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 - K-12 and AAC

• Parent AT Chatter: What is AT Consideration in an IEP? from SETC

         February 1, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• Practical Tech Tools and Tips for K-5 Special Education Teachers from EdWeb.net

         Tuesday, February 2, 2021 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST

• Making Math Digital: GeoGebra from SETC

         February 3, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• Testing Will Go On—Accommodations in the Age of eLearning from DJI

         February 4, 2021 at 10am Pacific, 1pm Eastern

• AAC Talk: Tips for Using AAC Devices in Video Conference Meetings from SETC

         February 4, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• AT Chatter:  Accessibility within Digital Math Tools from SETC

         February 9, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern  

• AT Chatter:  Mounting & Switches for AAC from SETC

         February 10, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• Multi-AAC systems In the Classroom: Reducing Multi-Device Fatigue from SETC

         February 11, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• Benetech Resources: Bookshare/MathShare/ImageShare from SETC

         February 17, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• Let’s Get Creative! Everyone Can Create Art! from SETC

         February 22, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

• An Online PLC for Educators Who Want to Learn More about UDL – Session 2 from SETC

         February 25, 2021 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Young Adult Brain Injury Support Group Interest Survey

The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina is offering a virtual support group to young adults with a brain injury beginning this March 2021. 

We are currently gathering interest and creating the space to grow this community throughout the state of South Carolina. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in joining us for this support group, please fill out the survey below and we will be in touch with further details. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HKYKQC

Announcing Empowering a Future 2021!

Save the date for Empowering a Future 2021! 

On Tuesday, March 9, we will host our first entirely online conference for professionals who work with youth with disabilities. And because it is online-only, we have also drastically reduced ticket prices this year, to only $15! 

What is Empowering a Future? 

Empowering a Future is a professional development opportunity for educators and service providers working with youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. This year's conference will include all the exciting sessions you're used to - but in a user-friendly online format! 

Want to learn how to motivate and empower your students? It's time to leave the deficits-based approaches behind and focus on new strategies to build strong, successful self-advocates. Session content will highlight virtual service delivery, supported decision-making, pre-employment transition services, youth leadership, and much more. 

Register Now!

WHEN: March 9, 2021  9 AM - 3:00 PM 

WHERE: Online 

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org 

Learn more about working and SSI/SSDI at our free workshop!

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, February 17, 2021, 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 February 8, please email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org. 

Thanks to all the agencies that make these workshops possible:

COVID-19 Vaccine update for South Carolina Parents

 COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

for Parents

As you may know, the COVID-19 vaccine distribution is occurring in a phased approach. According to the SCDHEC web site, those in Phase 1a of the vaccine distribution--which is currently ongoing through February 22, may include: 

SC Parents who are home caregivers of a child who is medically fragile or complex or severely disabled. 

Does not include all parents of children with any chronic condition, such as diabetes or use of a wheelchair. A medical provider's signed attestation is needed to confirm the parent meets these criteria. More information is available on the SCDHEC web site. 

This is subject to change at any time for many reasons, such as a change in federal guidance or in the VAC’s recommendations for South Carolina. 

You can find additional information on the SCDHEC web site including: 

• South Carolina COVID-19 Vaccination Plan 
• Vaccination FAQs 
• Vaccination Locations in SC 

Related Topics 

• MUSC Health has information and downloadable tools for parents who may be eligible for the vaccine. 
• AP News: SC Adds Some Parents to Phase 1a 

Free Webinar: Assessing and Building Cognitive Skills

Assessing and Building Cognitive Skills 

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Cost: Free!

Speaker: Betsy Hill, President of BrainWare Learning Company

Register Now! 

Cognitive skills are the foundation for learning.  They are the mental processes that enable our brains to take in, understanding, organize, store, and retrieve information.  Every individual has cognitive strengths and weaknesses.  

Objectives:  Following the training, participants will be able to:

• Explain what cognitive skills are and how they relate to learning,
• Discuss the importance of identifying each individual student’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses,
• Identify effective tools to assess and develop cognitive skills,
• Articulate the value for individual students of cognitive assessments and training.

