Leadership in IDD

In Memoriam

Donald J. Anderson, MSW

Donald “Don” Anderson passed away after a short illness on March 3, 2023. Mr. Anderson was a lifelong educator, and probably most known for his career as at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He held several positions during his career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and retired as a Senior Lecturer.

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Notables

AAIDD Announces its 2023-2024 Board of Directors

President: Dalun "Dan" Zhang, PhD, FAAIDD

• Professor and Director, Center on Disability and Development, Texas A&M University, College Station

President-Elect: Melissa A. DiSipio, MSA, FAAIDD 

• Director, Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care, SE Region Health Care Quality Unit, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vice President: Anthony Rodriguez, PhD, FAAIDD

• Associate Professor, Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island

Secretary-Treasurer: Sarah Hall, PhD, FAAIDD 

• Research Associate, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Past President: Karrie Shogren, PhD, FAAIDD

• Professor and Director, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, University of Kansas, Lawrence

At Large: Kruti Acharya, MD

• Associate Professor and Director Illinois LEND Program, University of Illinois, Chicago

At Large: Vincent Chesney, MS, FAAIDD

• Psychological Services Specialist, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lackawanna College; and Luzerne County Community College

At Large: Joyce Louden, PhD, FAAIDD

• Director¬ of Education and Training, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

At Large: Heather Williamson, DrPh, MBA, FAAIDD

• Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona

Publications

James R. Thompson, Robert L. Schalock, Karrie A, Shogren, Marc J. Tasse, Michael L. Wehmeyer, Ellis M. Craig, and Carolyn Hughes Just Released Supports Intensity Scale—Adult Version® (SIS—A®) 2nd Edition

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Member Spotlight

Steven Erickson, PharmD, FAAIDD

Associate Professor, University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Member since: 2014

Why did you join AAIDD?   

While on sabbatical at the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State University, I learned of AAIDD from the institute’s director, Barbara LeRoy. She encouraged me to learn more about the organization and to attend a meeting.  I was looking for ways to increase my awareness of policy, practice, and research on issues important to persons with disabilities, particularly around health.  

Why did you choose the field of intellectual disability?   

I came to the field mid-career, after spending several decades as a pharmacist, educator and health outcomes researcher.  As our son Christopher, who has Down syndrome, aged into adulthood, I began to realize there was little information about the use of medications by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This was an opportunity to use my research and practice skills, as well as the relationships I developed with the community through advocacy work, to move an agenda forward to ensure the safe and effective use of medications by persons with disabilities.   

AAIDD leadership positions: 

• Research Interest Network 2014 to present, Secretary 2022 to present
• Health and Wellness Interest Network member 2014 to present

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AAIDD is looking to feature notables and perspective pieces from our members in the field! Send us your commentary to be featured in a future Leadership in IDD Newsletter.

Not yet a member? Join AAIDD online!

Free! Register Now! INDEPENDENCE: MY CHOICES, MY LIFE STATE CONFERENCE MAY 18, 2023 Registration: 9:00AM-10:00AM Breakout Sessions: 10:00AM-3:00PM

 

Upcoming Webinars in May

Building an Accessible Classroom

Live webinar on Thursday May 4th

How do you go about designing a classroom where the needs of every student can be supported, and every student, no matter their ability, can be successful? During this session, participants will explore tools and strategies designed to increase communication, engagement, and access to the curriculum. In addition, participants will learn about a program for supporting students in the low incidence, autism, and PreK classrooms through assistive technology as well as building capacity of staff supporting these programs. 

Speaker: Cindy Richardson, M. Ed. In her role as AbleNet's National Assistive Technology Consultant, Cindy works with school districts to identify technology tools and resources that support the academic and functional success of students with significant disabilities. She has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 30 years and holds a M.Ed. degree from George Mason University in Assistive/ Special Education Technology. Prior to coming to work with AbleNet, she specialized as an assistive technology specialist in the areas of student assessment, professional development, and curriculum access and success through technology in the K-12 setting for several years. 

