ABLE SC, Youth Newsletter

 

December Youth Newsletter Spotlight: Patrick Mack This month’s spotlight is Patrick Mack. Patrick is now 24 but spent his teenage years working as an Equip Leader. Patrick learned a lot about disability pride, disability history, and sensitivity and accessibility training. He uses what he learned at Able SC in his current position as a Braille Educator for the Commission for the Blind. Patrick got his teaching degree from University of South Carolina Upstate. Patrick teaches literacy to blind and visually impaired people, often people with acquired disabilities. They have to relearn how to read using Braille as a writing code. Patrick developed the ability to create and present detailed lesson plans as an Equip Leader, something he uses in his daily life as a teacher. Patrick is currently getting his Masters in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from West Michigan University, which will allow him to be a “one stop shop” for his clients. He will be able to train consumers on how to use a phone, how to use a computer, and how to navigate their day-to-day life at home, as well as teaching them how to use Braille. Patrick is excited to pursue this degree because he wants to “pay back the support [he] received when he was young.” Patrick was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a progressive eye condition, when he was ten years old. Initially, Patrick felt very alone, because he didn’t know anyone else with his condition. When he started going to events put on by the National Federation of the Blind, he met other people with Retinitis Pigmentosa, including famous YouTuber Molly Burke. Patrick is now passionate about educating others about blindness and visual impairment, emphasizing that the blind community is “not a monolith”. An example he gave was the misconception that all blind people are fully blind, when in reality 95% of blind and visually impaired have some residual vision. When asked if he had any advice for young people with disabilities, Patrick said “Just do it! Don’t even think about it!” Patrick is proof that people with disabilities can accomplish their dreams and can contribute to the good of the community. Delta Airlines Introducing New Accessible Seating for Wheelchair Users  If you use a wheelchair, you probably know that the most difficult part of traveling while disabled is the likelihood of the airline breaking your wheelchair. Most people’s wheelchairs are custom-fitted to their individual bodies, which means that the loaner wheelchair that the airline supplies is often inadequate and can even be dangerous if the wheelchair’s poor fit leads to a pressure sore. Because of this, many wheelchair users choose not to fly rather than risk damaging their vital mobility aids.  At the Aircraft Interiors Expo, which was held in May, Delta Airlines exhibited its prototype for accessible seating that would allow passengers to remain in their own wheelchairs while flying. The proposed solution resembles the wheelchair spaces available on a city bus. There is a standard seat, which can be folded up to reveal an empty space, as well as tie-downs to prevent the wheelchair from moving during the flight. The tie-downs are user friendly and the flight attendants can use them without assistance from maintenance staff. This allows the wheelchair user to board the plane independently and removes the indignity of the dreaded aisle chair.  Delta has used feedback from actual wheelchair users to improve their design and aims to include other accessibility features as well, such as the use of braille for passengers with visual impairments as well as “smart mirrors” that display the text of PA announcements for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Perhaps the most exciting accessibility feature would be a fully accessible bathroom with a fixed channel to allow wheelchair access. People with disabilities would be able to access the sink from the toilet and be able to transfer safely from their wheelchair to the toilet and back again.  This is exciting news for the disability community, many of whom would love to travel but are currently unable to, and seats are available in both first class and economy, removing the “disability tax” by not requiring passengers with disabilities to pay extra in order to accommodate their needs.  Hopefully, Delta Airlines will make this prototype a reality so that people with all types of disabilities can satisfy their wanderlust and travel the world alongside their peers without disabilities! To see the prototype in action, you can watch the video linked below.  Delta Airlines Accessible Seat Prototype Video Fundable: Just imagine... Fundable, held on November 15, was a wonderful success, thanks in part to you! We had the opportunity to mix and mingle with our community, raise awareness, and honor our award recipients. All this while raising additional funds for our organization. Thank you so much for your care and consideration and continued support! Did you miss it? You can watch the video we played for our awards show on youtube- linked in the button below. Fundable awards video Sponsor of the Month Spinx Spinx is a gas station with true southern roots that was founded in Greenville, SC in 1972. Spinx has recently expanded to include convenience stores, car washes, and its famous fried chicken. Sphinx's mission is to meet the everyday needs of its customers in a safe, clean, and efficient environment.  There are 80 Spinx locations conveniently stationed throughout the state of South Carolina. Spinx employs 1,400 staff members in its various gas stations, convenience stores, food operations, and related businesses. The Spinx company enjoys giving back to the community through its charitable organization, The Spinx Family Foundation.  The Spinx Family Foundation has supported Able SC’s Youth Programs through a recent donation, demonstrating their dedication to community involvement and fostering future leaders. Able SC Youth Team Wishlist Support Disabled Youth! Check out our Amazon Youth Team Wishlist to support our youth programs including Equip, SC Youth Leadership Forum, and others. Wishlist Able SC Youth Services The transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities can be complicated. As an organization staffed and board-directed by a majority of people with disabilities ourselves, we understand the needs of youth, their families, and the professionals supporting them in ways that other agencies may not. Able SC Youth Programs subscribe donate our work Able South Carolina 720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210 803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org Follow Us Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences