Announcing the 2021 Employer Summit!

We are so excited to be bringing you the 

2021 Employer Summit 

on October 13! 

Join us for the 2021 Employer Summit, a conference for business managers, executives, and HR professionals looking to hire and retain a workforce inclusive of people with disabilities. 

We know that right now, many of you are focusing on rebuilding: your business, your workforce, your budget, your ways of working. This year's Employer Summit will show you how including individuals with disabilities will strengthen your workforce as you rebuild. 

To accommodate a larger audience in a COVID-safe way, this will be a hybrid event that offers both online and in-person versions of the same event. 

What to expect at the in-person event: 

• The same sessions, speakers, and content as the online event 
• Spending 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM at the Phillips Market Center in West Columbia, SC 
• Catered lunch with three food trucks to choose from 
• In-person networking 
• Service providers at information booths 

What to expect at the online event: 

• The same sessions, speakers, and content as the in-person event, recorded live and streamed through Zoom  
• Spending 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Zoom on your computer, with a break for lunch 
• Interaction/networking with online participants through the Zoom chat functions 
• Online resources 

As South Carolina begins to rebuild its workforce and economy, 

let's make sure we lead with inclusion! 

Get tickets to the Employer Summit!

In-Person Event Tickets: $75 (limited number available)

Online Event Tickets: $50

Vendor Tickets: $100 

SHRM and HRCI credits pending. 

Interested in sponsoring the Employer Summit? 

Email Wendi Spratt at wspratt@able-sc.org to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities. 

There's still time to join the Art Walk!

 

WHAT A GREAT DAY! 

We had a great day at Soda City on July 10th. We were thrilled to highlight our existing LOOK! Art Walk Destinations and meet new friends to support the cause. 

We are offering businesses one last chance to join this exciting and important community event and become a LOOK! Art Walk Destination! Join by July 30th! 

The LOOK! Art Walk--a unique, self-guided, self-paced tour of business destinations in the greater downtown area who are hosting photos from our existing LOOK! collection. 

LOOK! photos offer a glimpse into the unique abilities of children and young adults who have a disability or chronic health condition. It is a compelling collection that speaks to our vision of inclusion, equity, and community. 

The LOOK! Art Walk started in July but will continue through December. Find out more! 

Questions? 

Contact Jacki Garbinsky at 803-995-1413 or jgarbinsky@familyconnectionsc.org  

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Since 1990, Family Connection has served more than 100,000 families of children with disabilities and chronic healthcare needs--and today the need is greater than ever. Your support will help empower the families we serve with education, support, and resources to achieve their full potential. 

Our Work 

 

Life with Brain Injury Conference Begins Tomorrow

Life with Brain Injury Conference

Begins Tomorrow!! 

Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30th! 

Keynote speakers are 

Dr. Sheldon Herring of Prisma Health, Greenville, SC

and 

Tina Campanella of Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, Washington D.C.  

Join us for 2 days of great information!

Register now!

Virtual ADA Celebration Today!

Join the AAPD Virtual 

ADA Celebration!

Join American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) for our annual ADA Celebration to recognize the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reflect on the accomplishments of our community, and look towards a future where the goals of the ADA are fully realized. 

This year's event will be free and held virtually today, 

July 27th at 7:00pm Eastern.

Watch with Captioning and ASL Interpreting

Watch with Audio Description

 

Get Ready for School with Adapted Clothing

Adaptive Shoes and Clothing!

Get your kids and teens ready for school 

by buying shoes and clothes that keep them 

independent while looking cool. 

Check out these different vendors.

Shoes

Friendly shoes: 

https://friendlyshoes.com/

Zeba Shoes: 

https://www.zebashoes.com/

Softstar Shoes for kids who wear AFOs:

https://www.softstarshoes.com/afos

Billy Footwear:

https://billyfootwear.com/

Clothing

Authored Apparel:

https://authoredapparel.com/ 

Seven7 Able Adaptive Jeans for men and women:

https://seven7jeans.com/shop/adaptive

Magna Ready Shirts:

https://magnaready.com/

CareZips adaptive clothing:

http://www.carezips.com/

The Brobe adapted robe:

https://thebrobe.com/

KoolKoats:

https://koolwaysports.com/koolkoats/

SlickChicks underwear for women:

https://slickchicksonline.com/collections/all

Button Helper magnets:

https://buttonhelper.com/

Donate toys for the Annual Adapted Toy Project

The SC Assistive Technology Program is collecting donated toys for its Annual Adapted Toy Project to be held in December 2021. SC Assistive Technology Program staff take battery-operated toys with an on-off button and convert them for switch use for children who have difficulty using their hands to activate typical toys. These toys are given to children in need for free.

“This is a much needed service for children with disabilities. The staff at the SC Assistive Technology Program came up with this idea because we wanted to do something to help families, professionals and school staff to make toys more accessible for children with disabilities”. 

