Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board

Sensory Friendly Morning is returning to the SC State Fair this year! On October 17th, children and adults with autism and other sensory processing disabilities are invited to enter the fairgrounds from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to enjoy a quieter and less stimulating experience. To learn more about sensory friendly morning, please visit www.scstatefair.org.

Sensory Friendly Morning | South Carolina State Fair Thursday, Oct. 17 from 10 am - Noon

The Babcock Center will be having a Jingle Jam Music Festival on Sunday, October 27th from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Steel Hands Brewery. Please attend for some holiday fun, and listen to songs recorded by Babcock Center's supported individuals and various local bands.

Ashley Williams lives with a Spinal Cord Injury, and works as a Case Manager at our agency. Please watch her story of resilience, strength, and hope. The Richland/Lexington Disabilities and Special Needs Board ensures that every survivor receives the support that they deserve.

Interview with a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor - Ashley Williams

September is National Spinal Cord Injury Month, which honors the courage of those with spinal cord injuries, and their families. The observance also aims to educate the general public, and improve the support for those with spinal cord injuries.

Bitty & Beau's is a new coffee shop in town! The team is made up of incredible individuals with and without disabilities, who work side by side, showing the world what is possible when you build a radically inclusive workforce. Bitty & Beau's is located at 1001 Gervais Street in Columbia, and the company has a total of 18+ locations, 450+ employees with disabilities, and 1 movement. Go and enjoy yourself a cup of coffee, and cheer on the team!

David Moody was recently inducted into the 2024 White Knoll High Athletic Hall of Fame! He attended White Knoll, in Lexington County, as a special education student. David participated in track and field, and other activities with Special Olympics. Due to his love for sports, he attended all sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, and softball. After graduating in 2006, David continues his passion for White Knoll Athletics, attending as many games as he can. Congratulations, David!

The First Annual Disability Resource Expo will take place on August 25th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Greenville, SC. This is a FREE event designed to help connect people with local, state, and national resources. See flyer for more information.

You're invited to SJ’s Gift, a special FREE event in Cameron, SC. The 4th Annual Event is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This event was created by a mother of a child with disabilities to celebrate her child and others with disabilities and special needs. It offers a valuable opportunity for advocates to connect, share information, and support one another. See flyer for more information.

The South Carolina State Museum will be holding their monthly Accessibility Morning on Saturday, August 10th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Event coordinators shared that this inclusive program provides free access for families of children, teens, young adults, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, more sensory-friendly and disability adapted experience at the museum where they can explore at their own pace and enjoy the special activities. For more information, go to https://scmuseum.org/events/accessibility-morning-pigeon.

You're invited to the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association's SC Superheroes in Motion Walk, Run, and Roll event on September 28, 2024 for Spinal Cord Injury Awareness month. They are currently seeking sponsors and donations if you or anyone you know may be interested. Please see attached information and link for more details.

https://www.strictlyrunning.com/gpuilreg-8l.asp?uRaceId=4435

We are excited to announce that the R/L DSNB currently has Summer Support funds available for qualifying individuals. This funding is available for any non-waiver enrolled individual to enhance their social, recreational, and educational skill development over the summer. There is no age limit for funding, and all applications are considered.
Ideas include:
Summer camps of all types
Learning classes or materials (driving, reading, knitting, cooking)
Social clubs, classes, or events
Individuals may request reimbursement for activities already completed and funded privately.
If you are interested in learning more about these funds, please contact your Case Manager to determine if you or a loved one qualifies for support.

In celebration of the 40th year of the Charles Chadwell Endowment, the Education Department of Presbyterian College in Clinton SC, cordially invites you to attend the 10th Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute, featuring author and speaker Dr. Temple Grandin. This is a FREE event!

Dr. Grandin will deliver her talk entitled, “The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds”, followed by a book signing. Books will be on sale at the event.

Some people are good at art, some are good at math. Others are talented in writing. Dr. Grandin is an extreme visual thinker and words narrate the pictures in her imagination. Visual thinking is an asset for artists, mechanics, and graphic designers. Research has shown that there are two kinds of visual thinkers. They are “object visualizers” like her, and mathematical “visual spatial” thinkers who think in patterns. The different kinds of minds have skills that complement each other. People who have difficulty in school or who have autism, ADHD, or dyslexia often have uneven skills. In this talk, Dr. Grandin explains how educators need to spend more time helping students develop their strengths to prepare them for good careers.

Temple Grandin is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed for handling livestock are used by many companies around the world. She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. Temple has appeared on numerous TV shows such as 20/20, Larry King Live, and Prime Time. Her books include: Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport and The Autistic Brain. Her book Animals in Translation has been on the New York Times Bestseller List. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in September 2017 and in 2022 was named a Colorado State University Distinguished Professor.

