Exciting New Changes Are Happening!

A Statewide Campaign to Change

the Culture of Disability Employment
 

Did you know 7 out of 10 South Carolinians with disabilities are unemployed? Our state’s unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is one of the highest in the country — leaving a largely untapped, capable pool of talent for businesses across a diverse range of industries.

Enter “Hire Me SC,” an outreach campaign to increase the independence of individuals with disabilities and shift the current landscape in South Carolina to one in which employment for every individual, disability or not, is the norm rather than the exception.

 

 

We hope you'll take some time today to explore our new website, www.hiremesc.org, and follow us on social media by clicking the icons below. Keep your eyes open for billboards throughout the state too!

If you are an individual with a disability, you can help spread our message by sharing your career ambitions, the barriers you've faced, and your employment successes publicly using the hashtag #HireMeSC. Tag the handle “@HireMeSC” in your posts on Facebook and Twitter and “@hire_me_sc” in your posts on Instagram.

The statewide, multi-year Hire Me SC workforce development campaign aims to bridge the existing employment gap through the following means, and more:

• Educating the general community on current barriers to employment
• Connecting individuals with disabilities, employers, service providers, and educators with the resources and services most valuable to them
• Providing a platform for the general public to advocate for policy change
• Holding numerous awareness events (workshops and summits) throughout the year

Hire Me SC and the South Carolina Employment First Initiative is made possible through funding from the Administration for Community Living.

 

 





 

 



Free Augmentative and Alternative Communication Training

Unity and LAMP Basics and Beyond

Date: October 30, 2018
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Lunch 12-15-1:30 on your own)
Cost: Free
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203, Poplar Conference Room
Directions
ASHA CEUs: 5.5 hours (No partial credit will be given. You must attend entire workshop)
Limit: 18

REGISTRATION

Beyond the Basics: Saltillo’s Chat Software

This course will go beyond basic customization, helping you to fully embrace and utilize the features available on the NOVA chat devices. Participants will learn how to complete updates, create and import pages, modify button actions, create visual scenes, and transfer media to/from the device.  This will also include a discussion about using the Chat Editor companion software to backup vocabulary and create materials. Implementation ideas will be integrated throughout the presentation, which will include how to use Stories and Scripts. Finally, the resources on the Saltillo Website will also be explored.

This is an intermediate level training and assumes the participant can perform the following: duplicate a vocabulary file, create a new button, and customize a button label, message, picture, and style. These topics are covered in other trainings.

This course will not review the settings related to scanning and/or head pointing on the Chat Fusion device nor will it review how to customize on the TouchChat Express and/or TouchChat Application

Explore Chat Editor: Saltillo’s Companion Software

This course will review and explore the features and functions of Chat Editor.  Chat Editor is a free companion program for the Saltillo line of devices (i.e. NOVA chat, Chat Fusion, and TouchChat Express), as well as the TouchChat Application.  It is available as a download on your Windows desktop or laptop computer. Participants will learn how to install, set up a configuration, customize a vocabulary, and back up a customized file using Chat Editor.  Chat Editor offers an added bonus of customizing a vocabulary file without taking the device away from the user and easily transferring the file at a convenient time.  Additionally, participants will observe how to quickly utilize the capture tool to create a button sequence that can be used in visual supports.

Overview of Unity and LAMP for Accent

We will review the four guiding principles of Unity/LAMP Words for Life. Participants will see basic programming and add vocabulary to either language system. Find and say single words and short phrases in Unity/LAMP Words for life.

Presenter: Dawn Sowers has been a speech-language pathologist for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Florida and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Her passion is for AAC implementation across the lifespan in a variety of populations.  Dawn has had a variety of clinical experiences including in the classroom, hospital and outpatient services.  Much of that experience was with multi-disciplinary teams; co-evaluating and treating individuals. She has a special interest in working with individuals with communication and motor impairment and solving difficult access issues. Dawn works closely with teams and families to insure successful use of the device across environments.  When not working, Dawn enjoys her family, being outdoors and spending time volunteering with mission efforts.

Durable Medical Equipment Available

Hurricane Florence has left the state, but SC is still dealing with flooding issues. The SC Assistive Technology Program has durable medical equipment and assistive technology available for free through our Reuse service. Please contact us if you are in need of any equipment and we will try our best to meet your needs.

Some items we have available include bedside commodes, walkers, canes, ramps, hoyer lifts, communication devices, and more.

Contact:

Alli Upchurch
SC Assistive Technology Program
803-935-5273
alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu

 

 

Your Vote Counts -- Free Event

Your Vote Counts - Free Event

 

September is National Voter Registration Month, and Able SC is partnering with Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Inc. (P&A) to host a Your Vote Counts event.

During the Your Vote Counts event, you'll have an opportunity to learn about your voting rights.

We will also be discussing other topics related to voting, like reasonable accommodations, self-advocacy, and where to get assistance if you’re experiencing barriers at your polling place. If you're not already registered to vote, you'll have the opportunity to do so during this event.

