Save these dates - Peer Lead Trainings in 2022!

 

Free Monthly Trainings for People with Disabilities 

Individuals with disabilities are invited to join us for FREE monthly training sessions, all online! Full schedule with descriptions is available for download. Save these dates so you don't miss out on these great opportunities. Stay tuned for registration emails, sent each month before each training event! 

Upcoming Trainings (3:00-4:00 PM):

• Countdown to Independence! | Webinar January 24, 2022 
• Reshaping Relationships | Webinar February 14, 202 
• You've Got Power! | Webinar March 14, 2022 
• Money Matters | Webinar April 11, 2022 
• Successful Socializing | Webinar May 23, 2022 
• Rec at Home | Webinar June 13, 2022 
• Tools for Access & Independence | Webinar July 11, 2022 
• Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) | Webinar August 22, 2022 
• Living Independently | Webinar September 12, 2022 
• Dream It, Plan It, Do It! | Webinar October 24, 2022 
• Where Should I Live? | Webinar November 7, 2022 
• Thinking Outside the Box | Webinar December 5, 2022 

Able South Carolina  803.779.5121

advocacy@able-sc.org 

Prioritize People With Intellectual Disabilities for COVID Treatment

Prioritize People With Intellectual Disabilities

for COVID Treatment

— This at-risk group has not received adequate attention

by Wendy Ross, MD, and Jonathan Gleason, MD 

January 10, 2022

 

The FDA's emergency use authorizations of monoclonal antibodies and more recently molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) for treating COVID-19 in people at high risk for severe disease brings great hope to the world and the global community of people impacted by intellectual disability. But access barriers pose a challenge. It is critically important that healthcare providers make these life-saving treatments available immediately to people with intellectual disabilities who test positive for COVID-19 -- and advocate for those high-risk individuals.

We struggled to get this right during the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. In March 2021, our research group released a study in the New England Journal of Medicine-Catalyst where we described the devastating impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual disabilities. Indeed, our analysis of 64 million medical records across the U.S. demonstrated that having an intellectual disability is the highest risk factor for getting COVID-19 and, second only to age, for dying from it. Tragically, when admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, those with an intellectual disability were 32% more likely to die as inpatients. The CDC has now recognized the robust evidence that having an intellectual disability is a significant risk factor for death from COVID-19.

Our study, and others like it, led to the expansion of vaccine prioritization to people with intellectual disabilities in more than a dozen states as well as in Japan and other countries around the world. Civil rights lawsuits against Connecticut and Maryland allege they failed to prioritize intellectually disabled persons for vaccination. Ultimately, most states and countries failed to follow the clear evidence regarding this high-risk group with their early vaccine deployments.

Click here to read more. 

Wendy Ross, MD, is director of the Jefferson Center 

for Neurodiversity and Autism.

Jonathan Gleason, MD, is chief clinical officer of Prisma Health.

BrainStorm -- Young Adult Support and Advocacy Group

 

A support and advocacy group for young adults who have been impacted by brain injury

What is BrainStorm?

BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity. 

This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support.

WHO:

• This is a group is open to survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury 
• Anyone between the ages 15-29 years of age is encouraged to attend
• Someone who has a brain injury that impacts their life in at least one way on a regular basis, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Concussion (also known as mild Traumatic Brain Injury - mTBI)
• Someone whose parent, neighbor, friend, sibling, significant other, etc. is living with a brain injury

WHAT ARE THESE MEETINGS:

Join Facilitator, Young Adult, and Brain Injury Survivor Jasmine Norris as she assists youth in:

• Finding community and peer support - you are not alone in your experience with brain injury!
• Educating anyone and everyone in your community about brain injuries

WHERE:

• Virtual Meetings will be held on Zoom once a month
• 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 8 pm EST

2022 Dates:

• January 19
• February 16
• March 16
• April 20
• May 18
• June 15
• July 20
• August 17
• September 21
• October19
• November 16
• December 15

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

Variants- What are they?

