SC Assistive Technology Expo News

Expo 2014 Equipment Donation Drive!

Do you (or someone you know) have unused assistive technology or medical equipment? Here's what you can do! SCATP and Able SC are partnering for a Durable Medical Equipment/Assistive Technology donation drive during the SC Assistive Technology Expo on March 26th. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Able SC will be accepting donations of useable assistive devices and durable medical equipment for the ReUse equipment recycling program. You can bring your equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, shower chairs, canes, etc.) to the Equipment Donation Drive tent that will be located in the parking lot at the Expo. Donated equipment will be cleaned and reissued to people with disabilities in the community who are in need. If you can't make the Expo, or you're intending to bring equipment, please contact Able SC at 803-779-5121 or toll free at: 1-800-681-6805.

Equipment in high demand: strollers, transfer benches, manual wheel chairs, shower benches, bedside tables on wheels, rollators, daily living aids such as adapted eating/cooking utensils and dressing equipment. We can find a home for almost anything!

Don't miss this Expo session!

There's More to Life! Overview of Exercise and Recreation Opportunities in South Carolina

We'll hear from a panel of people who are offering all kinds of recreational opportunities in South Carolina. All of them will motivate, inspire and inform about specific opportunities and the many different benefits gained through recreation. We'll learn about ways to adapt equipment and activities for people with disabilities, as well as the impact that these programs make on the community. Come receive ideas, understanding and motivation to take information and resources back to your own homes and communities. Moderated by Catherine Graham.

Barbara Oswald will talk about Special Olympics Project Unify, an education-based project that uses sports and education programs to activate young people to develop school communities where all youth are agents of change  fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities.

Kay Fort will tell us some of the innovative programs at Hope Bridge Adult Day Services  in West Columbia, which offers unique recreation opportunities for young adults with disabilities, designed to help participants maintain independence and find an avenue to grow and express themselves.

Rafe Ellisor will describe Fun4all, a program that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in recreational, leisure and outdoor activities.

Michael and Shelly Warner will let us know what's going on with Coastal Carolina Adaptive Sports & Recreation , offering adaptive sport and recreational opportunities that increase the mental and physical well being of people and their families who live with disabilities.

Dot Colson, on the Board of the SC Spinal Cord Injury Association, will provide an overview of a wide activities in South Carolina that provide other, different experiences for people with various disabilities.

• See all Expo sessions
• Read more about all Expo 2014 speakers
• See and share all of our Expo e-newsletters
• Promote the Expo by pasting this link on your Facebook page, blog or any social media:http://www.sc.edu/scatp/expo/expo14.html

To learn more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2014

Free and open to the public! No preregistration required!

Make sure you don't miss 'Apps offered by Web Browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.'

There will be an explanation of the difference between a browser app, add-on, extension, and plug in. Overview of browser extensions that can enhance online reading and learning. Overview of extensions for text-to-speech, speech-to-text, highlighting, saving notes, typing papers, looking up word definitions, spelling help, screen reading, magnification and more.

To learn more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2014

          FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY!

Mark your calendars! The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program Expo is returning for another exciting year. Come see what's new in assistive technology and listen to free presentations by great speakers.

When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 9am-4pm
Where: Brookland Banquet and Conference Centre, 1066 Sunset boulevard, West Columbia, SC, 29169

To learn more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link

 

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo Coming This Week!

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo

Coming Next Week!

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2013

20th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
9 am – 4 pm
Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7525

Free and open to the public!

No pre-registration required!

Don’t miss the chance to see and try cutting-edge products for people with all types of disabilities and age-related limitations! The SC Assistive Technology Expo is the only event of its kind in South Carolina, offered only once a year, free of charge.

Over 50 unique exhibits and 12 workshops are available. Workshops address technology that helps students of all ages, tools that help people with communication challenges, electronic information and web page accessibility, planning for emergencies, devices that help people live more independently, and online tools that make meetings, trainings and collaborative work easier for people with disabilities or anyone who uses a computer, iPhone, iPad or similar devices.

