Free benefits workshop on January 27!

Have you ever been told that you will automatically lose your benefits if you work? Or that because you have a disability, you cannot work? These are just two of the many myths we hear about how employment may affect a person's benefits.

Register for our free virtual workshop on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, from 10 AM to 12 PM where you can expect to:

• Learn the myths about working while receiving SSI/SSDI,
• Hear all about local organizations' employment supports, and
• "Meet" benefits counselors who can give you free one-on-one help

Register here!

*This workshop will be most helpful to people 

who are already receiving SSI/SSDI.*

Registering helps us make sure that you get the Zoom link and all the materials you need for the workshop.

If you are requesting accommodations after January 18, please email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org

Thanks to all the agencies that make these workshops possible:

Hire Me SC

720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121 | hiremesc@able-sc.org

Brain Injury Fundamentals Classes

Registration Ends Soon!

Brain Injury Fundamentals Training 

3 Year Certificate Program

Brain Injury Fundamentals is an essential training and certificate program designed exclusively for non-licensed direct care staff, family members, and individual caregivers. The training course covers essential topics such as cognition, medical complications, and medication safety and management.

When: 

• Thursday, January 7, 2021  9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom Platform    

Target Audience:        

• Caregivers
• Direct Support Staff
• Anyone interested in receiving a Brain Injury Fundamentals Certificate

Fees: $140 includes workbook, training, and exam

Discount available for Unpaid Caregivers

Instructors: 

• Kay Brooks, MA, CBIST, Director, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Services
• Meghan Trowbridge, LMSW, CBIS, Assistant Director

Registration Process:

• Submit the registration form by December 18, 2020
• Registration Form:  https://bit.ly/BIASCFundamentals
• Payment is due to Brain Injury Association of SC before first class
• Address:  140-A Amicks Ferry Road, Ste. 331, Chapin, SC 29036      

*Class is limited to 25 participants.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CLASS?

Please contact Joyce Davis at BIASC at 803-731-9823 or director@biaofsc.com.

At-home Wheelchair Fitness on a Budget

December 16, 2020 

Maximum Workout on a Minimalist Budget 

Wheelchair user and personal trainer Ben Clark is an expert on designing fun and intense workouts that you can do with a minimum of gear. He shares his essential home gym equipment (broom handle, anyone?) that can help you get fit without leaving the house or breaking the bank.

Diet Culture and the Shrinking Disabled Woman

While the pressure to meet conventional standards of beauty and health are strong for everyone, Erica Mones argues that the weight of diet culture is felt even more by disabled women. She shares her own journey and thoughts on eating disorders, mental health, compulsive exercise and the dangers of body conformity. 

Five Tools to Increase Your Independence at Home

Sometimes, increasing your independence at home can be simpler than you think. “A good tool doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It just has to effectively do what you need it to,” writes engineer and C5 quad Stefan Henry. He shares a few of his favorites, from a classic key holder to a spiked cutting board, to a device that offers streamlined control over smart devices, and more. 

Click here to read the complete issue of this week's 

New Mobility’s Biweekly Newsletter.

December supports for COVID-19

As we endure the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Autism Society continues to provide urgent COVID-19 resources, as well as holiday support. Our December toolkit also includes relevant policy information for the upcoming legislative goals and transition.

This holiday season will be different due to social distancing guidelines, which may leave some feeling lonely or anxious. These resources are here to help you find ways to celebrate safely while still connecting with loved ones.

Stay safe, and stay hopeful this holiday season, we are here for you.

CHECK OUT OUR DECEMBER TOOLKIT

The Autism Society of America and national disability organizations encourage the autism and I/DD community to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, and urges the autism community to be vaccinated as distribution becomes possible.

As with any medical decision, the Autism Society of America encourages parents, caregivers and autistic individuals to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines with their physicians. 

READ FULL STATEMENT

This past Giving Tuesday, we watched with awe and gratitude as people from all over came together for a global day of giving. So far we have raised $35,000! 

To those who donated, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. If you have yet to donate and would like to support our end-of-year giving efforts, it's not too late!

Your support helps us create a wider #SpectrumOfOpportunity for all individuals and families affected by autism.

DONATE

 

Techie Tuesday

Techie Tuesday 

December 15th 

For Speech-Language Pathologists, Early Interventionists, Occupational Therapists and Parents.

Join SCATP Staff, Carol Page, PhD, CCC-SLP for an informative and relaxed conversation about communication devices, and communication apps comparison. 