COVID-19 Variant Facts 

What is a COVID-19 variant?  

A COVID-19 variant is a version of the COVID-19 virus that’s just a little different from the version before it.  Some of the most common differences are that COVID-19 variants can spread faster and more easily and can also make you sicker.  For example, the Alpha variant spread just a little faster than the original version of the COVID-19 virus.    

Two of the variants that you might hear a lot about are the Delta and Omicron variants. That is because both of these variants spread easily and can make you very sick.   

Variants of viruses are common. People with disabilities may be at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and they are also at higher risk of getting COVID-19 variants. 

Hear from champions in your community. 

As a person with a disability, how can I protect myself from COVID-19 variants?  

The best way for people with disabilities to protect themselves from COVID-19 variants is by getting a vaccine. A vaccine may not stop you from getting sick, but it will help lower the risk that you will get very sick and go to the hospital with a COVID-19 variant.    

If you have already gotten your vaccine, getting a booster shot is another way you can help protect yourself from COVID-19 variants. This makes your immune system stronger to fight the virus. Learn more about booster shots from our previous e-newsletter. 

Talk to your doctor, or another medical provider you trust, about which COVID-19 vaccine is the best for you. If you need help scheduling your vaccine, have questions, or are experiencing difficulty with getting your vaccine, you can call the SC Disability Vaccine Access Hotline (1-800-787-6046). 

Information source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 1). What You Need to Know About Variants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 3, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html. 

Make your vaccination plan today 

The SC Disability Vaccine Access Network is here to help reduce barriers to vaccine access. Learn more about how to make an appointment at SCDisabilityVaccine.org or call us at 1-800-787-6046 for more information. 

SCDisabilityVaccine.org

Contact our Vaccine Access Helpline at 1-800-787-6046. 

Registration Deadline Extended!

 

The deadline has been extended!

Register by January 9, 2022 

for the Brain Injury Fundamentals Training!

Are you a caregiver of a person with a brain injury, 

a professional or anyone who is interested in receiving a 

Brain Injury Fundamentals Certificate?  

Then this is the class for you! 

Brain Injury Fundamentals is an essential training and certificate program designed for direct care staff, family members, and individual caregivers. The training course covers essential topics such as cognition, medical complications, and medication safety and management.

 

When:         

Wednesday, February 2, 2022  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 9, 2022  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Where: Online via Zoom Platform        

 

12.0 CEUs available for Social Workers (must attend all four classes)

 

Fees: $50 includes workbook, training, and exam

      

Scholarships available for Unpaid Caregivers

 

Instructors:    

Kay Brooks, MA, CBIST

Director, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Services

Thrive Upstate

 

Ella Durham, MRC, NCC, CCM, CCTP, CBIS 

Certified Case Manager

Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital

 

Meghan Trowbridge, LISW-AP, CBIST, C-ASWCM

Assistant Director, Center for Disability Resources

USC School of Medicine

 

To Register:  

Please go to https://www.biaofsc.com/trainings-and-certifications

*Class is limited to 25 participants.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Hartwell at coordinator@biaofsc.com or 803-731-9823.

Free Webinars!

This list of free webinars is compiled from around the Web 

by the Accessible Technology Coalition. 

Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions.

The SC Assistive Technology Program offers free webinars, too!

Free Webinars re: K-12 Students

• Accessibility, UDL and Supports for Language Learners From AEM Café

        January 6, 2022 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

• Using Technology to Support Students Who Struggle with Emotions and Behaviors from AbleNet

        January 12, 2022 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

• Tech for Teens Club : Building Websites from Pacer

        January 15, 2022 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern (90 min.)

• Also check out: SETC's webinar schedule for more K-12 events

Adults or All Ages

• Launching a Sustainable Accessibility Program from TPGi

        January 11, 2022 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Happy New Year! Empower Hour 2022!

 

EMPOWER HOUR 2022

Peer Networking - Discover your power!

Able South Carolina offers peer groups for individuals with all types of disabilities. Our 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. Individuals with disabilities can participate in one of our online peer groups.

