Check Out Our New Title on Issues in Intellectual Disabilities

Critical Issues in Intellectual

and Developmental Disabilities:

Contemporary Research, Practice, and Policy

2016

  

Click here to check for availability!

This timely and important publication provides a concise review of what we know about ten key areas in the field of IDD and what that knowledge means for future developments in public policy, research, and practice. Developed as a foundational review of the knowledge base in preparation for the 2015 National Goals conference, the book examines the following areas:

• Aging, retirement, and end of life
• Education
• Employment and economic self-sufficiency
• Health and wellness
• Justice
• Long-term supports and services
• Self-determination and self-advocacy
• Social inclusion
• Supports for families
• Workforce issues

This book will be particularly useful to practitioners, policy analysts, researchers, and students. Taken as a whole, this work concisely illustrates the gaps between the existing evidence and what must still be demonstrated, what practices we know to be effective and contemporary strategies for implementing those practices, and where we are and where we aspire to be in our nation’s public policy.

Click here for more information. 



Check Out Our New Title on Job Readiness!

 

Mploy: A Job Readiness Workbook

Career Skills Development for Young Adults

on the Autism Spectrum and with Learning Disabilities

 by 

Micheal P. McManmon,Ed.D., with

Jenifer Kolarik and Michele Ramsay, Ed.D.

Click here for availability.  

This self-guided workbook is suitable for young adults aged 16-26, and includes activities designed to develop key skills for meaningful careers, so young people can enter employment with confidence. It provides everything you need as a parent, educator or professional to assist young adults with autism or learning differences to prepare for work. 

Click here for more information.  

Berkeley Benefits Workshop Announced!

• Are you interested in going to work or increasing your earnings?

• Do you need information on how working will affect your disability benefits? (SSI and SSDI)

• Do you want to connect with local agencies that can assist with finding a job and providing supports? 

If so, this workshop is for you!

Register here!

Join us for this FREE event at Trident Technical College's Berkeley Campus!

Tuesday, February 26, 2019
1:30 PM EST-3:30 PM EST
1001 S Live Oak Drive
Live Oak Conference Room, #101
Moncks Corner, SC 29461

ALL attendees must register to ensure we have enough materials 

available for everyone. 

For more information, e-mail hiremesc@able-sc.org 

or call 1.800.681.7715 

or TTY 864.235.8798

Accommodation requests must be made by February 19, 2019. 

Able SC is a fragrance-free organization. To accommodate those with allergies, breathing conditions, or multiple chemical sensitivities, please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending Able South Carolina's offices or events. You can learn more information about this policy on our website.

Free Webinars on Assistive Technology

The Accessible Technology Coalition compiles this listing of free webinars from around the Web! Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions.

Free webinars from around the web
1 hour unless noted - may require pre-registration.

What to look for in an accessibility vendor from Deque
Tuesday, January 29th, 2018 at 11am Pacific, 1pm Eastern (30 min.)

AT Chatter: AAC Evaluation Resources from SETC
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 11:30am Pacific, 2:30pm Eastern

Healthy Living with Technology from Tri-State Learning Collaborative
Wednesday, January 30, 2019 from 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing: An Overview of Innovative Tools for School, Work, and Home from PACER
Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 1pm Pacific, 4pm Eastern (90 min.)

Getting to ‘Yes’ – Building Internal Support for Accessibility Initiatives from LevelAccess
Thursday, January 31st at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Web Accessibility in a Nutshell from ADA Southeast
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern (30 min.)

Web Accessibility Update: Ruling Reversals, Insights, and Tips from Blackboard
Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

SETC webinars are at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern unless noted.

February 5: Proloquo2go App
February 7: Designing UDL lessons using the Google Chrome Platform
February 12: AAC 101 for Paraeducators: Speaking the Vocabulary of AAC
February 13: AT/AAC in the IEP: Accommodations, Assessments, Tools,
             When does a UDL become AT?
February 14: AT Chatter: UDL Implementation and Resources  at 11:30AM
February 20: CCN/Complex Bodies: Building meaningfully activities with
             switch users/AAC for older students looking at transition
February 21: Assessment Accommodations
February 25: Getting Bookshare Up and Running in Your District
February 28: Implementing PODD in a Life Skills Classroom

Don't Miss Our January WEBINAR!

Webinar - January 30 @ 2PM

The topic is....

We will have guest speakers from Aiken-Augusta Holistic Health speaking about holistic health, nutrition, and healthy living. 

Karen Cota - Nutritionist
Elena Prendergrast - Nurse Practicioner
Gail Pendergrast - Life Coach

Sign me up! 

Interested in Being a Community Leader?

The Community Leadership Academy is Looking for Candidates like You!

