Research Participants Needed by USC

                                    Tele-video Technology User Testing

                                       If interested, contact: Xian Wu at 803.576.6308

The Assistive Robotics and Technology Lab at the University of South Carolina is researching how technology (such as Skype) might be beneficial. The goal of this research project is to gain insight into the attitudes and acceptance of tele-video technology by persons with limited mobility. No technology experience is required!

Participants needed:
•       Adults 50+ to 79 years of age
•       Males and Females who have mobility limitations before the age of 50 
        (Having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs)
•       Able to write and fill out questionnaires
•       Able to hear and communicate well over a phone

Payment incentive is $25.
This study should take no more than 2 hours.
This study will be located on the USC campus, USC ArtLab, 315 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201.
A parking space will be reserved for each participant.
The entrance of the building is wheelchair accessible.

Family Connection of SC: Run, Walk, or Stroll!

Run, Walk, or Stroll!

Family Connection of South Carolina will host two 5Ks - its first in Columbia - on
Saturday, September 24 at Saluda Shoals Park and Saturday, October 8 at the Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center. Thanks to Ainsley's Angels, those who cannot complete a 5K on their own, can now experience the thrill of crossing the finish line, promoting active lifestyles for everyone. See the impact firsthand here.

Register today!
Columbia 5K: http://go-greenevents.com/event/id/4990.
Anderson 5K: http://go-greenevents.com/event/id/4970.

Thanks to Modern Woodman, title sponsor in Columbia, and Ahead Start, title sponsor in Anderson, for your support.

For more information about Family Connection of SC, click here. 

SC Autism Society Oyster Roast

The “1st Annual South Carolina Autism Society Oyster Roast” is an outdoor event that is a perfect opportunity for people to ride their bikes and enjoy all the food you can eat.  We will have oysters, hamburgers, hotdogs, and other sides. The food, drinks, and music will be available from 12:00 pm until 4:00pm.  We encourage everyone to enter our 50/50 raffle and enter to win one of our many door prizes.  Door prizes and the 50/50 raffle will be awarded through out the day.  Pre-Register for $25 or buy your ticket at the door for $30. Don’t forget to bring cash for the raffles! The monies raised will help to send children with autism to summer camp. This is a great chance to join together with friends, enjoy some good food, and help the community.

If you can’t make it that’s okay. Be there in spirit with our Spirit registration! Each Spirit registration will be sent an Autism Awareness silicon bracelet. 

Click here to purchase your tickets online now.

    Pre Registration: $25.00
    At the Event: $30.00

Tickets include all you can eat food and one raffle ticket!

Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities are available! Click here to find out more.

Can’t attend, but still want to support the event?  Then In Spirit is for you!  Just $10!

Click here for more information.

SC Autism Society State of Autism Survey

                          The State of Autism in South Carolina

The South Carolina Autism Society is conducting a survey to assess The State of Autism in South Carolina. This is our most comprehensive evaluation to-date, and will help us determine areas of need statewide. This survey is designed for Self-Advocates, Family Members, Caregivers, Professionals, and the Community.

Your responses will help us determine where to focus our efforts for new projects in the months to come. Data will be compiled and may be used as evidence of need when applying for grants or other funding. No information identifying any individual will be tracked or shared.  The SC Autism Society does not sell any data, personal or otherwise.

Should you have any questions, please email Susan Leiby at SusanL@scautism.org.

                                                   Click here to take the survey!                             

SC Autism Society Upcoming Events

                                                                 Upcoming Events
 
August Middle School Hangout
August 19
6:30 - 8:30 pm
West Columbia

Click here to register now.
The intent of this program is to provide middle school age youth who are on the autism spectrum a safe place to develop social skills. These “hangouts” will he held once a month at the West Columbia SCAS office location from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The first movie will be Star Wars Episode Four. From the second date on ward the children will be allowed to pick the movie from a pre-approved list. All movies will be rated no higher than PG.  Drinks and snacks will be provided. It will cost each child $5.00 per “hangout”, that will be paid at the door. This is not a respite event. This is a skill building opportunity for those on the ASD spectrum who are on the independent living track.

Midlands High Schooler Hangout
August 21
1:30 to 3:30
Columbia


Click here to register now.
This month we'll be going to Spotlight Cinemas on St. Andrew Road to see THE JUNGLE BOOK. It's under new management and has been remodeled... it looks great! The cost is $3 for the movie. They have arcade games and snacks available, so the kids should bring extra money if they would like to partake. High Schooler Hangout is designed to provide an opportunity for teens with ASD to practice the social skills they've worked so hard to learn. It gives them a chance to just hang out with other teens in a lightly monitored setting. For more information, please contact:christie@scautism.org
 



Midlands Coffee Talk
September 1
9:30 - 11:30
Columbia
Our next Midlands Coffee Talk is scheduled for September 1 from 9:30 to 11:30 and this month we're doing it at Panera Bread in Harbison. It's a great time for parents to get together to swap stories and resources. Have you got questions about case management and IEPs? Join us for coffee and we'll talk about it.
Important Provider Notice: Please note that this is a parent and caregiver support format. Businesses, organizations, and providers are welcome to send or drop materials for us to distribute. Thank you for respecting the needs of our families!