--- Carol Page, Ph.D., Program Director, SC Assistive Technology Program

If you don’t want to do the shopping for the donated toys, you can send a gift card from Amazon, Target, or Walmart and we will do the shopping for you!  See the toys on our wish lists that can be adapted for children with disabilities.

• Amazon Wish List
• Target Wish List
• Walmart Wish List

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

• You can drop off your donated 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.  
• Place your order online, have the company ship it to the following address:

            Billfred Leverette

            SC Assistive Technology Program

            Center for Disability Resources

            8301 Farrow Road

            Columbia, SC 29203

• Ship the toy yourself to the above address.  

For more information about the 

4th Annual Adapted Toy Workshop 

please call 803-935-5263.

Have your Assistive Technology Questions Answered

 Join us for a Q and A Session

SC Assistive Technology Program’s Open Forum is a great way to discuss using products, learn about new products, and ask questions in an informal atmosphere. We look forward to talking with you! 

If you require closed captioning or an American Sign Language Interpreter, please contact Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu at least 5 days prior to the event.

Date: Tuesday, July 27th, 2021

Time: 3:00-4:00 PM ET

Cost: Free

Zoom Link for Q and A Session 

Meeting ID: 921 0327 6080

Passcode: 360121

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ajx2mzpnm

2021 Life with Brain Conference Scholarship Application Deadline Extended

Great news! 

The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina has extended the option for individuals with brain injury to continue to apply for scholarships! If someone you work with that has a brain injury or is a caregiver of someone with a brain injury needs financial assistance to attend this amazing resource, so if you have any family, friends, patients, community members, or yourself who would be interested in attending, but need help with the financial aspect, please let them know to contact Rachel Kaplan at safetynetcoordinator@biaofsc.com.

As you know, Brain Injury Association of South Carolina and the South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council are hosting the 2021 Life with Brain Injury Virtual Conference at the end of this month, July 29-30, 2021. This is a great opportunity for you to share with colleagues, coworkers, patients, parents, friends, etc. as there will be something for everyone that attends. Since this is a virtual conference, we want to extend the attendance as far across the state as possible. Feel free to share this information with as many people as possible, and we hope to see you in attendance! If you do not need to apply for a scholarship, but want to attend the conference, register by clicking this link.

Thank you so much - we want everyone to know about the supports, resources, and information that the Life with Brain Injury provides!

Adaptive Pants You'll Actually Wear

 July 15, 2021

PRODUCTS

Adaptive Seamless Pants You'll Actually Wear

Longtime adaptive fashion designer Izzy Camilleri recently released what may be her best clothing line yet: the Game Changer Pants from IZ Adaptive. Available in everything from classic jeans to sweats, yoga pants and chinos, the Game Changers feature stylish fronts with a revolutionary rear design that completely eliminates seams and other potential pressure problems. 

COMIC

Please Remain Seated: Attic Affair

Ever wonder what your significant other gets up to when they disappear into the attic (or the basement, for that matter)? Yeah, us too. Check out Mat Barton and Adam Cooper’s twisted take on this common question.

TRENDING

Tapping Into the Brain to Help a Paralyzed Man Speak

We've already seen people use brain computer interface to control a computer or even a robotic arm, but researchers have now pushed the technology even further by leveraging BCI to turn thoughts into speech. Using an electrode array and advanced algorithms, a man paralyzed by a brain stem stroke has been able to think about individual words and complete sentences and have a computer translate the signals into on screen text and ultimately, computer-generated speech. 

Click here to read more of this issue of New Mobility.

Don't Forget! 2021 Life with Brain Injury Conference

Don't Forget to Register!

2021 Life with Brain Injury “Virtual” Conference

Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30, 2021

Via Zoom Webinar

Hosted By:

Registration is open for participants.  Registration will end on July 28th at noon.  

Click here to order tickets on Eventbrite!

Scholarships are available for survivors and caregivers who are SC residents and are unable to pay to attend the conference.  The deadline to submit scholarship forms is July 16, 2021.  Contact Rachel Kaplan to request a scholarship form and for assistance at 919-593-6066 or safetynetcoordinator@biaofsc.com.

www.biaofsc.com  

Our last benefits workshop this summer—don’t miss it!

 

Has someone ever told you that because you have a disability and receive benefits, you cannot work? Have you ever been told that if you do work, you will automatically lose your benefits? These are just two of the many myths we hear about how employment may affect a person's benefits and we want to set the record straight! 

Register for our free virtual workshop on Wednesday, July 21 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!

Registration closes on Tuesday, July 20 

*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. 

Thanks to all the agencies that make these workshops possible: 

Wheelchair Loans for People with Paralysis

Do you know someone with paralysis who can benefit from a wheelchair loan? 