Do you want to make a change in South Carolina and be a voice for the disability community? You're invited to join us in making a real community change! The Community Leadership Academy is a six-week course that covers everything you'll need to know to serve on a non-profit board of directors, government committee, or council.

The Community Leadership Academy will discuss the following topics:

• How Nonprofit Boards Work

• Government Committees & Councils

• Research & Networking

• Ethical and Legal Responsibilities

• Robert's Rules of Order

• Hands-on Skills Practice

If you're ready to learn the skills that will allow you to be a leader in your community, join us on Mondays for the next Community Leadership Academy session beginning February 11, 2019, to March 25, 2019!

 To register, follow this link to complete the CLA Interest Form.

Questions? 
Contact Dori Tempio
Voice: 800.681.6805
TTY: 803.779.0949
Email: dtempio@able-sc.org

 

 

SC Transition News and Events

TASC Curriculum Vendor Series

Make more informed decisions regarding transition curriculum! Register now and join us for a live 30 minute webinar hosted by the following vendors:

February 4th
Attainment Company
Register

February 18th
Achieve 3000
Register

Visit the TASC Curriculum Showcase page to learn more about these and other curriculum vendors!
Curriculum Showcase

Greetings!

As we enter 2019, it may not be a new school year but a new year for resolutions and goals. Our goal is more collaboration! The Transition Alliance of South Carolina focuses on working together to increase post-secondary outcomes for youth with disabilities through active interagency collaboration.

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition has produced a few resources for working with others:

Transition Resources for VR counselors: https://www.transitionta.org/sites/default/files/news/VR%20Resources%2011_21.pdf
Quick Guide for working with CTE: https://www.transitionta.org/sites/default/files/news/QG_CTE_FINAL_2018.pdf

Have you seen the new JIT (Just in Times)?

Developed by NTACT to provide guidance and timelines for the professionals serving youth with disabilities in the transition process. These documents outline the critical knowledge and skills needed by individuals entering service and administration positions focusing on transition.

Here are the things Special Educators, Transition Coordinators, and Administrators need to know:

http://community.cec.sped.org/dcdt/publications/new-item

Credential Corner

Family Connection SC's Ask the Expert series presents:
SC High School Credential with Tabitha Strickland

How is the credential work impacting students with disabilities in South Carolina?

Within hours of South Carolina’s Public Radio airing an interview with Tabitha Strickland from the Office of Special Education Services on the South Carolina High School Credential, Dr. Wendy Balough from Lexington County School District One received an email from a local employer.

Below is an excerpt from this communication.
“I am a new Smoothie King franchisee in Lexington, and learned a little about the SC High School Credential program on SC Business Review this morning…I am interested in learning more about what the needs are for the TASC program and the possibility of partnering to provide employment opportunities…It is my goal to use the Smoothie King business to continue to provide opportunities for individuals with special needs and disabilities to be as independent and productive as possible.”

If you have not already shared the interview on your social media platforms, take a moment to help promote awareness to local employers by sharing forward. Here’s to many more doors opening!

Click here to watch the YouTube video!

If you have a story, send to your shining story to Tabitha Strickland at tstrickland@ed.sc.gov

Announcements

USC
Project Impact 2019
Learn More

Family Connection SC
Hopes and Dreams Conference
February 26th-27th
Learn More

SCDCDT
CEC Pre-Conference
February 28th
Register Here

CEC
Conference
March 1st-2nd
Register Here

SCATP
Assistive Technology EXPO
March 5th
Register Here

ABLE SC
Empowering a Future Conference
March 15th-16th
Empowering a Future Registration Link

Southeastern Behavioral Health Conference
April 18th-19th
Register Here

Did your local interagency team attend this year's State Transition Conference?

TASC can provide support for your local interagency team's best practice efforts by making available:

Follow-up Consultation, Training, Technical Assistance, and/or Materials & Resources
needed to accomplish the goals outlined in your team's PATH Plan.

Request Technical Assistance Here

Contact Information:transition@uscmed.sc.edu

Check Out Our New Title!

 Disability and Public Health

editors: 

Charles E. Drum, Gloria L. Krahn, and Hank Bersani, Jr.

 2009 

Click here to check for availability!

Public health professionals have had few opportunities to learn about disability in a public health context. Now Disability and Public Health provides a thorough roadmap to professionals and describes how disability complements a public health context. By promoting an understanding of disability, the book provides a basis for enhancing the success of all of public health initiatives.

Click here for more information.

Are You Feeling Empowered? Join us this week for Empower Hour!

Wellness and Yoga

Have you ever wanted a stronger and more flexible body? Do you wish you had a more resilient heart and mind so you can respond, not just react, to stress and change?  Are you looking for opportunities to meet new people and form new connections? You just need to answer yes to one of these questions to join us for this month's Empower Hour focusing on a discussion about wellness and yoga.