When: Friday, August 16th

Time: 5:00 PM (one hour talk followed by book signing)

Where: Belk Auditorium/Presbyterian College

Everyone is welcome. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please click here for more information.

https://www.presby.edu/about/for-the-community/signature-events/charles-chadwell-special-education-institute/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0qPI6mhitqDjtB7dx5rTsJEqZJLZ6YKfkDruYT4hVcqSGQISn8-bx63wA_aem_xMiZ1mcsLr6Vmmo14JG8vw&sfnsn=mo

The USC College of Social Work is conducting a research study for parents of autistic adults.

Are you:
65 or older?
Parenting an autistic adult?

Join our research study to help advance understanding of the unique journey of parenting adult children with autism. Your insights are invaluable!

By participating in a 45-90 minute interview, you'll shed light on the challenges, rewards, resources, and unmet needs faced by parents as they navigate later life with their autistic adult children.

Interested? See attached flyer for more information and how to participate!

Cory Lee is a wheelchair user who travels frequently, and shares his experiences with accessibility online. He has a non profit organization, and will be picking a winner this month for a travel grant.

*If you haven’t applied for a travel grant within the past year from our nonprofit, The Curb Free Foundation, NOW is the time to apply! We will be choosing our next winner NEXT MONTH! Here are some tips for filling out your application.

1) Really think about what your dream destination is. You get one shot at this…make it a good destination that you’ve ALWAYS dreamed of visiting!
2) Be as detailed as possible with your answers on the application! When our committee reads each application, they want to feel your emotion and how much this trip means to you. Pour your heart and soul into the application.
3) On the application, it’ll ask how much you think the trip will cost. A LOT of applicants just put “I don’t know” or leave that part blank, but do your research. Really figure out an estimate for how much your trip to that destination would cost, so that we can ensure we’re giving you the right amount of money for your dream trip.

To apply, click here. https://www.thecurbfreefoundation.com

Rich/Lex DSNB will be joining in the Disabilities Pride Celebration in the Low Country at the Finale Celebration, which is hosted by HEART Inclusive Arts Community. This is scheduled for Friday, July 26th at Holy City Brewing from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Disability Pride is for anyone and everyone who identifies as a member of the Disability Community, including advocates like yourselves.

What is Disability Pride? — Disability Pride  What is Disability Pride? Image description: Top left photo shows two young boys, one using a white cane, standing in front of a banner at a parade. From the 2015 New York City Disability Pride parade (the first parade in NYC). Top right, a black and white photo of Disability activists Marca Brist...

The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina (BIASC) and the South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council (SCBILC) will host the annual statewide conference, Life with Brain Injury Conference, on Friday, July 26th at the Cooperative Conference Center in Columbia, SC. The conference is open to professionals, individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, and other interested persons. Find more details about this event here:

South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council The South Carolina Brain Injury Leadership Council is the statewide advisory council for brain injury and has been designated to provide statewide coordination in promoting support services to persons with brain injuries, their families, and caregivers, and to identify emerging issues and innovation

SC Governor, Henry McMaster, is declaring July 22nd as National Fragile X Awareness Day in SC. Rich/Lex DSNB will be joining parents, families, self-advocate, state officials, and researchers, along with the SC Fragile X Resource Group to bring awareness to Fragile X Syndrome and Fragile X Associated Disorders. This event will take place on the First Floor Lobby of the SC State House and Grounds from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, July 22nd.

2024 Fragile X Awareness - South Carolina State Capitol | NFXF Events Join self-advocates, parents, caregivers, researchers, and state officials from South Carolina as they bring awareness to Fragile X-associated conditions at the State Capitol.

The Columbia Fireflies baseball league is hosting Disability Pride Night at Segra Park on July 23rd from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Join the Fireflies at Segra Park as they recognize the history, accomplishments, contributions, and unique experiences of the disabled community.

https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/events/ #!/details/disability-pride-night-at-segra-park/13741678/2024-07-23T18

5th Annual Computer Game Coding Camp, presented by EdASE Research, Camp Signup Form
July 8th-26th, 2024 (M-F) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
*Cost: FREE
*Deadline to sign up: June 15th, 2024
*Must be a high school student
*Note: We have a limited capacity. We will email you after this form is submitted to confirm your registration.

Join us for our fifth computer game coding camp! This camp is for high school students on the autism spectrum (ASD). The camp will expose students to high-level video game design and development and provide opportunities for networking with peers. While developing their video game, students will improve their teamwork skills such as communication and collaboration. Throughout the camp, campers will learn the high-level processes of software development, game development, interpersonal communication, collaboration, and end up with their own game, from scratch.

To sign up, click here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctA4tCn7bBBJA29FLkh4THI_tLWuIXDRxyePnytgLnbkznqA/viewform

The SC Assistive Technology Program Reuse Free 4 All Event will be held on Friday, June 14th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

All available durable medical equipment will be on display. If you or someone you know needs durable medical equipment, you can come browse the available equipment, and take what you need. All for FREE!

