Empower Hour: Last in person of the year!

EMPOWER HOUR 2023

Now available in-person and online!

Peer Networking - Discover your power!

Have a disability? Want to build your support network? Empower Hour is led by your peers and meets to discuss independence, share resources, make new friends, and give support to each other. Empower Hour is a great chance to connect with others.

If you are interested in participating in either the online or in-person support group, please RSVP by email to info@able-sc.org or by calling 1-800-681-6805, TTY: 803-779-0949 at least one day before the meeting.

To make a request for an accommodation based upon disability, for either the in-person or online Empower Hour, please call us at 800-681-6805 or email at info@able-sc.org  a week before the event.

Empower Hour Online: 

Every Thursday from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Empower Hour In-Person: 

Monthly from 4 pm to 5 pm in our Columbia & Greenville Offices

December 14

*To ensure safety people attending Empower Hour in person must have their temperatures checked at office front doors and wear a mask. The number of participants will be limited to allow for social distancing.

Able South Carolina

720 Gracern Road, Suite 106

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

Freeze Warning! Prepare for Winter Weather!

Winter weather is coming 

to South Carolina!

Cold temperatures below freezing are in our forecast. Be sure to know what to do when cold weather strikes! Check out this Easy Read Cold Weather Safety tool.

Stay indoors when possible:

• Dress in layers of loose-fitting, warm, protective clothing. 
• Stay updated on your local weather by listening to television or radio news.
• Keep your pets inside.
• All other animals should be sheltered and supplied with fresh, non-frozen water. 
• Remember to eat regular, nutritious meals.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water as well as warm broths and juices. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should be avoided as they cause dehydration.

If you go outdoors:

• Again, dress in layered, loose-fitting clothing; add a pair of gloves or mittens as well as a hat. Your outer layer of clothing should be water-repellent. 
• Wear a scarf or muffler over your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air. 
• Avoid spending long periods of time outside as that may increase your chance of developing hypothermia or frostbite.
• Stay dry while outdoors. If your clothing or any part of your body becomes wet, it is time to head indoors to warm up and change clothing.
• If you must work outside, avoid overexertion as this can be dangerous in extreme temperatures. 
• Take great care when walking on snowy, icy sidewalks. 
• Avoid walking to your destination; use public transportation or request-a-ride apps if you do not drive.

Learn more: Red Cross, How to Prepare for Winter Emergencies

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

AUCD Weekly

November 22, 2023

Announcements

AUCD 2023 Conference Attendees - Share Your Thoughts

It was wonderful to see all of you who came to Washington, DC for the AUCD 2023 Conference, especially AUCD Emerging Leaders! We hope it was a meaningful and engaging experience for each of you. Thank you for your energy, expertise, and passion for the important work you do every day! Please share your feedback! Let us know your favorite moments throughout AUCD 2023, things you would change, and ideas for future Conferences by completing this 10-question survey. Your responses are vital as we plan for AUCD 2024.

AIR-P Presents: Health Outcomes for Sexually-Diverse and Gender-Diverse Autistic Adults

Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 4:00 PM  - 5:00 PM ET

We know that a substantial number of autistic people are sexually-diverse (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual) or gender-diverse (e.g., transgender, gender non-conforming), but what do we know about their mental and physical health? Dr. Graham Holmes will discuss the current state of the literature and present findings from two studies that used innovative methods to learn about health disparities for this population.

NACDD is Hiring an Executive Director

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), based in Washington DC is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative Executive Director. NACDD is the national association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs that promote self-determination, integration and inclusion for all people in the United States with developmental disabilities. Full recruitment packet and position description at: NACDD Executive Director Details

Funding

Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, Bridge to Independence Program

Deadline: January 10, 2024

Award Ceiling: $600,000

The Simons Foundation invites applications for the SFARI Bridge to Independence (BTI) program, which engages talented early-career scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue research in autism and facilitates their transition into independent faculty positions at a research institution within or outside the United States. The BTI Award program welcomes applications that span the breadth of science that SFARI supports, including genetics, molecular mechanisms, circuits and systems, and clinical science.

