Neuro Virtual Connect: Virtual Meeting for Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Community

Neuro Virtual Connect

Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Community

Virtual Connect Group

Open to Survivors, Clinicians, and community support members

For a copy of the printable and sharable PDF, click here. 

Special Series Focusing on: Wellness, Body Image, 

and Sexuality After Injury

Every Thursday in April on Zoom: 12 pm MST/ 2 pm EST

April 7- Wellness After Injury Learn about a holistic approach to wellness and how it can impact your long-term health and wellbeing for the better.

Leaders: Rehab Without Walls - Ane Robinson, DPT and Julie Tapusoa TRS/CTRS

April 14 -Body Image and Self Compassion Learn the circle of control, self advocacy and how we become what we believe.

Leader: Bonnie Larsen, OTR/L and Community Partners

April 21- Communication Skills, Relationships and Intimacy Learn communication strategies to better connect with your partner.

Leaders: Rehab Without Walls - Jessica Patton, MA, CCC-SLP and Jill Corrigan, LISW-CP, LCSW, CRC

April 28-Sexuality, the Forgotten Activity of Daily Living

Leader: Bonnie Larsen, OTR/L and Community Partners

*This session will be focused for Spinal Cord Injury Survivors, their partners and clinicians Learn the basics of your new body and how you and your partner can continue to have meaningful intimacy.

Go to zoom.us and use meeting code 927 4726 0228

RSVP is appreciated but not required

For questions or to RSVP, email Jennifer Litchfield at jennifer.litchfield@rehabwithoutwalls.com

Check Out Our Website!

Free Assistive Technology Equipment

Free Equipment!

We have only one of each. 

The equipment is first come, first served. 

Please contact Carol Page at carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu  or 

call 803-935-5263 for more information. 

***** 

Monster BackFloat Bluetooth Speaker 

with Charger Cable and AC Adapter

SolidTek KB920 Keyboard with Wired USB Connector

Astatic AH-10 Stereo Headphones with ¼” Jack Plug 

(Possibly Vintage?)

LogiTech K400+ Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

Power Wheelchair Hacks

March 16, 2022 

NEWS

As Millions Flee, Disabled Ukrainians Forced to Fend for Themselves

“There is no communication in the city. Light, water, gas are missing. Temperature in apartment is on the edge of 10-12 degrees,” wrote wheelchair user Uliana Pcholkina as her home outside of Kyiv, Ukraine, faced shelling from Russian forces. Uliana and her husband, Vitalii, are two of an estimated 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine. Many now face brutal conditions brought on by the invasion, an unfolding humanitarian crisis, and international organizations’ failure to account for the needs of disabled Ukrainians.  

PRO TIPS

Totally Normal Power Wheelchair Hacks

Dan Payton has hacked just about every type of power wheelchair you can think of on his YouTube channel, Totally Normal. We dive into a few of his mods — building a $91 off-road conversion, using a Honda Generator to add some range to his batteries and reprogramming a Permobil F3 for increased performance. He also gives advice on where to get started on your own power wheelchair hacks. Rule No. 1: “Just make sure you’re not using your only chair.” 

YOUR INPUT

Nominate Leaders with SCI/D

As part of its #StrongWheeled Together campaign, United Spinal Association will be hosting a member awards event in November to recognize leaders and emerging talent from the SCI/D community. Click here for more info and to submit your nominations.

Tell Us Your Story Ideas

We want to know what you’d like to read about in New Mobility. Please take this three-question survey to let us know what stories you want us to cover, what questions we can answer and anything you’d like to share.  

Click here to read more!

We want to hear from you!

Take our COVID-19 Vaccine Survey 

We want to hear from you!

 

Please take a moment to complete our short survey 

about COVID-19 Vaccine information.

 

Your opinion matters and will help our team! 

Take our survey here!

www.SCDisabilityVaccine.org 

Contact our Vaccine Access Helpline

 at 1-800-787-6046. 

Hosting Barrier Free Clinics

Hosting Barrier-Free 

Vaccine Clinics 

Learn how to host a barrier-free vaccine clinic 

Engage in vaccine hesitancy with empathy, and advocate 

to improve vaccine access in your community! 

Two available dates: 

Thursday, March 24, 10:30am-12pm  

Thursday, March 31, 2pm-3:30pm

Register Here!

Learn more about vaccination 

at SCDisabilityVaccine.org or call us at 1-800-787-6046. 

For questions related to the training, 

contact Amy at ashapley@able-sc.org 

BrainStorm Support and Advocacy Group Meeting on March 23!

A support and advocacy group for young adults 

who have been impacted by brain injury

March Meeting Date Change: To allow a proper close-out for Brain Injury Awareness Month, BrainStorm's March meeting will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from  6:30 - 8:00 pm. 

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

NEXT MEETING: March 23, 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! 

Virtual Walk, Run and Roll for Brain Injury Awareness Starts March 20

Join us for a Virtual Walk, Run, and Roll 5K for Brain Injury Awareness!

March 20-26, 2022

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Join BIASC in celebrating survivors and their families as well as raising funds to continue community outreach programming!