Speaker: Betsy Hill is a neuro-educator and President of BrainWare Learning Company. She has studied the application of neuroscience to teaching and learning with Dr. Patricia Wolfe and other experts and works with educators, clinicians, and corporate trainers on using neuroscience research to address some of the most perplexing problems in education, including closing the gap for historically underperforming students. She addressed issues of college and career preparedness as a trustee and board chair at Chicago State University. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and an MBA from Northwestern University and teaches strategy at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and the University of Illinois Chicago. 

2021 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo

2021 Virtual Assistive Technology Expo 

Date: March 2, 2021

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

Cost: Free!

Register Now! (you must register to receive a Zoom confirmation email)

Prizes: Two $50 gift cards will be given away at the end of each session. You must be logged into the session to win!

Accessibility: Closed captioning and ASL sign language will be provided. Contact Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263, janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu with questions or accessibility needs.

Session Schedule 

8:30 a.m.  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.

9:00 a.m.  Essential AT for Individuals with Significant Disabilities

Speaker: Cindy Richardson, AbleNet, Inc.

Participants will learn about low-to-high tech communication devices, computer and iPad access, various switches and environmental control devices. 

9:30 a.m.  ADA Ramps and Other Common Accessibility Equipment

Speakers: Allen Cates and Sherri Hutto, AmRamp of the Carolinas

Participants will learn about the different types of ramps that meet ADA requirements as well as other accessibility equipment for use inside the home. 

10:00 a.m.  Beneath the Surface of Readtopia

Speaker: Candy Cooper, Don Johnston Inc. 

Participants will learn about the Readtopia reading curriculum and how it brings experiential learning into the classroom, so students with complex needs can bridge the gap between learning through reading and learning through experiencing. 

10:30 a.m.  Meet the EyeOn 

Speaker: Wayne Jones, Eye Tech Digital Systems 

Participants will be introduced to EyeTech’s new eye gaze speech-generating device called the EyeOn. The EyeOn is an all-in-one tablet with eye-tracking technology designed to support non-verbal individuals with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy and ALS. 

11:00 a.m.  Portable Reading Devices Provide Independence and Confidence

Speaker: Frank Beard, Quintex Low Vision 

Participants will see a demonstration of OrCam’s two portable devices which instantly read text from any printed or digital surface. They can also recognize faces, products, and money.  No internet needed. 

11:30 a.m.  Practical UDL and Personalized Instruction Tools for ALL Students

Speaker: Tim Jones, TextHelp

Participants will see demonstrations of Read&Write for Google Chrome, EquatIO, and WriQ. We will explore text-to-speech, word prediction, dictation, text and picture dictionaries, annotations and more that can help ALL students and especially those who struggle with reading and writing.  

Noon: Lunch Break

12:30 p.m. Door Prize Give Away from 

the SC DD Council & SCATP

1:00 p.m.  The Benefits of Power 

Speakers:  Brandon Wall and Megan Fitzpatrick, Numotion 

Participants will see a demonstration of power functions on wheelchairs and the benefits associated with the functions. Functions we will explore include tilt, recline, elevating legs, seat lift, and more. 

1:30 p.m.  AAC Options! How do I choose the right high-tech device for my client? 

Speaker: Wyatt Franken

Participants will see a demonstration of the software and hardware features of the exclusive communication device families: Wego and Zuvo!   

2:00 p.m.  Learn How to Borrow Manual and Power Wheelchairs from SCATP 

Speakers: Archie McPherson and Tammy Wallace

Participants will learn how to borrow manual and power wheelchairs for people living with paralysis from the SC Assistive Technology Program. This loan program will fill the gap for people until they receive their own custom wheelchair. Participants will see a demonstration of power functions on wheelchairs that benefit individuals with paralysis. The SC Assistive Technology Program received a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Grant for 2021. National Seating and Mobility is partnering with SCATP to implement the project. 

2:30 p.m.  All about Video Magnifiers

Speaker:  Jeff Bachand, Eschenbach Optik of America, Inc. 

Participants will see a demonstration of an array of hand-held video products and portable desktop magnifiers and explore the features and benefits of the different magnifiers. 

3:00 p.m.  Obi Robot 

Speaker: Heather Rehs, Obi Robot – Desin, Inc.

Participants will see how the Obi Robot helps with dining and feeding people who do not have use of their hands and arms.