Register Here!

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Traveling with a Disability

Live webinar on Thursday May 11th

This webinar will review travel guidelines for people with disabilities, such as those with mobility limitations, vision or hearing loss, or cognitive disabilities who may require special attention and adaptation of transportation services.  Tammy will share suggestions to assist in ensuring safe, accessible travel for travelers with disabilities. 

Speaker: Tammy Wallace, SCATP Program Coordinator at the SC Assistive Technology Program, Center for Disability Resources, USC School of Medicine.  She works with individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals who support them to find assistive technology to help them at home, school or work.  She has a special interest in helping individuals with disabilities be able to travel wherever they want to go.

Register Here!

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The May 11th webinar will kick off our summer webinar series! Please keep checking our training page for more summer webinar topics; there are more training events to come in May, June, and July!

Please join us on Thursday April 20th!

Please join us on Thursday April 20th for a webinar: 

Improving Quality of Life 

Through Use of 3D Printing

Register Today!

Guided Hands utilizes 3D printing technology to enable people living with limited hand mobility to write, paint, draw and access technology. 

Sneak peak of Guided HandsTM here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIF62f-K5TE

Participants will learn:

• How to apply the Design Thinking Process to create assistive technology.
• 3D Printing capabilities to create solutions for people living with a disability.
• How to use the Guided HandsTM assistive device for a client or a loved one.

Speaker Name: Lianna Genovese

Lianna Genovese is the CEO & Founder of ImaginAble Solutions and inventor of the company’s international award-winning product Guided Hands, an assistive device that enables anyone experiencing limited hand mobility to write, paint, draw and access technology. Lianna holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical and mechanical engineering from McMaster University where at only 19 years old, Lianna created the first prototype of Guided Hands for a colleague living with Cerebral Palsy. She is also the National Canadian Winner of the James Dyson Award and top 20 worldwide! Lianna is a passionate woman in engineering, and public speaker for women in STEM and entrepreneurship.

Advocacy Day for Access & Independence!

Advocacy Day for 

Access & Independence

April 25, 2023

10 AM - 12 PM

SC Statehouse & LIVESTREAM

This year's event is planned with hybrid options, where you can participate in person or online. Participate with us at the Statehouse or anywhere in the world via our Livestream online! 

People with disabilities face unnecessary and discriminatory barriers to transportation, housing, and healthcare. Advocacy Day for Access and Independence will call on South Carolina lawmakers to unlock these barriers! 

We seek to improve the lives of South Carolinians with disabilities by opening our communities up to accommodate disabled and non-disabled people, together! 

Register for Advocacy Day for Access & Independence!

Advocacy Day for Access & Independence is brought to you by our South Carolina Access & Independence Network Stakeholders:

• Able South Carolina 
• AccessAbility 
• Adult Enrichment Centers- Rock Hill 
• Babcock Center 
• Beyond BASIC Life Skills 
• Brain Injury Association of South Carolina 
• CarolinaLIFE 
• ClemsonLIFE 
• The COMET 
• Disability Rights SC 
• Equip Leadership Group 
• Family Connection of SC 
• Gullah GeeChee Chamber of Commerce 
• Hire Me SC 
• Lions Vision Services 
• Mental Health America, SC 
• McGuireWoods Consulting 
• National Federation of the Blind of SC 
• New Disabled South 
• Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services 
• SC APSE 
• SC Assistive Technology Program 
• SC Association of the Deaf 
• SC Commission for the Blind 
• SC Developmental Disabilities Council 
• SC Project SEARCH 
• SC Spinal Cord Injury Association 
• SC Statewide Independent Living Council 
• SC Vocational Rehabilitation 
• SC Youth Leadership Forum 
• Thrive Upstate 
• Together SC 
• United Cerebral Palsy of SC 
• University of South Carolina Aphasia Lab 
• University of South Carolina School of Medicine- Center for Disability Resources 
• University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences Collaborative on Race 
• Walton Options for Independent Living 
• Women's Rights and Empowerment Network 
• Work in Progress Inc. 
• York CAN

Register Now: Hopes & Dreams Conference!