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) is accepting loan applications for three power wheelchairs and three manual wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are available for up to a six-week loan to individuals with paralysis.  SCATP’s “Mobility Independence Project” is funded by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. 

There is no fee to borrow one of the wheelchairs.  For more information about the “Mobility Independence Project” and to learn how to complete the application and schedule delivery of a wheelchair,  please contact us at 803-935-5263 or carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu or tammy.wallace@uscmed.sc.edu . 

LOOK! Art Walk launching at Soda City Market!

FAMILY CONNECTION'S SODA CITY MARKET DAY! 

We are ready to launch the LOOK! Art Walk--a unique, self-guided, self-paced tour of business destinations in the greater downtown area who are hosting photos from our existing LOOK! collection. 

LOOK! photos offer a glimpse into the unique abilities of children and young adults who have a disability or chronic health condition. It's a beautiful collection that speaks to our vision of inclusion, equity, and community. 

The LOOK! Art Walk starts July 10th but will continue through December. Find out more! 

Visit us at Soda City Market on Saturday, July 10th from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Our booth will be located on the 1300 block of Main Street--near Market on Main! 

• Pick up the official LOOK! Art Walk Map and visit the participating locations at your own pace! 
• Business owners: it's not too late to become a LOOK! Art Walk Destination! We are accepting new locations through July 30th! 

We can't wait to see you and celebrate the start of the LOOK! Art Walk! 

Can't visit us on Saturday? Learn more here! 

Family Connection of SC

1804 St. Julian Place Suite 104 | Columbia, South Carolina 29204

803-252-0914 | info@familyconnectionsc.org 

Learn about housing - FREE online consumer training

We know that finding housing can be confusing. 

Where do you start? 

What are your rights? 

Join us online on Monday, July 19, 2021, 

from 3-4 PM to learn: 

• what to look for when searching for housing, 
• your rights as a renter or homeowner, and 
• reasonable accommodations or modifications. 

Register here!

Registration will close on Sunday, July 18.

We will email you the Zoom link and materials 

on the morning of July 19. 

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

SCATP Reuse Free 4 All!

Save the date!

What: The SCATP Reuse Free 4 All! 

We will have ALL available durable medical equipment on display! If you or someone you know needs durable medical equipment you can come browse the available equipment and take what you need. All for FREE!  

Who: Everyone! 

Individuals with disabilities, family members, therapists, educators, veterans, case workers, etc.

When: Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17 from 9am-1pm 

No appointment needed!

Where: SC Assistive Technology Program, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia SC

Why: All the equipment has been cleaned, sanitized, and is FREE!

For more information contact 

Alli Upchurch at 803-935-5273 

or alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu

Join SCATP staff for a free Q and A session

Join us for a free Q and A Session 

on Tuesday, July 13th at 2pm! 

SC Assistive Technology Program’s Open Forum is a great way to discuss using products, learn about new products, and ask questions in an informal atmosphere. We look forward to talking with you! 

Date: Tuesday, July 13th, 2021

Time: 2:00-3:00 PM ET

Cost: Free

Zoom Link for Q and A Session 

Meeting ID: 921 0327 6080

Passcode: 360121

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,,92103276080#,,,,*360121# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ajx2mzpnm

FREE Hearing Devices!

SCATP is offering the hearing devices below for FREE!

Please contact Carol Page at carol.page@uscmed.sc.edu or call 

803-935-5301 for more information.

Mini Receiver

Works with Silent Call Mini Transmitters

Sidekick 2 Receiver

Works with Silent Call 418MHz Transmitters

PowerTel 7 series amplified cordless handset

Must have Amplicom PowerTel 7 Series phone base

Amplified phone

Amplified phone

Sound Amplifier

TV Ears

Quarterly Hire Me SC Newsletter

People with disabilities can work, want to work, and should be afforded every opportunity to work. Powered by Able SC and the South Carolina Disability Employment Coalition (SCDEC), a coalition formed to eliminate employment barriers for individuals with disabilities, Hire Me SC is a campaign that promotes a culture of inclusion across the state of South Carolina, one in which employment for every individual, disability or not, is the norm rather than the exception. 

View our website

View our Facebook

Hire Me SC Campaign Overview 

During the June SC Disability Employment Coalition quarterly meeting, Flock & Rally, the marketing firm for the Hire Me SC campaign, gave an overview of the campaign since its inception in 2018. 

Some of the areas they discussed were: 

• Lifetime stats for the website, social media, and newsletters (we've grown so much!) 
• Hire Me SC marketing strategy phases 
• Event outreach and promotion 
• Materials and resources created to reach all different audiences 

Check out the PowerPoint PDF to learn more! 

Legislative Updates 

Our last newsletter talked about the legislation going through the SC Statehouse and here are some updates. 

