm 28 years old and I'm on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. I graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law in 2020, and I am currently working full-time as an attorney and part-time as an EMT for Lexington County. I've had 6 diagnosed TBIs, one of which ended my college soccer career. Having personally dealt with the lack of resources and support that often comes with head injuries, I'm very passionate about helping provide support and education to individuals affected by brain injuries, concussions, etc. It's hard dealing with an invisible injury, especially if you don't have someone in your life that understands what you're going through and can provide the resources or support you may need. My hope is to be that person for anyone that needs it, by facilitating this group. 

Meet BrainStorm Attendee & BIASC Volunteer: Carli Simms

My name is Carli Simms, I’m 27 years old and a volunteer for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. I first learned of BIASC after losing my boyfriend to suicide in August 2021. While my boyfriend never showed any signs of mental illness, he was living with multiple concussions from playing football throughout high school. Since his death, I’ve learned about the many ways that brain injuries can affect people both physically and mentally. I’ve become passionate about spreading awareness and advocating for those with brain injuries, as well as connecting with people who have one themselves or know someone living with one. I hope that this group will bring support and resources to anyone affected by brain injuries, and I am excited to be able to be a part of it!  

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide (ending your life) here are some resources that can be helpful: 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : Mental Health America of Greenville County (mhagc.org)
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline Number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Youth and Teen Text Line: 864-77-TEENS (83367)

What is BrainStorm?

BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity. 

This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support. 

WHO: Survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury ages 15-29 years of age

NEXT MEETING: February 16, 2022 from 6:30 - 8 pm EST

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION: 

• Contact Brain Injury Safety Net Coordinator, Rachel Kaplan by clicking here.
• Join our Facebook Group by clicking here. As a reminder, this group will only accept youth ages 15-29 years of age to create a safe and inviting peer support space.
• Download the informational PDF and share with anyone that may be interested by clicking here.

Check Out Our Website! 

Facilitate Independent Eating & Drinking with Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology to Facilitate 

Independent Eating and Drinking

Target Audience: OTs, PTs SLPs, teachers and other school staff, individuals who are unable to feed themselves and their family members.

Date: February 10, 2022

Time: 10am – 11am ET

Cost: Free! 

Presenter: Catherine Wyatt, Research Director for Mealtime Partners, Inc. 

REGISTER NOW!

The webinar will provide an overview of the different types of dining systems that are commercially available and provide information about each system and its best application.  Also, the importance of hydration will be discussed and how a drink can be accessed by those who are unable to hold and lift a cup. 

Participants will learn: 

• The health and safety benefits of independent eating
• The pros and cons of existing dining technology
• The value of early introduction to independent eating and drinking
• There will be a question-and-answer session at the end of the demonstration. 

Catherine Wyatt has spent the last 25 years specializing in the development of eating and drinking technology to ameliorate mealtime dependence.  As an integral part of the development of eating and drinking technology she has developed the necessary strategies to facilitate their use by a broad range of children and adults.  Ms. Wyatt served as Principal Investigator for three National Institutes of Health grants relating to the development and clinical evaluation of feeding technology.  Prior to working for Mealtime Partners, she was Technology Coordinator for the Bioengineering Program at the Arc of the United States National Headquarters where she became involved in research, development, and clinical evaluation of assistive technology to support independent eating and drinking for individuals who have physical and/or cognitive disabilities.  She is unique in her area of expertise. 

Let's Talk Training!

 

Upcoming Family Connection Trainings 

Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability: Triple P Stepping Stones 

Seminar 1 – Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability 

Wednesday, February 9, 2022 10:00–11:30 am  

Seminar 2 – Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential 

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 10:00–11:30 am  

Seminar 3 – Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 10:00–11:30 am  

These three seminars for parents focus on positive ways to promote children’s development. Each seminar includes an informational presentation followed by a question and answer session. 

APPROVED for 4.5 hours of FOSTER PARENT CREDIT – certificate provided upon completion. 

REGISTER HERE! 

