Tuesday, August 20, 2019

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo


SCATP has shower & bath chairs available…

for FREE!

For more information or to pick up an item
please contact Alli Upchurch
at (803) 935-5273 or

Each item is linked to more information. 

picture of a shower chair


picture of a shower chair

picture of a shower bench

picture of a gray shower chair

picture of a small pediatric bath chair
 
picture of a large pediatric bath chair

If you don’t see what you are looking for
please call Alli Upchurch at (803) 935-5273
or check out the AT Exchange!

Monday, August 19, 2019

2019 Assistive Technology Leadership Conference

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo


2019 Assistive Technology
Leadership Conference


Date: September 26, 2019
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE (lunch will be on your own from noon to 1:30 p.m.)
Location: Wingate by Wyndham Hotel in Lexington, 108 Saluda Pointe Court, Lexington, SC 29073 (Directions)





The Assistive Technology Leadership Conference is designed to provide resources, networking and support to SC school district assistive technology leaders and teams and other state agencies. Join us for a full day filled with opportunities to collaborate, share and expand your knowledge of assistive technology best practices for program implementation. Participants will receive information to assist with leading the way to excellence in Assistive Technology Services.

Conference Facilitator: Madalina Tudora is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional and experienced educator, currently serving as an Assistive Technology Specialist for the SC Department of Education. She worked and studied in Europe, earning her undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and her graduate degree in Psychology from Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest.



Friday, August 16, 2019

Splash Bash!



Splash Bash clip art

With Adapted Services
by Encompass Health

Saturday, September 21st, 2019
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Pine Island, 150 State Road, S-32-752, Columbia, SC 29212

Attendees must pre-register to attend.

Kayaking, boating, fishing, tubing and more! Adaptive sports and leisure activities for adults and young adults (14 years and older) with disabilities. A variety of organizations including the SC Assistive Technology Program, and vendors will be on-hand to provide expertise and services.

Volunteers must pre-register.

Encompass Health Rehab Hospital of Columbia logo

SC Spinal Cord Injury Association logo

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Access to Learning Summit

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo

You’re invited!

Access to Learning Summit


Learn how to build inclusive learning environments that close the achievement gap with accessible technologies and Google for Education. Learn how to give ALL students access to learning. Google brought technology into the hands of students through Chromebooks, Google Classroom, and G Suite. These technologies, together with accessible tools, have potential to give students access to their full capabilities like never before. Bring new ideas on how to use Google for Education and accessible technologies to close the achievement gap and help students read, write, and learn.
FREE. Lunch is provided.


Summits coming to South Carolina:

REGISTER for DUNCAN, September 10th 9:30-2:30

or

REGISTER for COLUMBIA, September 11th 9:30-2:30


Wednesday, August 14, 2019

AG Bell SC's Biennial Conference

AG Bell SC's Biennial Conference August 2019 logo


Karen Anderson, Ph.D. will address the following topics at the SC AGB Conference: Hearing: The Link to Language, Learning & Literacy; Showing the Need, Making the Case, Demonstrating Your Unique Expertise; Self-Advocacy & Communication Repair: Assessment & Skill Building; and, Why Do Children Reject Hearing Devices? What Can We Do?

6.5 Professional CEU's have been approved ASHA and the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language

Other programming will include activities throughout the day for our children 17 and under who have hearing loss and their siblings. SC AG Bell will host a language enriched Scavenger Hunt followed by the creation of an Experience Book about the day's activity with the children and teens.


Sat, August 24, 2019
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT

Riverbanks ZOO and Gardens
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210




Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Build your Confidence and Learn to Live Independently in the Community!


Photo of participants at an ABLE Living Well class


Are you 18 years of age or older and have a disability?

Are you interested in making improvements
to your health and wellness?
 
If the answer is yes to both questions, join us this fall for a paid opportunity to learn more about topics such as:

• goal setting
• healthy communication
• eating well
• physical activity
• advocacy, and more!
 
Another benefit? You'll build confidence and disability pride!

These Living Well in the Community classes will be held at Able SC's Columbia office every Friday from 1-3 PM starting September 6 and ending November 22.

