Free4All Event-Tomorrow!

Free Durable Medical Equipment Available

SC Assistive Technology Program Reuse Free4All Event

Date: Tomorrow-Friday, October 16, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: SC Assistive Technology Program

8301 Farrow Road

Columbia, SC

Event Description:

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is hosting a Reuse Free4All Event featuring all

available durable medical equipment. If you or someone you know needs durable medical equipment, you

are invited to browse the available items and take what you need at no cost.

No appointment is necessary.

Who Can Attend?

Everyone is welcome, including:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Family members and caregivers
• Therapists
• Educators
• Veterans
• Case workers
• Anyone in need of durable medical equipment
  
  

Why Attend?

All equipment has been professionally cleaned, sanitized, and is available free of charge.

Please see the attached flyer for more details. For more information, contact Sarai Lizama-Gamez at 803-935-5273 or sarai.lizamagamez@uscmed.sc.edu.

AUCD 2026: One day left to book your hotel room!

 

November 8-11 | Washington, D.C.  Join Us in Washington, DC!  Book your stay by October 16th!

Registration is open for the 2026 AUCD Conference: Impact through Innovation and Partnership, taking place November 8-11 in Washington, DC.   And, book your stay by October 16th! AUCD has a room block at the Westin DC  for $280/night for single or double occupancy.  The block has 23 ADA rooms, 10 of which have roll-in showers. All of the hotels' roll-in shower rooms are in AUCD's room block.

View Hotel Information Register today for AUCD's Conference!

AUCD invites network members, non-network organizational partners, experts from all across the disability field, individuals with disabilities, family members, students, and trainees to share ideas and learn from one another. This year’s conference will feature:

Plenary sessions with high-level leaders  More than 200 concurrent sessions, poster presentations and Network Spotlights Innovative research, programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts  Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, you will find opportunities to build relationships and bring new ideas back to your work.  Register for the conference today!

View Registration Information

Emerging Leaders Community Networking Session Sunday, November 8 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM

The Emerging Leaders Community is hosting a networking session to help attendees connect, learn, and get the most out of their conference experience. The session includes an overview of the Emerging Leaders Community, conference tips, and a networking activity. A panel of former trainees will also share how the AUCD Network shaped their careers and discuss collaboration in their work.

View this event and others in the online agenda below.

Explore the Online Agenda

AUCD is excited to see and learn from you November 8-11 in Washington, D.C. Sign up to receive the latest AUCD Conference updates. Use #AUCD2026 to share about the Conference on social media!

AUCD | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 | Silver Spring, MD 20910

Reminder. Join the Dani Plan Webinar on Oct. 15 and Unlock 30% Off.

 

Hello Autism Society Community, Join us for an exclusive live demonstration of Dani Plan, a smart, simple, and secure way to manage care for your loved one with a disability, and learn about the new Dani Plan Safe ID.  You'll unlock 30% savings by joining the webinar, and all participants will be eligible for a special bonus gift.   Date: Thursday, October 15 Time: 4:00 p.m. ET    This virtual session will be especially helpful if you’ve ever wondered:    What happens if I can’t be there and someone else needs to step in?  How would a new caregiver or provider quickly understand my child’s needs?  Is there a better way to keep everything organized in one place?    Because Dani Plan addresses all the above... and more.     Created by parents of an Autistic child who understand the realities of day-to-day caregiving, Dani Plan is a centralized hub designed to keep care information organized, up to date, and easy to share.     Featuring Dani Plan Safe ID We'll also showcase Dani Plan Safe ID, an innovative tool designed to help families respond quickly when emergencies happen.  Safe ID gives first responders, caregivers, school personnel, and trusted support networks immediate access to critical information about your loved one when every second counts. Whether you're traveling for the holidays, attending community events, or managing unexpected situations, Safe ID helps ensure the right information reaches the right people quickly and securely.    Register for the webinar to see Dani Plan in action.