Administration for Community Living, National Limb Loss Resource Center

Deadline: January 22, 2024

Award Ceiling: $4,062,099

ACL intends to award one five-year cooperative agreement to an organization to operate the National Limb Loss Resource Center to help improve the quality of life for people of all ages living with limb loss/limb difference, their families, and their support networks. The resource center will do this by ensuring the availability and accessibility of the most comprehensive, high-quality, evidence-based information, resources, and supports so that people with and without disabilities can live, learn, work, play, and prosper. Applicants will describe how they will carry out activities within seven overlapping categories: A National Resource Center with information and referral services, a National Website, Outreach and Education programs, Peer Mentoring, Youth Engagement, Collaboration and conducting a Performance Assessment.

Resources

Connecting People with Disabilities to Local Community Resources

Watch these new videos to learn how the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities and their loved ones by connecting them to requested community supports. Launched in 2021 to help people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights and more. Call, text or videophone (ASL users) 888-677-1199 or visit dial.acl.gov for more information or to start an online chat.

National Birth Defects Awareness Month Toolkit

CDC has developed graphics and messages in preparation for the upcoming National Birth Defects Awareness Month in January 2024. Help us raise awareness to improve the health of people living with these conditions and widen the available network of support. Use the National Birth Defects Awareness Month hashtags (#EveryJourneyMatters and #BirthDefects) to help us track tweets, likes, clicks, and other engagement. There are example posts in the toolkit with options that you can modify to fit your organization’s mission or individual preferences.

Click here to read more of this issue!

November Youth Newsletter

Spotlight

Equip Alumni Spotlights

Here are some incredible alumni we wanted to shout out and celebrate for their hard work and success here at Able!

Holden was just promoted to a new title as Youth Independent Living Specialist. Congratulations, Holden! 

As an Equip Leader, Holden developed, hosted, and assisted with programs for youth with disabilities in order to teach essential living skills, encourage interdependence, and connect youth with disabilities with their community of peers like them. He has actively promoted Equip’s mission to empower youth in the community. 

Derrick recently won the April Dunn Start Your Journey Award from the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities for his dedication in encouraging and educating all individuals with disabilities across South Carolina. Congratulations, Derrick!

Derrick’s involvement with Equip was through teaching others with disabilities how to self-advocate. He enjoyed working with Equip because it allowed him to put his skills to the test.

“People with disabilities can do it and we are able.” 

Derrick Means

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Events

Equip Hangouts

The Equip Hangouts occur on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6-7 PM. The first Thursday hangout is a virtual meeting. The third Thursday hangout is in person at the Greenville and Columbia Able SC offices. In December, the in person Equip hangout will be on the 2nd Thursday, December 14, since the Able SC offices will be closed on December 21. Equip Leaders and Mentors help empower their peers to take charge of their lives, find their unique voice to self-advocate, and engage with their community of peers more fully. If you have any questions or need help registering, email equip@able-sc.org or call us at 864.235.1421. 

Upcoming Equip Hangouts:

Thursday, December 7, 6-7 PM, Virtual

Thursday, December 14, 6-7 PM, In Person

Register for the link here!

Join the Equip Discord Community!

Join Equip's Discord community to engage with our team of Youth Transition Specialists and mentors to stay informed about the exciting events we have planned throughout the year. 

Our dedicated Equip Leaders and mentors are made available through this program to provide you with valuable guidance, facilitate insightful conversations, participate in exhilarating gaming experiences, and curate unforgettable social interactions for our esteemed members. 

Picture yourself immersed in riveting gaming sessions, enjoying hilarious memes, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions, all within a vibrant atmosphere that allows you to express your true self. It's where the convergence of learning and laughter takes place, offering a fresh chance each day to forge meaningful friendships, expand your horizons, and savor moments of enjoyment. Join us now, and let the journey begin! 

Sign up for Discord!

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Youth Resources

"Can I Play That?" Accessible Gaming Resource 

“Can I Play That?” is a gaming review that assesses how certain games may affect someone with a disability. Assessments are done by gamers with disabilities! Here, they explore the game's design, mechanics, controls, and overall user experience, considering factors like physical disabilities, visual disabilities, cognitive disabilities, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and more. 

The program aims to provide comprehensive insights into how accessible or challenging a game may be for disabled individuals. By shedding light on these critical aspects, "Can I Play That?" empowers both gamers with disabilities and game developers alike. Gamers can make informed choices about the games they wish to play, while developers can gain valuable feedback to enhance their games' accessibility features. This symbiotic relationship fosters a gaming community where everyone can enjoy the immersive worlds of video games, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

So, if you're a gamer with a disability seeking the perfect new game, "Can I Play That?" is your trusted resource, bridging the gap between gaming and accessibility and ensuring that everyone can participate in the joy of gaming. Welcome to a world where gaming truly knows no boundaries! 