To register, contact Dori
or 800-681-6805/TTY: 803-779-0949

Photo of a woman with her certificate from program
 



Monday, August 12, 2019

Free Workshop on Creating Optimal Learning Environments


South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo

Creating Optimal Listening Environments For Learning

Date: September 19, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Building Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 20203 (Directions)
Limit: 20


Participants will learn how classroom noise affects the learning process for children.  Attendees will also learn how the distance from the teacher, softness of the vocal signal, echoes in the room & interfering background noise will affect learning.  You will understand how classroom audio systems provide a complement to the acoustical environment and together they will greatly increase scholastic success.

The discussion will conclude with a look at various types of classroom audio systems composed of wireless microphones, amplifiers and speakers that are available for various types of classroom design and teacher preferences.  We will also discuss the trend in current teaching methods and how classroom audio benefits the learning process and classroom management.


Friday, August 09, 2019

Free AT Toolkit Workshop

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo


What to include in your Low Tech Assistive Technology Toolkit


Date: August 29, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: FREE
Location: 8301 Farrow Road, Poplar Building Conference Room, Columbia, SC 29203 (DIRECTIONS)
Limit: 20





Participants will learn what to include in a Low Tech Assistive Technology Toolkit.  Whether you want to use this as a proactive approach, an assessment tool, as part of your UDL approach to instruction, or simply for readily available implementation, a low-tech AT toolkit can prove to be effective.  We will explore options that support learning and access for differently-abled children.



Thursday, August 08, 2019

Support Family Connection's 2019 Buddy Walk

Buddy Walk 2019 Family Connection South Carolina advertisement


Support Family Connection of South Carolina's
2019 Buddy Walk!

Family Connection of South Carolina will host our 20th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
 
Last year, over 2,000 people and 87 Special Buddies participated in the walk alongside over 45 sponsors and vendors.
 
This year, we would love for your organization or business to join us as a sponsor at Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Complex in Columbia, SC as we work to make connections, raise awareness and promote inclusion during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Child with Down syndrome participating in previous Buddy Walk photo


Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2019 Buddy Walk are now available at various levels, including:
 
• Champion Level ($2,500)
• Advocate Level ($1,000)
• Ally Level ($500)
• Friend ($250)
• Fan ($100)
 
These opportunities are available for your organization and include various levels of recognition, depending on your level of commitment, including:

• Recognition on stage during opening ceremonies.
• Recognition on all signage/print materials at the walk.
• Logo on Buddy Walk t-shirt.
• Recognition in issues of the monthly Family Connection eNewsletter, sent to over 3,000 supporters statewide.
• Social media posts to Family Connection’s more than 7,000 followers.
• Logo and link to your website on FamilyConnectionSC.org partner page and the Buddy Walk fundraising site.
• Free Buddy Walk t-shirts.
• Vendor spot and the ability to place promotional/print materials in Special Buddy bags to the event’s over 125 participants.
• And more!



Your support changes lives!

Through your donations we are able to provide peer-to-peer support for families that have a child with Down syndrome.

Through your donations we are able to help families navigate the complex healthcare system to include understanding how to apply for TEFRA.

Through your donations we are able to provide educational opportunities for parents through workshops, webinars, conferences, at NO cost to parents.

Through your donations we are able to advocate for laws which benefit individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities, like the ABLE Act, which creates tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. 

Through your donations we are able to provide the book, “Babies with Down syndrome: A New Parent’s Guide” to families when they receive a new diagnosis of Down syndrome, in both English and Spanish.

Through your donations we are able to offer family events, sibling support groups, and host events like the Buddy Walk to raise awareness and CELEBRATE individuals with Down syndrome in our community!

This is just a small fraction of what we do! Thank you for helping Family Connection of South Carolina continue to grow and expand our programs and support for children and families!



Other Buddy Walks in SC

TriCounty Buddy Walk®
10/05/2019 • 13200 Clemson Blvd
Seneca, SC

South Carolina Upstate Buddy Walk® 2019
09/28/2019 • Conestee Park
Greenville, SC

Grand Strand Buddy Walk® Festival
10/26/2019 • Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC
 
Lowcountry Buddy Walk® 2019
10/20/2019 • 363 Seven Farms Dr
Daniel Island, SC

Intelligent Ambition NoLimits Buddy Walk®
10/12/2019 • 395 Pine Street
Varnville, SC


Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Free Webinars on Assistive Technology


South Carolina Assistive Technology Program logo

compiles this listing of free webinars from around the Web!
 
Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions.

AT Webinars


Wearables from JAN (Job Accommodation Network)
August 13, 2019 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern



Fun Activities Using Technology and Gardening from AbleNet
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern



A District-Wide Approach to Using AT to Support Struggling Readers from edWeb
Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern



Math Tools: Tech to Support Diverse Learners from PACER
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern



Selected Archived Webinar Sites


• AbilityNet in the UK
• Center on Technology and Disability
• Nat Center on Accessible Educational Materials
• Oklahoma AbleTech
• Don Johnston


Tuesday, August 06, 2019

Sign Language Class

American Sign Language clip art multi-color many hands raised


Signing with Children Aged Birth-3 and Beyond


Date: August 9, 2019


Time: 10 am – 11:30 am


Cost: $15 ($5 for parents of children with special needs and scholarships are available)


Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (DIRECTIONS)


Limit: 20



This is a fun, interactive 90-minute introductory sign language seminar. It covers 30+ single ASL signs, the manual alphabet, and numbers 1-10. Participants will learn and practice the signs and learn effective ways to teach signs to children and to their parents/caregivers. It also covers how sign language encourages speech and language development, enhances overall communication and reduces frustration for children who are not yet able to effectively communicate using speech.



Monday, August 05, 2019

News from Family Connection!




Roadmap: Resources and information for your journey; Family Connection SC logo

Family Connection of South Carolina's
Annual Buddy Walk!

Picture from a previous Family Connection event with Groucho character


Family Connection of South Carolina will host our 20th Annual Columbia Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Join us at Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Complex in Columbia, SC as we work to make connections, raise awareness and promote inclusion during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
 
Last year, over 2,000 people and 87 Special Buddies participated in the walk - be sure to be a part of it this year! Team registration will open soon.
 
For more information on our Annual Buddy Walk, click here.



National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Theme Announcement

Office of Disability Employment Policy logo


The U.S. Department of Labor announced “The Right Talent, Right Now” as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.

Family Connection of South Carolina is excited for this year’s NDEAM and to continue to support those living with disabilities entering and already within the workforce throughout the year. To read more about NDEAM, click here.


SCDHHS Launches BabyNet Referral Portal

Health Connections Babynet of SC Dept of Health & Human Services logo

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) recently launched an online referral portal.
 
Parents and healthcare professionals can use this portal to access the BabyNet referral process 24/7. In addition to increasing access, the portal will improve engagement with the referral process by providing immediate feedback on the referral status and next steps.
 
The referral portal is now available on the BabyNet website by clicking here.


Family Connection of South Carolina, Inc.
1800 St. Julian Place, Ste 104
Columbia, SC 29204





Thursday, August 01, 2019

Upcoming Events for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month!

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month logo

PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!

Events in celebration of SCI Awareness month
will be going on during the entire month of September.
 
KICK OFF EVENT FOR SCI AWARENESS MONTH

PICNIC AND FISH RODEO

fishing pole line drawing

September 7th
Greenville, SC
More details coming soon!!

SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL UPDATED EVENTS

September Sports clinics hosted by Roger C Peace,
contact Kristen for more information

Sept 4 Adaptive Golf 
9-11am @ Haas Family Golf

Sept 10 & 24 Adaptive Cycling Ride
6:00-7:30pm @ Swamp Rabbit Trail

Adaptive Yoga
TBD

September 14, Columbia, SC -- Ballroom Dancing
 "The Rebound" movie screening--
Showing at the following Breeze Groups:
Rock Hill, Greenville, Spartanburg, Florence

September 10, Columbia, SC -- CBD Oil presentation
CannaBliss Farmacy, 6PM
1015 Center St, Columbia, SC 29169

September 21, Columbia, SC -- Splash Bash
Pine Island, 10AM-5PM
150 State Rd S-32-752, Columbia, SC 29172

September 24th, Columbia, SC -- Planetarium
South Carolina State Museum, 6 PM
More details to come

September 19-22, Myrtle Beach, SC -- Pickle Ball Tournament
Myrtle Beach Sports Center

Splash Bash 2019 logo
SEPTEMBER 21
10AM-5PM
Shelters at Pine Island

Adaptive Services provided by Encompass Health
Activities including water sports, fishing,
boating, tubing, kayaking, and lawn games

Lunch and t shirt provided with registration

REGISTRATION IS FREE