Strategies to Incorporate the Voices of People with Significant Disabilities in UCEDD Information-Gathering and Operations

Thursday, February 14, 2013
4:00pmET - 5:00pmET
Location: webinar

UCEDDs across the country conduct needs assessments and other information gathering to inform and evaluate their work. Hearing from people with diverse abilities across their states is crucial for UCEDDs to pursue activities responsive to the needs of all people with disabilities and families. This webinar will present strategies for more inclusive evaluations and assessments from a UCEDD implementing these strategies. The webinar will also include a presentation on the values and tools from person-centered planning that may inform inclusive  information-gathering.

Presenters

• Shelly Dumas, PhD: Director of Community Education, Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin
• Dawn Machonis, LPS, CSAC: Program Specialist- Community Support, Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University
• Dana Yarbrough, MS: Community Support Specialist, Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University
• Jack Brandt, BA: Disability Policy Specialist, Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University

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Shortage Of Brain Tissue Hinders Autism Research

Research on autism is being hobbled by a shortage of brain tissue.

The brain tissue comes from people with autism who have died, and it has allowed researchers to make key discoveries about how the disorder affects brain development.

But there's not nearly enough tissue because most potential donors aren't identified, and their family members are never approached about the possibility of donation. The shortage has been especially bad since last summer, when a freezer at a Harvard brain bank failed  allowing dozens of autistic brains to thaw.

This is the story of three people who are grappling with the shortage: one is a man who has autism, one is a scientist who studies the disorder, and one runs a tissue bank.

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A Life Defined Not By Disability, But Love

When Bonnie Brown was pregnant with her daughter, Myra, she says she felt a mix of joy and anxiety.  "I hadn't ever been pregnant before," she says. "I never had really an idea of how to take care of a baby."  Brown, who is intellectually disabled, works at Wendy's while raising     Myra as a single mom. Despite her disability, she says she never felt like her daughter was too much to handle. "I think because I'm different it might seem hard for me, but I was going to give it all I got no matter what," she tells Myra, now 15, during a visit to StoryCorps.

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Assistive Technology Resources for Math and Science

Assistive Technology Resources for Math and Science

February 20, 2013 - 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Assistive technology is needed for all parts of the curriculum and, in this workshop, resources will be shared that can help in the areas of math and science.  Many of these resources can be used in conjunction with interactive white boards. Some of the programs we will focus on are online calculators, interactive websites, and programs that will motivate students in these areas. iPad apps that have been shown to be successful for students who need help with math and science will be demonstrated. 

All trainings are located at:
Pee-Dee Education Center
520 Francis Marion Road
Florence, SC 29506
843-661-1815

Please register for workshops by e-mailing Valeska Gioia atvgioia@ed.sc.gov.

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YMCA Valentine Ball

THEY'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE DANCE

Fathers, take your daughters by the hand, and mothers, guide your sons to the dance floor.  The 2013 Spectrum Ball is a night of dancing and celebration for families living with someone on the Autism spectrum.  It's a fun, safe, and sensory-appropriate dance.

What

2013 Spectrum Ball

When

Saturday, February 23, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Where

The YMCA Adams Mill Program Center Gym/Ballroom

100 Adams Mill Road, Simpsonville

Who's Invited

Father/daughter couples, mother/son couples, or entire families.

Dress

Semi-formal (or whatever you choose!)

Activities include:

A Rocking DJ ... and a Square dance!

Snacks -- including a Chocolate fountain

Family photos -- professionally done

...and more!

Cost

$15 per couple or $25 per family (scholarships available).  Fees paid at the door on February 23rd.

For more information

Contact Greg McKee at 864-963-3608 x 24 or gmckee@ymcagreenville.org

Click here to register online.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with food, activities, decorations, etc., please email Susan at SusanL@scautism.org

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An Evening of Hopes and Dreams

an Evening of Hopes & Dreams

a Gala and Auction to Benefit Family Connection of SC

The Hall at Senate's End, Columbia, SC

Sunday, April 28, 2013

6pm

For more information on sponsorship opportunities or 

to donate auction items, please contact 

(803) 252-0914, 

info@familyconnectionsc.org or 

visit www.FamilyConnectionSC.org

All proceeds to benefit Family Connection of South Carolina

Making Connections for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

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Southeast ada Center Webinar

Business Webinar Series: Building Inclusion through Creative Hiring and Collaboration

Thursday, February 21, 2013
2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. EST

Cost: Free

Where:

Online/Web-based

Sponsored By:

ADA National Network, AAPD, USBLN, CSAVR-NET, Southeast TACE, and the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) at Syracuse University

Description:

This webinar will provide the elements needed to create a workforce that intentionally includes people with disabilities. These elements are applicable for large corporations as well as small businesses. Learning Objectives: * Awareness of the data that demonstrates the business case for disability inclusion * Understand key steps involved in launching a new hiring initiative * Understand how to create and manage relationships with community entities that can assist in recruitment, training and retention efforts

Registration:

Deadline to Register - February 20, 2013

The webinar is free, but advance registration is required. Continuing Education: CEU and CRCC Credit will be available pending approval. For more information and to register, go to http://adasoutheast.org/webinars/eventTemplate.php?eventid=535.

Contact For More Information:

Southeast ADA Center
Phone: 404-541-9001 (voice)
Email: ADAsoutheast@law.syr.edu
Web: Webinar Series for Business
http://adasoutheast.org/webinars/eventTemplate.php?eventid=535

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Autism Society Lego Club

Lego Club

Lego Club meets at 4:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Family Connection of SC  2712 Middleburg Drive 103-B Columbia SC  29204  This is a social group for children with Aspergers, Autism, or any other learning differences.  For any information, please contact Stephie Bridgers at Stephanie@scautism.org or StephanieBridgers@familyconnectionsc.org

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Moms Celebrate the Accomplishments of their Babies with Down Syndrome

By JOEY HOLLEMAN - jholleman@thestate.com
COLUMBIA, SC — With 19 babies younger than 2 crowded into the living room, kitchen and dining room of Fatina Clark’s West Columbia home, the noise reverberates off the walls. It isn’t the sound of children, however. They contribute only an occasional squeal of excitement. It’s the moms making the commotion, talking one-on-one or in small groups. Like many large play groups for infants, this is really a mom support group. And more than most such groups, these moms need to share their experiences with each other. Each of the children in the group has Down syndrome. The moms at the play group spend equal time comparing notes on physicians, physical therapists, speech therapists and insurance plans. Most of the moms had never been around a Down syndrome child before they had one. Now they craved interacting with others facing the same challenges. The play group has helped her realize how many other parents had similar, often unfounded, fears. (Many Down syndrome children, for instance, are so outgoing they feel like everyone is their best friend.) The group first met nearly a year ago, forming relationships at physical therapy sessions or getting in touch through Family Connections of South Carolina, which provides support for families of children with special needs. Some met during last year’s Buddy Walk, a fundraising event for the National Down Syndrome Society. Now they all share photos and insights through social media.

If you have a Down syndrome child younger than 2 and would like to join the play group, email Fatina Clark at clarkfaw@yahoo.com.

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SC LEND Conference

Don't miss this up coming conference! 

South Carolina Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (SC LEND)

Nurturing Developing Minds Conference

Date: Friday, February 22, 2013
Time: All Day!
Location: Greenville Hospital System
Details: Coming Soon!

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National Eating Disorders Association "Virtual Walk"

Join Us For The 3rd Annual "Virtual Walk"

The Dates: February 24 - March 2, 2013

The Event: Join us for a fun, interactive, week-long "virtual walk" social media campaign to raise awareness and funds to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

The Cause: NEDAwareness Week 2013

The Goal: 100% of proceeds from this meaningful and empowering week-long fundraising effort will support the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and MentorCONNECT. Both organizations are registered as nonprofit within section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

How To Participate: Just follow these easy steps to get involved - then invite your friends, family, colleagues and loved ones to join in too!

1. Choose Your Giving Level ($13 registration fee is all it takes to join and participate!)
2. Prepare your invitation.
3. Make a list of ways you can "walk" online (consider blogs, Facebook, Twitter, websites, and other online places where you regularly connect with friends, family, peers, and colleagues).
4. On February 24, 2013, launch your campaign by posting your message everywhere you go online!
5. PS. Keep going all week! The campaign ends on March 2, 2013!

For More Information:  mc@mentorconnect-ed.org.

MentorCONNECT is the first global eating disorders mentoring community and a registered 501c-3 non-profit organization. MentorCONNECT's mission is: To connect members individually and in groups with mentors to share experiences, provide guidance, and help each other through the struggles and triumphs of our journeys. Individuals who are seeking support for eating disorders recovery and recovered persons who want to volunteer their time to be mentors are invited to join and participate.

Walk Website:  www.nedawalk.org/virtual2013

Follow us on Facebook and spread the word!

More questions about the walk? Contact NEDA at 212-575-6200 or credfern@nationaleatingdisorders.org

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PAALS Puppy Love Ball

PAALS Puppy Love Ball

PAALS Puppy Love Ball Donation

In lieu of attendance, you can make a donation in support of Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services. You are welcome to make a donation in Honor of a friend or relative which you can note on your donation below through Paypal.

PAALS trains animals to assist people with varying abilities to live more independent and enriched lives by providing them with assistance dogs. Some of our specially trained canines are taught to turn lights on and off, tug open doors, pick up dropped items and alert for help to assist individuals in wheelchairs. Other dogs go on to assist children with autism and soldiers with PTSD to accomplish therapeutic and real life goals. These dogs are primarily placed in and around South Carolina.

During the two-year training period required to produce a service dog from a puppy, PAALS also provides programs for underserved youth, seniors, and individuals with special needs. Some examples of programs that use puppies in training include an integrated camp for youth and special needs individuals for assistance dog training, outreach visits to retirement homes, and educational programs for youth.

PAALS is the only provisional Assistance Dogs International (standardized program) in the state of South Carolina. To learn more about ADI please visit www.adionline.org.

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Free Literacy Supports and Study Aids for Students with Special Needs

Free Literacy Supports and Study Aids for Students with Special Needs
Date: Thursday, February 7, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: SC Assistive Technology Resource Center, Poplar Building
Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC

Presenter: Valeska Gioia, SC Department of Education Assistive Technology Specialist

Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required.

Registration: Complete the Free Literacy Supports online registration form.

Description: There are many free or low-cost literacy supports for students who have disabilities or who are struggling with reading fluency and comprehension. Many of the resources that will be demonstrated can be implemented in the classroom on a daily basis with little effort. Students who have experienced failure in academics might be motivated when they realize what tools can help them to achieve academic success. The Universal Design for Learning concept for all learning styles will be addressed with all these supports.

This training is in the Assistive Technology Resource Center, so no food or drink please.


For questions, call Will McCain at (803) 935-5004 or Lydia Durham at (803) 935-5263 or 800-915-4522.

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