The New ACCESSIBLE Beauty Industry

Recently, the beauty industry has been expanding to include people with varying identities. There has been a slow but steady push for greater accessibility within the beauty industry. This article discusses the creators who are paving a way to making makeup and beauty products attainable, affordable, AND accessible for everyone!

If you’re interested in learning more about this movement, read this article! There are some great references and conversations about the ways that we can all help to continue the positive change in accessibility happening within the beauty industry.

Read the Article!

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Advocacy

North Carolina Now Leads the U.S. in Suspending Students With Disabilities

WCNC reports that North Carolina has the highest rate of suspending students with disabilities. Students with disabilities across North Carolina are labeled with behavioral issues within public schools and, unfortunately, are subject to disciplinary action at a MUCH higher rate than their peers.

This article explains why this is happening, who is most at risk, and possible solutions for the community and lawmakers. The state of North Carolina is considering related policies from across the United States, but when will we see action?

Read the article!

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Partner and National Events

South Carolina Interagency Transition Conference

Only a few tickets remaining!

TASC is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 8th Annual State Transition Conference, taking place in Greenville from November 26th to 28th. 

The State Transition Conference is a premier gathering that brings together experts, thought leaders, and practitioners from various disciplines to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore innovative approaches to state transition. This year's conference promises to be an enriching experience, offering diverse workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.

During the three-day event, attendees can engage in interactive sessions led by renowned experts in the field. These sessions will cover many topics, including best practices in state transition planning, effective strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities, and the latest advancements in assistive technology.

In addition to the educational sessions, the conference will also feature an exhibition hall showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and resources related to state transition. This will allow attendees to connect with industry-leading organizations and discover innovative solutions that can enhance their work in this field.

Register for the conference!

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Able South Carolina

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

They're back! Free at-home COVID-19 test kits!

FREE COVID-19 Test Kits Ordering Open:

Order FREE COVID-19 tests NOW

We also have free test kits at our Able SC Columbia & Greenville offices. 

Call us today or stop by to pick one up!

Starting November 1st, households in the United States can order four additional free COVID-19 tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These self-tests (or at-home tests) are easy to use and provide quick results. Self-tests are one of the many resources that can protect you and others from stopping the spread of COVID-19.

To order free self-tests:

• Go online to COVIDTests.gov
• Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
• Call or email the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) at 1-888-677-1199 or DIAL@usaginganddisability.org

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Protect yourself further with vaccination- 

call the South Carolina Vaccine Access Hotline

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.

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org

Bargain Shopping

Register for this free training!

Shop for bargains and learn ways to buy 

or create gift items at a good price. 

Online: December 4 from 3 pm to 4 pm

In Person at Columbia & Greenville Offices: 

December 5 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm

Registration will close the day before the training.

For questions, contact info@able-sc.org.

Register Now!

Be prepared for the holidays!

Be prepared for the holidays 

Keep yourself and others healthy!

1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability.

We know that people with disabilities are higher risk for  getting very sick or dying from COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.

Here's some easy things you can do to stay healthy, and prevent sickness in those you love.

• More people are choosing not to wear masks.
• You can still wear a mask to protect yourself.
• Even without a mask, you can stay healthy and keep others healthy by:
• getting your vaccines
• washing your hands often
• staying home when you are sick
• staying away from sick people.

Sickness that is mild for some can be deadly

for people with disabilities of all ages.

1) Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick and dying from these illnesses.

2) Getting your vaccines protects you and others! Everyone visiting you for the holidays should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

3) Anyone ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

4) When gathering, be sure to wash your hands often, especially after touching surfaces or items that are being touched by other people. Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes to prevent spreading germs to yourself.

5) If you feel sick, even just a little bit, don't gather with others. Stay home. Seek out a COVID-19, flu, or RSV test if you are unsure what your sickness is. Staying home when you are sick protects others.

6) Tell your guests not to come to your gathering if they feel sick, even a little bit. Miss them? Make an effort to talk on the phone, over video chat, or meet when they are well.

