Hopes & Dreams 2022: Call for Proposals

 Hopes & Dreams 2022: 

Our Virtual Conference is coming 

April 6-7!

Request for Proposals Now Open!

Keynote Speaker Dr. Richard Barkley, 

acclaimed author and speaker. 

Conference focus: Supporting the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Needs of Our Children, Youth and Families as a Result of the Pandemic 

The pandemic has affected all children and families, and it has exacerbated existing inequities and inadequacies in our supports for families, children, and individuals with a disability. 

Currently we are seeking speakers for each day of our two-day conference. We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds who can speak on topics relating to parents and professionals. Proposals are due February 21, 2022. 

Submit Proposal 

Read more about our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Richard Barkley! 

This year's conference is in a virtual format to ensure a safe experience and to extend the opportunity to additional participants. 

Free AT Webinars!

This list of free webinars is compiled by the

 Accessible Technology Coalition.

Follow the ATC Facebook page for late additions. The SC Assistive Technology Program offers free webinars, too!

Free Webinars re: K-12 Students

Introduction to LessonPix: Clip Art, Sharing Center, and SoundFinder from SETC

January 31, 2022 at 3:30pm Pacific, 6:30pm Eastern

Study Wise, Study Well; Maximizing Learning with Study Tools and Strategies from PACER

February 1, 2022 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST

All means ALL: How to help students with the most complex needs access literacy from  Don Johnston

February 2, 2022 at 10am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern

TextHelp Math Supports from SETC

February 2, 2022 Time: 3:30-4:30

More Creative Fun Switch Activities from SETC

February 7, 2022 Time: 4:00-5:00

Universal Design for Learning Professional Learning Community from SETC

February 8, 2022 Time: 3:30-4:30

ATIA 2022 Recap from SETC

February 10, 2022 Time: 3:30-4:30

UDL Literacy Supports with Don Johnston Products, TextHelp from SETC

February 14, 2022 Time: 12:00-1:00 

For Students and Teens

Tech for Girls Club : Creative Coding: Using Code to Make Art from PACER

February 12, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST

Tech for Teens Club : 3D Printing Online from PACER

February 26, 2022 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CST

Help Organize Me! : Part One - Planning the Schedule from PACER

March 1, 2022 — 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST

Adults or All Ages

Undertaking JAWS Screen Reader Compatibility Testing in Real Life from TPGi

February 2, 2022 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Switch Assessment, Part 3: Determining the Best Switch Type and Location for Clients Aren't Engaged from AbleNet

February 8, 2022 at 9am Pacific, 12pm Eastern

Creating accessible documents from CALL Scotland

February 23, 2022 at 8am Pacific, 11am Eastern

Not until March but could fill up sooner

Accommodation Solutions for Executive Functioning Deficits from AskJan

March 10, 2022 at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern

Join us for Techie Tuesday on February 1st at 2:00 p.m.

Join SC Assistive Technology Program staff for free Techie Tuesdays!

The next Techie Tuesday will be February 1st at 2:00 p.m.

We will give virtual demonstrations of devices, apps and features you tell us you are most interested in. 

If you need closed captioning or an ASL interpreter, please notify Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu. You must provide notification of an accessibility need no later than the Wednesday prior to the Tuesday meeting.

SCATP is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295324782?pwd=RDl6MFhIeVZoeXpZcEIvN0hFWTNCQT09

Meeting ID: 882 9532 4782

Passcode: 623433

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (New York)

+13017158592,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kw0lkVQji

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Training Registration is Open!

 

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Training 

Registration is Open!

The Brain Injury Association of America’s Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) is the nation’s premiere brain injury certification program. Acquiring a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) credential is the next step in ensuring you remain a valuable, marketable, and well-informed asset in the field of brain injury services.

Qualifications:

1. Applicants must have had 500 hours of currently verifiable direct contact experience with an individual or individuals with brain injury.

2. Experience can be paid employment and/or academic internship. Volunteer work or self-discovery does not qualify.

3. The qualifying experience must have included formal supervision or have been conducted while the applicant operated under a professional license. If the applicant is operating under a professional license, then the applicant must be in good standing.

4. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

When: 

• Tuesday, March 1,  2022   4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, March 8,  2022   4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, March 15, 2022  4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, March 22, 2022  4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, March 29, 2022  4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Optional Review Day)

Where:  Zoom

Target Audience:  Professional staff who are interested in, and meet ACBIS criteria for, Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) certification

Textbook:  The Essential Brain Injury Guide, 5.0 Edition.