Learn how to get a FREE iPad with communication app.​

To sign up for a time for your personal

 1:1 demonstration for December 15th, 

contact Carol Page at 

carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu or 803-935-5301. 

Check out our free archived trainings and upcoming trainings here:

https://scatp.med.sc.edu/services/at-trainings/

SAVE THE DATE: 2021 Assistive Technology Expo

SAVE THE DATE: 

2021 Assistive Technology Expo

Virtual 2021 Assistive Technology Expo

March 2, 2021

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration is Free! Two $50 gift cards will be given away at the end of each session. You must be logged in the session to win!

Target Audience: People with disabilities, their families, seniors, educators, veterans, and healthcare professionals.

REGISTER NOW! 

Participants must register to receive the Zoom Confirmation Email.

KeyNote Speaker: Don Johnston, M.S. 

Mr. Johnston is the CEO and Founder of Don Johnston Incorporated. For forty years, Don has committed himself to developing Human Learning Tools and Curriculum for classrooms to serve the widest range of student learning needs. 

Sessions: The format for the 2021 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo will be 30-minute sessions of fast-paced demonstrations showcasing assistive technology for people with a wide range of disabilities. 

Questions? Call Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 for more information.

The Wheelchair User's Guide to Reinvention

 December 1, 2020

Consumer Guide: How to Reinvent Yourself

Our revamped 2021 Consumer Guide features passionate wheelchair users who lead you through their favorite, most useful products in the categories of technology, tools, fitness, health, mobility and seating, and vehicle adaptations. We hope their enthusiasm emboldens you to try something new in 2021, or reclaim an activity that once brought you joy. 

American Airlines Reverses Wheelchair Weight Limit Policy

A month after we first reported on an American Airlines policy that effectively barred many power wheelchair users from flying its smaller, regional jets, the airline has reversed course. Its new policy sets cargo weight limits to accommodate the vast majority of power wheelchairs. 

Click here to read the December digital issue! 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is today, December 3rd, and is a day to help everyone become more compassionate and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. If you are someone with a disability or know of someone with a disability, you may be interested in what assistive technology can do for you. Assistive technology can level the playing field in work, play, health, and success!

Here are our free resources:

1) Reuse

We take in used medical equipment, sanitize, and then give the items to people in need. This equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, canes, bedside commodes, and shower benches, and more. There is no fee for this. Looking for equipment? Contact Alli Upchurch at 803-935-5273 or alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu .

You can also connect with people giving away or selling equipment through our AT Exchange program. Just go to: https://scatpexchange.net/ to see the list of equipment and to sign up to receive equipment. 

2) Device Demonstrations

We are now doing demonstrations via Zoom. We will be happy to show equipment and demonstrate how they are used. Demonstrations can be for one person or more and are very informal. After the demonstration, you can borrow the equipment you viewed.

3) Device Loan

We loan out aids for daily living, communication devices, vision, and hearing devices (not hearing aids), adapted toys, and adapted computer equipment. To borrow a device, go to the SCATP device loan webpage and download the Loan Agreement Form: https://scatp.med.sc.edu/services/device-loans/ . Fill out the form and return to us. We need two different phone numbers. Please be sure and sign page 2 & 3. You can fax, scan and email, or mail to us. On the Fax cover page write what you want to borrow. The loan and shipping to the borrower is free. The borrow is required to pay return shipping and insurance.

4) Training

Just contact Carol Page at 803-935-5301 or carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu to discuss what topics you are interested in. We are now providing trainings via Zoom. Common topics include how to find and use a communication device, types of vision and hearing equipment, computer access, adapted toys, and aids for daily living. We also do an introduction training to all our services. There is no fee for this.

 Join Us!

Facebook

Twitter

 

Free pediatric equipment available

Free pediatric equipment!

Each item is linked to more information, if available. 

Magenta wheelchair

Seat width 12 inches; seat depth 14 inches.

Red wheelchair

Seat width 10 inches; seat depth 11 inches.

Pink wheelchair

Seat width 13 inches; seat depth 14 inches.

Stander-Easystand Zing size 1

Maximum user height 44 inches; 

maximum user weight 70 pounds.

Gait trainer-Rifton Pacer 502

Gait trainer-Trekker 3000

Supine Stander-Rifton E420

If we don’t have what you are looking for, you can also check the AT Exchange.

See you at the 2021 Virtual AT Expo!

http://scatp.med.sc.edu/ 

Phone: 803-935-5273 | Fax: 803-935-5342 | Toll Free: 800-915-4522

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.