For more information about the Expo, call Lydia Durham at the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program: 800-915-4522 or 803-935-5263. Email Lydia.Durham@uscmed.sc.edu.

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Have you heard?

Have you heard about the South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo on March 27?

Free Pubic Admission and NO pre-registration required!

March 27, 2013

Brookland Banquet and Conference Center

West Columbia, SC

Look at some of the exciting sessions taking place:

Session 1: 9:30 - 10:30 AM

Emergencies, Disasters and Your Assistive Technology. Attendees will receive a free Disaster Planning Guide with the tools on using it to help ensure you, your family or those you work with are prepared for an emergency and know what to do with your Assistive Technology. Potential emergencies/disasters in your area, how youll get notice of an emergency, home/town evacuation plans, alternate communication plans, tips for practicing your plans, sheltering in place, returning to your home. Specifics about each need as it relates to various disabilities such as hearing, vision and mobility. Catherine Graham, USC SOM, Kimberly Tissot, DAC, Mike Patterson, Salvation Army

Session 2: 11:30 - 12:30

Therapeutic Positioning: Promoting Function and Improved Quality of Life: Identifying the benefits of weight bearing or assisted standing, for body systems (e.g., musculo-skeletal, respiratory, and gastro-intestinal). Selecting and integrating appropriate therapeutic positioning equipment such as activity chairs, gait trainers, the TRAM(lift/assisted gait device), and Versa Form into daily activities. How this approach impacts quality of life for people with several orthopedic impairments. Session is for parents, care givers, and service providers of individuals of all ages who have severe orthopedic impairments. Marian Michael, Kathleen OBrien, Richland School District Two.

Session 3: 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Assistive Technology for Independent Living: Real examples of how assistive technology has helped people live independently in life in all areas including parenting, housing, employment and recreation. Many examples of high and low tech solutions that help with people with a variety of disabilities such as deaf-blindness, mobility, brain injury, memory and communication. Presenters will surprise you at how simple assistive technology can be! Kimberly Tissot, Able South Carolina, David Dawson, USC SOM.

While no pre-registration is required, space is limited.

Seating is limited to 125 per session, plan to arrive early!

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo Memories!

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo

Is Coming Up Fast!

Don't know what happens at the Expo?

Click on the title to see a slideshow highlighting

the fun and memories made at the 2012 Expo.

Don't miss out on all the fun to be

 had at this years expo!

Free Public Admission

NO Pre-registration required

March 27, 2013

Brookland Banquet and Conference Center

West Columbia, SC

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo Coming Next Week!

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo

Coming Next Week!

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2013
20th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
9 am – 4 pm
Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7525

Free and open to the public!

No pre-registration required!

Don’t miss the chance to see and try cutting-edge products for people with all types of disabilities and age-related limitations! The SC Assistive Technology Expo is the only event of its kind in South Carolina, offered only once a year, free of charge.

Over 50 unique exhibits and 12 workshops are available. Workshops address technology that helps students of all ages, tools that help people with communication challenges, electronic information and web page accessibility, planning for emergencies, devices that help people live more independently, and online tools that make meetings, trainings and collaborative work easier for people with disabilities or anyone who uses a computer, iPhone, iPad or similar devices.

For more information about the Expo, call Lydia Durham at the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program: 800-915-4522 or 803-935-5263. Email Lydia.Durham@uscmed.sc.edu.

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Equipment Donation Drive

It's time to clean out your garage!

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program 
and Able South Carolina 
are sponsoring an Equipment Donation Drive.

Bring any equipment you don't 
use anymore with you to the 
Assistive Technology Expo on March 27.

For additional information and a list of items you can bring, click here.

For additional information about the Assistive Technology Expo, click here.

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2013

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2013

20th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

9 am – 4 pm

Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 

1066 Sunset Boulevard

West Columbia, S.C. 29169

(803) 796-7525

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY

     Mark your calendars! The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program Expo is returning for another exciting year! Come see what's new in assistive technology and listen to free presentations by great speakers. Keep checking this page for more details!

For more details about the Expo, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Equipment Donation Drive!

Please share this information far and wide!