Fees: 

• $100 which includes application, instruction, and exam. (This is a discount of $135.00). 
• Participant is responsible for purchasing the Essential Brain Injury Guide textbook at a discounted rate of $90.00. 
• Participants cannot attend the class without the textbook. 
• Instructions will be provided upon receipt of the registration form.
• Upon passing the exam, a one-year subscription of the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation will be provided at no cost which is a $148.00 value.

Instructors:   

Kay Brooks, MA, CBIST

Director, Head and Spinal Cord Injury Services

Thrive Upstate

Past-President, Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

Meghan Trowbridge, LISW-AP, CBIST, C-ASWCM

Assistant Director, Center for Disability Resources, South Carolina University

Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Research Assistant Professor

Marty Van Dam, M.S., CCC-SLP, CBIST

Supervisor of Therapies, Roger C. Peace Outpatient Brain Injury & Young Stroke Program

Prisma Health Upstate

President-Elect, Brain Injury Association of South Carolina

To Register: 

https://www.biaofsc.com/trainings-and-certifications

Deadline to register is January 31, 2022.

Class is limited to 25 individuals.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Hartwell 

at coordinator@biaofsc.com

or 803-731-9823

Check Out Our Website

Barrier Free Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow in Greenville!

Barrier Free Vaccine Clinic Coming to Greenville! 

People with disabilities, their families, and direct service providers need access to vaccination! 

The SC Disability Vaccine Access Network is here to help reduce barriers to vaccine access 

Your transportation cost will be reimbursed, you will receive a $15 gift card, and be entered to win a $100 gift card, just for protecting your community by securing your shot!

We are working with SC DHEC to set up a mobile vaccine clinic in Greenville.   

• This clinic will provide all three types of COVID-19 vaccines available, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, Janssen (J&J). 
• Those coming to get vaccinated can receive their first dose, second dose, or booster shot from this clinic. 
• If you are coming for your second dose or booster shot, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card. If you can't find your card, that is ok. Your card is not required. 
• This clinic is open to ages 5 years and older. 
• Accommodations will be provided for people with disabilities. 
• You do not have to register, but if you can please do so we can better prepare for you! 

Register Here!

Thursday, Jan.  27, 10am-4pm 

Able SC Greenville 

135 Edinburgh Ct. Suite 101

Greenville, SC 

Questions? Call our hotline at 1-800-787-6046 

www.SCDisabilityVaccine.org 

Techie Tuesdays are Back!

Join SC Assistive Technology Program staff 

for free Techie Tuesdays!

The next Techie Tuesday will be January 25th at 2:00 p.m.

We will give virtual demonstrations of devices, apps and features you tell us you are most interested in. 

If you need closed captioning or an ASL interpreter, please notify Janet Lambert at 803-935-5263 or janet.lambert@uscmed.sc.edu. 

You must provide notification of an accessibility need no later than the Wednesday prior to the Tuesday meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295324782?pwd=RDl6MFhIeVZoeXpZcEIvN0hFWTNCQT09

Meeting ID: 882 9532 4782

Passcode: 623433

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (New York)

+13017158592,,88295324782#,,,,*623433# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 882 9532 4782

Passcode: 623433

Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kw0lkVQji

Why Natural Environment? Ask the SCIC Director...

 

Why Natural Environment?

Ask the SCIC Director:

Why should I enthusiastically partner with childcare programs to provide services in the natural environment?

 ·         Because children with disabilities have a right to access and meaningful participation in early childhood settings

·         Because you can offer suggestions on the best way to include a child with a disability in the classroom

·         Because childcare teachers can provide valuable information to you about the child’s engagement in the classroom

·         Because you can support the family of a child with a disability by accommodating their child’s needs in their childcare program.

·         Because a childcare classroom/setting is a Natural Environment and early intervention services are required to be provided in the natural environment according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

 

Natural Environments Defined:

A Natural Environment is any location or space where children without disabilities spend their time. This includes the home, community settings, and community early childhood programs. Early care and education classrooms that enroll children from the community are natural environments. Children with and without disabilities can play and learn together in these settings. For children birth to three with identified disabilities, the IDEA specifies that early intervention services should be provided in the natural environment. The Americans with Disabilities Act considers allowing early intervention service providers to support a child with a disability in their classroom to be a reasonable accommodation.