This Thursday we'll be talking about how wellness can mean different things to different people. What does it mean to you? You will have the opportunity to learn more from your peers about accessible yoga and ways you can incorporate yoga poses into your everyday life. Join us on Thursday, January 24, from 4:00 - 5:00 at our Midlands or Upstate office!

January Empower Hour
Thursday, January 24, 2019
4:00 - 5:00 PM

 
Columbia
720 Gracern Rd., Suite 106
Columbia, SC 29210

Greenville
135 Edinburgh Ct., Suite 101
Greenville, SC 29607

Able South Carolina offers Empower Hour, a monthly peer networking group 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.

Have questions? Contact Dori Tempio at dtempio@able-sc.org.

 

Siblings of Autism Announce Scholarship Contest Winners

Siblings of Autism (SOA) is announcing the winners of its 3rd Annual Siblings of Autism 

Scholarship Contest—an important program dedicated to supporting the siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum with educational scholarships—through “Siblings Sundays”. “Siblings Sundays” is a social media campaign dedicated to supporting the siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum and to recognize siblings who shared their stories through photo/statement submissions for the Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest in 2018. 

Each week, a winner will be spotlighted along with their winning submission, that speaks to what AutismIs. The series will conclude on April 10th—National Siblings Day—also, the same day the 2019 Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest begins.

Working together, Siblings of Autism and the Autism Society of America have formed a partnership to start supporting the needs of siblings of those living with autism. The effort Siblings of Autism has undertaken is a contest program where siblings of those living with autism are encouraged to submit a powerful statement describing what they perceive Autism Is along with a personal photo. A panel of volunteers reviewed the submissions and determined which submissions had the most powerful statement. Seven scholarships were awarded as follows: One $10,000, one $5,000, and five $1,000 scholarships and can be used for post-secondary education opportunities, other educational pursuits, or camps. For the purpose of this effort, a sibling who was considered for a scholarship must have at least one brother or one sister who lives with autism. Decisions on scholarship winners were announced to winning recipients in November 2018.  

The “Siblings Sundays” social media mini-series will commence on January 20th and will feature each winner in a spotlight where their AutismIs statement and person photo for this scholarship contest will be showcased. This weekly winner spotlight will be live on ASA’s facebook page. The series will conclude on April 10th—National Siblings Day—also, the same day the 2019 Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest begins.

Click here to visit the Autism Society website. 

Please Take Our One Minute Survey!

Our survey takes one minute!

We need your opinion on our 2018 WIND Conference so that we can make our next conference better than ever.  Our survey has 5 questions and will take less than a minute to complete.  Click to link below to take it.

Survey

OPENING THIS WEEKEND: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

January 18 - February 09 - Thigpen Main Stage

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Based on the Novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens
Directed by Chad Henderson

JANUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 9, 2019

 *Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play*

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Hold on to your seats Columbia! You’re about to go on one of the wildest rides of the season at Trustus Theatre. This 2015 Tony Winner for Best Play tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher. Our young hero has an extraordinary brain: he is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Creative and electrifying, this production is not to be missed!

Trustus Theatre's First Actor Living with Autism to Take Stage This Weekend

Beck Chandler, an actor with autism,

brings truth and empowerment to the role of Christopher.

"It is very rare to see an autistic character, but it is extraordinary to have such a fantastic work be fully from an autistic perspective. I know that audiences will be amazed by the fantastical scenes that Christopher creates. We can learn a lot from this play. It shows us that difference can be powerful, and that autism can be used as a strength. I think an important aspect of the story is Christopher's bravery. He pushes himself to the limits and does things that even a child without autism would find daunting. He is an inspiration to me, and I believe that anyone can admire his courage. This is a play that says that no matter how you are different, you can do anything." - Beck Chandler

Click here for more information from Trustus Theatre. 





Free Reading and Learning Training

Emerging Technology, Implementation 

and Assistive Technology for Improved Function

Date: February 18, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Building 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)
Presenter: Trisha Johnson

REGISTRATION 

While each student learns differently, successful students have one thing in common – they take an active role in their learning.  With new technologies and strategies, it’s easier than ever for classrooms to invite EVERY student to gain independence through student-led learning.  This truly creates the Least Restrictive Environment – where students are fully empowered. Please join us as we dive deeply into this model that is transforming, not just classrooms, but also students’ lives every day. Learn new strategies to infuse Student-Led Learning into your practice – through personal interactions, data, and technologies for Google, Microsoft, and Apple that are changing learning. 

You’ll learn to:

• Apply what Daniel Pink says in his book “Drive” about Purpose, Autonomy, and Mastery

• Use a new strategy for your teens who are reluctant to try anything you recommend

• Run a data walkthrough to show students how they read best and allow students to take ownership of their reading methods 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn why 89% of educators say it’s very important for students to lead their own learning

• Apply 3 core components of student-led learning in your practice

• Understand three ways to use data to show students how they read best

Kick-Off 2019-Volunteer with Autism Society

The New Year is here and we would like to invite you to kick it off on a positive note with us. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity for yourself or a loved one, a one-time project, or a longer commitment we can help support your new year’s resolution to give back or volunteer.

