Check Out Our New Title!

 Disability and Public Health

editors: 

Charles E. Drum, Gloria L. Krahn, and Hank Bersani, Jr.

 2009 

Click here to check for availability!

Public health professionals have had few opportunities to learn about disability in a public health context. Now Disability and Public Health provides a thorough roadmap to professionals and describes how disability complements a public health context. By promoting an understanding of disability, the book provides a basis for enhancing the success of all of public health initiatives.

Click here for more information.

Are You Feeling Empowered? Join us this week for Empower Hour!

Wellness and Yoga

Have you ever wanted a stronger and more flexible body? Do you wish you had a more resilient heart and mind so you can respond, not just react, to stress and change?  Are you looking for opportunities to meet new people and form new connections? You just need to answer yes to one of these questions to join us for this month's Empower Hour focusing on a discussion about wellness and yoga.

This Thursday we'll be talking about how wellness can mean different things to different people. What does it mean to you? You will have the opportunity to learn more from your peers about accessible yoga and ways you can incorporate yoga poses into your everyday life. Join us on Thursday, January 24, from 4:00 - 5:00 at our Midlands or Upstate office!

January Empower Hour
Thursday, January 24, 2019
4:00 - 5:00 PM

 
Columbia
720 Gracern Rd., Suite 106
Columbia, SC 29210

Greenville
135 Edinburgh Ct., Suite 101
Greenville, SC 29607

Able South Carolina offers Empower Hour, a monthly peer networking group for individuals with all types of disabilities. Our Empower Hour is led by your peers and meets to discuss the meaning of independence, share resources, find social opportunities, and provide support and encouragement to each other. Empower Hour is a great opportunity to connect with others and meet new friends.

Have questions? Contact Dori Tempio at dtempio@able-sc.org.

 

Siblings of Autism Announce Scholarship Contest Winners

Siblings of Autism (SOA) is announcing the winners of its 3rd Annual Siblings of Autism 

Scholarship Contest—an important program dedicated to supporting the siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum with educational scholarships—through “Siblings Sundays”. “Siblings Sundays” is a social media campaign dedicated to supporting the siblings of individuals on the autism spectrum and to recognize siblings who shared their stories through photo/statement submissions for the Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest in 2018. 

Each week, a winner will be spotlighted along with their winning submission, that speaks to what AutismIs. The series will conclude on April 10th—National Siblings Day—also, the same day the 2019 Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest begins.

Working together, Siblings of Autism and the Autism Society of America have formed a partnership to start supporting the needs of siblings of those living with autism. The effort Siblings of Autism has undertaken is a contest program where siblings of those living with autism are encouraged to submit a powerful statement describing what they perceive Autism Is along with a personal photo. A panel of volunteers reviewed the submissions and determined which submissions had the most powerful statement. Seven scholarships were awarded as follows: One $10,000, one $5,000, and five $1,000 scholarships and can be used for post-secondary education opportunities, other educational pursuits, or camps. For the purpose of this effort, a sibling who was considered for a scholarship must have at least one brother or one sister who lives with autism. Decisions on scholarship winners were announced to winning recipients in November 2018.  

The “Siblings Sundays” social media mini-series will commence on January 20th and will feature each winner in a spotlight where their AutismIs statement and person photo for this scholarship contest will be showcased. This weekly winner spotlight will be live on ASA’s facebook page. The series will conclude on April 10th—National Siblings Day—also, the same day the 2019 Siblings of Autism Scholarship Contest begins.

Click here to visit the Autism Society website. 

Please Take Our One Minute Survey!

Our survey takes one minute!

We need your opinion on our 2018 WIND Conference so that we can make our next conference better than ever.  Our survey has 5 questions and will take less than a minute to complete.  Click to link below to take it.

Survey

OPENING THIS WEEKEND: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

January 18 - February 09 - Thigpen Main Stage

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Based on the Novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens
Directed by Chad Henderson

JANUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 9, 2019

 *Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play*

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Hold on to your seats Columbia! You’re about to go on one of the wildest rides of the season at Trustus Theatre. This 2015 Tony Winner for Best Play tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher. Our young hero has an extraordinary brain: he is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Creative and electrifying, this production is not to be missed!

Trustus Theatre's First Actor Living with Autism to Take Stage This Weekend

Beck Chandler, an actor with autism,

brings truth and empowerment to the role of Christopher.

"It is very rare to see an autistic character, but it is extraordinary to have such a fantastic work be fully from an autistic perspective. I know that audiences will be amazed by the fantastical scenes that Christopher creates. We can learn a lot from this play. It shows us that difference can be powerful, and that autism can be used as a strength. I think an important aspect of the story is Christopher's bravery. He pushes himself to the limits and does things that even a child without autism would find daunting. He is an inspiration to me, and I believe that anyone can admire his courage. This is a play that says that no matter how you are different, you can do anything." - Beck Chandler

Click here for more information from Trustus Theatre. 





Free Reading and Learning Training

Emerging Technology, Implementation 

and Assistive Technology for Improved Function

Date: February 18, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Building 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)
Presenter: Trisha Johnson

REGISTRATION 

While each student learns differently, successful students have one thing in common – they take an active role in their learning.  With new technologies and strategies, it’s easier than ever for classrooms to invite EVERY student to gain independence through student-led learning.  This truly creates the Least Restrictive Environment – where students are fully empowered. Please join us as we dive deeply into this model that is transforming, not just classrooms, but also students’ lives every day. Learn new strategies to infuse Student-Led Learning into your practice – through personal interactions, data, and technologies for Google, Microsoft, and Apple that are changing learning. 