We’d love your help printing and distributing the Donation Drive Flyer (click  here) to churches, assisted living places, nursing homes, thrift stores, etc. Your help in getting the word out will make a huge difference in the amount of equipment provided to those who can’t afford it any other way.

Take the time to clean out your closets and garage! If you're not using or have outgrown equipment, there’s a good chance it would be useful to another person. Declutter your life and help others.

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP) and the Disability Action Center (DAC) are sponsoring an Equipment Donation Drive, in collaboration with the statewide SC Assistive Technology Expo on March 27, 2013 at Brookland Conference Center, West Columbia. See more information at http://sc.edu/scatp/donationdrive.html. 

If you’re planning to bring equipment or have questions about the Equipment Donation Drive, contact:

Janet Jendron 

(803)935-5273 or Janet.Jendron@uscmed.sc.edu

Kimberly Tissot 

(803)779-5121 or KTissot@dacsc.org

1-800-681-6805 (Toll Free)

We may arrange to pick up your equipment before the conference. If you are bringing equipment the day of the conference and you're attending the Expo, you can bring it directly to the Conference Center. If you aren't attending the conference, please call one of the numbers above and we can arrange pick up. If requested, donations can be tax deductible. 

Below are some examples of items that are in high demand:

Tub benches

Transfer benches

Manual wheel chairs in good condition

Powered mobility with batteries that work

Rollator walkers

Portable ramps

Vehicle Lifts

Adapted Computer Technology

Pediatric equipment such as strollers and gait trainers

Adapted recreational items such as hand bikes, beach wheelchairs

To learn more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

Save the Date! SC Assistive Technology Expo 2013

Mark your calendars for...

SC Assistive Technology Expo 2013
20th Anniversary Extravaganza

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
9 am – 4 pm
Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 
1066 Sunset Boulevard
West Columbia, S.C. 29169
(803) 796-7525

---

Directions to the Banquet and Conference Center

Map of hotels near the Conference Center (PDF)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Mark your calendars! The South Carolina Assistive Technology Program Expo is returning for another exciting year! Come see what's new in assistive technology and listen to free presentations by great speakers

To read more, please click on the above title.

To access the CDR Library catalog, please click on this link.

2010 Assistive Technology Expo

November 17 - 19, 2010

North Raleigh Hilton

If you would like to receive mailings about the 2010 NC AT Expo, please use the contact form on the right side of the page.

What: The Assistive Technology Expo is an exciting three-day event designed to increase awareness and provide current information on assistive technology. Conference offerings include an exhibit hall (on 11/18/10 only) featuring over 60 vendors exhibiting the latest in assistive technology products and services, 40 concurrent sessions, a poster session and a Keynote address.

In addition, a pre-conference session will be offered on November 17 from 9:00-4:00 on Accessible Instructional Media: Using Bookshare to Meet Your Students’ Needs. The morning session will focus on assistive technologies. We’ll look at what’s out there and how to align the technologies with students’ needs. The afternoon session will focus on the Bookshare website as a source of free accessible instructional media (AIM). Particpants will learn what Bookshare offers, how to sign up, how to download books, how to read the books, and where to get support.

Who: Each year between 550-700 registered participants from across the country attend the NC AT Expo and approximately 1300 attend the free Exhibit Hall. Participants include: persons with disabilities, family members, teachers, therapists, Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living staff, rehabilitation counselors, employers, engineers, college professors, medical staff, college and university students, and authorized state purchasers.

Where: For hotel registration call the North Raleigh Hilton at 919-872-2323 or click here. Use the code ATX to get the conference rate. Deadline for hotel registrations is October 17, 2010.

Click on the above title for more information on the AT Expo.

The South Carolina Assistive Technology Exchange

Please send this message to other interested people and encourage them to join the SC AT Exchange. The more people we have involved, the more equipment we can find for South Carolinians.

Below are new listings on our SC AT Exchange.

You must login (or create a new account if you are a new user) to see the contact information. If you have already logged in (or at least tried to) and still have questions please email Catherine Leigh Graham of call her at 803-434-3189. If you can’t get Catherine, email Janet Jendron or call her at (803) 446-2566.