3:30 p.m.  SC Assistive Technology Program 101 

Speaker: Carol Page 

Participants will learn about the programs and services provided by the SC Assistive Technology Program. You will learn about equipment demonstrations, equipment loans, the reuse service, the equipment exchange program, and the Mobility Independence Project. You will also be able to ask any questions about the programs and services. 

Free Webinar: Tangible Communication Symbols and More for Learners with Visual Impairments

Date: Thursday, January 21st 

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET

Cost: Free!

Speaker: Christopher Russell, MS. Ed. TVI

Register Now!

This session will focus on an overview of symbolic communication development, and unique considerations for developing multi-modal communication systems (alternative and augmentative communication [AAC]) for learners with visual impairments and complex communication needs. The emphasis will be on considerations for selecting, designing, and implementing student-centered communication systems for a diverse group of learners.

Participants will increase their knowledge and skills in:

• Understanding the development of symbolism and iconicity, and unique considerations for learners with visual impairments and complex communication needs
• Using specialized concrete communication systems to expand receptive and expressive language and communication 
• Unique design considerations for tactile and visual learners in the development of concrete communication modalities

Chris Russell is the Project Coordinator for the New York Deaf-Blind Collaborative and has experience as a classroom teacher and Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) working with children who have visual impairments and additional disabilities including deaf-blindness.  He also serves as co-instructor for Perkins E-Learning's online course, Cortical Visual Impairment, and is adjunct faculty at Hunter College, CUNY, in the graduate programs for Blindness/Visual Impairment, and Childhood Special Education: Severe/Multiple Disabilities.

When will people with disabilities receive the COVID vaccine?

Understandably, the question on everyone’s mind right now is: When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We know it can be difficult to understand all of the mixed messages out there from different government agencies, lawmakers, and news sites. This post will attempt to break down who is included in which phases of the vaccine as clearly as possible, with you--the disability community--in mind. 

South Carolina is currently in Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. 

Who does Phase 1A include? 

1) Residents and staff of long-term care facilities/congregate settings 

“Long-term care facilities” includes community residential care facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, skilled nursing facilities, and psychiatric institutions. (*This list is not final, as we are currently advocating for more facilities to be included in this list.) 

2) Frontline healthcare workers 

This list includes, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, home health and hospice workers, physical and occupational therapists and assistants, nurses and nurse assistants, physicians and physician assistants, speech language pathologists, respiratory care practitioners, and more. 

3) Anyone 70 years or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions 

4) Admitted hospital patients who are 65+ years old and do not have COVID-19. 

5) State/local government employees and their contractors who are mission-critical for maintaining operations of COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in SC 

If and only if you fall into category Phase 1A, you can use this map to locate vaccination sites and register for yours. If you have difficulty navigating this website, please call Able SC at 803-779-5121 and we can assist you in scheduling a vaccine appointment. 

Phase 1B is planned to start receiving vaccinations soon, in late winter 2021. 

Who does Phase 1B currently include? 

• Frontline essential workers not vaccinated in the first round 

This list currently includes firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, food and agriculture workers, United States Postal Service (USPS) workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the educational sector--teachers, support staff, and daycare workers. 

NOTE: We are currently advocating for the majority of people with disabilities to be included in this phase. However, currently, the majority of people with disabilities are in Phase 1C, as outlined below. We will continue to fight for your rights and will update you on any changes in the phases. 

Phase 1C is set to receive vaccinations in early Spring 2021, after Phase 1B has received vaccinations. 

Who does Phase 1C currently include?

1) All people aged 65 and older 

2) Other essential workers, including people who work in transportation and logistics, food service, housing construction and finance, information technology, communications, energy, law, media, public safety, and public health staff 

3) People 16 or older with certain underlying health conditions/disabilities (“comorbidities”) that puts you at high risk for severe disease

        This list, as defined by the CDC, includes: 

• Disability (intellectual, developmental, physical) 
• Cancer 
• Kidney disease 
• COPD 
• Down Syndrome 
• Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies 
• Immunocompromised state 
• Obesity, as defined by a BMI of 30 or higher 
• Pregnancy 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Type 1 and 2 Diabetes 
• Asthma 
• Cerebrovascular disease 
• Cystic fibrosis 
• Hypertension or high blood pressure 
• Neurologic conditions, such as dementia 
• Liver disease 
• Pulmonary fibrosis 
• Thalassemia 

Please consult this CDC list for more information. 