AT Webinars - Adults & General

Wired Wednesday: AT Bits & Bytes (AT demo) with TFL and WATAP

December 2, 2020 at 11:30 Pacific, 2:30 pm Eastern (30 min. plus q&a)

Social Media Management: Accessibility Basics from Great Lakes ADA

December 15, 2020 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern   (90 min.)

AT Webinars - K-12 and AAC

iPad apps for pupils with complex learning needs from CALL Scotland

December 2, 2020 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern

Time for a Change: Case Study Illustrating a Complex Child Who Has Plateaued in AT Use from AbleNet

December 15, 2020 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Making SEL Accessible for Students with Learning Differences from edWeb

December 15, 2020 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Archived

• Reading for All: Finding and Using High Quality EPUB from AEM/CAST
• Making Video Games That Everyone Can Play from Levelaccess
• Creating Accessible Documents and Slide Decks from NCAEM

 

Free Webinar on Mobility and Seating Aids

Drive Medical Webinar

Title: An Introduction to Inspired by Drive  

Date: December 3rd, 2020

Time:  10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Cost: Free! 

Speakers:  Matthew Schobert, Regional Category Vice President

Target Audience: PT/OT/ATP

REGISTER NOW!

Description: 

An introduction to the Pediatric Rehab products and categories offered from Inspired by Drive, including Car Seats, Wheeled Mobility, Walking Aids, Alternative Seating, Bathing and Toileting.  In addition, an explanation on the markets we serve, and why Inspired products are different than competitors and more appealing to families.

Participants will learn: 

• Inspired Product Portfolio
• Inspired Mission and Markets that we Serve
• How to use Inspired products in evaluations, and which products to recommend

There will be a question and answer session at the end of the demonstration. 

Presenter Name: Matthew Schobert, Inspired Regional Vice President has 17 years in the Medical Sales Industry, including Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines, Diagnostics, Medical Device, DME, and Rehab.

Techie Tuesdays - Adapted Toys

Join SCATP staff for free Techie Tuesdays! 

Each week we will have different equipment on hand to give virtual demonstrations. The next Techie Tuesday will be Tuesday, December 1st and will feature commercially adapted toys (that you can borrow from us) or the equipment you tell us you are most interested in. We’ll also let you know how you can get our instructions for how to adapt a toy yourself!

To sign up for a time for your personal 

1:1 demonstration for December 1st 

email Carol Page at carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu . 

Check out our free archived trainings and upcoming trainings here:

https://scatp.med.sc.edu/services/at-trainings/

2020 SC Assistive Technology Adapted Toy Project

2020 SC Assistive Technology Adapted Toy Project 

Just in time for the holidays!

Drop Off or Ship Your Toys to the SC Assistive Technology Program to be Switch-Adapted for Free from November 16th to December 11th, 2020.

If you have a child who can’t turn on toys, here is your chance to get a toy with an on/off switch adapted for free for your child.

Families, professionals and school staff are invited to ship or bring battery-operated toys to the SC Assistive Technology Resource Center to have the toys adapted for switch use. There is no fee for this! SC Assistive Technology Program staff will adapt your toy. 

Generous donors have contributed a few extra toys for us to give out.  If your circumstances make it difficult to afford a toy, please reach out to us about availability. 

If you need a switch for your toy, we can make a switch for you and include it. Just ask!

Want to Learn How to Adapt Toys for Yourself?

Register for our training videos to show you how to do this at home. Our videos show you how to adapt a toy, how to make a switch, and more! 

Register Now! 

For more information, please call 803-935-5362 or 803-935-5263. 

Toy Ordering and Shipping Details

Toys on this list are ones we know we can adapt.  Please contact us with links or pictures before buying other toys, so we can ensure you’ll have a great experience! 

• Peek-a-Boo Unicorn, Puppy or Elephant
• Peek-a-boo Teddy Bear Animated Stuffed Animal By Bo Toys
• JENSEN MR-550-BK Portable AM/FM Radio (Black)
• Treva 5-Inch Battery Operated Clip Fan
• Treva 5-Inch Portable Fan, Gray
• Paint Art Spinner
• Bubble Machine
• Bubble Machine-Pink
• Lantern
• BrightBeats Groove & Glow Beatbox

You can send your toy to us one of three ways:

1. You can drop off your toy at our facility at the Midlands Center Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30; set your GPS to McPoplar Drive for our location on the grounds.  Call (803) 935-5263 or 803-935-5362 when you arrive, and we’ll pick it up from your car. We will not be open for drop off on November 26th and 27th.
2. Place your order online, have the company ship it to the following address, then email your order number and return address to Billfred.Leverette@uscmed.sc.edu.
3. Ship the toy yourself to the address below and include your return address and contact information.  Please print, sign, and include the reuse release form.

