Updates from Family Connection!

Columbiana Centre is hosting LOOK! photos now! 

LOOK! is on the move! 

The opening reception of the LOOK! Photography Exhibit for our families, photographers, and sponsors will be held on Sunday July 30th. The exhibit will open to the public on July 31st at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center!  The exhibit then travels to the Lexington County Library--located at 5440 Augusta Road--for the month of September. Plans are underway for additional locations later in the year! 

Meanwhile, you can visit the corridor next to the food court at Columbiana Centre now to view many of the photos from the 2022 exhibit! 

The complete LOOK! 2022 collection can be viewed on our virtual gallery! 

LOOK! 2023 is presented by Groucho's Deli--additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

LOOK! sponsorship opportunities

Donate to support LOOK!

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Upcoming Trainings! 

Turning 18: What Happens Now? 

Friday, June 9

12:30 - 1:30 pm

In this session, participants will learn about their rights and responsibilities once they turn 18 years old, and are considered a legal adult. Attendees may also participate in a discussion about life after high school. 

Register Here!

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Getting Ready for the Start of the School Year 

for Elementary Students

Monday, June 26

7:00 - 8:00 pm 

Learn helpful hints for preparing your child for the school year, strategies for building positive relationships with school staff, and take away resources to assist in the transition to a new school year.

Register Here!

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Mark Your Calendars! 

• Buddy Walk 2023--Sunday, October 29th, 2023 Saluda Shoals Park Athletic Fields 
• Hopes & Dreams 2024--Thursday, March 21, 2024 R2i2 Conference Center 

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Professional Development Opportunity 

On July 26 – 28, 2023, The Lowcountry Mental Health Conference will host its annual event, which promises to be one of the very best mental health conferences of the year! The conference is being offered as both an in-person and virtual event experience. Learn more! 

Field Notes May 2023

Communication

Exploring Communication Ability in Individuals With Angelman Syndrome: Findings From Qualitative Interviews With Caregivers 

An article published in the May 2023 issue of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by authors affiliated with Duke University and The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapceutis describes a study exploring meaningful aspects of communication for individuals with AS. (Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee)

Validation of the Observer-Reported Communication Ability (ORCA) Measure for Individuals With Angelman Syndrome

An article published in the May 2023 issue of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by authors affiliated with Duke University and The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapceutis explains the critical need for high-quality clinical outcome assessments to capture the important aspects of communication ability of individuals with AS. (Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee) 

Using a Self-Guided App to Provide Communication Strategies for Caregivers of Young Children with Developmental Disorders: A Pilot Investigation

An article published in the March 2023 Issue of the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities by authors affiliated with Georgia State University, Augusta University and the University of Pretoria examines how a web-based self-guided app functioned for caregivers and its secondary effects on their children. (Available free of cost)

Family Perspectives

Family Perspectives on the Complexities of Pursuing Integrated Employment for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

An article published in the May 2023 issue of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by authors affiliated with Vanderbilt University describes the complexities and challenges of obtaining employment for family members with extensive support needs. (Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee)

"More Than a Paycheck”: Parent Perspectives on Meaningful Work for Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

An article published in the March 2023 issue of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by authors affiliated with Vanderbilt University discusses parent perspectives on meaningful employment for their family members with IDD. (Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee)

"In the Beginning it was Difficultbut Things Got Easier": Service Use Experiences of Family Members of People with Disability from Iraqi and Syrian Refugee Backgrounds

An article published in the March 2023 issue of the Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities by authors affiliated with Deakin University, the University of New South Wales and Community Paediatrics explores stakeholder experiences of people with disability from Iraqi and Syrian refugee backgrounds who resettled in Australia, with a view to informing future services and supports. (Available free of cost)

Community  

Transportation and Community Participation Among Autistic Adults

An article published in the March 2023 Issue of Inclusion by authors affiliated with Drexel University describes how the amount, breadth, and sufficiency of community participation differed in terms of transportation modes used by autistic adults. (Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee)

Moving Home: Community Transition Supports for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 

An article published in the April 2023 Issue of the Disability and Health Journal by authors affiliated with The Council on Quality and Leadership examines if and how states provided community transition services in their HCBS waiver programs for people with IDD.(Available free of cost) 

