Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Rally

Save the Date

Wednesday, May 4th

11:00 am

SC Statehouse

North steps (facing Gervais St.)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Rally

Join the Federation of Families of SC is recognizing this year's theme: "Healthy Families, Resilient Children: Mental Health is a Family Affair!" 

1 in 5 young people have one or more mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Help us create awareness around the importance of prevention, early intervention, and treatment of mental health challenges. We will also underscore the importance of meaningful family engagement in the care and treatment of their children.

Please contact the Federation of Families of SC for more information or support at 866.779.0402! Visit us at www.fedfamsc.org or like our Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/FederationSC !

A Message from Family Connection

Friends and Partners:

 

Without doubt, anyone who has worked with Family Connection in the last 16 years has most likely come to know and love WC Hoecke, his own story and his family. With mixed emotions, we are saying goodbye and good luck to him as he carves out time to pursue other interests. However, we are not letting him go entirely. You will still see him involved in various ways, just not as a full-time employee.

 

Join me as we bid a fond farewell to WC and sincerely thank him for his tireless service and unwavering commitment to helping the families throughout our state.

Sincerely,

 

Amy Holbert

Executive Director, Family Connection

 

  

A message from WC Hoecke

It is with a truly thankful heart, mixed with sincere sadness that I announce my retirement from Family Connection of South Carolina as of April 30. I've had the privilege and the pleasure of working and collaborating with some of South Carolina's finest. I do look forward to continuing my working with Family Connection in a different capacity.

Over the past 16 years, I've seen the staff of Family Connection, the professional partners, sister organizations and state agencies develop some very creative initiatives to improve the lives of children and youth in our state - even creating models used nationally. The best part of this job, by far, has been working with courageous and dedicated parents across this state and even the globe. You have inspired me to see the best in people and to expect the best from and for our children. I am truly a rich man for the honor of having you all as fellow workers and friends. This has always been a ministry for me. I thank God for allowing me the privilege of being one of the "shepherds" of such a great flock. My prayer for all of you is that we can find still waters and green pastures to allow our children to grow and flourish and ultimately to change their world.

I will remain with Family Connection as a senior consultant, leading a few trainings per month.  I am also available to lead other trainings. My "daily work" will shift to a business I started with my business partner three years ago. We do furniture repair and cabinet restoration, and I am finding it to be very therapeutic. 

Ultimately, this also affords me time to focus on my own vision, which many of you may have heard me mention. My hope is to build a community model of assisted living and retirement for families caring for adults with special healthcare needs. I hope to see you all at the "Farm" some day. Please know that this is not goodbye. I am still in Columbia. However, please do make the following changes in your contact files:  

• For programing training and support about Family Connection, contact me through info@familyconnectionsc.org 
• For council, friendly talk, consulting or leading trainings or workshops outside of Family Connection (or for furniture repair) contact me atwc@woodrepair911.com.

In Royal Service,

WC

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Rally

Strides for Autism 2016

Midlands Strides for Autism is this Saturday!!   This newsletter contains the event details, and how you can get involved! Sign up today and start your team at  http://www.scautism.org/strides/

MIDLANDS DETAILS!   Saturday, April 30, 2016 8:30 am registration 9:00 am event kick off Honorary Chair:  Christen Weidner, LHS Emcee:  Kelly Nash Click here for Registration   Family Activities Video Game Truck, Park Train, Decorate Your Wheels Contest, Columbia Fireflies Mascot and other Costumed Characters, Live Music, Zumba, First Responders, Field Games, Food & Drink (extra fee), Splash Pad (extra fee) Resource Fair Current Exhibitors include:  Autism Academy of South Carolina, Camp T.A.L.K., Caring Inc., Carolina ABA Solutions, LLC, Davis Orthodontics, Early Autism Project, Easter Seals, Key Changes, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Autism Interventions, Prudential Financial, SC State Credit Union, Springbrook Behavioral Health, TALK Services, Team Therapy, The Shape of Behavior

WHAT IS STRIDES? Strides for Autism is the South Carolina Autism Society’s signature fund-raising and awareness walk. Sign up to Participate in an event, Create a Team, and ask your friends, family, and coworkers to Donate to your team!  Click here for a quick tutorial on the new registration process!  Click here for a Sample Strides Team Fundraising letter. Monies raised for South Carolina Autism Society stay in South Carolina and go towards individual and family supports, education, advocacy, and training. According to the South Carolina Secretary of State, the South Carolina Autism Society devoted nearly 90% of its total expenses to program services. OUR GOALS ARE SIMPLE. • Raise the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. The better understanding our society has about autism, the better the quality of life for those on the spectrum will be. • Raise funds for the South Carolina Autism Society.