If you are interested in participating in our online discussion, please RSVP at least a day before the meeting, so that we can sign you up and give you the log-in information. If you would like to join, please call 803-779-5121, TTY: 803-779-0949, or email, dtempio@able-sc.org.

To make a request for accommodation based upon disability, please call us at 800-681-6805 a week before the event. 

Empower Hour Meetings

Weekly on Google Meet on

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

meet.google.com/ive-hevx-jrj 

Call-in Number-

+1 402-824-0092 

PIN: ‪838 332 043#

We hope to see you soon at Empower Hour!

An Accessible SUV With Space Like a Van

December 16. 2021

CONSUMER GUIDE

New Accessible Vehicles

With BraunAbility’s new Chevy Traverse, we may finally have the SUV conversion we’ve been waiting for. It features all the amenities wheelchair users demand, including an in-floor ramp, power doors and removable front seats. And it even provides enough space for a power wheelchair user to turn around. We’re also excited about a new hybrid minivan with a side-entry option. Click the link for full details and pricing on both.

Power Chair Roundup

Despite everything from supply chains to retail shows being out of whack since 2020, power wheelchair manufacturers still managed to introduce new and upgraded offerings that promise a smoother, more precise ride, better traction, tighter turning and more. Here is the latest from Permobil, Invacare, Quickie and Quantum.

NEW MOBILITY IS GOING BIMONTHLY

In 2022, New Mobility’s print magazine is going bimonthly so that our team can focus on providing more high-quality and timely online content. As we build a more robust website, be sure to check your inbox for our biweekly newsletter and follow us on social media to see our latest articles, product reviews and resources.

Click here to read more! 

Appropriations Update & New Reports

 

In this issue of Capitol Connection, the Autism Society’s policy newsletter, updates include appropriations and advocacy for the Build Back Better plan. In addition, reports on employment statistics, autism care, and autism rates are discussed. Remember, the Autism Society’s Action Center provides easy steps for advocates to educate Congress about these and other issues impacting the Autism community.

Read More

Holiday Booster Shots!

 Hear from champions in your community. 

Important Updates on Booster Shots! 

As many gather for the holiday season, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re protected.

1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability.

People with disabilities are at the greatest risk of becoming very sick and dying from COVID-19. We’re here to help you protect your community by securing your shot. In addition to your initial round of COVID-19 vaccine, you will need a booster shot. The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot will help protect you from becoming very sick with COVID-19 and COVID-19 variants. Keep reading to learn more! 

What is a COVID-19 variant?  

A COVID-19 variant is a version of the COVID-19 virus that’s just a little different from the version before it. Some of the most common differences are that COVID-19 variants can spread faster and more easily and can also make you sicker. 

Two of the variants that you might hear a lot about are the Delta and Omicron variants. That is because both of these variants spread easily and can make you very sick.   

Variants of viruses are common.  People with disabilities are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19 and COVID-19 variants.  

As a person with a disability, how can I protect myself from COVID-19 variants?  

The best way for people with disabilities to protect themselves from COVID-19 variants is by getting a vaccine. A vaccine may not stop you from getting sick, but it will help lower the risk that you will get very sick and go to the hospital with a COVID-19 variant.    

If you have already gotten your vaccine, getting a booster shot is another way you can help protect yourself from COVID-19 variants. This makes your immune system stronger to fight the virus.  

Wearing a mask also lowers your risk of getting COVID-19 and all of the COVID-19 variants.   

Talk to your doctor, or another medical provider you trust, about which COVID-19 vaccine is the best for you. If you need help scheduling your vaccine or have questions, you can call the Disability Vaccine Access Hotline. You should also make sure to wear masks anytime you’re inside in a public place and wash your hands often. 

So, what is a booster shot? 

The COVID-19 booster shot is a dose of the vaccine that will make sure your first vaccine round is strong for a longer amount of time. 

Who should I get a booster shot? 

Boosters are recommended for everyone over the age of 16 years old. 

