Free Webinar: Reading and Writing Support in a UDL Classroom

 

Developing Learning Experiences through Reading and Writing Support - the UDL Classroom starring Co:Writer and Snap & Read Universal

Target Audience: General Education and Special Education Administrators, AT Professionals, OT/PT, Principals and Teachers

Date: Thursday, September 2, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. ET

Speaker: Jennifer Loucks, Educational Support Specialist-Don Johnston

Register Now!

There’s room for everyone at the table of learning. But students with learning disabilities often feel undeserving, unheard, left behind in the realities of “the new normal.” Many students cannot fully access grade-level text. Grammar/spelling get in their way of writing. When looking at possible UDL constructs within your school or district, what will you look for in accessible technologies?

Join Jennifer Loucks to see the latest tools in Co:Writer® and Snap&Read™—from PDF annotation, Dynamic Text Leveling, voice typing, to ELL language and translation support. Direct access to the curriculum means every learner’s voice and choice is included—even when learning from remote.

Participants will learn:

• How to access grade-level text in classroom and eLearning settings.
• How to access tools that give students access to their writing capabilities.
• How to improve student outcomes and see results with data.

Jennifer Loucks is an Educational Support Specialist and Pilot Coordinator with Don Johnston Inc. Throughout nearly two decades at DJI. Jennifer has dedicated her work to empower students who struggle with reading and writing, helping them reach their full potential.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

This is Our Shot!

There’s a lot of information flying around about the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of it is good, and some of it is not so good. The truth is that many members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community with disabilities are at an even higher risk for COVID-19, and the only way to slow the spread is to get your vaccine.

Many people are hesitant about what getting the shot could mean for them, and Glenn Prince, a pastor from Orangeburg, SC, was among them. Prince struggled with whether he should get his COVID-19 vaccination after a difficult experience with another vaccine. He chose to reach out to a trusted friend, also in the BIPOC community, who helped him work through his decision.

“Ultimately, I chose to get the Pfizer vaccine on August 2, 2021, for two reasons,” Prince said. “I did not want my daughters, who were refusing to get the vaccine, to avoid it because of my influence in their lives. I also did not want my congregation to avoid vaccinations for the same reason.”

If you’re also feeling nervous about getting your shot, reach out to someone around you who you know is vaccinated and you trust. Ask them to share their experiences with you, and, like Pastor Prince, consider sharing your hesitation with them.

All of the vaccines available are safe and effective, but each person’s response to the shot might be different. That’s why you should also talk to your doctor or another medical professional you trust about the right vaccine for you. If you need assistance finding a medical professional, scheduling a vaccine, finding transportation, or just have questions, you can also call 800-787-6046, where the experienced staff of Able SC and Disability Rights SC will be happy to help you!

Q and A Session: Join Us!

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, August 31st, 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

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 . 

New Website for the SC Assistive Technology Program!

 

The SC Assistive Technology Program 

has launched a new website!

https://sc.edu/medicine/scatp

Check out our new features!

Borrowing Devices for 2-4 Weeks:

1) List of All Devices Available to Borrow

2) Device Loan Form

Free Medical Equipment:

1) Request and Donate Medical Equipment

2) Request Medical Equipment Form

3) AT Exchange

And

Free Assistive Technology Trainings

Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook and Twitter 

to find more resources!

Free Reading Accommodations Webinar

uPAR! 

by Don Johnston Incorporated: 

The Secret to Finding the Right Reading Accommodations

Date: Thursday, August 26, 2021 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

Cost: Free!

Speaker:  Jennifer Loucks

Target Audience: General Education and Special Education Administrators, AT Professionals, OT/PT, Principals and Teachers

REGISTER NOW!

Does your district really have a handle on deciding which students can benefit from a reading accommodation? Is your process data-driven? 

uPAR—a protocol that shows educators what kind of reading accommodations each student needs (read aloud or independent reading without an accommodation) to give the best access to the curriculum possible. Watch student reactions to seeing their own data!

Participants will learn: 

• How uPAR assesses multiple students at once.
• How to explain uPAR to your team so that the right decisions are made on reading accommodations 
• An introduction on how to interpret data from uPAR 

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

Jennifer Loucks is an Educational Support Specialist and Pilot Coordinator with Don Johnston Inc. Throughout nearly two decades at DJI. Jennifer has dedicated her work to empower students who struggle with reading and writing, helping them reach their full potential.