Register Here

We hope to see you there! Your Autism Society of America Team

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Fall Free4All next Friday-October 16th

 

Join us for a Fall Reuse Free4All Event! SCATP is offering available durable medical equipment at no cost to community members who need it.  No appointment is required. Attendees may browse the available equipment and take items they need while supplies last. Available items may include walkers, canes, bedside commodes, bath seats and benches, crutches, pediatric therapy equipment, and other durable medical equipment.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026

Time:  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, South Carolina. 

Directions: To reach the event site, enter Midlands Center from Farrow Road onto Azalea Avenue, remain on the main road through the center, turn left onto Crape Myrtle Lane, then turn right into the second parking lot. White directional signs will guide attendees to the event.

The event is open to individuals with disabilities, family members and caregivers, therapists, educators, veterans, case workers, and anyone in need of durable medical equipment.

For more information, contact Sarai Lizama-Gamez at 803-935-5273 or sarai.lizamagamez@uscmed.sc.edu.

Webinar: White Cane Day Celebration October 15th

 

Join us for a White Cane Day Celebration Webinar. 

Date: Oct 15, 2026 

Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Target Audience: All are welcome. 

Cost: Free. All attendees must register to attend.  

Description: This White Cane Day webinar will recognize the importance of the white cane as a tool for independence, safety, and confidence, while highlighting orientation and mobility awareness. Participants will learn: 1. Explain the significance of the white cane as a tool for independence, safety, and confidence. 2. Recognize how orientation and mobility skills support safe and independent travel for people who are blind or have low vision. 3. Identify ways to increase awareness and respect for white cane users in the community. 

Speaker Information: Heather Lee is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). Heather obtained her M. Ed from North Carolina Central University and her B.A from Limestone University. Heather resides in Conway, SC with her husband and three children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys taking walks on the beach and reading a good book.

BrainStorm is back: Let’s talk about who we are after brain injury.

 

A place to connect with other young adults navigating life after brain injury. What does it mean to figure out who you are after brain injury? How do relationships change? What does moving forward look like when life doesn't look quite the way you expected? BrainStorm brings young adults ages 18–29 together each month for honest conversations about these questions and others that come with navigating young adulthood after brain injury. Register for BrainStorm Register once to participate in monthly BrainStorm meetings through June 30, 2027. Registration for the 2027–2028 program year will open in June.

This Month Behind the Mask: Who Am I Now? Brain injury can change how you see yourself, how others see you, and what feels familiar about your life. This month, we’ll talk about identity after brain injury, what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what you’re still figuring out. Wednesday, Oct. 21 6:30 – 8 p.m. ET | Zoom   Upcoming Conversations Nov. 18 - More Than Grateful Dec. 16 - Presence Over Presents Jan. 20 - The New Me Feb. 17 - Love After Brain Injury Learn more about BrainStorm Know a young adult living with brain injury? Please forward this email and invite them to join BrainStorm.

BrainStorm meets virtually on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30–8 p.m. ET. Questions? Contact Kristi at coordinator@biaofsc.com.

Prepare for Hill Day: Upcoming Pre-Conference Policy Sessions

 

Dear AUCD Network Members, As we look ahead to the 2026 AUCD Annual Conference and Hill Day, we invite members of the network to join us for two upcoming Pre-Conference Policy Sessions designed to help you feel prepared and confident for your time on Capitol Hill. These sessions will offer practical guidance for network members who plan to participate in Hill Day, including how to: Reach out to your elected officials and request a meeting, Prepare for and make the most of your meetings with policymakers, and Navigate Capitol Hill and make the most of your Hill Day experience. These sessions will feature AUCD Executive Director Kim Knackstedt, Liz Weintraub, and Cornerstone Government Affairs, who will share guidance, experience, and practical tips to help you prepare. Upcoming Sessions Tuesday, October 13 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85440317644 Wednesday, October 21 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82410875952 Whether this is your first time participating in Hill Day or you have experience meeting with policymakers, we encourage you to join us, ask questions, and come prepared to make your voice and the expertise of our network heard on Capitol Hill. We look forward to preparing with you and seeing you at the conference! Sincerely,  Kimberly Knackstedt, Ph.D.  Executive Director  Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)