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided. 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Understanding Goals and Progress Monitoring 

Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022 

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am  

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students with disabilities have measurable annual goals designed to meet the needs that result from a child’s disability. Following this training, participants will: 

• Understand the laws of related to annual goals and progress monitoring. 
• Identify the elements of a well written IEP goal. 
• Understand the purpose and procedures for progress monitoring. 

REGISTER HERE!

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided. 

Journey Toolkit: The Power of Organization 

Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 

Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm 

Parents will learn how to manage the paperwork created by educational and medical services as well as the transitions their child will go through. This organizational tool facilitates communication between parents and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for their children. 

APPROVED for 1.5 hours of FOSTER PARENT CREDIT – certificate provided upon completion 

REGISTER HERE!

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  

Speaker: Amber Lydford 

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022 

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am  

Learn how to apply for SSI, how the definition or criteria of disability is different between a child and an adult, and what happens when the child turns 18.

REGISTER HERE!

Zoom meeting link will be provided.  

Fomentando Esperanza 

Un espacio dedicado a familias Latinas con niños con necesidades de salud especiales. Donde se ofrecen recursos, informacion, capacitacion, y apoyo mutuo. 

Facilitador: Jenny Nuvan 

Date: Thursday, February 24, 2022 @ 7:00 PM  

Location: Unase a la reaunion virtual por Zoom 

Hora: 7:00 pm a 8:30 pm  

Registración: 

Para registrarse puede contactar a Jenny Nuvan al 803-995-9124 or al correo electrónico: jnuvan@familyconnectionsc.org o en la linea de Family Connection en Español al 1888-808-7465 

Overview of Medicaid and TEFRA Eligibility 

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022 

Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am or 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 

Attendees will learn about SC Medicaid State Plan, eligibilities, plan options, and the difference in MCO’s and Fee for Service plans. Topics also include transportation, mileage reimbursement and the Health Insurance Premium Payment program, how to apply and  access the applications. This session is for families and the professionals. 

REGISTER HERE! 

Zoom meeting link will be provided. 

Support Parent Training – Sessions 1 and 2 

Date: Saturday, February 19, 2022 

Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm  

This workshop provides four hours of evidence-based training providing skills to be able to support another parent effectively. The goal of the Support Parent Program is to help educate, inspire and empower parents and their children to live rich, fulfilling lives. Attendees who complete the training will receive a certificate as well as additional opportunities for skill development and volunteer time during their year commitment with FCSC. 

REGISTER HERE!

Zoom meeting link will be provided. 

Family Connection 101 

Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 

An overview and description of resources and services Family Connection of SC provides for children / youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs in South Carolina.  Other community resources and supports will be discussed in this session. Families and providers who attend will have a better understanding of the resources available for themselves and/or families they serve. 

REGISTER  HERE!

Zoom meeting link will be provided.  

Participate in a Diverse Discussion at ABA Town Hall Events

The Autism Society's ABA Commission would like to hear from you! 

The Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Commission is a group of Autistic self-advocates, parents, and professionals who are working to prepare a position paper that addresses the scope of practice, goals, strengths, and limitations of Applied Behavioral analysis (ABA). 

The commission’s goal is to empower individuals and families to make well-informed decisions as they navigate services and support. As part of this process, we are seeking the opinions and experiences of ABA recipients & self-advocates, parents, and professionals with personal ABA experience.

Throughout the month of February, the Autism Society of America’s ABA Commission will host three virtual Town Halls. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to diverse perspectives and experiences of ABA clients, parents, and professionals within the Autism community.

Town Hall Dates:

• February 2, 2022: Parent Perspectives, 7pm - 8 pm ET 
• February 9, 2022: Professional Perspectives, 7pm - 8 pm ET 
• February 16, 2022: Autistic Perspectives , 7pm - 8 pm ET 

If you would like to share your story during one of our Town Halls, or just want to tell us about your experience with ABA, please complete the interest form.

The Connection Is You. ™

SUBMIT STORY