Columbia Vaccine Clinic Canceled

Attention! 

The 11/17 Vaccine Clinic

at Able SC has been canceled.

Unfortunately due to staffing shortage from our vaccine provider, we are unable to host this Friday's vaccine clinic (11/17/23).

We still encourage you to secure your shot, especially leading up to the busy holiday season. If you need assistance please call 1-800-787-6064 so we can help you make your flu and COVID vaccine plans.

You can also visit www.vaccines.gov to find providers near you. Always call the provider of your choice before leaving to get your vaccines to ensure they have the vaccines you're seeking.

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121

advocacy@able-sc.org

AUCD Weekly

November 15, 2023

Announcements

AUCD 2023 Conference - Congratulations, Awardees! 

The annual AUCD Awards gives us an opportunity to recognize individuals, programs, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made outstanding contributions. The AUCD Awards represent the 'best of the best' within our Network, and local, state, and federal partners. This year, we honored 10 awardees. 

Listening Session Request

High Alpha Innovation is partnering with a national health insurance firm to identify new solutions and programs to help SNAP-eligible people with disabilities get into, use, and renew the program. The most important part of the effort is to identify the right problems to work on, which can only be done by listening to the experiences of people who are eligible for, are using, or previously used SNAP. They would like to spend 45 mins to one hour with a group of individuals, or 20-30 minutes with individuals,  who have experience in SNAP. The goal is to listen to first hand experiences of how people from across a diversity of demographics and circumstances are experiencing the program today and what could be made better. Please email Liz Schneider at eschneider@aucd.org if you can connect us to potential interviewees. 

View the full list of Announcements.

*****

Funding

AUCD Request for Proposals: A national partnership to develop an approach and plan to advance peer-support models for augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) users

Deadline: December 18, 2023

Award Ceiling: $300,000

AUCD is seeking proposals for a contracted entity to fulfill a scope of work central to an effort federally funded by the AoD, Administration for Community Living (ACL) that will seek to co-create a nationwide comprehensive, consensus-based peer support model to advance the use of AAC. This one-year planning project is anticipated to yield a rich source of recommendations for peer support models anticipated to improve the lives of AAC users.

National Institute of Health, Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Award Ceiling: TBD

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on understanding bidirectional relationships between social media use and adolescent mental health, psychiatric symptoms, and risk or resilience for psychopathology. For the purposes of this NOFO, social media are defined as internet-based communication platforms and applications that enable interactions between users by sharing or consuming information. The NOFO focuses on adolescents (broadly defined here as 10-20 years of age), who have increasing access to social media and greater autonomy in their use of digital platforms. No effectiveness/efficacy trials will be accepted.

*****

Resources

ADA Live! Understanding the Effects of PTSD

The Southeast ADA Regional Center released the latest episode of the ADA Live! Podcast, Understanding the Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Presenters discussed how people with disabilities can be affected by traumatic events or experiences, including PTSD, and how symptoms can vary from person to person. Presenters discussed how PTSD may be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a disability that impacts more than one major life activity.

Think Inclusive Podcasts

Two November podcasts on Think Inclusive feature interviews with leaders in early childhood education and inclusive practices for learners in early childhood settings. Valerie Williams, Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will share her insights on November 16. On November 30, Lori Miranda from Palm Beach Public Schools will be the speaker. The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) produces Think Inclusive and works to build bridges between families, educators, and people with disabilities to advocate for inclusive education. This series is a partnership between ECTA and Think Inclusive.

Click here to read more of this issue!

National Family Caregivers Month & Giving Tuesday

 

This November, we highlight National Family Caregivers Month, mental health and respite support services for caregivers, and Giving Tuesday on November 28th. Our Public Policy resources include the newly developed State Advocacy Toolkit and the recently launched CDC Bridge Access Program.

Did You Know: Seeking respite care as a temporary relief service can support a parent or caregiver's mental health to be at their best.