Extra tips:

• If you have to care for someone who is sick, wear a mask around them to protect yourself. You can't help them if you are sick too.
• Black, Indigenous, and other people of color with disabilities are at an even greater risk of getting very sick and dying from COVID-19 and the flu. Learn more and read stories from BIPOC people who've gotten vaccinated to protect themselves at this link: https://www.able-sc.org/bipocvax/
• Still got questions about vaccines and your disability? Check out the detailed resources here: www.scdisabilityvaccine.org

Able SC BIPOC Webpage

Are you still unsure about vaccination? Call the SC Disability Vaccine Access Hotline: 1-800-787-6046. Ask questions and get help making your plan!

SCDisabilityVaccine.org

Columbia Vaccine Clinic Canceled

Attention! 

The 11/17 Vaccine Clinic

at Able SC has been canceled.

Unfortunately due to staffing shortage from our vaccine provider, we are unable to host this Friday's vaccine clinic (11/17/23).

We still encourage you to secure your shot, especially leading up to the busy holiday season. If you need assistance please call 1-800-787-6064 so we can help you make your flu and COVID vaccine plans.

You can also visit www.vaccines.gov to find providers near you. Always call the provider of your choice before leaving to get your vaccines to ensure they have the vaccines you're seeking.

Able South Carolina

803.779.5121

advocacy@able-sc.org

AUCD Weekly

November 15, 2023

Announcements

AUCD 2023 Conference - Congratulations, Awardees! 

The annual AUCD Awards gives us an opportunity to recognize individuals, programs, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made outstanding contributions. The AUCD Awards represent the 'best of the best' within our Network, and local, state, and federal partners. This year, we honored 10 awardees. 

Listening Session Request

High Alpha Innovation is partnering with a national health insurance firm to identify new solutions and programs to help SNAP-eligible people with disabilities get into, use, and renew the program. The most important part of the effort is to identify the right problems to work on, which can only be done by listening to the experiences of people who are eligible for, are using, or previously used SNAP. They would like to spend 45 mins to one hour with a group of individuals, or 20-30 minutes with individuals,  who have experience in SNAP. The goal is to listen to first hand experiences of how people from across a diversity of demographics and circumstances are experiencing the program today and what could be made better. Please email Liz Schneider at eschneider@aucd.org if you can connect us to potential interviewees. 

View the full list of Announcements.

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Funding

AUCD Request for Proposals: A national partnership to develop an approach and plan to advance peer-support models for augmentative and assistive communication (AAC) users

Deadline: December 18, 2023

Award Ceiling: $300,000

AUCD is seeking proposals for a contracted entity to fulfill a scope of work central to an effort federally funded by the AoD, Administration for Community Living (ACL) that will seek to co-create a nationwide comprehensive, consensus-based peer support model to advance the use of AAC. This one-year planning project is anticipated to yield a rich source of recommendations for peer support models anticipated to improve the lives of AAC users.

National Institute of Health, Bidirectional Influences Between Adolescent Social Media Use and Mental Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Award Ceiling: TBD

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focuses on understanding bidirectional relationships between social media use and adolescent mental health, psychiatric symptoms, and risk or resilience for psychopathology. For the purposes of this NOFO, social media are defined as internet-based communication platforms and applications that enable interactions between users by sharing or consuming information. The NOFO focuses on adolescents (broadly defined here as 10-20 years of age), who have increasing access to social media and greater autonomy in their use of digital platforms. No effectiveness/efficacy trials will be accepted.

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Resources

ADA Live! Understanding the Effects of PTSD

The Southeast ADA Regional Center released the latest episode of the ADA Live! Podcast, Understanding the Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Presenters discussed how people with disabilities can be affected by traumatic events or experiences, including PTSD, and how symptoms can vary from person to person. Presenters discussed how PTSD may be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a disability that impacts more than one major life activity.

Think Inclusive Podcasts

Two November podcasts on Think Inclusive feature interviews with leaders in early childhood education and inclusive practices for learners in early childhood settings. Valerie Williams, Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will share her insights on November 16. On November 30, Lori Miranda from Palm Beach Public Schools will be the speaker. The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) produces Think Inclusive and works to build bridges between families, educators, and people with disabilities to advocate for inclusive education. This series is a partnership between ECTA and Think Inclusive.

Click here to read more of this issue!

National Family Caregivers Month & Giving Tuesday

 

This November, we highlight National Family Caregivers Month, mental health and respite support services for caregivers, and Giving Tuesday on November 28th. Our Public Policy resources include the newly developed State Advocacy Toolkit and the recently launched CDC Bridge Access Program.

Did You Know: Seeking respite care as a temporary relief service can support a parent or caregiver's mental health to be at their best.

Access November Resources

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CONTEST ALERT!