Registration is $40 for adults and $30 for students 18 and younger.

Brain Injury Survivors can get an additional $10 off registration price by using the discount code "Survivor" at checkout.

Registration includes an event t-shirt. Sizes S-XXL available.

Take pictures while wearing your t-shirt and share on social media with #BIASCWalkRunRoll!

All proceeds go directly to the Brain Injury Association of SC programs and services that feed directly back into the community. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $5,000!

Register for our event on 

RunSignUp by clicking on this link. 

Interested in sharing our event with friends, family, and colleagues? 

• Send them a flyer of the event! 
• And check out our Facebook for more information about the event. 

Check Out Our Website! 

KeyTechnologies, Inc. - Reduced Prices

You may have heard…

after 36 years of serving folks in need 

of assistive technology 

the owners of AT4Vets by Key Technologies 

are retiring in mid-2022!  

Therefore, we have limited new inventory and select demo units that need to be disposed of!  All the demo units are lightly used and in excellent or very good condition. Demo units come with a 30-day warranty so the purchaser can be assured of it being in good working condition. 

This is a first come-first serve sale and quantities are limited.  Below are photo’s/descriptions of several items.

Note:  Our final order-to-be-received date is scheduled for April 15, 2022. 

Grid Pad 12 (active model)

• Lists at $6060.00.  Demo Price $2,995.00.  Excellent condition
• Terrific, powerful dynamic/text Windows-based AAC device with Grid 3 AAC program & 12.5” touchscreen, 2 switch inputs.
• Includes carry bag, keyboard, mouse, environmental control.

Tellus 5

• Listed at $7595.00.  Demo Price $995.00.  Very good condition
• Full featured dynamic/text Windows-based AAC device with Mind Express AAC program & 13.3” touchscreen, 2 switch inputs.
• Includes carry bag, keyboard, mouse, environmental control.

Grid Pad 13 Pro w/EyeTech eye gaze module

• Listed at $8,225.00.  Demo Price $1,495.00.  Good condition
• Dynamic/text Windows-based AAC device with 13.3” touchscreen, 2 switch inputs.
• Includes carry bag, keyboard, mouse, environmental control.

Swifty-USB Switch Interface (4 units available)

Lists at $79.95.  Overstock Price $50.00. New.

GoTalk 9+

Lists at 219.00.  Overstock Price $153.00.  New.

LittleMack (2 units available)

Lists at $135.00.  Overstock Price $75.00.  New.

If you have questions regarding any items, please contact us.

ken@AT4Vets.org 

AT4Vets by Key Technologies, Inc.

Toll Free:  888-433-5303

Fax:  828-433-6298

https://assistivetechnologyforvets.com/

Upcoming Advocacy Events & Suicide Prevention Survey

 

Seeking Autistic Adults for Suicide Prevention Survey

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University, with the participation of the Autism Society of America, are conducting a study on suicide prevention in relation to Autistic adults. We recognize suicide is a problem that needs to be better understood in relation to Autism. We want to know how crisis or suicide prevention hotlines may have been helpful to you and what supports may have worked for you in times of crisis.

If you are an adult with Autism, we would very much appreciate your help in completing this survey. The results will help improve suicide prevention efforts for persons with Autism. The survey is online and completely confidential.

Take Survey

Community Connections: Vaccine Accessibility Webinar

Register now for our Community Connections Webinar this Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00 pm EST for a conversation with Emily Voorde, Assistant Director and Administration’s Liaison to Disabled Americans at the White House Office of Public Engagement. Emily will provide an overview of vaccine accessibility considerations for those in the Autism community, and answer live questions from attendees.

Register Here

Community Connections: Developmental Disabilities Act Webinar

Join our Community Connections Developmental Disability Act webinar next Thursday, March 17th at 3:00 PM EST with Nicole LeBlanc, Autistic self-advocate, and Erin Prangley, Director of Public Policy at the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. They will discuss the history of the Developmental Disabilities Act and the origin of the term "developmental disabilities."

Register Here

Join Our #StrongWheeled Together Campaign

We are proud to announce 

United Spinal Association’s campaign for 2022, 

#StrongWheeled Together

#StrongWheeled Together will showcase the strength of our community when it comes together to achieve goals, demonstrate how United Spinal’s resources and support empower us to live the lives we choose, and raise public awareness on the benefits of diversity, equity and inclusion in helping people with disabilities discover greater independence.

The campaign will center on initiatives around mental health and wellness, art, fitness and athletics, and emergency preparedness, encompassing key flashpoints in our community’s long fight to secure the support and resources on which our health and well-being depend.

#StrongWheeled Together will showcase previously untold stories about children, parents, couples and veterans with SCI/D, as well as parents and caregivers of people with SCI/D and service dogs.

Hard-hitting roundtables. impactful storytelling, joyous public celebrations, and life-saving resources. These will all be brought to you by United Spinal Association under the banner of #StrongWheeled Together—and we have so much more in the works. Adam Lane, a member of United Spinal’s Oklahoma Chapter will also be handcycling across the country to rally support for the campaign and our mission.