Please visit the AT Exchange web page and find the contact information/details for these and other items. The Assistive Technology Exchange website includes many items listed for sale or free, as well as items that are needed. These items are not located at any one place or warehouse. These are all items that are currently owned by someone else who is willing to sell at a reduced price or even for free in some cases.

If you have questions, please don’t respond to this email, but contact BOTH Janet.Jendron@uscmed.sc.edu AND Catherine.Graham@usc.med.sc.edu

Note that we can try to help facilitate transportation of equipment, if that's needed. We can't promise anything, but it's always amazing who can step in to help!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FOR SALE

#475 Britax Traveller Plus Car Seat for sale in excellent condition with pictures. Located in Summerville.

FOR DONATION

#476 NIMBO Small Pediatric Walker for donation in excellent condition. Located in Columbia.

#478 Wombat Pediatric R82 Positioning Chair, excellent condition with attachments. Columbia but delivery can be arranged.

#479 Zippie TS Pediatric Wheelchair, in excellent condition. Located in Columbia but delivery can be arranged.

ITEMS NEEDED

#473 Reclining Chair needed in Bluffton.

#474 Van with a lift needed in Bluffton.

2011 SC Assistive Technology Expo

The 2011 SC Assistive Technology Expo is being held on Tuesday, March 15 in Columbia at the Columbia Conference Center.
Exhibits and fifteen workshops provide the once-a-year opportunity, free of charge, to see and try the latest assistive technology. Opportunities for networking are tremendous!

This year people can also have non-electronic equipment cleaned and sanitized at a Hubscrub event, co-sponsored with the Disability Action Center and Walton Options for Independent Living. We would really appreciate your sharing this information with nursing homes, churches and assisted living facilities in Columbia, especially those near the Conference Center (off I26 between St. Andrews and Piney Grove Road). The Hubscrub doesn’t come this way very often; don’t miss this chance to clean, sanitize and prolong the life of your equipment!

There are several workshops of particular interest:

Staying Connected: AAC for Adults
Components of effective evaluation and treatment for adults needing augcom or adaptive equipment. Importance of communication about stages of progression in diseases such as ALS. Benefits of early introduction to AT and hands-on trials to facilitate communication, computer access, telephone access and other environmental controls. Types of AT and practical application. Amy Wright, SLP, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC

The Evolving World of Digital Audio Books and Players
Update on new digital book players and refinements to existing players that benefit readers of all ages. Sources and resources. Marty McKenzie, Clay Jeffcoat, SCSDB

Perspectives on Home Modifications
Practical/economical considerations in reducing barriers related to vision, hearing and mobility challenges. Resources, real life experiences. Todd Batt, Rehab Engineer, SCVRD, Wesley Farnum, Building Contractor, Roger Williams, SCDMH, Jed Elmaleh, PT. Facilitator: Catherine Graham, Rehab Engineer, USC SOM

Vehicle Modifications and Adapted Driving
Overview of resources available to people who need adapted driving instruction, support and resources. Considerations, options and resources available to those who need modified vehicles. Tom Jackman, Rehab Engineer, SCVRD, Leslie Shipp, SCVRD, Jed Elmaleh, PT

Finding Your Way Through the AT Maze
Where do you start if you know you might need assistive technology? Overview of South Carolina's online resources for AT evaluation, funding, acquisition, application and support. Resources from SC Access and the new Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Denise Rivers, Lt. Governor's Office on Aging

Apps Galore! Educational Applications for the iPad/iTouch/iPhone
Features and options of iPads and iTouches (many free or low-cost) that are universally designed to meet the needs of many students. Integrated accessibility options and a wide range of education applications, for students with disabilities and those needing additional support to be successful in the classroom or in other environments. Stacy Springer, OTR/L, Val Gioia, SCDE AT Specialists

Assistive Technology Reutilization in South Carolina
Overview of programs and resources to find and share used equipment at reduced prices or even free of charge. Online programs, equipment centers, agency collaboration and future growth of these initiatives. Catherine Graham, Rehab Engineer, USC SOM, Janet Jendron, SCATP, Kimberly Tissot, DAC