 

Goodnites and the Autism Society of America are excited to announce the #AwesomeDaysContest! Together with caregivers, we’re looking for kids ages 3-17 to submit a piece of custom-drawn artwork for the chance to have the design transformed into a limited-edition throw blanket! The Awesome Days Grand Prize Winner will receive $5,000 to put towards a bedroom makeover and a 1-year supply of Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear. 

Enter Contest

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The Autism Society of America is proud to announce the launch of our groundbreaking Employment Initiative. Over the past year, we have met with our Employment Taskforce, comprising individuals and experts dedicated to transforming perspectives about the capabilities and prospects of Autistic individuals in the workplace. Our Employment Initiative is dedicated to providing opportunities and support for Autistic individuals to achieve their full potential. At its heart, the Employment Initiative is a celebration of the diverse talents within the Autism community. 

Learn More

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Autism Society Resources 

 

The Autism Society's Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) ensures more people will receive factual, unbiased information about vaccines, safety, and public health, as well as expanded access to supported vaccine clinics and trained healthcare providers. 

Access Resources

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• Autism Society San Diego holds a Family Pool and Pizza Party every second Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m.! Families are invited to swim in an indoor, heated pool with free pizza and drinks. Lifeguards are provided. RSVPs are greatly appreciated! 
• Autism Society Greater New Orleans will host a sensory-friendly morning at the National WWII Museum on November 25th at 8 a.m. This program is for individuals of all ages with special needs and their families to enjoy early access to the Museum with modifications to make the experience more sensory-friendly. 
• Autism Society South Central Wisconsin is hosting a quiet walk through the Rotary Gardens light show. This year, it will feature over 1.5 million lights, themed light displays, seasonal props, and lighted arched pathways to walk through. Navigation is possible for strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs as long as there is not heavy snow. 

Connect

 

Visit Website

AAIDD FYI - November 2023

Announcements 

AAIDD 2024 Conference Call For Papers: Achieving Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 27, 2023

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AAIDD Webinars

Access ongoing professional education through AAIDD webinars. Webinar registration is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Strategies to Validate the Service Facilitator Mode

November 15, 2023; 2-3 pm Eastern 

This presentation is a participative discussion of how to initiate this research; a discussion for providers, researchers, and policy makers about how to conduct the research and to join in to be a participant in this effort.

Intellectual Disability and Criminal Justice: An Overview

December 6, 2023; 2-3 pm Eastern

This presentation will discuss and take questions on the impact of intellectual disability on a defendant at various points in the criminal justice process.

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AAIDD Journals

Access the Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field. Free for AAIDD members. For non-members, the abstract is free of cost, full text access available with a fee.

The November 2023 Issue of AJIDD is Available Now! 

The American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AJIDD) is a scientific, scholarly, and archival multidisciplinary journal for reporting original contributions of the highest quality to knowledge of intellectual disability, its causes, treatment, and prevention.

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Job Openings

• Director (MIND Institute, UC Davis Health), Sacramento, CA
• Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Special Education (JGCP), Kansas City, KS
• Senior Director of Meaningful Day & Employment (Ardmore Enterprises), Lanham, Maryland
• Executive Director (Valley Mountain Regional Center), Stockton, CA

Apply to these great openings and other positions 

on the  AAIDD Career Center.

News and Updates from Family Connection

Call for Proposals! 

We are pleased to announce our Hopes & Dreams Conference RFP application is now available! We are looking for a diverse group of presenters from a variety of backgrounds who can speak to parents and professionals. Application deadline is December 15th.

Watch your inbox and our social channels for more details about Hopes & Dreams--coming up on Thursday, March 21, 2024!

LOOK! 2024

Our annual LOOK! Photography Exhibit will be held on Sunday, June 2, at the Richland County Library in downtown Columbia!

The exhibit highlights the unique abilities of children and young adults from the of families we serve. Local photographers from across the state donate photo session time to capture compelling images of each participant in their favorite setting. 

Applications for families and photographers are now open! We will match families with a photographer in their area and start scheduling photo sessions now through the end of March. Visit our LOOK! event page to learn more and to complete an application!

Buddy Walk 2023 is a Wrap!

Thank you again to our wonderful Buddy Walk sponsors, families, donors, vendors, and most of all our Buddies! We can't wait to see you next year!

Interested in helping us plan Buddy Walk 2024? Contact Jacki Garbinsky!