Access November Resources

*****

CONTEST ALERT!

 

Goodnites and the Autism Society of America are excited to announce the #AwesomeDaysContest! Together with caregivers, we’re looking for kids ages 3-17 to submit a piece of custom-drawn artwork for the chance to have the design transformed into a limited-edition throw blanket! The Awesome Days Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 to put towards a bedroom makeover and a 1-year supply of Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear. 

Enter Contest

*****

 

The Autism Society of America is proud to announce the launch of our groundbreaking Employment Initiative. Over the past year, we have met with our Employment Taskforce, comprising individuals and experts dedicated to transforming perspectives about the capabilities and prospects of Autistic individuals in the workplace. Our Employment Initiative is dedicated to providing opportunities and support for Autistic individuals to achieve their full potential. At its heart, the Employment Initiative is a celebration of the diverse talents within the Autism community. 

Learn More

*****

Autism Society Resources 

 

The Autism Society's Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) ensures more people will receive factual, unbiased information about vaccines, safety, and public health, as well as expanded access to supported vaccine clinics and trained healthcare providers. 

Access Resources

*****

• Autism Society San Diego holds a Family Pool and Pizza Party every second Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m.! Families are invited to swim in an indoor, heated pool with free pizza and drinks. Lifeguards are provided. RSVPs are greatly appreciated! 
• Autism Society Greater New Orleans will host a sensory-friendly morning at the National WWII Museum on November 25th at 8 a.m. This program is for individuals of all ages with special needs and their families to enjoy early access to the Museum with modifications to make the experience more sensory-friendly. 
• Autism Society South Central Wisconsin is hosting a quiet walk through the Rotary Gardens light show. This year, it will feature over 1.5 million lights, themed light displays, seasonal props, and lighted arched pathways to walk through. Navigation is possible for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs as long as there is not heavy snow. 

Connect

 

Visit Website

AAIDD FYI - November 2023

Announcements 

AAIDD 2024 Conference Call For Papers: Achieving Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 27, 2023

*****

AAIDD Webinars

Access ongoing professional education through AAIDD webinars. Webinar registration is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Strategies to Validate the Service Facilitator Mode

November 15, 2023; 2-3 pm Eastern 

This presentation is a participative discussion of how to initiate this research; a discussion for providers, researchers, and policy makers about how to conduct the research and to join in to be a participant in this effort.

Intellectual Disability and Criminal Justice: An Overview

December 6, 2023; 2-3 pm Eastern

This presentation will discuss and take questions on the impact of intellectual disability on a defendant at various points in the criminal justice process.

*****

AAIDD Journals

Access the Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field. Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee.

The November 2023 Issue of AJIDD is Available Now! 

The American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AJIDD) is a scientific, scholarly, and archival multidisciplinary journal for reporting original contributions of the highest quality to knowledge of intellectual disability, its causes, treatment, and prevention.

*****

Job Openings

• Director (MIND Institute, UC Davis Health), Sacramento, CA
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Special Education (JGCP), Kansas City, KS
• Senior Director of Meaningful Day & Employment (Ardmore Enterprises), Lanham, Maryland
• Executive Director (Valley Mountain Regional Center), Stockton, CA

Apply to these great openings and other positions 

on the  AAIDD Career Center.

News and Updates from Family Connection

Call for Proposals! 

We are pleased to announce our Hopes & Dreams Conference RFP application is now available! We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds who can speak to parents and professionals. Application deadline is December 15th.

Watch your inbox and our social channels for more details about Hopes & Dreams--coming up on Thursday, March 21, 2024!

LOOK! 2024

Our annual LOOK! Photography Exhibit will be held on Sunday, June 2, at the Richland County Library in downtown Columbia!

The exhibit highlights the unique abilities of children and young adults from the of families we serve. Local photographers from across the state donate photo session time to capture compelling images of each participant in their favorite setting. 

Applications for families and photographers are now open! We will match families with a photographer in their area and start scheduling photo sessions now through the end of March. Visit our LOOK! event page to learn more and to complete an application!