Registration is OPEN for this year's Hopes & Dreams Conference! 

Join us for an exciting in-person day of learning and networking. In addition to our keynote speaker, we will have workshops focused on mental and behavioral health, Medicaid, and education topics including preschool, accessing services, and post-high school transitions. We will also have exciting exhibitor tables highlighting information and services. 

Keynote Speaker: Desmond Kelly, MD 

Dr. Kelly is the Associate Dean for Research at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville and Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. He also serves as the Chief Medical Research Officer for the Health Sciences Center at Prisma Health-Upstate where he leads research development through engagement and support of clinical faculty in collaboration with HSC university partner researchers in transformative health research initiatives. He is the Associate Program Director for the DeLoache Fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics and Outreach Director for the South Carolina LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) Program. 

Learn more about Dr. Kelly 

Visit our registration pages for the day's agenda, workshop descriptions, and CEU information! 

• Professionals and Students Registration Link 
• Families, Foster Parents, and Self Advocates Registration Link 
• Become a Hopes and Dreams sponsor or exhibitor 

Thank you to our conference sponsors!

United Spinal Member Newsletter

The StrongWheeled Together Awards 

Are Back!

 

In 2023, Our Community Celebrates in Las Vegas

Nominations are open!

Tell us about someone exceptional (including yourself) in: Entrepreneurship and Innovation • Performing Arts • Sports and Recreation • Visual Arts • Writing • Youth Leadership 

We are calling on members of our community to submit their nominations for the second annual StrongWheeled Together Awards by June 1st! United Spinal will fly winners to Las Vegas to celebrate their victory with our leading members, allies and corporate partners during the inaugural StrongWheeled Together Conference. Learn more about what’s different about this year’s awards, and how to be a part of the action. 

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Remembering Judy Heumann

We at United Spinal mourn the loss of a giant of the disability rights movement: Judy Heumann. The foundational achievements of our movement can all be traced back to Judy’s tireless work and peerless vision. Learn more about her life’s work—and get a personal glimpse at the woman who made history in this month’s features celebrating a titan of civil rights advocacy. 

• United Spinal Association Mourns the Death of Judy Heumann
• Judy Heumann Never Lost Her NYC Brass

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Thinkpieces: March Views from Our Movement 

Check out these interventions on issues that matter to us—and spread the message.

Kicking off a three-part series on access and inclusion, Steve Wright looks at the bigger strategic picture of the lasting change we need, and zooms in on our community’s struggles to make air travel and the built environment equitable.

In this month’s Message from the CEO, Vincenzo Piscopo takes on accessible parking—and invites you to join us in our fight to enforce and expand our rights. 

Click here to read more of this issue!

Chrysler Partners with Autism Society of America

 

The Autism Society of America is proud to announce our long-term partnership with Chrysler that will support the driving needs of individuals with Autism and their loved ones. This collaboration will include the creation of a new Calm Cabin package that can transform any Chrysler Pacifica into a sensory-supported mobile experience. 

Chrysler will use its platforms to spread awareness for early diagnosis, promote inclusion in the greater community, encourage people to support the Autism Society, and all the while practice acceptance in everyday life.

“At Chrysler, we believe it’s no longer enough to be ‘aware’ of the millions of people living and thriving with Autism, we must put acceptance into action” said Chris Feuell, Chrysler Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “We’re proud to offer life-enriching opportunities for individuals with Autism and their families with initiatives such as our new Calm Cabins package that bring a little harmony to people’s lives, whether they’re on a long road trip or running a quick errand.”