Brain Injury and Assistive Technology
Latest technology that can help people with brain injury and memory challenges, such as GPS systems, cell phones, and iPads. How everyday technology can be used to help with daily life. Perspective and experiences from a consumer who uses a variety of these options. Janet Spires, RN, SCVR

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
9 am – 4 pm
Columbia Conference Center
169 Laurelhurst Avenue
Columbia, SC 29210

Free and open to the public
No Pre-registration
Free CEUs for many disciplines

Don’t miss the chance to see and try cutting-edge products and services for people with all types of disabilities and age-related limitations! Some workshop topics include: home and vehicle modifications, augmentative communication for people who have trouble speaking, iPad and iPod applications for students and for communication challenges, literacy and study supports for students, making electronic information accessible, and tools that help people with brain injuries.

This year's Expo features another unique opportunity, free of charge. The Disability Action Center and Walton Options for Independent Living are providing a disinfecting, cleaning service through a system known as the "Hubscrub." Bring your non-electronic equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, commode chairs and bath chairs. For more information about this event call the Disability Action Center at 1-800-681-6805 or 779-512.

Sponsored by South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine Center for Disability Resources, SC Assistive Technology Advisory Committee.
NOTE: To learn more about the expo, click on the title above.

Check Out These Upcoming Assistive Technology Trainings

AAC: Creating Conversations and Measuring Progress
Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time: 8:45 am – noon
Location:Sequoia Building Conference Room B Midlands Center
Cost: $10.00
NOTE: There is a limit of 25 participants.
Presenter: Patricia Quattlebaum, MSP, CCC-SLP
Description: The workshop will focus on the primary purpose of AAC: creating opportunities for interaction. The difference between using picture sets for academic tasks and using symbols for conversation will be discussed. Participants will also discuss how to include caregivers in the interventions and how progress can be measured in meaningful ways.
Each participant should bring at least two examples of symbol pages (picture symbols or written words) that their clients currently use or two examples that might be effective in the future. In addition, each participant needs to bring five example AAC goals/objectives for their clients (or future clients). These items will be used for brainstorming purposes, and no identifying information such as client names or speech-language pathologists’ names should be included.
Following this, each participant will have the opportunity to create message sets that allow for augmented language stimulation and for conversations.

AMPLIFY! LIFE - Grab Life by the Phone. How to get specialized phone equipment FREE.
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Assistive Technology Resource Center Midlands Center
Cost: FREE!
Presenters: Anne G. Bader, Outreach Coordinator for the South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program (SCEDP); Nich Godfrey, Assistant Outreach Coordinator for SCEDP
Description: SCEDP is a state supported, non-income based program managed by the S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff and administered by the S.C. School for the Deaf and the Blind.
SCEDP is aware of the daily challenges facing individuals who are hearing or speech impaired. Telecommunications equipment distributed by SCEDP is carefully chosen to cover their various needs, and is distributed at no cost to qualifying South Carolinians. Qualifying disabilities are: hard-of-hearing, deaf, deaf-blind, blind/low vision with hearing loss, or speech impaired.

Building or Updating Your Home for Accessibility
Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: 2nd Floor Conference Room, Family Practice Center Interagency Office of Disability and Health
Cost: FREE!
Presenters: Wesley Farnum, CAPS, owner of MyHome Builders, LLC and Catherine Leigh Graham, MEMBE, Interagency Office of Disability and Health, USC School of Medicine
Description: Wesley and Catherine will discuss a variety of home design features that can improve accessibility for people with disabilities or those wishing to remain in their homes as they age. The design features covered are common to all homes and are available without sacrificing aesthetics and style. The objective of this seminar is to educate participants on design, features and products that can make a home more accessible and enjoyable. Before and after pictures will illustrate options. Listed below are a few of the topics that will be discussed:
Exterior features for accessibility and curb appeal
Kitchen design, Electrical items for safety and comfort, Bath and shower design and products, Flooring that works, Funding options

Registration is fast and easy! To register, click on the title above.