 

RSVP on Facebook Here

Your Vote Counts
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
5:30 - 7:00 PM

 

Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Rd. Ste. 106
Columbia, SC 29210

For more information contact Dori Tempio at

dtempio@able-sc.org,

800-681-6805 or TTY803-779-0949

October Webinar!

 

 

Don't miss our WEBINAR!

 

 

We will be discussing wound prevention & care.

You don't want to miss this! We have Mary E. Hanley, DO, UHM, CWS-P, Medical Director of Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Roper St Francis with us!!!  Webinar will be OCTOBER 31st @ 3 PM EST.  We will be releasing instructions on how to join to all those who register with the link below.

 

Register Now!



2018 Employer Summit: Meet Your Keynote Speakers!

National Speakers and Advocates to Keynote the Summit!

The South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition is inviting businesses to the third annual Employer Summit to build on their awareness of creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Register here!

 

Rebecca and Patrick Cokley both have extensive experience working for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and daily life.

 

Rebecca is the founding Director of the Center for American Progress’ Disability Justice Initiative. She has also served as the Executive Director of the National Council on Disability, an independent agency charged with advising Congress and the White House on issues of national disability public policy and oversaw key reports on topics such as disability employment. Rebecca got her feet wet in advocacy while working at the Institute for Educational Leadership for five years, where she was responsible for overseeing the development of tools and resources to improve employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. She has spent the last 15 years making stronger and deeper connections across civil rights communities.

 

Patrick is the Disability Policy Engagement Manager at Anthem Inc., where he supports Anthem’s continued engagement and communication with stakeholders on issues related to disability and provides guidance on how changes in legislation and policy may affect care for individuals with disabilities. He has worked at the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as Director of the Workforce Recruitment Program and served as an Employer Policy Advisor for ODEP. Patrick’s expertise includes emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities, as well as the relationship between diversity issues and disability in the workplace. As a graduate of the historically black Howard University, Patrick believes that it is imperative that the disability and traditional diversity communities learn to work together as they both share the core values of inclusion.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

11:30 AM-2:00 PM

Stone River

121 Alexander Road

West Columbia, SC 29169

SHRM and HRCI credits pending

 
The agenda includes:

• Strategies to improve recruitment
• Practical tips for establishing an effective inclusive employment strategy
• Networking opportunities with disability resource providers

  

The cost is only $35 and includes lunch.

Space is limited, reserve your seat today!

For more information, email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org

Thanks to our sponsors!

 

 



 

Join us for our Telephone Peer Support Group!

 

 

Don't miss this month's

Telephone Peer Support Group!

 

Join us September 25th @ 1 PM

It can be very difficult for some us to be able to attend the peer support group local to the area.  There are also many of you that don't have a Breeze group in your area. This is an opportunity for you to interact with others on a monthly basis.

If you are interested in joining the group, email Brian at brian@scspinalcord.org or click below.  Call in information will be given when you RSVP.

RSVP

SC Transition News and Events

 

Credential Corner

 

 

Exciting news from the

South Carolina Department of Education
Office of Special Education Services
The South Carolina High School Credential

The South Carolina Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is pleased to announce the State Board of Education’s Regulation 43-235 was passed by the General Assembly in May 2018 and is now published in the State Register to align with the State’s Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As a result, the new State Board of Education Regulation 43-235, as governed by S.C. Code Ann. Section 59-39-100, has in effect requirements related to the state-recognized employability credential, (now named South Carolina High School Credential) for applicable students with disabilities.  Though the South Carolina High School Credential is not a diploma, the credential will provide career-readiness opportunities, ensure they have evidence of employability skills, and will honor the work they have undertaken throughout their educational career.

As districts continue to plan for implementation of the South Carolina High School Credential (SCHSC), OSES will assist in answering questions related to the credential. Inquiries generated during the February SCHSC Launch and to date have been compiled, analyzed, and has resulted in a Frequently Asked Questions document. All future questions related to the credential, will need to be submitted using this link: SCHSC Inquiry Form.

OSES in partnership with the Transition Alliance of South Carolina (TASC) announces the release of the first official video regarding the SCHSC. This video will not only assist with awareness, but also in educating parents, students, teachers, administrators, businesses, and other key stakeholders regarding the requirements of the credential. Both the video and the Frequently Asked Questions document can be found on the, newly redesigned, website at www.thesccredential.org.

 View Video Now

 

Need ideas to start your School Based Enterprise?

 

Check out these resources-

Complete with step by step instructions, lesson plans and assessments! 

 

Learn More

 

 

September 19th

 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the SC APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) Chapter that has been developed and how you can be involved in it, join us for this event on Wednesday, September 19 at the Babcock Center. See the attached flyer for more info. To RSVP, please contact Sandy at sjordan@able-sc.org or 846-235-1421 ext. 310

 

 



September 21st

 

Two Great Grant Opportunities!

 

The Francis Marion University  Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty  is pleased to announce that funds are available and will be awarded this Fall semester for P-12 Professional Development Projects that address issues related to the education of under-resourced learners.

 

The Center is also pleased to announce that funds will be awarded this academic year for National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS) Outreach Projects that address issues related to school, family, and community partnerships and the education of children in and of poverty. 
 