Partner with Family Connection

Family Connection offers year-round sponsorship opportunities as well as event-specific sponsor benefits for our Hopes & Dreams Conference, and our LOOK! and Buddy Walk events! Contact us to find out more about how we can partner with your business or practice! 

Engagement Opportunities

Be sure to visit our Training Calendar to find training sessions led by Family Connection staff and partners on topics for parents and professionals. Our Home Page Calendar includes our trainings and community events from organizations around the state!

AUCD Weekly

November 1, 2023

Announcements

Defining Equity

We are excited to announce AUCD's Board-approved working definition of equity in IDD. You will also see a plain language and easy read version. We hope this will help guide you in your future work as we continue to discuss concrete ways to improve systems, services, policies, and programs to improve equity. We know this will be an ongoing and evolving conversation within your Centers and across the Network. Thank you for your feedback and contributions to this effort.

Family Support 101: Understanding Policies that Support Family and Family Caregivers for Trainees

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm ET

AUCD is hosting a webinar for trainees to learn about policies that support family and family caregivers on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 2:30 PM-4:00 PM. The participants will learn an overview and history of family support, the current needs of families and family caregivers, and policies and practices of Respite. This event is sponsored by the Brandeis University Community Policy Living Center. It is open to current and former trainees, faculty, and staff.

Funding

Autism Science Foundation, 2023 Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards

Deadline: December 8, 2023

Award Ceiling: $180,000

The Autism Science Foundation invites applications for its Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Awards from graduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows interested in pursuing careers in basic and clinical research relevant to autism spectrum disorders. The proposed training should be scientifically linked to autism but may be broadened to include training in a closely related area of scientific research.

Michael J. Fox Foundation, Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders

Deadline: December 14, 2023

Award Ceiling: $180,000

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.

The foundation invites applications for the Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders, which aims to grow the global base of movement disorder specialists (neurologists with additional training in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders) by training movement disorder clinician-researchers who can provide expert care and lead scientific advances.

Resources

Inside the OUTcomes Podcast: A Decision Aid for Requesting an Accommodation at Work

The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on Knowledge Translation (KT) to Promote Patient-Centered Care Through the Use of Standardized Assessments, the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment for People with Physical Disabilities, the RRTC on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Person-Centered Outcomes and Measurements, and the Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System (MRSCIS) Center released A Decision Aid for Requesting an Accommodation at Work, episode 8 of the INside the OUTcomes podcast. This episode features researchers from the NIDILRR-funded Northwest ADA Regional Center and the ADA Network KT Center, discussing development of their interactive decision guide designed to help people with disabilities think through requesting a reasonable accommodation at work. 

CDC Launches Disability Inclusion Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new digital toolkit, Become a Disability A.L.L.Y. - Information for Healthcare Providers. The toolkit describes ways providers can improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and their families. The toolkit includes resources for providers to assess and enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of their practice, and contains shareable graphics and sample social media posts to help them advocate for inclusion and accessibility in healthcare settings. It also includes videos that feature healthcare providers and people with disabilities describing the importance of inclusion. 

Important Note: The AUCD Weekly will not be published on November 8 due to the AUCD Conference. The publication will resume on November 15. Thank you for your understanding.

Click here to read more of this issue!

We Prepare You for Natural Disasters—And Help You Rebuild

United Spinal Newsletter | November 2023

Unprecedented damage by wildfires, flooding, and extreme heat across the southern half of the United States made headlines all summer long. Yet, too often, gaps in resources and knowledge needlessly put countless people with disabilities in harm's way during natural disasters. Wheelchair users rebuilding after losing everything face economic obstacles that are more stubborn than any debris field.

We're ready to change that.

• Ready to Roll gives you the know-how to navigate an emergency. In partnership with the Neilsen Foundation, our grant programs enable wheelchair users to rebuild their battered homes better and more accessible than ever.
• Our Emergency Preparedness Working Group crafted a masterful collection of wildfire preparedness resources by and for people with disabilities

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Ask the ADA Expert

Did you know that post offices and all other federally owned buildings and facilities are covered under the Architectural Barriers Act and not the Americans with Disabilities Act? Read on to learn more from our ADA (and ABA) Expert.

Do you have a burning question about accessibility in the places where you live, work and play? A sticky issue involving reasonable accommodation? Reply to this newsletter, and we'll field your question to our ADA Expert.

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United Spinal on Instagram

Follow us on Instagram to see our members and friends in action.

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Click here to read more of this issue!