Sign up today and start your team at  http://www.scautism.org/strides/ Additional information for Strides for Autism, along with information about autism and SCAS is available online at http://scautism.org  or by calling the Columbia SCAS office at 1-800-438-4790.

Free Assistive Technology Webinar

This is from Don Johnston:

Do you want to give your students universal access to reading and writing accommodations so they can succeed in their inclusion classrooms and on assessments? Do your accommodations need to work across multiple platforms in schools and homes including Google Chrome, Windows, and Mac? You will learn the steps to bring Co:Writer and Snap&Read Universal to your district from vision, rollout, training, to watching students tackle grade level materials with their new accommodations.

Registration: Universal Accommodations: From Vision to Reality

When: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 · 01:30 PM · Central Time (US & Canada)

Cost: Free 

Duration: 1 hour

Language: English

Who can attend? Everyone

Dial-in available? (listen only): Yes

Dial-in Number: +1 (312) 248-9348

Dial-in ID Number: 71390#

Dial-in Passcode Number: 1076#

About the Presenter: Over the past 20 years, Darren Avey has worked in the Texas area schools and education service centers in a variety of roles, including resource content mastery teacher, technology manager, and since 2005, has taken over all special education technology for the 32 schools in Tyler, Texas.

Camp T.A.L.K.

Camp T.A.L.K. is now taking applications for their summer 2016 season.

We have scholarship funds available on a first come, first served basis. Our final scholarship deadline is June 1st, or when all funds have been distributed.

We are located in the Lexington / West Columbia area and we focus on teaching social skills in a highly supervised, safe setting. We cap our sessions at 25 kids and we only serve students on the Autism Spectrum age 10 and up.  We have some pretty amazing activities planned and this schedule will be released at our family orientation event prior to camp.

Clues to our activities can be found on our Face Book Page: Camp TALK, as well as our Twitter: @camp_talk. You can also see pictures of previous camp seasons on our Instagram Page: camp_talk.

For more information, email support@camptalk.org.  We are super excited to serve our kids again this summer!

UPSTATE: Workforce Development Forum

"The Upstate's Untapped Workforce" - April 26 Featuring Randy Lewis, Former Walgreens VP Randy Lewis bet his career that he could create an inclusive workplace at one of America's biggest corporations where people with disabilities could not just succeed, but thrive.  His gamble paid off and now Randy travels the world helping companies learn how to improved their bottom line by hiring people with disabilities. Randy will be the featured speaker at Ten at the Top's Our Upstate Vision Forum on April 26th.   Event:  Our Upstate Vision Forum:  "The Upstate's Untapped Workforce"   Date:  April 26, 2016   Time:  3:00 - 5:00pm (Networking Reception will Follow)   Location:  Greenville Marriott, One Parkway East, Greenville SC   Registration:  Online Advanced Registration is Required.    Cost:  $10 Click Here To Register Online.

Ten at the Top:  Providing Regional Leadership The mission of Ten at the Top is to foster trust and collaboration through partnerships and cooperation that impacts economic vitality and quality of life across Upstate South Carolina. Ten at the Top's "Our Upstate Vision Forum" series creates opportunities for people to learn more about issues of regional significance.  Greenville CAN would like to thank Ten at the Top for including disability employment as part of this series and would also like to thank the Vision Forum Series Presenting Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.     Click Hear to Learn More about Ten at the Top.

Our Supporters Bringing Randy Lewis to Greenville to inspire local companies to hire individuals with disabilities in one the strategies implemented by Greenville CAN's Employment Workgroup.  Additionally, an online Disability Employment Guide featuring local disability employment service providers, state and federal programs and resources, and hiring incentives will be available by April 26th. Randy Lewis's trip to Greenville and Greenville CAN's employment initiatives are made possible with support of our sponsors. Thank You...