The Fall 2018 deadline for submitting completed project applications is September 21, 2018.

To read the Guidelines and Call for Proposals click HERE! or visit the Center website at http://fmucenterofexcellence.org.
 

October 1st - 2nd

 

2018 SC Transition Conference
North Charleston

Featured Keynote and Sessions will include presentations by:

 

Dr. Tammy Pawloski- Strategies for Reaching Rural and Impoverished Students & Families

 

Charlie Walters- Employment First is for Everyone

 

Dr. Valerie Mazzotti- Strategies for Data Based Decision Making in Transition

 

Register Now! 

 

December 5th

 

Got Access?
50 Ideas to Enhance Student Engagement

We know technology can be a powerful tool and in most instances, the only way students with significant disabilities can reach their potential. During this workshop, participants will learn to identify access opportunities by examining common curriculum objectives, identify strategies to increase student access and participation, and explore curriculum examples that demonstrate increased opportunities for student success. Come explore strategies to maximize the tools you have and increase opportunities for student engagement and achievement throughout the day. Participants will come away with over 50 ideas for achieving access to common core standards through easy tech communication devices, the iPad, and switch accessible classroom tools.

 

Time: Registration: 8:30-9:00 am; Workshop 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Location: Two Medical Park, Lower Level, Palmetto Health Richland, Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29203

Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch)

 

Mail checks to: SC Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208

Make credit card payment by calling Brittney Green at 803-935-5239.

 

Speaker: Cindy Richardson, Assistive Technology Consultant

 

Limit: 60 people

 

Register Here

 

Safe Schools Conference, September 21st and 22nd

2018 Safe Schools Summit

The State Coalition for Youth Empowerment and Access

Friday, September 21, 2018 at 8:00 AM - Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

West Columbia, SC

The Summit is an opportunity for South Carolinians committed to creating safer living and learning environments for youth to learn more about the problems and challenges youth face in schools and beyond, including bullying, dating violence, discrimination, etc., and be empowered to effect change.

REGISTER HERE 

Cycle for SCI is underway!

Have you heard?

Cycle for SCI is underway!

 

 

What is Cycle for SCI?

Co-founders Ciara O'Sullivan and Larissa Clifford are riding their bikes down the East Coast in this September with a mission to raise awareness for spinal cord injury.

They started in NYC and ending in Orlando, FL, with a plan to raise spinal cord injury awareness by biking 1,300 miles and throwing some killer events along the way. 

 

Read More!

 

 

Coming to a city near you!

They will be riding through Myrtle Beach, SC September 12th and Charleston, SC September 13th! So far, they have planned an event in Charleston for the 13th and are working on plans for Myrtle Beach.

 

Charleston Event Details

Ciara and Larissa are cycling from NYC to Orlando and their Charleston stop will be at Twisted Cypress! The amazing crew there has offered to donate $1 from every beer sold that day! Those funds will all be going toward spinal cord injury research and quality of life programs.

Keep Reading

Who are they supporting?

They will be working with local chapters of United Spinal along our route to provide physical therapy and quality of life resources for individuals in their communities, LIKE OURS!

 

We will be releasing more information as we get it-- we would love everyone who can, to participate!

 

 

 

 



Learn How Assistive Technology Can Help You!

Assistive Technology Tools Training

Join Able SC and the SC Assistive Technology Program for a FREE training to learn about the types of AT available and resources you can use to access them. In-person attendees will be able to try different AT options during the training.

Online Training
September 17, 2018
2:00-3:00 PM
A link will be sent to you the day of the training.
Register here!

In-Person Training
September 18, 2018
2-3:30 PM at Able SC
720 Gracern Rd
Columbia, SC 29210
Register here!

For questions or reasonable accommodation requests, contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org or 800-681-6805/TTY: 803-779-0949.

 

Please make accommodation requests a week before the training.

 

 

Call for Proposals!

The Call for Presentations is now open for the 2019 Independence:  My Choices, My Life Conference in Columbia, SC on May 23, 2019.  Proposals for breakout sessions are being accepted until the deadline on October 26, 2018.

IMPACT SC Self-Advocacy Council invites you to submit a proposal for their state conference.  The focus of this conference is to promote and support independence for people with disabilities.  We welcome proposals for breakout sessions on any aspect of housing, employment, relationships, rights, or transportation.

For more information or to request an application, please email valarie.bishop@admin.sc.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners in Policymaking is Recruiting

We’re currently recruiting participants for our 2018-2019 Partners in Policymaking (PIP) class to be held October-March here in Columbia. The goal of PIP is to increase knowledge of South Carolina’s systems of support for people developmental disabilities and empower participants to be leaders and advocates within these systems. PIP has been empowering leaders in South Carolina for over 20 years and is based on a national peer-peer training model developed specifically for parents and individuals in the Developmental Disability community. 

• PIP recruits from all parts of SC.
• No cost to participate and DD Council provides overnight accommodation in Columbia.
• DD Council reimburses travel costs for participants travelling from outside of Columbia.
• DD Council reimburses respite care costs.

Click here for additional information about session dates and topics, an overview of PIP in SC, and the application, or email Reyhan Miller.