Billfred Leverette 

SC Assistive Technology Program

Midlands Center, Poplar Building

8301 Farrow Road

Columbia, SC 29203

If you live in Lexington or Richland County, we will contact you when the toy is ready to schedule an in-person pickup.  If you live elsewhere in South Carolina, we will return your adapted toy via USPS or UPS.

Learn about apps that can help you be independent!

There's more to online apps than just playing games! 

Millions of apps are available to help you learn new skills or stay on track with your time, but it can be difficult finding the right one for you.

Join us online on Monday, December 7 from 3-4 PM to learn about apps available to help you with:

• time management,
• daily life skills,
• managing your money,
• sleep,
• and so much more!

Register here!

Registration will close on Sunday, December 6.

For questions, contact Dori at dtempio@able-sc.org.

What do you want to discuss at next year's consumer trainings?

What topics would you like to learn more about or discuss at 

our monthly, free, online consumer trainings next year? 

We are on the search for the best topics for next year's consumer trainings, and

we need your help! 

We've created a quick survey for you to share your ideas. 

We want our trainings next year to reflect the type of content you want to see, so please respond and help us create our programming for 2021! 

Take the quick survey!

The Top Colleges for Wheelchair Users

 November 17, 2020

COLLEGE GUIDE

Top 20 Colleges for Wheelchair Users

New Mobility has released the most comprehensive college guide for wheelchair users ever created. Wheels on Campus identifies 20 schools that go beyond the letter of the law to create wheelchair-friendly campuses and cultures for a truly inclusive college experience. “We wanted to find those gems, those schools that really go above and beyond to say, ‘Your wheelchair is welcome here, your service dog is welcome here, you are welcome here,’” says project director Jean Dobbs. Download the guide for free, and for more insight, register for Thursday's free college guide webinar. 

Go Straight to the Free Download

Click here to view our biweekly newsletter! 

Free Archived Webinars

Looking for an assistive technology webinar 

on things that can improve functional capabilities?

Go to the SC Assistive Technology Program's training page that lists our recorded, archived webinars in addition to our upcoming trainings.

Just register for the archived webinar you are interested in and the video link and the closed captioning transcript will be sent to you by email.

You can register for upcoming trainings, too!

Free Webinar: Learning About Goally

Learning about Goally:

A Device for Children with ADHD & Autism

Target Audience: Special Ed Teachers, Case Managers, ABA Therapists, Parents of neurodiverse children

Date: November 19, 2020

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cost: Free

REGISTER NOW!

Goally builds a suite of apps designed to help parents implement evidence-based strategies used by clinicians. Goally provides families with a mobile device for the child to play Goally apps. Our device has no web browser, social media, or games.

Participants will learn:

• What Goally is and all of its features
• How Goally could help (personally and/or professionally) 
• What Goally has coming up (updates and future products) 

Speaker: Sasha Shtern is CEO of Denver based, Goally. Sasha is a serial entrepreneur with a passion to create innovation in the special needs industry. 

Free Webinar: NeuroNode Communication Device

Meet the NeuroNode: 

Flexible AAC to meet the diverse needs of communicators

Date:  November 18

Time:  10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Place: Zoom Meeting 

Speaker:  Lane Rials, Speaker Title: MS, CCC-SLP and Regional Consultant for Control Bionics

Cost: Free!

REGISTER NOW!

Target Audience: Speech-language pathologists, Assistive Technology Professionals, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, individuals with communication needs and their families. 

Description: 

This webinar is an introduction to the NeuroNode 3.0, NeuroNode controller application, and the NeuroNode Trilogy as a speech-generating device that offers a flexible solution to AAC. Highlights of this introduction to the NeuroNode Trilogy will include: the NeuroNode, a wearable EMG/3D spatial switch, the 3-in-1 users of the Trilogy (switch scanning, traditional eye gaze, and the Trilogy user which combines eye gaze and the NeuroNode), and Grid3 communication software. 

Participants will learn: 

• What the NeuroNode Trilogy is and how it may benefit clients’ communication needs as a speech-generating device. 
• How to establish and when to use EMG and 3D spatial settings for the NeuroNode.
• What the NeuroNode and our speech-generating devices offer in terms of flexible AAC for users. 

There will be a question and answer session at the end of the demonstration. 

Presenter: Lane Rials is a Speech-Language Pathologist who has been serving individuals of all ages in a wide variety of settings including: schools, private clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and in their homes since 2003, prior to joining Control Bionics as a Regional Consultant. 