Phase 2 includes ALL people who have not already been vaccinated in the above phases. Currently, SC DHEC anticipates the general public (phase 2) will be able to start receiving the vaccine in late Spring/early Fall 2021. 

As we mentioned previously, we strongly suggest that people with disabilities (as defined in Phase 1C as “people 16 or older with certain underlying health conditions/disabilities [“comorbidities”] that puts them at high risk for severe disease”), be included in Phase 1B. Vaccine priority should be determined by those with the highest risk of contracting a severe case of COVID, the workers who are in direct contact with high-risk populations, and the frontline essential healthcare workers--NOT on perceived quality of life. 

Know that we are advocating for you, and we will keep you updated if there are any changes to the vaccine distribution phases. If you have any questions, or if you want to share your story as to why it is important that people with disabilities are given priority in vaccinations, please email us at advocacy@able-sc.org. 

Other COVID-19 services we offer: 

• Help in advocating for yourself and your rights 
• Assistance understanding the virus, safety tips, and finding COVID-19 testing sites 
• Peer support every Tuesday and Thursday at 1 PM online! 
• Guidance on transitioning out of an institution (like a nursing home, hospital, or care facility) into community-based living 
• Advocacy to prevent at-risk individuals from being institutionalized 
• Connecting individuals with all available resources through Information & Referral. 

Request a COVID Kit

COVID-19 Information

Techie Tuesday on January 19th

 TECHIE TUESDAY

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021

Join SC Assistive Technology Program staff for a free, 

informative demonstration of the assistive technology 

you are most interested in.

To sign up for a time for your personal, 

1:1 demonstration for January 19th, 

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/

News and Events from Family Connection!

 

Upcoming Trainings and Events

Overview of IDEA by Sally Baker, Director of Family Engagement 

Jan 21, 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 am 

Participants will gain a basic understanding of IDEA and its important components. Learn the purpose of IDEA, and its protections for your child! 

Details and Registration  

Polar Plunge 

Each year, we are fortunate to be one of the recipients of the proceeds of the ChippenWhales Polar Plunge—hosted by Children's Charities of the Midlands. This year’s plunge into the cold water of Lake Carolina in Columbia, will take place Saturday, January 16th. Gary Matthews, event organizer, recently interviewed one of our families. Read Lizzy Sample's, inspiring story as told by her mom, Jenny Anderson on our news page! You can support the event through their exciting online auction or making a donation. 

Tools and Resources for You! 

Visit our materials page to view our collection of free materials and tools for parents and professionals! Topics include education meetings and related services, healthcare, inclusion, and more! Materials can be ordered as printed copies or are available to download electronically.

New: Text2Read bookmark!

Text2Read is a free, mobile-based program helps prepare children for Kindergarten and becoming ready to read! Parents: text T2R to 734-526-6552 to receive a text message every Friday! We now have T2R bookmarks available. Anyone who would like to help promote the program can order the bookmarks from our materials page now!

News from Stepping Stones Triple P! 

Family Connection has recently expanded our trained and accredited staff to deliver Stepping Stones Triple P in both English and Spanish. The statewide program offers different levels to fit individual needs, ranging in intensity from light-touch seminars to ongoing courses. The goal is to help parents manage behavioral and emotional issues in children and teenagers ¬with disabilities that can lead to problems in the family, school and community. 

The program works to build family resilience, coping strategies and other protective factors through seminars and one-on-one interaction with families. 

2021 Events! 

We are looking for volunteer leaders who are interested in helping us plan and implement our 2021 LOOK! and Buddy Walk events. For more information about these exciting volunteer leadership roles, please contact Jacki Garbinsky, Marketing and Events Manager at jgarbinsky@famlyconnectionsc.org. 

Family Connection of South Carolina

1800 Saint Julian Place, Suite 104 

Columbia, South Carolina 29204

1-800-578-8750 / Para Espanol 1-888-808-7462

info@familyconnectionsc.org 

SC Assistive Technology Expo

https://scatp.med.sc.edu/expo/

 

How to borrow equipment

The SC Assistive Technology Program is proud to introduce our most recent member, Billfred Leverette. Billfred will help you borrow devices. You can reach him at 803-935-5362 or billfred.leverette@uscmed.sc.edu .

