Spotlight
SC Youth Leadership Forum 2023
SC YLF was a big hit this year! We had 30 delegates from across the state learning all about disability pride, self-advocacy, and leadership. This year we had so many amazing partners join us, including SC CATER, who discussed robotics and careers in STEAM; the Soda City Youth Slam, who discussed using poetry as advocacy; the South Carolina Dance Collaborative, who taught us the power of movement; the South Carolina Assistive Technology program, who showed us unique ways to create our own accommodations; SC Voting Right Coalition, who discussed our responsibility to vote to make change; the Applied Theatre Center, who showed us a fun and exciting way to express ourselves; and Interabled Lovebirds, who discussed flags for healthy and unhealthy relationships. Our partners at the SC Developmental Disabilities Council talked about exciting programs to build leadership skills, like the Partners in Policymaking program; and the state’s Centers for Independent Living (Able South Carolina, Walton Options, and AccessAbility) talked about how to build self-advocacy skills in big and small ways. A 90’s themed welcome party and an open mic kept our evenings fun and eventful!
We are so excited to see how the fantastic youth of South Carolina will take all the skills they have learned and make their communities better places for people with disabilities! Special thanks to our funder, SC Developmental Disabilities Council, for helping us make YLF possible!
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July was Disability Pride Month!
Able SC was honored to participate in the South Carolina State Museum’s Inaugural Disability Pride Day. Over 400 guests attended and learned about Able SC services and the importance of empowering people with disabilities. Able SC was so happy to participate and looks forward to continuing to partner with the community.
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Advocacy
Perez v Sturgis Public Schools
On March 21, 2023, the United States Supreme Court in Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools decided people who have resolved claims involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) can additionally pursue claims for monetary damages against school districts under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In this episode of the Disability Rights Today Podcast, ADA Live! “Perez v Sturgis Public Schools,” Ms. Saideman and Dr. Blanck discuss how the Court’s decision will affect the rights of students with disabilities under the ADA and IDEA.
Ellen Saideman is a Rhode Island attorney who represented Mr. Miguel Luna Perez, a Deaf student in this case. The podcast host is Dr. Peter Blanck, Chairman of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University.
Check Out the Podcast and Transcript
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Events
Pre-ETS Services Available for
the 2023-2024 School Year!
Teachers and Other Education Leaders! We’re excited to be coming back to the schools. Would you like to enrich your students' lives by teaching them the skills they need to get employed and reach their independence goals? Able South Carolina provides free WIOA-mandated Pre-Employment Transition Services to students in the Midlands, Pee Dee Region, and the Upstate through their partnership with the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Lessons are effective for all students with all types of disabilities. Each lesson is a fun activity and engaging discussion taught by a trained Youth Transition Specialist. All classes are offered as six weekly 45-minute sessions that can be done in person or virtually, but other options are available. Contact us with questions at youthteam@able-sc.org
Learn About Pre-ETS Services
Register Your Students
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Equip Hangouts
First and Third Thursday of the Month, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Equip Hangouts returned to their usual schedule after the Equip Summer Series, meeting on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6-7 PM. The first Thursdays are held through a virtual meeting, and the third Thursdays are hosted in person at the Greenville and Columbia Able SC offices. Equip Leaders and Mentors help empower their peers to take charge of their lives, find their unique voice to self-advocate, and engage with their community of peers more fully. If you have any questions or need help entering, contact Holden Roberts through email at equip@able-sc.org
Upcoming Equip Hangouts:
Thursday, September 7, 6-7 PM, Virtual
Thursday, September 21, 6-7 PM, In Person
Register for the link here!
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Partner and National Events
Save the Date!
2023 APRIL Conference
The Magic of Independent Living
The Annual Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) Conference is from October 13-14, 2023, and the Youth Conference is on October 12th, 2023.
The theme of the 2023 APRIL Conference is The Magic of IL. It will be at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840.
Learn More and Register!
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Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL)
Youth Peer Support Meetings
At APRIL, we believe peer support is one of the most important pieces of Independent Living. Let's learn together, not recreate the wheel, and make connections. We are constantly growing our peer support opportunities. Come spend an hour chatting with youth and young adults with disabilities from all over the United States about our shared and unique experiences! Register for one of the upcoming virtual Youth Peer Support meetings on Zoom:
September 26, 7:00 PM
October 24, 7:00 PM
November 28, 7:00 PM
ASL and CART will be available for all participants.
Contact Abby Ritter for more information at aritter@april-rural.org.
Register for the Meetings!
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Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org
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