The Autism Society will help advise the development of Chrysler products, and assist with the organization-wide inclusion training, to build better experiences for the Autism community interacting with dealers across the country.

“The Autism Society of America is proud to partner with Chrysler to create an improved and inclusive driving experience for the Autism community,” shares Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “With a trusted partner like Chrysler, our work is amplified as we collaborate to instill inclusive workplace practices, product accommodations, and create more opportunities for the Autism community to live fully.”

Learn More

Visit Our Website

A Smart Wheelchair Cushion Reviewed

April 4, 2023

PRODUCTS

Wheely-X Treadmill Offers Interactive Fitness for Wheelchair Users

A new Bluetooth-connected wheelchair treadmill offers a variety of interactive fitness features, including mobile-based instruction, customizable training modes, and progress- and performance-tracking.  

Kalogon Orbiter Smart Cushion: Reviewed

By adding smartphone compatibility and adjustability for more customization options and control, Kalogon's new wheelchair cushion aims to help users optimize their seating for maximum pressure relief and comfort. Our reviewer tests it out to see if the new technology works well enough for daily use.   

WATCH

Wheelchair Users Star on Canadian Reality TV Show Push

Reality TV fans looking for authentic disability representation have a binge-able treat in Push, a new docuseries from the Canadian Broadcasting Company. The show follows the daily lives of a diverse group of 10 Edmonton wheelchair users as they candidly deal with their day-to-day lives as active wheelchair users. Click the link to stream full episodes.  

SPONSORED CONTENT

Make a difference. Improve accessibility. Join our team.

Help ensure that digital products are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Work from home and choose the hours that are right for you. As more companies prioritize accessibility, the demand for testers is only increasing. Fable is recruiting testers in the U.S. and Canada who use switch controls, voice navigation, eye tracking, and head mouse. Sign up today. 

Click here to read more of this issue!

Community disAbilities Resource Fair - Please reserve your table now!

We are pleased to announce that we are co-hosting the second disAbilities Resource Fair on Thursday, April 27th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (747 Robert Smalls Parkway).

We invite you to participate in this event as an exhibitor/agency/provider. This event is community-wide, in person and co-hosted with the Beaufort County School District. Each exhibitor will be provided a table and two chairs.

Please share this information with all of your members/clients/associates via email, social media and other outlets so all in our community can be aware of services providers and the many resources available in the area. Also invite or share with other community partners who serve our community who may not be a DC member at this time.

To reserve your spot, please contact 

Rita Jaklitsch at rita.jaklitsch@beaufort.k12.sc.us 

or 843-812-4674.

Community Resource Flier (English)

Community Resource Flier (Spanish)

Join us for Empower Hour!

EMPOWER HOUR 2023

Now available in-person and online!

Peer Networking - Discover your power!

Have a disability? Want to build your support network? Empower Hour is led by your peers and meets to discuss independence, share resources, make new friends, and give support to each other. Empower Hour is a great chance to connect with others. 

If you are interested in participating in either the online or in-person support group, please RSVP by email to dwheeler@able-sc.org or by calling 1-800-681-6805, TTY: 803-779-0949 at least one day before the meeting. 

To make a request for an accommodation based upon disability, for either the in-person or online Empower Hour, please call us at 800-681-6805 or email at dwheeler@able-sc.org a week before the event. 

Empower Hour Online: 

Every Thursday from1 pm to 2 pm. 

Empower Hour In-Person: 

Monthly from 4 pm to 5 pm in 

our Columbia and Greenville Offices 

April 20

May 18

June 15

July 20

August 17

September 21

October 19

November 16

December 14 

*To ensure safety people attending Empower Hour in person must have their temperatures checked at office front doors and wear a mask. The number of participants will be limited to allow for social distancing.

Fun Things Coming in April!

AccessAbility The Event!