Buddy Walk 2023 is a Wrap!

Thank you again to our wonderful Buddy Walk sponsors, families, donors, vendors, and most of all our Buddies! We can't wait to see you next year!

Interested in helping us plan Buddy Walk 2024? Contact Jacki Garbinsky!

Partner with Family Connection

Family Connection offers year-round sponsorship opportunities as well as event-specific sponsor benefits for our Hopes & Dreams Conference, and our LOOK! and Buddy Walk events! Contact us to find out more about how we can partner with your business or practice! 

Engagement Opportunities

Be sure to visit our Training Calendar to find training sessions led by Family Connection staff and partners on topics for parents and professionals. Our Home Page Calendar includes our trainings and community events from organizations around the state!

AUCD Weekly

November 1, 2023

Announcements

Defining Equity

We are excited to announce AUCD's Board-approved working definition of equity in IDD. You will also see a plain language and easy read version. We hope this will help guide you in your future work as we continue to discuss concrete ways to improve systems, services, policies, and programs to improve equity. We know this will be an ongoing and evolving conversation within your Centers and across the Network. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to this effort.

Family Support 101: Understanding Policies that Support Family and Family Caregivers for Trainees

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET

AUCD is hosting a webinar for trainees to learn about policies that support family and family caregivers on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 2:30 PM-4:00 PM. The participants will learn an overview and history of family support, the current needs of families and family caregivers, and policies and practices of Respite. This event is sponsored by the Brandeis University Community Policy Living Center. It is open to current and former trainees, faculty, and staff.

Funding

Autism Science Foundation, 2023 Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards

Deadline: December 8, 2023

Award Ceiling: $180,000

The Autism Science Foundation invites applications for its Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards from graduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing careers in basic and clinical research relevant to autism spectrum disorders. The proposed training should be scientifically linked to autism but may be broadened to include training in a closely related area of scientific research.

Michael J. Fox Foundation, Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders

Deadline: December 14, 2023

Award Ceiling: $180,000

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.

The foundation invites applications for the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders, which aims to grow the global base of movement disorder specialists (neurologists with additional training in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders) by training movement disorder clinician-researchers who can provide expert care and lead scientific advances.

Resources

Inside the OUTcomes Podcast: A Decision Aid for Requesting an Accommodation at Work

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on Knowledge Translation (KT) to Promote Patient-Centered Care Through the Use of Standardized Assessments, the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment for People with Physical Disabilities, the RRTC on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Person-Centered Outcomes and Measurements, and the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System (MRSCIS) Center released A Decision Aid for Requesting an Accommodation at Work, episode 8 of the INside the OUTcomes podcast. This episode features researchers from the NIDILRR-funded Northwest ADA Regional Center and the ADA Network KT Center, discussing development of their interactive decision guide designed to help people with disabilities think through requesting a reasonable accommodation at work. 

CDC Launches Disability Inclusion Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new digital toolkit, Become a Disability A.L.L.Y. - Information for Healthcare Providers. The toolkit describes ways providers can improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and their families. The toolkit includes resources for providers to assess and enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of their practice, and contains shareable graphics and sample social media posts to help them advocate for inclusion and accessibility in healthcare settings. It also includes videos that feature healthcare providers and people with disabilities describing the importance of inclusion. 

Important Note: The AUCD Weekly will not be published on November 8 due to the AUCD Conference. The publication will resume on November 15. Thank you for your understanding.

Click here to read more of this issue!

We Prepare You for Natural Disasters—And Help You Rebuild

United Spinal Newsletter | November 2023

Unprecedented damage by wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat across the southern half of the United States made headlines all summer long. Yet, too often, gaps in resources and knowledge needlessly put countless people with disabilities in harm's way during natural disasters. Wheelchair users rebuilding after losing everything face economic obstacles that are more stubborn than any debris field.