POEMs Research Summaries Update: ASD Screening

POEMs Research Summaries Your Daily Update for the Latest Patient Oriented Evidence that Matters

USPSTF: No recommendation for autism spectrum disorder screening in children aged 18-30 months Clinical Question Should we screen for autism spectrum disorder in children aged 18 to 30 months? Bottom Line The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks of screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 18 months to 30 months (I statement) for whom no concerns of ASD have been raised by their parents or care providers. (LOE = 2a-) Reference Siu AL; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for autism spectrum disorder in young children: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA 2016;315(7):691-696. Study Design: Practice guideline Funding: Government Setting: Outpatient (any) Allocation: Unknown Synopsis The USPSTF found evidence that currently available screening tests can detect ASD among children aged 18 to 30 months. However, citing a lack of direct evidence on the benefits of screening for ASD in toddlers and preschool-aged children for whom no concerns of ASD have been raised by family members, other caregivers, or health care professionals, the USPSTF concludes there is insufficient evidence to recommend screening for this population. The task force also found that the harms of screening for ASD and subsequent interventions are likely to be small; thus the I statement (the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined and patients should understand the uncertainty). The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend universal screening for ASD in all children at ages 18 and 24 months along with developmental surveillance and monitoring. The American Academy of Family Physicians concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for ASD in children for whom no concerns of ASD have been raised. David Slawson, MD Director of Information Sciences University of Virginia Health System

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aaidd 2016 Annual Meeting

The Meaning of "Professional" in an Era of Change

AAIDD's 140th Annual Meeting, The Meaning of "Professional" in an Era of Change, June 6-9 in Atlanta, Georgia, offers five blocks of concurrent sessions featuring information on the outcomes of more than 130 projects, programs, and research studies!

See the full schedule of events, find hotel and CEU information, and register by clicking here.

The deadline to regster at the early bird rate is May 9, 2016.

The deadline to make hotel reservations at the preferred rate is May 13, 2016.

Come early or stay late! Participate in a host pre- and post- conference meetings that concentrate on special topics. CEUs available!

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Awards Breakfast

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 from 8:00 - 8:45 am

Join us over breakfast to recognize our members and others for their service to the field with awards. Open to all conference attendees at no additional cost!

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Pre-Conference SessionsMonday, June 6, 2016 from 1:00-4:00pm

A host of in depth sessions are held the Monday afternoon before the conference, most approved for CEUs.

Corrected link:
See the complete list of pre-conference sessions here.

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Post-Conference SessionsThursday, June 9, 2016 from 9:00am-12:00pm

Additional in depth sessions are held the Thursday morning after the conference, most approved for CEUs.

See the complete list of post-conference sessions here.

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 CEUs

Psychologists: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities is a co-sponsor of continuing education and has certified the pre and post conference offerings for up to eight (8) hours of continuing professional education for psychologists.

Social Workers: This program's pre and post conference offerings are approved by the National Association of Social Workers for up to 8 Social Work continuing education contact hours.

13th Annual BIASC Golf Tournament

Register Now for Spectrum Family Camps

Spectrum Family Camps

MAY 6 - 8, 2016  & OCTOBER 28 - 30, 2016

Ridgetop Cabin - $310.00 for a cabin, up to 4 people    Additional person $80.00

Spectrum Family Camp offers families with children on the autism spectrum a fun and safe environment, with well-trained staff that truly understand kids on the spectrum.

We'll take care of the details like sensory friendly activities, picture charts for easier transitions, and menus designed to accommodate diets (GF/CF? Covered!) upon advanced request. 

REGISTER NOW!

What is there to do at Family Camp?

Click here to see a sample schedule. 

We provide fun activities for campers of all ages.

·       Crafts

·       Archery

·       Riflery

·       Hikes to places like Rainbow Falls

·       Animal Center

·       Zip Line

·       Evening Programs: Campfire & Carnival

 Special Activities provided on certain weekends:

·       Canoeing (May & October)

·       Horseback Riding (October)

The activities listed above are all optional...it's OK just to head to the waterfront and sunbathe, visit "Pretty Place" for a little quiet inspiration or enjoy a leisurely hike around Camp. Your schedule is up to you! 

Free Assistive Technology Workshop

Behavior Supports

Date: 

April 20, 2016

Time:

 9:30am – 11:30am

Location: 

Poplar Building Conference Room

Presenter: 

Madalina Tudora

Register for the Behavior Supports workshop

Are you constantly looking for new or better ways to address undesirable student behavior in your classroom? Assistive Technology can help! This workshop is designed to provide teachers with the necessary tools to intervene in the classroom in a meaningful way that will meet the behavioral and emotional needs of students. We will discuss how you can incorporate assistive technology supports in planning and instruction as a way to prevent unwanted behavior and encourage positive behaviors. We will explore behavioral support strategies benefits and simple methods for implementing them in the classroom. Free and low cost resources will be provided.