Are you a caregiver who has just received a new diagnosis for your child and is trying to figure out all the how-to's and next steps?  This program helps parents like you navigate your child's path for success. This can be a challenging process, but fortunately this program gives you access to the resources you need to help your child and to know where to start. AccessAbility has partnered with experts in the industry to provide the resources you need to design a plan for your child. 

On April 20th, join the AccessAbility Kickoff Celebration! This is a chance for you to have access to this wonderful program while connecting with other families who are also starting this new journey. 

Click here to buy tickets now!

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American Health & Freedom Summit

Mark your calendars for the American Health & Freedom Summit presented by the Wellness Revolution World Tour! This event will take place from April 28th at 8:00 AM to April 30th at 6:00 PM! Our founder Jeannetta Bryant will be one of the honored speakers at the summit. Along with other talented individuals, learn about raising a happy and healthy family as well as connecting with experts. Click below to learn more!

Learn More 

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Autism Awareness Family Fitness Bootcamp

Register for the Autism Awareness Family Fitness Bootcamp presented by Hurricane Elites taking place on April 22nd! This event will bring you and your family a family fun workout and achieve your fitness goals. This is sure to spark your interest in staying active along with getting your family to join in on the fun!

Register Now

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Unleashing Of Understanding: Celebrating Autism Acceptance 

Save the date for April 13th and join Unleashing of Understanding presented by ABA Centers of America! Meet with plenty of lovely individuals for a common goal of highlighting resources available for the autism community. Virtual zoom options will be available for those who cannot attend in person. 

Reserve a Spot!

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ASGO 18th Annual Walk and Family Fun Day

On April 8, 2023, from 8 am to 12 pm join the fun and create lasting memories! This event will help raise money for the Central Florida Autism Community, and you will also have the opportunity of learning about invaluable Autism resources, meet new people, make new friends, and have a great time.

Learn More 

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At Abilities Workshop, we encourage celebrating life's wins! Ausomely Able spotlights individuals with special needs and their wins. Our weekly newsletters showcase these individuals who we proudly spotlight to share hope and inspiration with our Abilities families.

If you would like to celebrate your child's wins with Abilities Workshop, click on the button below and fill out this form. We are happy to share your child's story and celebrate the special needs community every week. We can't wait to learn more about your awesome child!

Sign Up 

Upcoming Training and Workshop

Improving Quality of Life 

Through Use of 3D Printing

Please join us for a live webinar on Thursday April 20th

Occupational Therapists or other health professionals working with people living with limited hand mobility or individuals living with a disability, people living with limited hand mobility, families/caregivers of a loved one living with limited hand mobility.

ImaginAble Solutions’ CEO & Founder Lianna Genovese, a biomedical and mechanical engineer, will be presenting how to improve quality of life through use of 3D printing. She will be using the company’s international award-winning assistive device Guided Hands, as a case study to explain the Design Thinking Process. Guided Hands utilizes 3D printing technology to enable people living with limited hand mobility to write, paint, draw and access technology.

To register for this training, go to the SCATP 4-20-23 Training registration page.

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Adapted Book Workshop

Please join us for an in-person workshop on either 

Thursday April 27th or Friday April 28th

During the Adapted Book Workshop, SCATP staff and volunteers will help participants adapt 1-2 books for communication, page turning and tactile interaction. 

Each 2-hour workshop will feature: (1) An introduction to adapting books (2) Making and Assembling 2 Adapted Book Kits.  Participants will leave with at least 1-2 adapted book kits that can be used at home, in the classroom, or be donated to a school library.

What to Bring

All participants should bring both books listed in the Amazon Wish List. Used books are a great option:

There are 3 time slots available each day; to register for this workshop go to SCATP 4-27 and 4-28 Training Registration Page   

Can’t attend in person? 

SCATP is also accepting donated books and materials from our Adapted Books Amazon Wish List.  If you can’t make the workshop, you can donate materials for the benefit of others.  

Contact us at 803-935-5263 with your information to discuss a hybrid option for participating.