The 2015 Shuck-A-Rama Oyster Roast has sold out!

The Brain Injury Association of SC is announcing that at this time we have sold out our event (Shuck-A-Rama) being held this weekend at Gold Bug Island due to capacity restrictions of the venue. We are so appreciative of the support from all of you and we promise that we will book a bigger venue next year so that this will not happen again.

We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

iPhones Helping Seniors

This training is brought to you by the SC Assistive Technology Program
We still have a few seats available for this training. Sign up today!

iPhones Helping Seniors

Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2015
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required.
Presenter:    Carol Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, ATP, Program Manager, SC Assistive Technology Program    
Location:  SC Assistive Technology Resource Center, Poplar Building, Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC

Description:  iPhones have software and many useful features that can help seniors with physical or age-related disabilities. This workshop will review basics of how to set up an account and how to download software or “apps.” Strategies for finding apps that will meet your needs will be reviewed. Bring your own iPhone if you have one!

To register for this workshop: 

Complete the iPhones Helping Seniors online registration form.

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Do You Need Help Understanding Your Healthcare Options?

Able South Carolina’s Healthcare Navigators can provide individuals with disabilities and their family members with free, immediate assistance in finding appropriate and affordable medical insurance!

Our Staff Can Provide Information About:

• Marketplace Insurance

• Medicare

• Medicaid

• CHIP

• SHOP Insurance

All services are free to consumers.


Midlands Office
Phone: 803.779.5121
TTY: 803.779.0949
Email: hwarth@able-sc.org

Upstate Office
Phone: 864.235.1421
TTY: 864.235.8798
Email: hwarth@able-sc.org
Services are available across the South Carolina Midlands and Upstate.  

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Be My Eyes: Lend Your Eyes to The Blind

The National Federation of the Blind said last year that Apple has “done more for accessibility than any other company,” and with the help of a new app, iPhone and iPad owners can take things even further. Be My Eyes is an app that allows blind people to request remote help from a sighted person when needed.
Requests for help might range from checking the expiry date on a container of milk to looking at an airport departure board for a gate number … 

Sighted people who are willing to lend a hand install the app and will then get alerts when help is requested.

"As soon as the first sighted user accepts the request for help a live audio-video connection will be set up between the two and the sighted user can tell the blind person what she sees when the blind user points his phone at something using the rear-facing camera."

If you’re too busy to help, it’s no problem: the request is automatically rotated through sighted users until one of them accepts. At the time of writing, the app had already assisted blind people on almost 12,000 occasions.
Tim Cook has spoken eloquently on the priority he gives to equality and accessibility, and went as far as telling a lobbying group for investors to “get out of this stock” if it considered environmental concerns and making Apple devices accessible to disabled users to be a waste of money.
Both blind and sighted users can download the free app from iTunes.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Mapping Your Future

Visit the SC Assistive Technology Program’s exhibit at the Mapping Your Future Conference

Able South Carolina, Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities Inc., and the SC Developmental Council are hosting two transition conferences:

Empowering a Future 

When: Friday, February 27, 2015 

Where: Furman University, Trone Student Center, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613.

Time: 9:00-5:00

Cost: $25 with lunch provided

Registration Opportunities for continuing education units (CEUs) will be available.

View the tentative agenda.

Esteemed speakers will present to:

• Inform participants about their student’s rights regarding transition services.
• Provide professionals with the tools & resources to support student-set transition goals.
• Demonstrate empowerment skills and techniques to equip students to become self-advocates and reach their goals after high school.
• Empower transition professionals to set higher expectations and to effectively support their students in reaching transition goals

Mapping Your Future
When: Saturday, February 28, 2015 

Where: Furman University, Trone Student Center, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613.

Time: 9:30-3:45

Cost: Free with lunch provided

Registration Opportunities for continuing education units (CEUs) will be available.

View the tentative agenda.

The goals of the Mapping Your Future transition conference are:

• To inform participants about their rights regarding transition services.
• To provide students with the tools & resources to create meaningful transition goals.
• To empower students to become self-advocates and reach their goals after high school.
• To empower parents to set higher expectations and to effectively support their children in reaching transition goals.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

4th Annual Shuck-A-Rama Oyster Roast!

We are less than 2 weeks away from our 4th Annual Shuck-A-Rama
Oyster Roast! 

 Have you bought your tickets yet? It's not too late to get yours today!!

2015 Shuck-A-Rama

Saturday, January 31, 2015

5:00pm-8:00pm

Gold Bug Island

1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 

All Inclusive Tickets:

$40.00 In Advance

 $45.00 At the Door

*Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Join us for fresh oysters, chicken pirleau, beer, wine, soft drinks, beach music, shagging and fun fellowship with friends!