 

Tips for how to partner with childcare providers:

·         Communicate with the child’s family about the benefits of providing early intervention services within the child’s early care and education program.

·         Ask parents to provide consent to allow you to communicate with the child’s teacher about their IFSP goals and to learn about how the child engages in classroom routines and activities from the teacher.

·         Work with the childcare provider to schedule a time to provide services that fits into the classroom schedule.

·         Share your contact information with the childcare provider and ask for them to share theirs with you so you can communicate about the child’s needs

 

What about Covid?

The CDC just released COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/child-care-guidance.html)

The guidance includes a section on Children with Disabilities or other Healthcare Needs. This guidance provides strategies that childcare programs can use to safely provide access to the classroom for direct service providers. The CDC has also provided guidance to direct service providers regarding safety when supporting people with disabilities. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/humandevelopment/covid-19/guidance-for-direct-service-providers.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fneed-extra-precautions%2Fdirect-service-providers.html

 

Learn more:

·         Explore the SC Child Care Inclusion Collaborative website to learn more about the services that we offer to promote inclusion in childcare settings. www.scinclusion.org

·         Log in to SCEILS and complete the free online module: ADA Basics for Families Making Child Care Decisions to learn more about the childcare system and to gain information to help families who are searching for childcare. You may be asked to create an account with ProSolutions training. If so, and you don’t have a SC registry training id number you can enter 000000 in that field. 

·         Explore the Team for Early Childhood Solutions and BabyNet websites to learn more about the early intervention system (https://uscmed.sc.libguides.com/tecs) (https://msp.scdhhs.gov/babynet/)

 

 

 

Ordering Open! At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

Now open: 

Every household in the United States 

can order four free COVID-19 rapid tests!

Take advantage of this program today, and share with your family and neighbors. While we know the federal administration's rollout plan is imperfect, it is a chance to get more tests to more people, including our disability community that experiences barriers to access.

When preparing to order: 

• The information needed for the order is first name, last name, and household address 
• When you order, you will be signed up to get one package of four COVID-19 rapid tests for your household 
• Your order cannot use a place of business address 
• To track your package, include your email address when prompted on the form. The same email address can be used to track multiple orders 
• Your package will take 7 to 12 days to ship 
• Order your test kit today, before you need it! 

Why order COVID-19 testing kits so you can test at home? 

Able SC's very own Jerri Davison shared her story, "When my daughter got sick, having a home test ready and available allowed my family to contain COVID from spreading in our home. I'm at higher risk of getting very sick because of my depression, and my mom, an older adult, also lives with us." 

Order your COVID-19 Test Kit

Still have questions? 

Contact the Disability Vaccine Access Hotline at (800) 787-6046  

South Carolina Disability Vaccine Access Hotline:  A hotline staffed by Able South Carolina and Disability Rights South Carolina designed to provide people with disabilities information about many different aspects of the COVID-19 vaccine.  These resources include but are not limited to: 

• Address any concerns you may have about getting the vaccine
• Find a trusted medical provider  
• Assist with vaccine appointment scheduling 
• Navigate transportation to get your vaccine  
• Offer resources and guidance on transportation to and from vaccine  
• Answer some of the most common disability related questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine  
• Provide information about accessible vaccine sites based on crowd sourced data  
• Address other disability-related barriers about the vaccine you may be experiencing      

Disclaimer:  The staff of the Disability Vaccine Access Hotline are not licensed medical providers.  They are unable to offer medical advice about the best vaccine for you or predict how the vaccine may affect you or your family 

BrainStorm Meets TOMORROW!

 

A support and advocacy group for young adults 

who have been impacted by brain injury

Meet Your BrainStorm Peer Facilitator: Jasmine Norris

My name is Jasmine Norris, I'm 28 years old and I'm on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. I graduated from University of South Carolina School of Law in 2020, and I am currently working full-time as an attorney and part-time as an EMT for Lexington County. I've had 6 diagnosed TBIs, one of which ended my college soccer career. Having personally dealt with the lack of resources and support that often comes with head injuries, I'm very passionate about helping provide support and education to individuals affected by brain injuries, concussions, etc. It's hard dealing with an invisible injury, especially if you don't have someone in your life that understands what you're going through and can provide the resources or support you may need. My hope is to be that person for anyone that needs it, by facilitating this group. 

What is BrainStorm?