Our Resource Center features hundreds of devices, from switches to toys to vision aids to tablets with communication apps. A new website is under construction that will feature an upgraded search function to make it even easier.

To borrow a device, go to the SCATP device loan webpage and download the Loan Agreement Form. Fill out the form and return it to us by fax, email, or regular mail. 

For speedy service, make sure you avoid these common mistakes:

• Include two different phone numbers. 
• The Borrower’s signature at the bottom of pages 2 and 3. 
• Write what you want to borrow on the fax cover page.

You can pick up the device from us if you are in Lexington or Richland County. Otherwise we will ship to you. Loans are for 2-4 weeks, and the Borrower is responsible for the device return.  We will be happy to join you by Zoom if you need assistance setting up or using the device. 

We are highlighting one of our new additions, the Xbox Adaptive Controller.  Designed to work with a range of switches, joysticks, and mounts, it allows gamers with limited mobility to play games on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.  The controller uses standard switch ports for each button, so it will work with your existing switches.  And if you want to try some different switches and mounts, we have many available to borrow.

• Plate Switch 3"x5"
• Big Red Switch
• Bright Switch for Visually Impaired
• Buddy Button
• Gooshy Switch
• Grasp Switch
• Grip Switch
• Gumball Switch
• Jelly Bean Switch
• Oval Texture Switches
• PalPad Switch
• Candy Corn Proximity Switch-Little
• Candy Corn Proximity Switch-Large
• Plate Switch
• Micro Light Switch
• Mini Gumball Switch
• Wobble Switch
• Pillow Switch
• String Switch
• Cup Switch
• Ultimate Switch
• Specs Switch
• Thumb Switch
• Pinch Switch
• Chin Switch
• Koosh Switch

Smart Wheelchair Inventor Wins $1 Million

 January 7, 2021

Inventor of the Phoenix I Smart Wheelchair Wins $1 Million Toyota Mobility Challenge

Andrew Slorance, a wheelchair user in the United Kingdom, won $1 million for a revolutionary new manual wheelchair that combines smart technologies like self-adjusting center of gravity, integrated power assist and downhill braking assist with an ultralightweight carbon fiber frame. Slorance says the prize is enough to get the chair to market within the next 18 to 24 months. What do you think of adding smart technologies to a manual wheelchair? Check out the full details at the link above, and join the conversation on our Facebook page.

2020 Person of the Year

All Andrea Dalzell ever wanted was to be a hospital nurse. It took a global pandemic to provide that opportunity, but Dalzell fearlessly seized it and blazed a trail for other wheelchair users to follow. After a relentless and trying year, where the importance of public health and the essential nature of health care workers were continually reinforced, it’s hard to imagine a more ideal person to honor as the 2020 New Mobility Person of the Year.

Click here to read the January digital edition! 

TECHIE TUESDAY

Next Tuesday 

January 12th, 2021

Join SC Assistive Technology Program staff for a free, 

informative demonstration of the assistive technology you are most interested in.

To sign up for a time for your personal, 1:1 demonstration for January 12th,

 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/

We have free materials for parents and professionals!

 

Did you know? 

Did you know Family Connection has a collection of free materials and tools for parents? 

Topics include education meetings and related services, healthcare, inclusion, and more! Browse through our materials page and place an order or download an electronic copy! 

Visit www.familyconnectionsc.org/orders 

Free Assistive Technology Help for Students

Assistive technology (AT) can be a powerful tool in a student’s life, even during online learning. AT for students can be a device, software, apps, even adapted toys. We work with your staff and students with reading and writing disabilities and students with multiple disabilities. Having access to assistive technology in the classroom has the potential to greatly improve or increase a student’s functional capabilities, and SCATP staff are here to help you find the assistive technology that best meets the needs of your students. There are many free and low cost items available that can make a big difference!

SCATP has a demonstration center in Columbia, SC, but during Covid-19, we provide free demonstrations via Zoom. At the end of the demonstration, we can offer a free, short-term device loan, 30-day trials or resources. The loan allows the student to try the assistive technology device to make sure it is a good fit before a decision is made to purchase.

SCATP staff are available to offer free assistive technology trainings on the topic of your choice to school district staff.

To find out more about our services visit our website at scatp.med.sc.edu/. We look forward to helping you meet the assistive technology needs of your students during the upcoming spring semester.