Providers 

'A New Measure of Physicians' Erroneous Assumptions Towards Adults with Intellectual Disability: A First Study 

An article published in the May 2023 issue of the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research by authors affiliated with the University of Perugia and The Ohio State University describes a study that identifies the erroneous assumptions that were most prevalent in physicians and damaging for healthcare of adults with ID. (Available free of cost) 

Explicit and Implicit: Ableism of Disability Professionals

An article published in the May 2023 Issue of the Disability and Health Journal by authors affiliated with The Council on Quality and Leadership examines the explicit and implicit disability attitudes of disability professionals. (Available free of cost) 

Staying Safe Free Training!

Know ways to remain safe online,

at home, or in the community. 

Register for this free training! 

Online: June 26 from 3 pm to 4 pm

In Person at Columbia and Greenville Offices: 

June 27  from 3 pm to 4:30 pm

Registration will close the day before the training.

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

Register Here!

In-Person Professional & Community Training June 7th and 8th

Best Practices for Professionals: 

Choosing a Video Magnifier for Individuals 

with Low Vision

June 7th 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Registration is required for the training session 

(maximum seating is 25). 

Register Now!

Target Audience: Professionals working with individuals who are living with low vision diagnoses, including age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, amblyopia, strabismus, cataracts, optic nerve disorders and any other low vision disorders. 

Participants will learn to:

• Define one or more difficulties an individual is having when trying to accomplish certain tasks at school, work and/or home 
• Compare several styles of assistive technology hardware options that may be suited to helping individuals accomplish tasks
• Identify top two best possible options for individuals depending on their needs

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Community Training: Best Practices 

for Choosing a Video Magnifier 

for Individuals with Low Vision

June 8th 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Join us to compare several styles of low vision assistive technology to show practical issues to consider in choosing the best device for an individual. 

30-minute individual appointments are available before and after the training session:

• 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration is required for the training session 

(maximum seating is 25) and individual appointments. 

Register Now!

Target Audience: Individuals who are living with low vision diagnoses, including age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, amblyopia, strabismus, cataracts, optic nerve disorders and any other low vision disorders. 

Participants will learn to:

• Define one or more difficulties an individual is having when trying to accomplish certain tasks at school, work and/or home 
• Compare several styles of assistive technology hardware options that may be suited to helping individuals accomplish tasks
• Identify top two best possible options for individuals depending on their needs

About the Presenter:

Kimberly Cline has over 30 years of experience in the assistive technology industry.  Over the years, she has contributed to the success of individuals who use assistive technology for their careers, education, and personal growth. Currently, Kimberly is the Director of Sales LVI America. She is very enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of individuals by introducing them to the incredible low vison technology that LVI develops and manufactures. During her career, she owned and operated The Adaptive Advantage Point, where she collaborated with key clients such as the Bureau of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, vocational rehabilitation, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, state libraries, as well as school districts and universities. Kimberly resides in Las Vegas and has worked with hotels and other major employers in the Las Vegas area to provide jobsite assessments and recommendations to assist individuals who are visually impaired be successful in their jobs.  She also implemented the accommodations and trained the clients at their workplace. Throughout her time in this industry, Kimberly has shared her expertise with a variety of audiences through speaking engagements and training sessions at national conferences such as CSUN, ATIA, National AER, ACB, NFB, and various AER Conferences and State Conferences.

Volunteer Drivers Needed!

Mobility & Transportation Programs 

Able SC in partnership with The COMET offers a number of Mobility Programs! Keep reading for details on our programs. 

Questions? 

Call 803-779-121 or email

 transportation@able-sc.org. 

Read More

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V-Trip (Volunteer Transportation 

Reimbursement Program): 

Drivers Needed! 

Did you know?

• The COMET, in partnership with Able SC, offers a Volunteer Driver Reimbursement Program (also known as V-Trip).
• This program is open to people with disabilities and people over 65 who live in: Chapin, Gadsden, Gaston, Irmo, the town of Lexington, Pine Ridge, South Congaree, Springdale, and Summit. 
• Or parts of: Arcadia Lakes, Blythewood, Cayce, Eastover, Elgin, Gilbert, Hopkins, Pelion, Swansea, and West Columbia. 