We're ready to change that.

• Ready to Roll gives you the know-how to navigate an emergency. In partnership with the Neilsen Foundation, our grant programs enable wheelchair users to rebuild their battered homes better and more accessible than ever.
• Our Emergency Preparedness Working Group crafted a masterful collection of wildfire preparedness resources by and for people with disabilities

*****

Ask the ADA Expert

Did you know that post offices and all other federally owned buildings and facilities are covered under the Architectural Barriers Act and not the Americans with Disabilities Act? Read on to learn more from our ADA (and ABA) Expert.

Do you have a burning question about accessibility in the places where you live, work and play? A sticky issue involving reasonable accommodation? Reply to this newsletter, and we'll field your question to our ADA Expert.

*****

United Spinal on Instagram

Follow us on Instagram to see our members and friends in action.

*****

Click here to read more of this issue!

Adapted Toy Event November 16 and 17

Please join us for our 

Adapted Toy Event on 

November 16th or 17th! 

Type: In-Person Event

Date: November 16 or 17, 2023

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

Organization: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Building, AT Resource Center

Location: 8301 Farrow Rd.

Columbia, SC 29203

Cost: Free (Bring Your Own Toy)

Registration: Participants must register to attend the toy workshop on either day.

Register Now!

About the Program: Children with disabilities often have difficulty interacting with toys. Families, professionals and school staff are invited to bring battery-operated toys to the SC Assistive Technology Resource Center to learn how to adapt the toys for switch use. The toys should have an on/off switch and only one action. An example would be Flappy the Elephant as he only flaps his ears when he is turned on or Robo Alive T-Rex Robotic Pet that only walks when it is turned on. SC Assistive Technology Program staff and students from Richland Two will be available to assist you. Everyone will leave with their toy adapted for switch use and a switch to operate it.

Audience: Family members, professionals and school staff who would like to learn how to adapt toys for children with disabilities. 

Accommodations: If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact us at least one week prior to the scheduled workshop by phone or email to Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu.

Examples of Toys to Donate or Bring: Amazon Wish List

For more information, please call 803-935-5263. 

Event Flier

 

2023-2024 Consumer Guide

November 1, 2023

NEW ISSUE

2023-2024 Consumer Guide

Our annual consumer guide is full of hands-on reviews, product news and investigative reporting in all the major disability product categories. Whether you need an easier way to access your shower, would like to consider a power-assist device, want to hear how wheelchair users are making money in the short-term rental market, or hope to add some fun to your fitness routine, our guide gives you real-world insight to help you make informed decisions.

PRODUCTS

A New Hands-Free Option to Control Your Wheelchair

While high-tech glasses haven’t caught on yet as a replacement for a smartphone or watch, Ian Ruder reports that they do offer an exciting new way to drive a power wheelchair. We got our hands on the munevo DRIVE controller and are excited with its potential. “Driving with the device took a little bit of getting used to, though tilting your head in the direction you want to travel was intuitive, and with practice a driver can navigate quite nimbly,” he says.

PEOPLE

Alana Nichols: Juggling Adaptive Sports, Advocacy, 

Motherhood and Media

As an athlete, Alana Nichols was always busy, crisscrossing the globe to become the first U.S. woman to win a gold medal in both summer and winter Paralympics. But now that she’s retired from Paralympic sports, her life has only gotten more hectic as she balances raising her young son, working as a brand ambassador and advocating to lift the profile of adaptive sports. Her biggest takeaway from a life of throwing herself headlong into new adventures? “Sucking at something is the first step to sort of being good at something,” she says.

Click here to read more of this issue!

Get your flu shot! Clinic tomorrow!

Barrier Free Flu Shot Clinic 

Saturday, November 4 

10:00 AM-12:30 PM

730 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223

Get your flu shot! 