All proceeds benefit the Brain Injury Association of SC, SC's only non-profit organization dedicated to serving children and adults with brain injuries and their families. 

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase your tickets here or contact the BIASC office at 803.731.9823 or 877.TBI.FACT. 

iPhones Helping Seniors

This training is brought to you by the SC Assistive Technology Program
We still have a few seats available for this training. Sign up today!

iPhones Helping Seniors

Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required.
Presenter:    Carol Page, PhD, CCC-SLP, ATP, Program Manager, SC Assistive Technology Program    
Location:  SC Assistive Technology Resource Center, Poplar Building, Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC

Description:  iPhones have software and many useful features that can help seniors with physical or age-related disabilities. This workshop will review basics of how to set up an account and how to download software or “apps.” Strategies for finding apps that will meet your needs will be reviewed. Bring your own iPhone if you have one!

To register for this workshop: 

Complete the iPhones Helping Seniors online registration form.

This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

SC Department of Education - Free Assistive Technology Workshop - Android Resources

Android Resources

Date: February 4, 2015

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Cost: Free, but pre-registration required

Instructor:  Madalina Tudora, SC Dept of Education Assistive Technology Specialist

With an increasing number of students using Android mobile devices, teachers and parents are finding themselves in the position to make best use of its available resources. In this workshop, we will compare Android to other operating systems. We will discuss pros and cons of using this platform, and address accessibility features and switch access. Free and low-cost apps and resources for communication, literacy, math and organization will be discussed, as well as exciting new technology, including Google Glass.

Register for the Android Resources workshop: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/forms/trainingregform_ww_android_2-4-15.html

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Empower Hour 2015

Able South Carolina offers peer networking groups for individuals with all types of disabilities. Our EMPOWER HOUR is led by your peers and meets to discuss the meaning of independence, share resources, find social opportunities, and provide support and encouragement to each other.
Empower Hour is a great opportunity to connect with others and meet new friends. Individuals with disabilities can participate in one of our in-person meetings at our Midlands or
Upstate offices or in a web-based peer group.

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

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Family Connection of SC: Upcoming Events

January 19
Autism Connection6:00-7:30 pm Family Connection- 1800 St. Julian Place Suite 104 Columbia, SC 29204
January 24    Support Parent Training9:30am -12:30 pmFamily Connection - 1800 Saint Julian Place Suite 104 Columbia SC 29204Free training to join our group of Support Parents offering emotional support and information to parents. Call Susan,  803- 252-0914 to register.
ADD/ADHA Aspergers Coffee Group10:00 amat Barnes and Noble on Beltline.(Richland fashion mall)RSVP- Gigi Garzon  803-315-9988
Scrapbooking1:00-5:00 pmFamily Connection - 1800 Saint Julian Place Columbia SC 29204Join other parents at Family Connection who enjoy scrapbooking. No charge. Bring your own supplies.
January 26SMILES Mom’s Night Out7:00 PM IHOP - Lexington
January 27Morning Coffee9 AM Panera Bread in Lexington

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

AbleSC: Transportation & Travel Options

During this training, individuals with disabilities will gain an understanding of using transportation, including the bus system, para-transit, and airline travel.

When: Wednesday January 21st @ 2:00PM - 4:00PM
WhereAble South Carolina
136 Stonemark Lane, Suite 100
Columbia, SC 29210Please contact Able SC to register for the training:(803) 779-5121, ext.126 or dtempio@able-sc.org
Please make reasonable accommodation requests a week in advance of the event date.

2015 Transition Conference: February 27-28 at Furman University

Transition Conference
 

Come join us for a statewide conference for professionals on February 27, and for students and families on February 28 at Furman University.

Topics will include:

• Disability Rights
• Life Skills on Independence
• Options for Life after High School
• Student Led IEP Meetings
• Student Empowerment
• Transition Panel of Former Students

Conference Schedule
FEBRUARY 27		Empowering A Future For Education & Transition Professionals 8:30AM-5:00PM Cost: $25.00
FEBRUARY 28		Mapping Your Future For Students & Families Recommended for ages 13-26 9:00AM-3:45PM Cost: Free

Register for both events online at www.able-sc.org

 

For more information please call:

Phone: 800-681-6805

TTY: 803-779-0949

Email: rkopp@able-sc.org

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

EQUIP #TheSame

Able South Carolina’s young adult leadership group, EQUIP, wants you to know that individuals with disabilities go to college, drive, get married, have jobs, create art, serve others, and do everything that people without disabilities can do.  “The Same” is a video where three EQUIP leaders share their personal experiences about having a disability and advice for how they wish to be treated.  Hint: It’s the same as everyone else! 