The V-TRIP program gives riders up to 150 miles a month, or $88 a month, to pay the friends, neighbors, or family living outside their household to drive them. 

Are you interested in a unique way to give back to your community?

Volunteer Drivers are needed for this program!

If you would like to volunteer as a driver for V-Trip, please contact transportation@able-sc.org or call 803-779-5121 

AAIDD Annual Meeting - Last Chance to Register Online!

Registration Reminder!

Only two more days to register online for the Annual Conference! 

Online registration closes Thursday, May 25th, 2023

REGISTER NOW!

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Lunch Meetings 

Add a Lunch Ticket to Your Registration 

Additional $25 Fee Per Ticket 

Monday, June 5: Religion & Spirituality Interest Network Forum

Tuesday, June 6: Tuesday Buffet Lunch

Wednesday, June 7:

• Student and Early Career Professionals Interest Network (SECP) Lunch Meeting
• Psychology Interest Network Lunch Meeting

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Opportunities for Student & Early Career Professionals (SECP)

RSVP on Your Registration - No Additional Fee 

Sunday, June 4

    6:30 - 7:30 pm  President’s Reception

Monday, June 5

    1:00 - 2:30 pm 2023 SECP Research Colloquium

Tuesday, June 6

• 7:30 - 8:30 am SECP Meeting
• 5:00 - 6:30 pm Poster Reception
• 6:30 - 7:30 pm SECP Reception

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Can't Make It? 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Requests for cancellations must be submitted via email only, and a $50 processing fee will be charged for all cancellations. Refunds will be issued for cancellations requested on or before May 26, 2023.

SCATP Webinar June 6

Please Join us!

Fundamentals of 

Adaptive Outdoor Recreation

Webinar: June 6th

Register Now!

Target Audience: Individuals, organizations, and all others who want to learn best practices to develop safe, fun, and effective adaptive outdoor recreation programs. Join us for a journey into the fast-changing world of adaptive sports and those who are transforming the ways that people with disabilities live, work and play. This session will explore fundamental principles of adaptive sport and outdoor recreation, including ADA compliance, adaptive outfitting concepts & risk management considerations. 

Participants will learn to: 

• Identify key safety & effectiveness issues for use of outdoor recreation assistive technologies.
• Identify how adaptive sports and outdoor recreation differ from Therapeutic Recreation. 
• Identify Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC), why they are needed, and how they are developed. 

Speaker Name: Joe Moore

Speaker Biography: Ten years after becoming an amputee, Joe Moore left his career in law to share his love of an active outdoor recreation lifestyle with others. In 2011, Joe began a journey of training, education and exploration to become an adaptive sports and recreation industry leader.

A More Maneuverable Standing Power Wheelchair

May 18, 2023

LEGACY

Judy Heumann: Honoring the 'Mother of the Disability Rights Movement' 

Following the March 4 death of disability rights pioneer Judy Heumann, we curated a series of pieces to illustrate the overwhelming breadth of her legacy fighting for our community.  

We begin with an excerpt from her memoir that drops us into the most famous event of her career: the Section 504 sit-in in 1977. Fast forward to a 1986 interview with New Mobility founder Sam Maddox in which Heumann speaks about the importance of connecting with other disabled people. And for a post-ADA perspective, Emily Ladau shows Heumann cementing her legacy by actively mentoring the next generation of disability leaders. She changed the world — and made sure the rest of us will keep at it too. 

PRODUCTS

Permobil Releases Mid-Wheel-Drive Standing Power Wheelchair

The newest power wheelchair from Permobil combines standing functionality with the maneuverability of a mid-wheel-drive base. The M Corpus VS features Permobil’s latest suspension system, new knee supports designed for easier use by those with limited hand function, and compatibility with a wide variety of seating options.  

CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

We published this Mat Barton comic in our last newsletter and on Instagram, asking for your best satirical captions, and got over 100 responses. Here is our favorite: 

"Please walk over to customer service to report damaged items." 

Stephanie Wood, Harleysville, PA.

Click here to read more of this issue!