Madalina Tudora is an Assistive Technology Specialist for the SC Department of Education. She supports school districts in building capacity for assistive technology by providing guidance, resources and training for local assistive technology teams in SC. She also conducts workshops for teachers, therapists, administrators, and parents on various assistive technology topics. Her undergraduate degree is in Special Education, and her graduate degree is in Psychology. She is nationally certified as an Assistive Technology Professional through RESNA.

Strides for Autism

You've got just 6 days to register online to get through check-in quicker, start your Team, and ask your friends and family for their support! Click here and register now!  Midlands friends, you’re coming up in just 20 days, so get a head-start now!

Latest Upstate Announcements! 

·       Photographer Needed!  If you’re good with a camera, please emailSusanL@scautism.org about being our event photographer!

·       Marty The Magician is coming!  You’ve seen him at Strides events in the past, and you’ll love his tricks this year too!

·       Jay Dee the Balloon Guy is coming!  You name it, he can make it!

·       Scout Flag Ceremony!  Click here for information and to register now!

Latest Midlands Announcements!

·       Seniors to Kick Off Event!  SCAS would love to have transitioning and graduating high school seniors help us kick off the walk.  Emailchristie@scautism.org to participate!

·       Decorate Your Wheels!  Again this year, decorate your wagon, wheelchair or stroller to enter in our contest!

·       Scout Flag Ceremony!  Click here for information and to register now!

Strides for Autism 2016 is coming up fast!  Strides for Autism is the South Carolina Autism Society’s signature fund-raising and awareness walk. Sign up to Participate in an event, Create a Team, and ask your friends, family, and coworkers to Donate to your team!  Click here for a quick tutorial on the newregistration process!  Click here for a Sample Strides Team Fundraising letter.

Sign up today and start your team at 
http://www.scautism.org/strides/

WHEN AND WHERE!

Upstate Saturday, April 16, 2016 Heritage Park, Simpsonville Honorary Chairs:  City of Simpsonville Police City of Greenville Police Emcee:  Jenna Kochenauer, WORD Radio

Midlands Saturday, April 30, 2016Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo Honorary Chair:  TBA Emcee:  TBA

WHAT TO EXPECT!

• Fun-walk

• Family-fun activities

• Resource fair

Current Upstate Exhibitors Include:  BMW Manufacturing, Brain Balance, Carolina Center for Counseling & Behavioral Interventions, Carolina Family Services, Early Autism Project, Easter Seals, Greenville Health System, Palmetto Autism Interventions, Peace and Comfort Care, Pee Dee Kids, Shape of Behavior, Springbrook Behavioral Health

Current Midlands Exhibitors Include:  Autism Academy of South Carolina, Camp T.A.L.K., Caring, Inc., Carolina ABA Solutions, LLC, Davis Orthodontics, Early Autism Project, Easter Seals, Lexington Medical Center, Palmetto Autism Interventions, Shape of Behavior, Springbrook Behavioral Health, TALK Services, Team Therapy

OUR GOALS ARE SIMPLE.

• Raise the awareness of autism spectrum disorders. The better understanding our society has about autism, the better the quality of life for those on the spectrum will be.

• Raise funds for the South Carolina Autism Society.

FUNDS RAISED GO TOWARDS SEVERAL SERVICES.

Case Management Our Case Managers work to ensure that the individuals on their caseloads receive the best services to which they are entitled.	Parent School Partnership Our Parent Mentors work to assist children with autism in reaching their maximum potential in the classroom through appropriate services and accommodations.
Information & Referral We aim to help provide accurate and timely information to families and professionals about autism spectrum disorders and services available throughout the state.	Training  We regularly provide training to families and professionals about various strategies and supports.  Your support will help us expand this training statewide!
Advocacy We work with policy makers throughout the state to help improve the services available to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.	Events In addition to our Strides for Autism events, we regularly partner with other community organizations to provide respite and family activities statewide.

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate Sponsorships opportunities are available, as are spaces at the Resource Fair. For more information, visit:  https://scautism.org/sponsor/

SCOUT FLAG CEREMONY

If you are interested in participating in Strides Scouts Flag Ceremony, please register here.  Registration is necessary so that we can ensure enough patches are available to award to all the participating scouts.  We are also seeking adult scout leaders to lead the flag ceremony on the event day for both events.

Sign up today and start your team at 
http://www.scautism.org/strides/

Additional information for Strides for Autism, along with information about autism and SCAS is available online at http://scautism.org  or by calling the Columbia SCAS office at 1-800-438-4790.