Watch The Video

• Closed Caption Version

• American Sign Language Version

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

SCI Research Update

Community-based Virtual Reality Group Exercise Training in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury 

SCIRF 2014 I – 01

Individuals who sustain a spinal cord injury many times become physically inactive, which leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain forms of cancer. Also, research demonstrates that the disability-related physical inactivity can cause a decrease in health-related quality of life. Some individuals with spinal cord injury may not want to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, but there may be another option.

Virtual reality (exercise computer games) in group settings are fun, increase motivation for exercise, and offer major advantages over traditional aerobic exercise programs, including increased safety and immediate feedback on how they are performing.

This study will first compare health and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury who are active versus those who are not active. Then it will see if increasing activity in the physically inactive group will improve health and quality of life.

It is expected that active individuals with spinal cord injury will have a better health and quality of life than inactive individuals with spinal cord injury. It is also expected that participating in eight weeks of group vocational rehabilitation hand cycle training in the community will improve health at eight weeks and three months compared to individuals with spinal cord injuries who do not participate in the exercise program.

More information about study recruitment will be provided at a later date.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Free Webinar on "Developing and Implementing an Accessibility Strategy: One Organization's Lessons (So Far)" - January 15 2015

Registration is open for the Accessible Technology Webinar Session titled “Developing and Implementing an Accessibility Strategy: One Organization’s Lessons (So Far)”. 

Date:  January 15, 2015

Time:  1-2:30pm CST

Presenter:  Ken Petri, Director, Web Accessibility Center, Ohio State University

Description:

Ohio State is one of the country’s largest universities. Though it has a central IT office, there are at least 20 IT “shops” of varying sizes on campus, each serving a constituency with unique needs, goals, and expectations. At this point, a number of prominent law suits, both at universities and at private companies, have made it entirely clear that accessibility must be a part of an overall approach to IT. We have all long known that accessibility is the “right thing to do,” but the strong advocacy of prominent civil rights groups has made it entirely clear that we cannot just say accessibility is a noble goal. Rather it must be in place, on the ground, part of an organization’s basic approach to information and communications technologies at all levels.

Registration is available on-line at https://adagreat.powweb.com/Webinar/AccessibleTechnology/Schedule/

ADA Conferences

Great Lakes ADA Center

877-232-1990 (V/TTY)

webinars@ada-audio.org

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Free Webinars by Don Johnson

Check out these free webinars from Don Johnston:

Chrome as AT: What You Need to Know

When: Friday, January 16, 2015

Time: 2:00 noon EST

Cost: Free

Registration

Description: Includes what you need to know to support accessibility on Chromebooks with Google apps on the Chrome Browser. Literacy-based accessibility tools Co:Writer Universal (word prediction) and Snap&Read Universal (text reader and leveler) will also be reviewed. 

Reading Instruction and Access

When: Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Time: 1:00 EST

Cost: Free

Registration

Description: Start-to-Finish CORE Curriculum and Start-to-Finish Online Library give you the instructional guidance and accessible books to meet these new expectations. Together, they help your not-yet-readers in late elementary through high school make literacy gains through real literature—the same required general ed books, only simplified. The curriculum shows you how to use chapter books to teach your students reading and listening comprehension skills.

A Smarter PAR: The Right Accommodations Start with the Right Data

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Time: 1:00 EST

Cost: Free

Registration

Description: Now see what you’re capable of when you deliver the new online version—uPAR (Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading). It allows educators to assess up to 25 students in one class period and get documented results instantly. In fact, it’s the first AT consideration tool that can be group-delivered but gives individual results!

Visit the Don Johnston Webinars page for more information on upcoming live webinars.

Visit  the Don Johnston On-Demand Webinars page to read full descriptions of webinars and see more sessions that are now available.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Pre Conference Workshops at SC Council for Exceptional Children

SC CEC TED Pre Conference Workshops

Updates on Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities

When: February 5th, 2015

Where: Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort 

10000 Beach club Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Cost: $40.00 for both, or $25/each in advance, or $30/each at the door

Registration: Send completed registration form with check payable to SCCEC-TED by January 25th to: 

Sara Mackiewicz 

331 Pendleton Road 

Clemson, SC 29631

Session 1: 9:00am -12:00pm

AT and Access: Assistive Technology for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities 

In today’s complex and dynamic classroom environment, educators are challenged to include learners with diverse needs. AT has long been acknowledged as a vital tool for supporting teachers as they work to increase student accessibility and outcomes in the classroom. This preconference session will focus on AT hardware and software that is available for students with moderate to severe disabilities. Topics will include communication, seating and mobility, computer access, and adapted literacy. Join us to learn about and experience hands on exploration of many of these amazing tools. 