You’ll learn to:

• Apply what Daniel Pink says in his book “Drive” about Purpose, Autonomy, and Mastery

• Use a new strategy for your teens who are reluctant to try anything you recommend

• Run a data walkthrough to show students how they read best and allow students to take ownership of their reading methods 

Learning Objectives:

• Learn why 89% of educators say it’s very important for students to lead their own learning

• Apply 3 core components of student-led learning in your practice

• Understand three ways to use data to show students how they read best

Kick-Off 2019-Volunteer with Autism Society

The New Year is here and we would like to invite you to kick it off on a positive note with us. Whether you are looking for a volunteer opportunity for yourself or a loved one, a one-time project, or a longer commitment we can help support your new year’s resolution to give back or volunteer.

Volunteers are the heart of the autism community and can help us make a difference. We have bold plans in 2019 but we can’t do it without you. With autism rates currently on the rise in children and adults in the United States living with autism, and many more at risk. 1 out of every 59 children born today will face a future with autism spectrum disorder if current trends continue, and that number is closer to one out of six children in the United States with developmental disabilities such as speech and language. Autism affects all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The Autism Society and its 80 affiliates are here to help.

 
Our 80 affiliates provide a number of ways in which individuals and families can get involved locally, obtain support, and share their experiences with others in their communities. We have bold ideas and plans in 2019 and our affiliates provide encouragement, accurate information, and education. Find an affiliate near you and volunteer, here. 

GET INVOLVED TODAY! 

Need to speak with someone today? Contact us! We are to help you navigate and find the support you need through calls, emails and letters Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm. Connect to our comprehensive service via our toll-free number, 800-3AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org, and through the largest online referral database of autism services, Autism Source.

FREE Community Living Skills Classes

 

 

Community Living Skills Classes

If you're 18 years of age or older, you're invited to a series of free classes for people with disabilities to share ideas, build skills, and explore opportunities where they can use these skills in their everyday lives. These classes are made up of 10 sessions on disability identity, peer support, housing, transportation, and much more! They will be held every Friday from January 25 to April 5 from 1-3 PM at the Able SC Midlands office. There is an opportunity to earn a small amount of money for participating.
 

Join us for the orientation!
January 18, 2019
1-2 PM
Able SC Midlands Office
720 Gracern Rd, Ste 106
Columbia, SC 29210

Are you interested?
Contact Dori Tempio to register
Call 803-779-5121, ext. 226 or email dtempio@able-sc.org 

Free Pediatric Equipment!

Happy New Year from SCATP!

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

See below for some of the FREE pediatric equipment available through our Reuse service. Each item is linked to more information (if available). 

To schedule a pick-up, please email Alli Upchurch at alli.upchurch@uscmed.sc.edu or call 803-935-5273. 

Rifton Metal Gait Trainer
Model K24
Frame height 19 inches

armrest height 21-29 inches

100 pound capacity

Pediatric wheelchair
Seat width 12 inches
Seat depth 13 inches

Pediatric wheelchair
Seat width 17 inches
Seat depth 16 inches

Pediatric positioning chair/stroller
Comes with high/low base and stroller base
Seat width 13 inches
Seat depth 14 inches

Pediatric stander
User height 29 to 43 inches
User weight maximum 48 pounds

EasyStand 5000 standing frame
For users 4 feet to 5 feet 6 inches tall
Weight limit 180 pounds

  

Adaptive Stroller

Seat width 7 inches

Rifton prone stander-small
Model E930
User height 25 to 48 inches
Maximum weight 100 pounds

If we don’t have what you need, check out the AT Exchange!
See you at the AT Expo on March 5, 2019!

2019 Assistive Technology EXPO!

Free Assistive Technology Training: Osmo!

Tactile Learning with Innovative Technology with Osmo

Date: January 17, 2019
Time: One Hour Training Sessions Start Times: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Cost: Free
Location: SCATP Poplar Building Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)
Limit: 6 people per 1 hour session
 

Registration

Osmo Learning Systems will help students foster understanding of counting, develop foundational skills surrounding letter recognition and decoding, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination and critical thinking.

Training Objective – Train teachers how to blend tech and tangible learning in the classroom.

Presenter: Trish Johnson has over 20 years’ experience in education and software sales. She is the Southeast Territory Manager for TangiblePlay. She has a passion for helping educators integrate technology into their classroom with cross curricular products.

AT Assessment: Free Training

The Assistive Technology Assessment Process

Date: January 16, 2019
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: Free
Presenter: Madalina Tudora, ATP
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions)

Registration

From referral and consideration to assistive technology (AT) recommendations, the formal AT assessment process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate, but it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop, we will explore tools, resources and materials (many free!) necessary for a successful process. The “do’s” and “don’ts” of conducting a professional AT assessment will be discussed.

Free Eye Gaze Training

Eye Gaze, Head Mice and More

Date: January 29th, 2019
Time: 9:30-11:30 am
Cost: Free
Speaker: Carol Page
Location: SC Assistive Technology Program, Poplar Conference Room, Columbia, SC 29203 (Directions) 

REGISTRATION

Have you ever wondered how a person can operate their computer, communication device or gadgets in the environment if they can’t use their hands? Eye gaze and head mouse technology allow the user to operate a computer, talk if non-verbal, and operate environmental controls like a TV remote. Join us to have a hands-on experience with all these exciting devices. Learn where you can find this technology to try it without cost and how to get it funded.