May Advocacy: Water Safety Month & Advocacy Resources

This May, the Autism Society highlights Water Safety Month. Our water and wandering initiative focuses on proactive programming, prevention, and improved responses to wandering incidents. This initiative is a national effort to increase water safety education and training across the Autism community in order to decrease the tragic loss of life caused by water and wandering-related accidents. This program works to increase water safety skills among Autistic children, teens, adults, and those who support them.

Access Water Safety Resources

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HollyRod Event 

The Autism Society of America and the HollyRod Foundation team up to read Holly Robinson Peete’s new children’s book Charlie Makes A Splash, in our upcoming Facebook video on Monday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm EST. This book highlights the benefits of water along with the undeniable need for services and education in the area of water safety, swimming, and wandering within the Autism community. Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, joins in this discussion and shares how our water safety resources can be accessed. 

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Making Informed Decisions: ABA Resource

The Autism Society of America has released an Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) resource. This resource provides neutral, unbiased information that families and caregivers can use to better understand their options when making decisions about whether ABA is right for them. To develop this resource, the Autism Society spent over 18 months working with a diverse group of Autistic individuals, family members and caregivers, and professionals with direct experience with ABA. Learn more about our ABA Commission, the development process, goals, and resources here.

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Advocacy Guide for Debt Ceiling 

The Autism Society of America along with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities created an advocacy toolkit for debt ceiling negotiations and Medicaid to prevent budget cuts. This resource provides actionable steps to take using our Action Center, scripts to reference when contacting Congress, and information on setting up district office meetings. 

This week's issue of Capitol Connection discusses the debt ceiling guide, administrative updates, and news on an advocacy win in South Carolina. Read more here.

Access Toolkit

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Visit Website

Contact Line 1 (800) 328-8476

Why Peer Mentoring?

Why peer mentoring? What is it? How does it benefit people with disabilities? At Able SC we offer peer mentoring for people with disabilities, and see the benefits for both the mentee and the mentor: 

What is peer mentoring?

• Peer mentoring can help youth with disabilities feel more empowered and included in society (National Mentoring Resource Center, 2018)
• Peer mentoring provides 3 great benefits: the feeling of hope from positive disability disclosure from a peer mentor, being a role model and using self-care, and building trust and acceptance with a peer mentee (World Psychiatry, 2012)
• “Peer support offers a level of acceptance, understanding, and validation not found in many other professional relationships” (Mead & McNeil, 2006) 

Benefits for peer mentee:

• Peer mentoring helps people with disabilities create successful career and educational plans (National Mentoring Resource Center, 2018)
• Peer mentoring allows people with disabilities to improve their social skills, self-advocacy skills, and self-determination (National Mentoring Resource Center, 2018).
• Youth with disabilities who receive peer support improve their problem-solving skills and independent living skills (National Mentoring  Resources Center, 2018) 

Benefits for peer mentor:

• “Talking to my peers empowered me and provided me with an extra source of motivation to keep working hard and striving towards my goals (Christopher Reeve Foundation, 2021).”
• Peer mentors who work with peers with psychiatric disabilities can become certified and get paid through the state Medicaid plans (SC Share, 2019).  

Learn more about Peer Support

Mental Health Awareness Month & Water Safety Month

This May our focus is on Mental Health Awareness Month, suicide prevention, Water Safety Month, and resources for summer planning. Our public policy resources provide guidance for the end of the Public Health Emergency ending on May 11th. We also encourage you to continue using our Action Center to support disability policy.

Did you know: Approximately 70 percent of those with Autism have at least one or more co-occurring mental health conditions. Because of the prevalence, collaboration among the Autism community, health advocates, organizations, and policymakers is crucial for providing equitable mental health support.

Access May Resources

• Water Safety Month
• Bike to the Beach
• HollyRod Event
• Advocacy Guide for Debt Ceiling  

Affiliate Highlights

• Autism Society Oregon will host their Women and Non-Binary Friendship Group for Those on the Autism Spectrum. This online meeting will take place on Sunday, May 21st. 
• Autism Society Southwest New Jersey will host their night out with the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, May 20th. 