Able SC is partnering with SC DHEC and Community of Care Empowering Seniors to host a Barrier-free Influenza vaccine clinic. The clinic will be held, Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM at Polo Road Park Gym, 730 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Individuals will receive a $25 gift card from SCACAP upon receipt of their FREE influenza vaccine, while supplies last.

ASL and Spanish interpreters will be available.

Don't miss your chance to protect yourself and 

others from the flu this fall and winter. 

Questions? Contact us at 1-800-787-6046.

Empower Hour Every Thursday!

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 info@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 info@able-sc.org a week before the event.

Empower Hour Online: 

Every Thursday from 1 pm to 2 pm

Empower Hour In-Person: 

Monthly from 4 pm to 5 pm 

in our Columbia & Greenville Offices

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.

2023 AT Leadership Conference

2023 Assistive Technology 

Leadership Conference

Type: In-Person Event

Date: November 2, 2023

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Organization: SC Department of Archives and History

Location: 8301 Parklane Rd., Columbia, SC 29233

Cost: Free. (Registration is required.)

Register Now!

About the Conference

The Assistive Technology Leadership Conference is designed to provide resources, networking and support to South Carolina school district assistive technology leaders and teams and other state agencies. Join us for a day filled with opportunities to collaborate, share, and expand your knowledge of assistive technology best practices. Attendees will explore strategies to help lead the way to excellence in assistive technology services. Participants will receive information about legal aspects of implementing assistive technology and valuable resources for school district assistive technology teams.

Participants Will Learn How To:

• Explore the legal side of assistive technology.
• Network with assistive technology teams from other school districts across South Carolina.
• Learn what is working well for other practitioners.
• Tell us how we can support you in the coming year!

Conference Hosts

Madalina Tudora is a RESNA* certified Assistive Technology Professional and experienced educator, currently serving as an Assistive Technology and Accessibility contact for the South Carolina Department of Education. She supports local school districts and state agencies in building capacity for assistive technology by providing guidance, resources, and training for local assistive technology teams in South Carolina. Madalina conducts regional and international AT training and speaks at various conferences with a focus on technology and accessibility.

Rachell Johnson, MCD, CCC-SLP, ATP is the Program Manager of the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program in the Center for Disability Resources, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the USC (University of South Carolina) School of Medicine. She is a RESNA* certified Assistive Technology Professional. Rachell received her master’s degree in communication disorders from the University of South Carolina. She conducts regional and international training on assistive technology for persons with disabilities of all ages, their caregivers and professionals who serve them.

*RESNA - Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America

Register Today for the 2023 NADD Annual Conference

Join us December 13-15 as we celebrate our 40th anniversary!

After three years of virtual conferences, NADD is pleased to announced that the 40th Annual NADD Conference will be held in person at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, TN. 

Register Now to Join Us in Nashville!

Attendee registration is open! Several pricing options are available, with discounts for NADD members, students, groups, and more. A detailed pricing breakdown can be found in the registration brochure.

Register Here!

*****

Conference Highlight: 

Sightseeing on Lower Broadway

Get excited for a curated exploration of Nashville's famous Lower Broadway on Wednesday night of the Annual Conference. You will immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Music City as you visit hand-picked locations, carefully selected by the NADD Conference Chairs. From iconic music venues to hidden gems, each location offers a unique glimpse into Nashville's renowned music scene. Get ready to discover what makes Nashville truly unforgettable. This will be an informal outing, and details will be provided in the conference app, Whova, as the conference approaches. Attendees will be responsible for meeting up with the group on their own, but local resources will be highlighted in advance.

Explore Nashville

We are looking forward to hosting this year's conference in iconic Nashville, Tennessee! The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is located just steps away from the Vanderbilt University campus and Music Row. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the history, culture, and great food that awaits you in Nashville! Click here for all the information you need to plan your trip.

Lodging - Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

Overnight accommodations are available to NADD participants at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel (2100 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203) for a discounted group rate starting at $219/night plus tax. 

Click here to reserve your room.

 

The discounted rate is available until November 17, 2023.