H.3244, or the Employment First Act, passed the House and made it over to the Senate, but we ran out of time to get it passed, so we hope to see some movement in the next session. The EFI Act, which has bipartisan support, promotes inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina. If passed, H.3244 would create a commission that would focus on increasing competitive and integrated employment for people with disabilities. We still need your support! Fill out a quick form to get connected directly to your state representatives to tell them to vote YES on H.3244. 

The other bill is S.533, a joint resolution that would end subminimum wage with a phase-out period of three years. A task force would be created to create this transition plan. Able SC has posted an FAQ about subminimum wage on their page. The bill passed through the House, but when read on the Senate floor, a Senator added S.264, which would establish a "Disabled Self-Employment Development Trust Fund." Because of this addition, the House did not support the bill, so we will carry it over into the next session in January. Make sure to fill out this form to connect to your state representatives and encourage them to co-sponsor and vote YES on S.533. 

*****

You can keep up with our upcoming events and disability-related employment news by following us on social media! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

The Hire Me SC website is a great resource for job seekers, employers, service providers, and educators. Check out our general resource pages and our COVID-19 specific ones too. 

*****

SC Student Bill of Rights 

The Transition to Careers Committee has been working on a document for students to better understand their rights in education and after school. We're excited to share it with you! We have two versions: print and online, and both have picture symbols. 

Download print version

Download online version

Disability Benefits & Employment Workshop

We have one workshop coming up on Wednesday, July 21, from 10 AM to 12 PM! This event will dispel some of the myths around working while receiving SSI/SSDI and introduce you to local service providers that can support you in employment. The workshop will be most helpful to people who are already receiving benefits. Make sure you register so we can send you the Zoom link and any materials! 

Funding for these events ends in August, so we're not sure when we will schedule another one. If you've been wanting to come, make sure you register for our July workshop! 

Register here!

Accessible RVs

July 1, 2021

NEW ISSUE

Accessible RVs Make Life on the Road Possible 

With a growing number of accessible RV and motorhome options, more wheelchair users are trying out a mobile existence. Fresh off his first extended road trip, power wheelchair user Kenny Salvini checks in with other mobile home owners and reports on the appeal, options, benefits and drawbacks of the RV lifestyle.  

PRODUCTS

Quad-Friendly Off-Road Handcycles 

There’s a new handcycle option for wheelchair users with limited arm and grip strength who want to get off the beaten path — the XE series from Italian manufacturer Maddiline. The XE handcycles feature an easy transfer seat height, a power-assist strong enough to help you glide over soft surfaces and options for an integrated reverse brake, quad grips and chin-activated shifting and throttle. For more details and a video of a C5 quad cruising over soft sand, check out the link.  

NM LIVE

Andraéa LaVant Makes History 

As the impact producer of the Oscar-nominated documentary film Crip Camp, Andraéa LaVant recently made history as the first visibly-disabled Black woman to roll down the award ceremony’s red carpet. LaVant, an active member of United Spinal Association's board of directors, takes us behind the scenes of the Academy Awards and the first-ever ramp to the stage. She also talks about her love of fashion and shares tips on how to bring accessible and stylish pieces into your wardrobe.  

Click here to read the July digital edition! 

Improve your services with help from these statewide networks

 

Networking Opportunities for Service Providers 

Improving services for people with disabilities isn’t always a quick fix, but finding resources and networking with others working towards the same goal is a wonderful step in the right direction. For South Carolina service providers, there are two great networks with resources that will aid your organization in improving its services. 

About the SC Disability Employment Coalition (SCDEC) 

The SC Disability Employment Coalition (SCDEC) was formed to address employment barriers for individuals with disabilities. You can get involved by becoming a member or joining one of its four committees. While members meet quarterly, SCDEC’s four committees — the Centralized Outreach Committee, the Infrastructure Committee, the Transition to Careers Committee, and the Advisory Committee — meet regularly to discuss their different missions. 

Contact us for more info on the SCDEC. 

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About the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) 

Employment First is a movement that believes the general workforce should be the first and preferred option for individuals with disabilities. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Employment First initiative, the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First efforts. South Carolina has a state chapter for APSE where you can collaborate with like-minded professionals in the state to share resources and help improve your employment services. You can sign up for their newsletters to receive updates on professional development and Employment First news, listen to their podcast, become a member, and more. 

Learn about APSE and listen to their podcast. 

Learn about the South Carolina APSE chapter. 

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Expand your network and better your services, today. 

Service Provider Resources

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About Hire Me SC 

People with disabilities can work, want to work, and should be afforded every opportunity to work. Powered by Able South Carolina and SCDEC, Hire Me SC is a campaign that promotes a culture of inclusion across the state of South Carolina, one in which employment for every individual, disability or not, is the norm rather than the exception. Learn more at https://www.hiremesc.org/.