Connect 

Visit Website

Contact Line 1 (800) 328-8476

May Disability Benefits and Employment Workshop

• Are you interested in going to work or increasing your earnings? 
• Have you been told that doing so would cause you to automatically lose your cash benefits? 
• If so, register for a free workshop to let us dispel some of the myths about working while receiving SSI/SSDI and connect you with local organizations that can help you with your job search! 

Join us on Tuesday, May 23

from 2 PM - 4 PM through Zoom!

*This workshop will be most beneficial to people who already receive SSI/SSDI or have some basic knowledge of it.* 

Registering ensures you get the link and all the materials needed. 

Registration closes on Monday, May 22.

Please email us at hiremesc@able-sc.org to register.

If you need accommodations or more information, 

please email hiremesc@able-sc.org 

or call 1-800-681-7715/TTY: 864-235-8798

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Thank you to Disability Rights South Carolina 

for funding this program. 

Changing the Culture

Laurens County DSNB 

discusses changing culture to promote Employment First

In May of 2022, South Carolina passed the Employment First Initiative Act and the bill to end subminimum wage practices by August of 2024. Eliminating subminimum wage is possible! In this video, we hear from Laurens County Disability and Special Needs Board. They share their experience and thoughts on successfully ending sheltered workshops and implementing Employment First. They have changed their culture, and so can you! DSN providers have less than two years to end their subminimum wage contracts.

Watch the video

To help with your transition, we wanted to share with you DSN providers who are eliminating their subminimum wage work and prompting Employment First in the community. These providers are available to provide technical assistance and resources as you help to transition individuals out of subminimum wage. Contact Hire Me SC at hiremesc@able-sc.org for more information and to get connected. 

Thank you to the South Carolina Developmental 

Disabilities Council for funding this project. 

View our website

View our Facebook

Hire Me SC

803.779.5121 | hiremesc@able-sc.org

FDA Authorizes Changes that Simplify Use of Bivalent MRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

On April 18, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer and Moderna bivalent MRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The changes will simplify vaccination for most people. 

The biggest change is that the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be used for all doses when someone gets the MRNA type vaccine.  The Pfizer monovalent and Moderna monovalent COVID-19 vaccines (also known as the original vaccines released in 2021) are no longer available. The bivalent vaccines are available to all people ages six months and older.  

Key Changes:  

• Most people who have gotten a monovalent MRNA vaccine but not a bivalent booster, are eligible for a bivalent booster dose. Age restrictions do apply; keep reading for more information.  
• People who are 65 or older and have gotten one dose of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster may now get another dose if it has been at least 4 months since their last dose.   
• People who are immune compromised and have already gotten a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster may now get another dose. Please speak with your healthcare provider about when you should get this dose.  
• For immune compromised children between the ages of 6 months-4 years, their eligibility for additional doses will depend on which vaccine they have already gotten. Talk to their doctor about the best options for your child.  
• If you are not a part of any of these groups of people butt have received a bivalent booster dose, you are still not eligible for another dose. The FDA will meet soon to offer more guidance.  
• If you are still unvaccinated against COVID-19, you may now get a single dose of a bivalent MRNA vaccine.  Check with your healthcare provider to make your appointment and vaccine plan.  

Unvaccinated children may now get:

• A two dose Moderna bivalent vaccine series. Children who qualify for this must be 6 months-5 years old.  

OR  

• A 3 dose Pfizer bivalent vaccine series. Children who qualify for this must be between the ages of 6 months-4 years.  

OR  

• Children who are five years old may receive either two doses of the Moderna bivalent series, or a single dose of the Pfizer bivalent series.  

Children ages 6 months through five years old who have previously gotten 1, 2, or 3 doses of a monovalent MRNA vaccine should get a dose of a bivalent MRNA vaccine. The number of bivalent doses children can get is determined by the brand of vaccine and your child’s vaccination history. 

For many people, COVID-19 infection continues to be a very real risk. You are still at great risk of getting very sick, getting long COVID, or dying from COVID-19 if: 

• You are unvaccinated 
• You are a child who is unvaccinated 
• You have a disability or health condition 
• You are pregnant (your risk is event greater if you are pregnant and unvaccinated) 
• You live with or work in close proximity to people who are unvaccinated 

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to reduce the risks of COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the chances of becoming very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.  

www.SCDisabilityVaccine.org 

Contact our Vaccine Access Helpline at 1-800-787-6046. 