Volunteer Training
September 3
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Columbia
Click here to complete the Volunteer Training registration form.
SC Autism Society will be hosting a volunteer training session on September 3, 2016 from 9:30 am until noon. A SLED check will be completed by our agency. Volunteer training will focuses on the basics of autism and get you prepared to assist in SCAS events and activities. Thank you for your interest in joining the SCAS Volunteer Team!


Upstate Coffee Talk Parent Support
September 7
9 - 11 am
Greenville
Monthly coffee talk on the first Wednesday of every month at SCAS upstate office. Families can visit, talk, share resources, and have coffee with homemade goodies. Children are always welcomed, but childcare is not provided.
Important Provider Notice: Please note that this is a parent and caregiver support format.  Businesses, organizations, and providers are welcome to send or drop materials for us to distribute. Thank you for respecting the needs of our families!

YMCA Spectrum Sunday
September 11
5 - 7 pm
Simpsonville


Click here to register now.
Join us for Spectrum Sunday at the Adams Mill Program Center, 100 Adams Mill Road, Simpsonville on Sunday, September 11th from 5 - 7 pm. Activities will include swimming, open gym, and arts & crafts.  And of course the opportunity to visit with fellow Spectrum families.
All families affected by autism or related conditions are invited.  You do not need to be a Y member, nor a resident of Greenville.  Just come out ready to have fun in a non-judging environment! We ask that you sign up to bring a drink or snack to share.  Please no snacks containing peanuts! Cost is $5 per family.  Scholarships are available.  Contact Greg McKee at at gmckee@ymcagreenville.org or 963-3608.

September Middle School Hangout
September 16
Columbia
Save the Date!  Details coming soon!  Follow our website and facebook for information to be released soon!

Google Drive Workshop-Free

Accessibility for Google Drive: 

A closer look at Add-ons as Assistive Technology

                                                                   Registration Link

Date: September 1, 2016
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Presenter: Madalina Tudora
Cost: Free
Location: Poplar Building Conference Room

Are you taking full advantage of all that Google Drive has to offer? Whether you are using Google extensively or just on occasion, this workshop will provide you with information and resources you should know about! We will review built-in features and add-ons available in Google Docs that can be used as assistive technology supports for reading, writing, math, organization and more. Free resources available for immediate implementation will be shared.

Madalina Tudora is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional and experienced educator, currently serving as an Assistive Technology Specialist for the SC Department of Education. She worked and studied in Europe, earning her undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and her graduate degree in Psychology from Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest.
Regular presenter at regional, national and international conferences offered through organizations like the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), SC Assistive Technology Program, SC Family Connection, South Carolina Education Association (SCEA), etc. she also supports school districts by providing guidance, resources and training for local assistive technology teams, education professionals, teachers, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders throughout the state.

What do Ferris Bueller and NEDA have in common?

Quick Link: 2016 NEDA Conference Website

They both know how to have a good time in Chicago!

2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, which got us thinking about how fun Chicago really is.

Come to Chicago for the NEDA Conference (Sept. 29 Oct. 1) and make a weekend of it!

See the Sights...
•    Visit Millennium Park and see the famous “Bean” sculpture
•    Surround yourself with beauty at the Chicago Art Institute
•    Take the tour of the iconic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off landmarks
•    Enjoy world-class shopping along the Magnificent Mile, steps from the hotel

Attend NEDA’s Social Events…
•    Welcome Social
•    The NEDA Friends & Family Kickoff Dinner
•    Networking Social
•    Harbor Architecture Cruise

P.S. Did you know we have special airline discounts on Delta & United for travel to the #NEDA2016 Conference? Learn more.

SUSTAINING SPONSORS
GOLD Center for Discovery, Eating Recovery Center, McCallum Place Eating Disorder Centers, Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders SILVER Eating Disorder Center of Denver, Remuda Ranch at the Meadows, Rogers Behavioral Health STEEL The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, The Renfrew Center, Timberline Knolls, Veritas Collaborative BRONZE Aloria Health, Canopy Cove, Center for Change, The Eating Disorders Treatment Center at River Oaks Hospital, Fairwinds Treatment Center, Laureate Eating Disorders Program, Monte Nido & Affiliates, Reasons Eating Disorder Center CONFERENCE PARTNERS Amita Health, Professional Revenue Recovery Solutions (PRRS, INC.), Silver Hill Hospital, Walden Behavioral Care

SC Autism Society Annual Conference

                                    SCAS Annual Conference
                                Keynote -- John Elder Robison

You are invited to attend the South Carolina Autism Society's Annual Conference on October 7th in Columbia with keynote speaker John Elder Robison.