Accommodations:

CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate in this webinar, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

All SC Assistive Technology Program’s webinars are recorded and archived. If you cannot attend the live session, please go to our training page 24 hours after the webinar and register for the video link and transcript.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the SC Assistive Technology Program at janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu or by calling 803-935-5263.

Q and A about Tools for Independence Tomorrow!

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! 

Date: Tuesday, August 24th, 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

Announcing the 2021 Employer Summit keynote!

We are so excited to announce our keynote 

for the 2021 Employer Summit!: 

Ashley Oolman, an equity and inclusion expert! 

Ashley Oolman, founder and inclusion consultant of Allied Folk, guides partners through evidence-based best practices, product development, and progressive thought leadership. From large corporations to individual allies, she transforms strategic business initiatives and advances equitable community spaces. With more than a decade of leadership experience in advocacy, employment, and workplace culture, she understands how to navigate complex environments and provide actionable insights for growth. 

Ashley strives to advance community equity through her contributions on a collective impact task force, and serves on a coalition of providers supporting transracially adopted youth to reinforce their development of positive Black identity. In her free time, she enjoys creating space to coach local parents on inclusive parenting, including children in critical conversations. 

Ashley earned an MBA with a concentration on human resource management, a BA in psychology with a minor in human development and family studies, and a certification in organizational diversity & inclusion. Most recently, Ashley was selected as a Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy fellow, and accepted into the YWCA’s Racial Justice Facilitator program. She is committed to inclusion as a means to advance human rights for all people, in all walks of life. 

Get your ticket for the 2021 hybrid Employer Summit today and join us on Wednesday, October 13, from 10:30 AM-3:00 PM! You can expect to hear from local and national leaders on how including individuals with disabilities will strengthen your workforce as you rebuild. 

Get tickets to the Employer Summit!

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

Online Event Tickets: $50 

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. 

Hire Me SC

720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121 | hiremesc@able-sc.org 

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:

1. 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.  

2. 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

3. Ship the toy yourself to the above address.  

For more information about the 

4th Annual Adapted Toy Workshop 

please call 803-935-5263.

Get Ready for Back-to-School

Get Ready for Back-to-School

Our August Toolkit focuses on back-to-school preparation, IEP planning, and school safety; additionally, we'll continue emphasizing COVID-19 and transitioning back to in-person learning. Our public policy section includes additional resources explaining the importance of creating IEP plans and safety tips for returning to in-person classroom settings. 

Did you know: When transitioning to a new school, early visits can be especially helpful to adjust to a new environment. The middle school transition can be especially challenging because students may be doing many things for the first time – switching classes, using lockers, changing into gym uniforms, riding buses, and negotiating big or crowded hallways. 

ACCESS AUGUST TOOLKIT

The Autism Society network is comprised of 73 affiliates across the country. Highlighted below are just some of the events and programs offered related to our July theme:

• Autism Society Western New York is hosting an "Understanding the IEP Process for Parents of Preschoolers" virtual meeting. Parents will learn about the Committee on Preschool Special Education and learn about IEP planning. 
• Autism Society Florida is offering a PEERS Young Adult learning program. Young adults are taught important skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills. 
• Autism Society of Indiana created "The New Normal" guide to successfully transition parents and students back to school post-pandemic. 

FIND LOCAL AFFILIATE

Our Favorite Stories of the Year

August 5, 2021 

NEW WEBSITE

Check Out the New Newmobility.com

We’re beyond excited to announce the relaunch of our website, newmobility.com. It’s elegant, it’s gorgeous and it’s the perfect showcase for the best wheelchair-related content available anywhere. Take a moment to look around — you’ll like what you see.

NM LIVE

Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian Chuck Aoki

Two-time Paralympic medalist Chuck Aoki is gearing up for his third games, and a shot at his first gold medal later this month. He takes a break from his hectic training schedule to talk with Teal Sherer about the Paralympic experience and how he physically and mentally prepares to compete. He also shares what the pandemic taught him, the COVID-19 precautions Paralympic athletes must take and how we can help grow the adaptive sports movement.

STAFF FAVORITES

The year is now more than half over — time flies when you’re kind of, sort of, sorry, maybe not, getting back to normal. Here are a few of our staff’s favorite 2021 stories to help you make the most of the rest of your summer. 