All of this will build towards a #StrongWheeled Together Member Awards Event on November 10th, 2022, a virtual gala recognizing people with SCI/D in business, youth community organizing, the visual and performing arts, and athletics, and honoring the allies and corporate partners whose support makes our work possible. When registration is open, I will make sure you will be among the first to know. I can’t wait to see you all there.

Please visit our #StrongWheeled Together website and make sure to follow United Spinal on Twitter @UnitedSpinal, Instagram @UnitedSpinal and Facebook @unitedspinalassociation. Stay in the loop. Stay informed. Share and engage.

We want all people with disabilities and United Spinal stakeholders, including our members and their caregivers, corporate and allied partners, and our supporters to join us in amplifying #StrongWheeled Together’s message of power in numbers and the dynamism that comes from connecting as a community.

We look forward to rolling 

#StrongWheeled Together with you in 2022!

Let's Talk Training!

 

March 2022 Family Connection Trainings 

Support Parent Trainings - Sessions 1 & 2 

• Session 1: Monday, March 21, 2022  10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Session 2: Monday, March 28, 2022  10:00 am - 12:00 pm

REGISTER 

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided  

A two-session workshop provideing four hours of evidence-based training to give a parent of a child with special health care needs the skills to be able to support another parent effectively. A Support Parent provides emotional support and information to families of individuals with disabilities or other special needs. Support Parents connect with other families and provide a safe listening environment. 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 Family Connection of SC. 

Our Seat at the Table – A Parent Leadership Training – sessions 1 & 2 

• Session 1: Tuesday, March 22, 2022  10:00 am - 12:00 pm  
• Session 2: Wednesday, March 23, 2022  10:00 am - 12:00 pm  

REGISTER

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided  

Our Parent Leadership Training is a two-session, interactive, evidence-based curriculum for anyone who is currently serving, or wants to serve, on a decision-making group. The goal is to increase the ability of families to advocate for the needs of children and youth with special health care needs and to encourage more families to take on leadership roles. Participants will: 

• Build an understanding of decision-making groups 
• Learn about the principles that guide shared decision-making and the processes groups use 
• Gain strategies to help you confidently and actively participate in a decision-making group 

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, March 21, 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 

Accessing the General Curriculum: Supplementary Aids and Services 

Thursday, March 24, 2022  10:00 am - 11:30 am 

REGISTER 

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided  

Participants will: 

• Identify the types of supplementary aids and services available to students with disabilities. 
• Define accommodations, modifications, services, and aids and understand their use in ensuring positive outcomes for students with disabilities 
• Identify and define assistive technology supports for students with disabilities. 
• Have a list of available resources. 

One Step Further: Accessing the General Curriculum: Supplementary Aids and Services 

Thursday, March 31, 2022  10:00 am - 11:30 am 

REGISTER 

Zoom Meeting Link will be provided  

Participants will have a more comprehensive knowledge of the resources available to students with disabilities: 

• Types of supplementary aids and services   
• Accommodations, modifications, services, and aids and their use in ensuring positive outcomes  
• Assistive technology support 

Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for 

Hopes & Dreams 2022! 

Register Now!

Keynote Speaker: Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. 

Conference theme: Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Needs of Our Children, Youth and Families as a Result of the Pandemic 

We are thrilled to welcome our Keynote Speaker: Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. on April 6th! 

Our virtual trainings on April 6th and 7th will focus on topics related to new diagnosis, early intervention, elementary and secondary education, advocacy, transition, and mental and behavioral health. Participants will explore these issues and challenges, gaining valuable information that can be incorporated into their everyday life. 

Additional details available on our registration page! 

This year's conference is in a virtual format to ensure a safe experience and to extend the opportunity to additional participants. 

Thank you to our 

Hopes and Dreams 2022 Sponsors: 

Brain Injury Awareness Month and Virtual 5K

Join us for a Virtual Walk, Run, and Roll 5K 

for Brain Injury Awareness!

March 20-26, 2022

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Join BIASC in celebrating survivors and their families as well as raising funds to continue community outreach programming!

Join us for a Virtual Walk, Run, and Roll 5K for Brain Injury Awareness on March 20-26, 2022.

• Registration is $40 for adults and $30 for students 18 and younger.
• Brain Injury Survivors can get an additional $10 off registration price by using the discount code "Survivor" at checkout.
• Registration includes an event t-shirt. Sizes S-XXL available.
• Register by March 9 to receive your t-shirt in time to wear during the week. Take pictures while wearing your t-shirt and share on social media with #BIASCWalkRunRoll!
• All proceeds go directly to the Brain Injury Association of SC programs and services that feed directly back into the community. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $5,000!

Register for our event on 

RunSignUp by clicking on this link. 

Interested in sharing our event with friends, family, and colleagues? Send them a flyer of the event!  And check out our Facebook for more information about the event. 

Make sure to sign up by March 9 in order to receive your shirt in time for the March 20-26 event!

Youth size shirts for ages 18 and under are now available when registering. Due to an error on our end, these were not available before. Now that they are, make sure to register today and get your shirt!

Check Out Our Website!