This event will be addressing the needs of all individuals at every age during their journey with ASD. Please join us for this important time of learning and sharing. Breakout groups addressing a multitude of topics will be available. You will not leave disappointed.

Please visit our website for registration information and reserve your space today! Tickets are going fast!

http://scautism.org/2016-annual-conference/

Date:  Friday, October 7, 2016
Time: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost:   $50 per person, includes lunch
Location: Medallion Conference Center, 7309 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC  29209 

Keynote Topic — Hiring on the Spectrum: Neurodiversity at the Workplace

Robison’s books Look Me in the Eye, Be Different, and Raising Cubby are the most widely read accounts of life with Asperger’s in the world. His books have been translated into more than fifteen languages, and they are sold in 60+ countries. His newest book—Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening—was published in March 2016. Robison has also authored or contributed to over 100 autism-related articles.

Butch Alterman Survivor Webinar

Upcoming Butch Alterman Memorial Webinar

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Tools and Strategies to Deal with Cognitive Function Loss after Brain Injury: October 20, 2016

Join us at 3 PM Eastern Time (2 Central, 1 Mountain, Noon Pacific) for a one hour webinar. This webinar, for those with brain injury and their supporters, will focus on tools and strategies to help with the cognitive function losses associated with brain injury. These strategies will help you proactively prevent or at least lessen fatigue, stress and anxiety.  They will help you be more successful in managing your day's activities, helping you become more confident and motivated. 

This is a free webinar. This webinar does not include CBIS CEU's.

Click to Register

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About the Speaker:

Dr Cheryle Sullivan received her medical degree in from Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine and completed a residency in Family Practice. She then worked as a solo family physician in private practice in Michigan and as a family physician-clinic administrator in Colorado.

In 2002, a skiing accident caused her sixth concussion (mild TBI) and ongoing cognitive challenges ended Dr. Sullivan's medical career. Dr. Sullivan now follows her passion, raising awareness about brain injury among the general public as well as in health care providers. She has presented on topics related to brain injury to the general public, medical providers, educators, vocational rehabilitation staff and military staff and troops. She is the author of the book Brain Injury Survival Kit, 365 Tips, Tricks and Tools to Deal with Cognitive Function Loss and contributing author for the book Chicken Soup for the Soul, Recovering From Traumatic Brain Injury. 

Are you a leader or are you looking for a leader?

Presents
Community Leadership Academy
Learn to Lead Video

Click to view video 

Are you a person with a disability who wants to learn how to have an impact on the community but don't know how?  Community Leadership Academy is for you!  Learn the skills needed to present yourself as a leader in your community by joining us for this program.

Learn more - watch the video!
OR
Are you an organization looking for strong leaders to join your boards and committees? Community Leadership Academy graduates can fill those needs!

Learn more - watch the video!

People with disabilities can affect change in our local communities through active participation on boards, committees, and councils!

"There is no way you can be an effective Board, an effective Committee or do any kind of effective programming for young people, with out including the voice of young people with disabilities." 

- Katie Zenger, New Morning Foundation

Want to find out how you can participate?

Email Robbie Kopp for more information

 

Pack the Park with Able SC Supporters

Help us Pack the Park with Able SC Supporters!

Tuesday, August 30th | 7:05PM Spirit Communications Park |1640 Freed Drive, Columbia, SC

Enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark in support of Able SC in the Palmetto Citizens FCU All-Star Seats. Watch the Fireflies take on West Virginia Power. Tickets are only $10 and $5 from each ticket will be donated back to Able SC.  Come join us and show your Able SC pride!

Purchase Tickets

2016 Coleman Conference

There is no charge for the conference, but attendees must pre-register. Space is limited and filling up quickly.  If you would like to attend the conference, please take a moment and register today.

FEATURED KEYNOTE

Chairman Tom Wheeler

Federal Communications Commission

As 31st Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Chairman Wheeler's call to industry for a "Cognitive Accessibility Pledge", as well has the recent ruling in favor of net neutrality, are important steps forward for securing technology equality for people with cognitive disabilities and their families. 

FEATURED SPEAKER  
Richard Ellenson
CEO of Cerebral Palsy Foundation
 
Richard Ellenson is the father of an 18-year-old son who has cerebral palsy. As founder and CEO of two assistive technology companies, Blink Twice and Panther, he has guided the development of technology which has helped transform and re-imagine the field of assistive technology for people with disabilities.  

                                                                         PARTNER EVENT

Please note that you must register separately for each of the events.

"Immediately following Coleman's Conference, join the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) at its 2016 Technology Summit and Showcase on Friday, October 7^th at the Omni Interlocken, to explore technology-based solutions and options that improve provider agency operations and promote the ability of people with disabilities to live independently. Explore session topics, get to know the speakers, and register at www.ancor.org/2016Tech."

Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities | University of Colorado 

3825 Iris Avenue, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80301

303-492-0639 | colemaninstitute@cu.edu | www.colemaninstitute.org