News and Updates from Family Connection

 Featured upcoming Zoom Trainings! 

Ask The Experts--Autism Spectrum Disorder

SPEAKERS: Frampton Gwynette, Jodi Cholowicki, Dr. Laura Carpenter, and Sally Baker 

Join us to hear from four experts in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Learn about unique research opportunities and resources available across the state for individuals of all ages with ASD.

Thursday, Nov 12, 2020

Register for: 9:30 am – 10:30 am or 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm __________________________________________________________

The Alphabet Soup of Special Education: FBAs, BIP and Discipline

SPEAKER: Tara Stokes 

Learn the importance of requesting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and playing an active role in the creation of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) when there is a concern regarding their child’s behavior in school. During this workshop participants will also learn about procedural safeguards for students related to discipline; specifically Manifestation Determination Review (MDR).

Thursday, Nov 19, 2020, 10:00 – 11:30 am Register!  __________________________________________________________

Taking A Break in the Time of COVID-19

SPEAKER: Rachal Hatton, Executive Director of the SC Respite Coalition 

In this 20 minute presentation, Rachal will give an overview of types of respite, circles of support, tips for alternative respite during the C19 pandemic, and discuss ways families are adapting respite usage during on-going challenges. There will be a Q&A time following the presentation.

Thursday, Nov 19, 2020 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Register! 

Please visit our website for more information! 

Family Connection of South Carolina Inc.

1800 St. Julian Place Ste. 104

Columbia, SC 29204 

Free Webinar for People with Communications Needs

Webinar: 

Communications Assistance Programs 

in South Carolina

December 8, 2020 | 10 – 11 AM

In this free webinar, learn more about two programs that provide assistance to South Carolinians living with disabilities, specifically highlighting communication assistance. The SC Equipment Distribution Program and the SC Assistive Technology Program will share how the programs began and what is offered to consumers. Each program provides resources for anyone who is nonverbal or struggles with communication due to a disability.

REGISTER NOW! 

Thank you Caregivers. 💙

CHECK OUT OUR NOVEMBER TOOLKIT!

The Autism Society of America is proudly celebrating, supporting and empowering caregivers across the country in honor of National Caregivers Month. As the pandemic continues with limited or interrupted services, the strain on caregivers continues to build; visit our toolkit for respite resources, or contact our National Helpline for additional support.

GET INVOLVED!

Don't wait until December 1st to get involved in #GivingTuesday! Host a fundraiser, donate, and spread the word to help us reach our $25,000 goal towards creating a #SpectrumOfOpportunity for individuals with autism. 

Techie Tuesday

Techie Tuesday 

November 10th for 

Speech-Language Pathologists and Parents

Join SCATP Staff, Carol Page, PhD, CCC-SLP for an informative and relaxed conversation about augmentative and alternative communication, communication devices, and apps comparison. Learn about free resources.

To sign up for a time for your personal, 1:1 demonstration for November 10th, email Carol Page at carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu . 

Check out our free archived trainings and upcoming trainings here:

https://scatp.med.sc.edu/services/at-trainings/

It's not too late to view our Buddy Walk Premier and Awards Ceremony!

Congratulations to our 2020 Award Winners! 

If you missed our Buddy Walk Finish Line Celebration and 2020 Awards, 

you can still view it here:

www.facebook.com/FamilyConnectionofSouthCarolina

Congratulations to these amazing award winners 

and thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!

You can still contribute to Buddy Walk--fundraising remains open through November! 

Donate Now!

T-shirt Reminder: For those who did not pick up T-shirts, if we haven't made other arrangements with you, we will be mailing T-shirts out to everyone who registered for them! A limited number of T-shirts are still available. If you'd like to purchase a 2020 T-shirt, Contact us! 

Free benefits workshop on November 18!

Have you ever been told that you will automatically 

lose your benefits if you work? 

Or that because you have a disability, you cannot work? 

These are just two of the many myths we hear about how employment may affect a person's benefits. 

Register for our free virtual workshop on Wednesday, November 18, from 1:30-3:30 PM where you can expect to: 

• Learn the myths about working while receiving SSI/SSDI, 
• Hear all about local organizations' employment supports, and 
• "Meet" benefits counselors who can give you free one-on-one help 

Register here!

*This workshop will be most helpful to people who are already receiving SSI/SSDI.* 

Registering helps us make sure that you get the Zoom link 

and all the materials you need for the workshop.

If you are requesting accommodations after November 10, 

please email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org