BrainStorm is a group for young adults (ages 15-29) who are striving to advocate, educate, and create a safe space for individuals that have been affected by concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or acquired brain injuries in any capacity. 

This group strives to bring visibility to this 'invisible' injury through education, advocacy, open-communication, and support. 

WHO: 

• This is a group is open to survivors, family, friends, and advocates of brain injury  

• Anyone between the ages 15-29 years of age is encouraged to attend 

• Someone who has a brain injury that impacts their life in at least one way on a regular basis 

•   Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 
•   Concussion (also known as mild Traumatic Brain Injury - mTBI) 

• Someone whose parent, neighbor, friend, sibling, significant other, etc. is living with a brain injury 

WHAT ARE THESE MEETINGS:

• Join Facilitator, Young Adult, and Brain Injury Survivor Jasmine Norris as she assists youth in: 

•   Finding community and peer support - you are not alone in your experience with brain injury! 
•   Educating anyone and everyone in your community about brain injuries 

WHERE:

• Virtual Meetings will be held on Zoom once a month 

• 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 8 pm EST 

• 2022 Dates: 

•   January 19 -- TOMORROW!
•   February 16 
•   March 16 
•   April 20 
•   May 18 
•   June 15 
•   July 20 
•   August 17 
•   September 21 
•   October19 
•   November 16 
•   December 15 

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION:

 

• Contact Brain Injury Safety Net Coordinator, Rachel Kaplan by clicking here. 

• Join our Facebook Group by clicking here. As a reminder, this group will only accept youth ages 15-29 years of age to create a safe and inviting peer support space. 

• Download the informational PDF and share with anyone that may be interested by clicking here. 

Check Out Our Website! 

Countdown to Independence!

 

A New Year can mean a fresh start! 

Make a plan to reach your independence goals! 

Register for a free online training on Monday, January 24 from 3:00-4:00 PM and learn all about: 

• Understanding the best types of goals
• How to make specific, measurable goals
• How to put those goals into action 
• and more! 

Registration will close on Sunday, January 23. 

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

Register Here!

Is That Snow? Prepare for Winter Weather

 

Winter weather is on the way; so let's be prepared and stay safe during cold temperatures, snow, and possible ice or sleet. Here are some quick tips on how to prepare for winter weather. You can find details on all of these points in this document from FEMA at the page numbers listed.

Know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm.

Before a storm:

• Listen to local officials, news, and weather stations (page 14)
• Know the difference between advisory, watch, and winter storm warnings (page 3)
• Create and test an emergency contact plan (page 14)
• Prepare your car (page 6)
• Prepare your home (page 7)
• Have a carbon monoxide detector and check to make sure it is working
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car (page 13)

During a Storm:

• Listen to local officials, news, and weather stations
• Stay home and stay off the road during and after a winter storm (page 8)
• Keep water running at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing
• Bring pets indoors during winter weather (page 7)
• Take care of yourself: 

1. Layer up (page 9)
2. Protect your skin with sunscreen and balm to prevent burns and chapping
3. Don’t forget your service animal- dogs need protection just like you!

After a Storm:

• Your home is damaged and no longer safe, or you have lost power, go to a designated public shelter (page 10)

Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (FEMA) to find a shelter near you

• Continue to wear layers, protect your skin, and protect your pets
• Let your family and emergency contact know you’re safe
• If you need more support services, contact us at Able South Carolina

Caution: Cold Weather Dangers

Fire (page 7)

• Never use a heater near blankets, fabric, curtains, or other flammable materials
• If using a space heater or similar tool for heat, make sure it is in an open space and well ventilated

Carbon Monoxide Kills (page 8)

• Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that you cannot see. Fuel-burning heating units that are not vented outside or are not properly maintained can create carbon monoxide in your home.
• Cars that run on fuel can also be dangerous. Always check your car's tailpipe to make sure it’s clear of ice and snow. Never run your car in an enclosed place. Never run your car in a closed garage, room, or basement space to try and heat your home.
• Carbon monoxide detectors installed in central locations on every level of your home can warn you and save your life

If your carbon monoxide detector alarms move quickly to fresh air outdoors. Once in a safe place with fresh air, call 911 for help. Do not go back indoors until you are told it is safe.

Medical Emergencies (page 9)

• If you detect symptoms of frostbite, hypothermia, or other medical emergency seek medical care immediately. Do not wait! Call 911.
• See page 9 of this document from FEMA to learn more

Watch these videos for how to prepare for any emergency, 

including winter weather and storms!