References:  

Food and Drug Administration (2023, April 18). “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update:  FDA Authorizes Changes to Simplify Use of Bivalent MRNA COVID-19Vaccines.”: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines

DDSN Listening Sessions

Join SC Department of Disabilities 

& Special Needs (DDSN) 

for a Listening Session!

This listening session is for:

• People currently receiving DDSN supports, and their families
• People waiting to receive DDSN supports, and their families

South Carolina DDSN is developing a plan. The plan will say what DDSN will do to help people live their best lives. For example, the plan will say how DDSN will make supports easier to understand or how you can get the services you need. We already spoke with many providers and DDSN staff and would love to hear from people who receive DDSN supports or are waiting to receive DDSN supports. 

Here are some things to think about before attending the listening session:

• What does a “good life” look like to you?
• What do you need to live the “good life” you want to live?
• What are your thoughts on what works really well about the services you receive?
• What doesn’t work so well?

Please join us!  

You can pick either date/time available. Attend the session that works best for you. Registration is preferred, but not required.  

Thursday, May 18th

3:00 to 4:00 pm

Register at this link.

Once you register, you will receive 

an e-mail with the Zoom link.

Monday, May 22nd

6:00 to 7:00 pm

Register at this link.

Once you register, you will receive 

an e-mail with the Zoom link.

If you are unable to join a session, we would still love to talk with you. Reach out to Erika Robbins at erobbins@sagesquirrel.com to schedule time for a quick call.

If you are a provider or another organization interested in sharing your thoughts, you may also contact Erika Robbins at ysnyder@sagesquirrel.com to schedule time for a quick call.

Addressing Violence Against People with Disabilities

 

If someone is hurting you and you need help finding resources and support, call our office at 803-779-5121 between 9am - 5pm Monday-Friday to make an appointment to talk to us. You can also email Dori Tempio at dtempio@able-sc.org.  

IMPORTANT: Please know that we don’t provide direct crisis services. This means that we do not have a shelter (a place for people to stay for a short time while escaping an abusive situation). We also do not have lawyers, police, therapists, or medical workers on staff. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. 

Able SC has programs and services that address violence against South Carolinians with disabilities in three main ways.  

1. We help people with disabilities who have been hurt or abused to find resources, understand their legal rights, and get the support they need to heal. Able SC staff are not mandated reporters. This means that if you tell us someone is hurting you, we will never call the police or file an Adult Protective Services (APS) report unless you ask us to. Our staff offers one-on-one support that is led by the choices, goals, and needs of each individual.  
2. We create easy-to-understand educational resources about relationship safety for everyone! Our customized webinars, classes, and written materials are designed to be easy for people with all kinds of disabilities to access and understand. We teach about healthy relationships, how to notice signs of abuse, and how to get help if abuse happens to you.  
3. We provide training and education for professionals who serve survivors with disabilities.

1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability– in other words, we are everywhere! Able SC can help you or your organization gain the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence you need to make your services accessible, welcoming, and affirming for people with disabilities.

Not sure if you or a loved one is being abused? Check out these helpful guides for people with disabilities. 

• Self-Advocacy and Understanding Your Rights 
• How to Get Help When You are Being Hurt: A Guide for Victims of Abuse and Assault with Disabilities 
• Advocacy with Law Enforcement and Victim Service Providers 
• End Abuse of People with Disabilities: booklet about abuse and violence. Offers tips for what you can do if you are being abused. 
• See Something, Do Something: Prevent Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: Guide on how to help if you see someone being hurt or abused. 

Contact us!

Check out our brochures for professionals with tips and resources on accessibility: 

• Connect to Safety: Ending Violence and Abuse for People with Disabilities 
• Preventing Violence Against People with Disabilities through Education and Empowerment 

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org 

Survey: Advocacy Day

 

Thank you for joining us! 

If you missed out on Advocacy Day, don't worry! 

The live video will remain online on our YouTube Channel. 

Watch Livestream: YouTube Channel Link 

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If you were able to join us online or in person,

please complete our survey about the event! 

Advocacy Day Survey