Who: Everyone! Individuals with disabilities, family members, therapists, educators, veterans, case workers, etc.
When: Friday, June 14th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. No appointment needed!
Where: SC Assistive Technology Program: 8301 Farrow Road Columbia, SC
Why: All the equipment has been cleaned, sanitized, and is FREE!

Please follow these directions when you arrive at Midlands Center at 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia:
•Turn into the entrance to Midlands Center onto Azalea Avenue
•Stay on the main road into the Center
•Turn left onto Crape Myrtle Lane
•Turn right into the 2nd parking lot
•Follow the white signs

Some equipment that will be available includes:
•Walkers
•Canes
•Bedside commodes
•Bath chairs
•Crutches
•Pediatric standers
•And more

Apple is set to launch a range of new capabilities aimed at making life easier for people with disabilities, including an option to control a phone or tablet using only a person’s eyes. More information can be found at the link below.

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/05/17/apple-to-roll-out-new-accessibility-features/30885/

Step Ahead Early Intervention would like to invite you to their Annual Spring Fling!

When: Friday, March 22, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: 301 Greystone Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210

There will be an egg hunt, crafts, refreshments, and the Easter Bunny!

On behalf of the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, please see the attached and below.

Please see the attached flyer for the first two sessions of what we hope will be a recurring webinar to provide information about supports and services for children with autism in South Carolina.

Webinar: My child has been diagnosed with autism: Now what?
Services and supports in South Carolina

Wednesday March 6th at 12pm: https://bit.ly/12pmAutismWebinar

Wednesday March 6th at 6pm: https://bit.ly/6pmAutismWebinar

You are invited to Disability Celebration Day at the SC State Museum! It will be held on March 9, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This special event is free, and celebrates those with disabilities with fun, inclusive activities.

Family Connection is hosting the 2024 Hopes & Dreams Conference, which brings together parents, students, professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors for a day of learning and collaboration!

It will be held on March 21, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the R2i2 Conference Center (763 Fashion Drive Columbia, SC 29229).

Conferences - Family Connection of South Carolina Registration Now Open Hopes & Dreams Conference brings together parents, students, professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors for a day of learning and collaboration! Hopes & Dreams 2024 will be held on March 21 at R2i2 Conference Center. Learn more about registration, sponsorship, and exhibitor detail...

BRAIN INJURY FRIENDLY ART CLASS COMING UP!

Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 10 - 11 am EST
Free & Virtual Brain Injury Friendly Art Class facilitated by Brain Injury Survivor and Advocate, Allison Moir-Smith.

Please join the BIASC for another relaxing Brain Injury Friendly Art Class on February 6, 2024 at 10 AM. This virtual session will be a guided art activity by artist, brain injury survivor, and advocate Allison Moir-Smith.

The theme for this class is Metamorphosis: Striving and Thriving After Brain Injury. This will be a collaborative effort between South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and The Brain Injury Association of South Carolina as part of The Butterfly Project for Brain Injury Awareness month.

Allison will gently guide us through creating colorful butterflies!

The BIASC will be hosting more of these types of events throughout the 2024 calendar year, so stay tuned for additional dates and themes.

Supply Requests
If you live in South Carolina and need assistance with art supplies, please indicate that ON the registration form and we will send you art supplies for this class at no cost to you. We do provide assistance for art supplies for large groups, day programs, rehabilitation groups, etc. Please allow 7 days for art materials to be mailed to you. The deadline for shipping materials will be January 30, 2024.

LINK TO REGISTER CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AND BELOW:
https://www.biaofsc.com/events/brain-injury-friendly-art-class

Image Description: illustration of butterflies with text that says "Brain Injury Friendly Art Class. Tuesday, February 6. 10 am EST. Free & Virtual!"

Autism Connect is a resource fair where information about trends, research, and services to support people with Autism will be shared. It will be held on April 23, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the USC Alumni Center.

The event is open to the public, and will provide valuable information to experts who support those with Autism, family members of those with Autism, and others interested parties.

First Choice and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is having a Repack the Backpack event! It will be on Saturday, January 27th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at First Choice Community Center. Come out to get a free backpack with school supplies, and take part in the health screenings, activities, and food/drinks!

One of our HASCI Case Managers, Ashley Elizabeth Williams, is competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair South Carolina on February 3, 2024! The pageant has a People's Choice Award, which will be given to the contestant with the most votes, and she would love your support. It is $1.00 to vote, and they can be sent to $mwscprogram on Cash App. Voting is unlimited, and effective January 12, 2024-January 26, 2024. Please state who you are voting for in the memo. The money will go towards the program, and if Ashley is chosen, it will allow her to travel and continue to advocate for her chosen platform of accessibility. This is just on of the issues that she is passionate about, and already advocates for daily in the disability community. Step Ahead and the Richland/Lexington DSNB wishes Ashley the best of luck! More information on the pageant can be found here. https://facebook.com/events/s/ms-wheelchair-south-carolina-c/392697216624658/