Cost: $25 in advance $30 at the door 

SC CEC TED Pre Conference Workshops 

Session 2: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

AT and Academics: Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities 

Educators need to be prepared and stay current on how to address the strengths, needs, and interests of their students. All learners can participate in the learning process in various school environments with the help of assistive technology tools. This preconference session will focus on AT hardware and software that is available for students with mild disabilities. Topics will include reading, writing, math, and integrating technology to increase access to the general education curriculum. 

Cost: $25 in advance $30 at the door 

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Assistive Technology and Aging FREE Webinar

The Great Lakes and Southwest ADA Centers have joined with RESNA to provide a series of free webinar sessions. 

Topic : Assistive Technology and Aging: Inclusive Solutions and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

When: Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Time: 3:00 pm ET

Cost: Free

Registration: http://www.adaconferences.org/RESNA/Register/

Description: The American with Disabilities Act is more relevant today for older Americans than ever. Older individuals with disabilities are the largest and fastest-growing minority in the US thanks to a dramatic increase in life expectancy. Individuals with disabilities represent an estimated $1 Trillion in annual incomes. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have access to public and private accommodations, yet seniors with disabilities still experience inclusion issues.

This webinar will explore access issues for individuals with disabilities in public and private accommodations as well as the gap in use of assistive technologies among older Americans.

We will discuss how affordable, low-tech, assistive technology (AT) may help older adults with disabilities obtain and maintain their independence in the community.

Learning Objectives:

1.     Participants will be able to identify three research-based benefits in the use of assistive technology by older Americans with disabilities.

2.     Participants will be able to list three new low tech assistive technology devices for daily living.

3.     Participants will be able to define what are Public Accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

4.     Participants will be able to state the components for accessible routes under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Accessible Technology Coalition is Offering These Free Webinars in January...

Foundations of Assistive Technology from the Center on Technology and Disability
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Developing and Implementing an Accessibility Strategy: One Organization's Lessons (So Far) from Great Lakes ADA Center
Thu, Jan 15, 2015, at  11am Pacific,  2pm Eastern  
 
What's Next? After Assistive Technology Consideration from MITS
Thu, Jan 15, 2015, at  12:30pm Pacific,  3:30pm Eastern for 30 minutes.
(Must register the day before.)


UDL Supports for Diverse Learners on iOS Devices  from AbleNet
January 15, 2015 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

Inspiring Lifelong Learning with Bookshare from AbleNet
January 20, 2015 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern for 45 minutes

Let's take Action! Include all of your students by using the AbleNet Action Dictionary from AbleNet
January 22, 2015 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern

Special Ed Tech Center has 13 webinars in January. All start at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern. Topics include:

• iPad: What’s new in AT? on January 5th

• Lower Level Math Supports: Software and Web Tools on January 7th

• Overview of iPad Accessibility on January 8th

• iPad: TouchChat AAC - Overview on January 12th

• Chrome AT Apps and Extensions: Part 1

• Multi Level Math Supports: Apps and Adapted Tools on January 14th

• Overview of Switch Access to the iPad on January 15th

• Chrome AT Apps and Extensions: Part 2 on January 20th

• Higher Level Math Supports: Software and Web Tools on January 21st

• iPad: iOS Switch Control for Higher Level Students on January 22nd

• iPad: TouchChat AAC –Literacy Ideas on January 26th

• Dragon Naturally Speaking on January 28^th

• Simplified Step Scanning on the iPad 

To access the CDR Library: http://uscm.med.sc.edu/CDR/index.asp

Pets Linked to Stronger Social Skills in Children with Autism

By Heather Johnson - Living with pets may increase the social skills of children with autism. A recent study from a researcher the University of Missouri (MU) as published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders finds that having pets such as cats, rabbits, and other animals as well as dogs in the home may help children with autism improve their social skills.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that manifests during the first three years of life. The disorder is characterized by impaired social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication and by restricted, repetitive, or stereotyped behavior. ASD currently affects one in 68 children in the United States.

Previous studies have found that pets help encourage social interaction and that pet dogs may help children with autism develop their social skills. Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, research fellow in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI), explains that children including autistic children tend to interact and talk to each other more with animals present in the home, classroom, or other social setting.

Read more at 
http://www.business2community.com/health-wellness/pets-linked-stronger-social-skills-children-autism-01111474#Tb6eOuqaAhK28qcR.99