• The Last Bookstore: “I love that Josh Spencer, a disabled entrepreneur, owns such a unique and beautiful bookstore — and that it held its ground during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a disability has given Josh the tools to better handle the challenges of owning a business,” says social media manager Teal Sherer.
• Fear and Loathing in Vang Vieng: “This tale of a quad’s whiskey-infused river float has all the all the NM joie de vivre embedded in a great yarn,” says publisher Jean Dobbs.
• How to Cure Your Spinal Cord Injury the Cobra Kai Way: “We were lucky to get Mat and Adam to apply their razor-sharp wits to one of the entertainment world’s most ridiculous portrayals yet of SCI. The satirical result is hilarious and looks great,” says editor Ian Ruder.

Click here to read more!

Join us for United Spinal Association's 75th Anniversary Virtual Gala & Community Event

Save the Date! 

Wednesday, November 10th, 6pm to 7pm EST!

Join us for United Spinal Association's 

75th Anniversary Virtual Gala & Community Event

About this event

• Tickets are FREE to attend this virtual event! Captioning, ASL, and audio description will be provided.
• The event link containing the livestream video will be sent one day prior to the event. You will receive login instructions as well as the event program.
• Amna Nawaz, Sr. National Correspondent, PBS NewsHour, will emcee a powerful program full of honorees and special guests that will reflect United Spinal's unique role to empower the disability community and its champions. Celebrate 75 years of disability advocacy with us and let's look to a bright future of access and unlimited possibility!

Honorees: United Spinal 2021 Image Awardee: Ali Stroker, Tony Award-winning performer; Former Mayor of Dallas, Former Congressman, and Chairman of Respectability, Steve Bartlett

Special Guests: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor ... With more exciting announcements to come!

"I’m a firm believer that we all win when we create opportunities for people with disabilities to become leaders, advocates, and innovators. Those we empower to succeed today, will shatter the stigma of disability tomorrow." - Vincenzo Piscopo, CEO, United Spinal Association

General registration is free. If you are experiencing difficulties registering, please contact Christine Chew at: christine@midaassociates.com

To learn more about United Spinal Association, visit www.unitedspinal.org.

To learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities, contact AJ Assaadi, aassaadi@unitedspinal.org  https://unitedspinal.org/pdf/75th_Sponsorship.pdf

Click here for more information and tickets! 

Are you ready? - FREE Emergency Preparedness Training!

August is typically the busiest month for hurricanes, but there are lots more emergencies to be prepared for. Do you have a plan in case of a power outage, flood, or fire? 

Join us online on Monday, August 16, 2021, from 3-4 PM to learn how to prepare for all types of emergencies! 

The first 30 people in our service area who register will receive a free emergency supply kit! After the training, we will contact you to pick up kits from our Midlands or Upstate office. At this time, we cannot deliver kits to you. You cannot get a kit if you have gotten one from us in the past. 

(Our service area includes the following counties in the Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina: Abbeville, Anderson, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Clarendon, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Kershaw, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union, and York.) 

Register here!

Registration will close on Sunday, August 15.

We will email you the Zoom link and materials on the morning of August 16. 

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

Do you experience paralysis? Check out our employment resource group!

Thanks to a partnership with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, we're excited to offer six-week Employment Resource Groups for people who experience paralysis. These virtual groups will be held every Tuesday from 11 AM to 12 PM starting August 24. Led by a person who experiences paralysis and is employed, these sessions will cover topics like 

• Career Planning, 
• Interviewing Skills, 
• ADA Rights, 
• and more! 

Each session will build on the last one, but you're free to register for all or as many as you'd like. We hope to see you there! 

Register here!

Registration closes on Sunday, August 22. 

Email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org for questions. 

Free Assistive Technology Webinars

 

This list of free webinars is compiled from around the Web by the Accessible Technology Coalition. Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions. The SC Assistive Technology Program offers free webinars, too!

AT Webinars

VPAT 101: Intro to the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template from TPGi 

August 4, 2021 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Wired Wednesday: AT Bits & Bytes with TFL and WATAP 

August 11, 2021 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern (45 min.) 

Revenue Models for AT Reuse from AT3 

August 11, 2021 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern

Telework In Action: A Disability Inclusion Practice Whose Time Has Arrived from EARN 

August 12, 2021 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Fun Activities Using Music with Technology from AbleNet 

August 18, 2021 at 12pm Pacific, 3pm Eastern (45 min.)

Tech for Teens Club : LEGO Stop-Motion Videos from PACER 

August 21, 2021 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern

Speech recognition for communication impairments from CallScotland 

August 25, 2021 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern(30 min.)