When should I get a booster shot? 

It depends on which vaccine brand you originally had.

 

• Pfizer Vaccine (mRNA) 

First Dose: First 2 shots are given 2 weeks apart 

If you have a weakened immune system, you can get a 3rd shot 28 days after your 2nd shot 

Booster: You can get your booster shot 6 months after your first dose. 

Your booster shot can be Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J 

Note: If you're 16 or 17 years old, the Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine and booster approved for your age group. 

• Moderna Vaccine (mRNA) 

First Dose: First 2 shots are given 2 weeks apart 

If you have a weakened immune system, you can get a 3rd shot 28 days after your 2nd shot 

Booster: You can get your booster shot 6 months after your first dose 

Your booster shot can be Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J 

• J&J Vaccine (viral vector) 

First Dose: 1 shot 

Booster: You can get your booster shot 2 months after your first dose 

Your booster shot can be Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J 

Find a vaccine clinic near you.

The SC Disability Vaccine Access Network is here to help reduce barriers to vaccine access. Learn more about vaccination and how to make an appointment at SCDisabilityVaccine.org or call us at 1-800-787-6046 for more information. 

www.SCDisabilityVaccine.org

 

Contact our Vaccine Access Hotline 

at 1-800-787-6046. 

Happy Holidays from United Spinal!

Warmest holiday greetings from United Spinal Association. As our triumphant 75th anniversary year comes to a close, we want to share our deepest gratitude for your support for our community.

We are grateful for everyone who helps us give the gift of independence and well-being year-round. This holiday season, we celebrate the one-of-a-kind resourcefulness and resilience of the United Spinal family. We can’t wait to show you how “Strong Wheeled” our community is during a brand new year of making change and transforming lives.

To make a holiday or end of year personal donation, please click here.

Save The Date - New Jersey Self-Direction Conference

Save the Date!

New Jersey Self-Direction Conference

We heard you! Because of your overwhelming feedback and votes, the 2022 New Jersey Self-Direction Conference is going virtual.

With the theme of “We Are In This Together!” we will host two pre-conference sessions in January and February with the main event in March, perfectly timed to honor Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

More information about the entire event and how to register, is coming soon. Until then, mark your calendars for the first pre-conference session.

Save The Date!

January 20, 2022

11am Virtual Speaker Session 1

The National History of Self-Direction

Presenter: Sue Swenson

President of Inclusion International

Inclusion International is the international network of people with intellectual disabilities and their families advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. Sue got involved with disability advocacy because her middle son, Charlie, had profound disabilities.

She has served under two previous U.S. government administrations in support of individuals with disabilities in American schools and workplaces. Sue is currently working with the Biden/Harris administration as Senior Advisor, for the Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Her impressive bio can be found here.

Coming Soon 

 information about our second Virtual Speaker Session 2

The NJ History of Self-Direction

It is our sincere hope that all those involved in or considering self-directed services and support in NJ can participate.

Calling Aspiring Artists!

Let’s see your talent! 

Build our conference brand. Enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card and sponsor swag. The winner will be featured as the main brand with all submissions featured throughout the event.

Competition Guidelines

• “We Are In This Together” themed art.
• On paper, no larger than 8 ½ x 11
• Be creative, colorful and have fun!

Send all submissions to:

        Donna Schierman

        22 Goldenrod Court

        Hamilton, NJ 08690

2022 New Jersey Self-Direction Conference Sponsors:

Adapted Toys available for Children with Disabilities

Last week’s Adapted Toy Workshop 

was a wonderful success! 

We have some adapted toys left over for children with disabilities.

If you would like a FREE adapted toy and a switch in time for the holidays:

1. Email  Billfred Leverette at Billfred.leverette@uscmed.sc.edu to request a Equipment and Device Liability Release form. 
2. Complete, sign, and submit the form via email to Billfred by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17th.
3. Billfred or Janet will contact you to let you know what toys are available for your child.

If you have questions, please call 

Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263.

Happy Holidays!