Volunteers are the heart of the autism community and can help us make a difference. We have bold plans in 2019 but we can’t do it without you. With autism rates currently on the rise in children and adults in the United States living with autism, and many more at risk. 1 out of every 59 children born today will face a future with autism spectrum disorder if current trends continue, and that number is closer to one out of six children in the United States with developmental disabilities such as speech and language. Autism affects all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The Autism Society and its 80 affiliates are here to help.

 
Our 80 affiliates provide a number of ways in which individuals and families can get involved locally, obtain support, and share their experiences with others in their communities. We have bold ideas and plans in 2019 and our affiliates provide encouragement, accurate information, and education. Find an affiliate near you and volunteer, here. 

GET INVOLVED TODAY! 

Need to speak with someone today? Contact us! We are to help you navigate and find the support you need through calls, emails and letters Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm. Connect to our comprehensive service via our toll-free number, 800-3AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org, and through the largest online referral database of autism services, Autism Source.

FREE Community Living Skills Classes

 

 

Community Living Skills Classes

If you're 18 years of age or older, you're invited to a series of free classes for people with disabilities to share ideas, build skills, and explore opportunities where they can use these skills in their everyday lives. These classes are made up of 10 sessions on disability identity, peer support, housing, transportation, and much more! They will be held every Friday from January 25 to April 5 from 1-3 PM at the Able SC Midlands office. There is an opportunity to earn a small amount of money for participating.
 

Join us for the orientation!
January 18, 2019
1-2 PM
Able SC Midlands Office
720 Gracern Rd, Ste 106
Columbia, SC 29210

Are you interested?
Contact Dori Tempio to register
Call 803-779-5121, ext. 226 or email dtempio@able-sc.org 

Free Pediatric Equipment!

Happy New Year from SCATP!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

See below for some of the FREE pediatric equipment available through our Reuse service. Each item is linked to more information (if available). 

To schedule a pick-up, please email Alli Upchurch at alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu or call 803-935-5273. 

Rifton Metal Gait Trainer
Model K24
Frame height 19 inches

armrest height 21-29 inches

100 pound capacity

Pediatric wheelchair
Seat width 12 inches
Seat depth 13 inches

Pediatric wheelchair
Seat width 17 inches
Seat depth 16 inches

Pediatric positioning chair/stroller
Comes with high/low base and stroller base
Seat width 13 inches
Seat depth 14 inches

Pediatric stander
User height 29 to 43 inches
User weight maximum 48 pounds

EasyStand 5000 standing frame
For users 4 feet to 5 feet 6 inches tall
Weight limit 180 pounds

  

Adaptive Stroller

Seat width 7 inches

Rifton prone stander-small
Model E930
User height 25 to 48 inches
Maximum weight 100 pounds

If we don’t have what you need, check out the AT Exchange!
See you at the AT Expo on March 5, 2019!

2019 Assistive Technology EXPO!

Free Assistive Technology Training: Osmo!

Tactile Learning with Innovative Technology with Osmo

Date: January 17, 2019
Time: One Hour Training Sessions Start Times: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Cost: Free
Location: SCATP Poplar Building Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)
Limit: 6 people per 1 hour session
 

Registration

Osmo Learning Systems will help students foster understanding of counting, develop foundational skills surrounding letter recognition and decoding, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination and critical thinking.

Training Objective – Train teachers how to blend tech and tangible learning in the classroom.

Presenter: Trish Johnson has over 20 years’ experience in education and software sales. She is the Southeast Territory Manager for TangiblePlay. She has a passion for helping educators integrate technology into their classroom with cross curricular products.

AT Assessment: Free Training

The Assistive Technology Assessment Process

Date: January 16, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Presenter: Madalina Tudora, ATP
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)

Registration

From referral and consideration to assistive technology (AT) recommendations, the formal AT assessment process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop, we will explore tools, resources and materials (many free!) necessary for a successful process. The “do’s” and “don’ts” of conducting a professional AT assessment will be discussed.

Free Eye Gaze Training

Eye Gaze, Head Mice and More

Date: January 29th, 2019
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Cost: Free
Speaker: Carol Page
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions) 

REGISTRATION

Have you ever wondered how a person can operate their computer, communication device or gadgets in the environment if they can’t use their hands? Eye gaze and head mouse technology allow the user to operate a computer, talk if non-verbal, and operate environmental controls like a TV remote. Join us to have a hands-on experience with all these exciting devices. Learn where you can find this technology to try it without cost and how to get it funded.