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Today we recieved a packet from DDSN, outlining goals, funding, waiting lists, etc. If you are interested in reading it, click here.  
During the month of April, ask your server at your Columbia-area Carolina Wings to "Round-Up for Autism"! Your bill will be rounded up to the next dollar, and the difference will be donated to the South Carolina Autism Society. For more information, click here.
The Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, has proclaimed April 2011 as "Autism Awareness Month". She "encourages all South Carolinians to work together to ensure that individuals with autism spectrum disorder are accuratelyl diagnosed and appropriately treated throughout their lives." To read the full Proclamation, click here.
Spread the Word to end the Word
March 14, 2011 - Posted by Craig Stoxen, President & CEO in SCAS Forum
At Disability Advocacy Day on March 2, 2001, we heard many of the Self Advocates talk about removing the “R” from our vocabulary. And replacing it with Respect! Self advocates expressed how the “R” word has become derogatory and demeaning. They called for the State of South Carolina to follow the lead of other states and the federal government and pass a law that will replace the use of mental retardation with terminology like intellectual disabilities. The legislator heard the call, and there are now two bills in progress. The Bill number in the House is H3920 introduced by Rep Bingham and the one in the Senate is S695 introduced by Senator Knotts. This bill will replace mental retardation form state laws and replaces it with intellectual disabilities and replaces mentally retarded with person with intellectual disabilities. It also will require all state agencies to do the same in their policies, procedures and publications. But to ensure that their in no fiscal impact, agencies are only required to make these changes as they are making other changes. In this fiscally tough time, it was important to us that there not be any cost to making these changes. Please ask your state Senator to cosponsor and to vote for Bill S. 695, and your Representative to cosponsor and to vote for Bill H 3920. Here are some key points to make:
Its time that we as a state show respect! Spread the word to end the word.
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) maintains a statewide network of dentists who have indicated they will provide oral-dental treatment to individuals with special health care needs. You can access this network through the following link: http://www.handsonhealth-sc.org/dental/. One of the many attributes of this link is the user's ability to indicate specific variables about the individual seeking dental care, such as type of disability, age, and insurance status. The network is maintained by Dr. Carlos Salinas whose mission is to eliminate oral health disparities and increase the quality of life for individuals with special health care needs, particularly those of low income and minority groups. We hope you find this website helpful as you help to increase access to dental care for people you work with. Kathi K. Lacy, Associate State Director-Policy
South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2011 Free and open to the public 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! This event is offered only once a year and is the only event of its kind in South Carolina. Over 50 exhibits and 15 workshops are available, free of charge at the South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo on March 15, 2011 at the Columbia Conference Center. 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 injury. 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. 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 the Hubscrub event call the Disability Action Center at 1-800-681-6805 or 803-779-512.
Our 2011 Strides for Autism events will again begin with flag ceremonies conducted by scouts affected by autism. To sign up for this fun opportunity, please click here.
Join us for an Autism Swim night at the Golden Strip YMCA in Simpsonville! March 13 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Click here for more information and to register online.
Dance Theatre of Columbia to Host Event for Children with Disablilities
Dance Theatre of Columbia will host a sensory-friendly production of “Alice In Wonderland”. This production is free to families of children with autism and other sensory disabilities. The production will be held at Good Sheppard Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Saturday March 19th at 3 pm.
Good Sheppard Lutheran Church is located at 3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC.
Please call to make your reservations: Dance Theatre of Columbia 788-7517 or Tami Covert at 309-5189.
Purchase your tickets now to see the full production of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Koger Center Saturday, March 26th, 7:00pm- www.capitoltickets.com or by calling (803) 251-2222
Proceeds from the production will benefit the SC Autism Society and The Therapy Place.
Please share this with all of your contacts:
Disability Advocacy Day is fast approaching! March 2, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. registration.
As Disability Advocacy Day approaches I wanted to go over a few things about the day to help make it a great success for you and for the cause.
Here is an agenda for the day:
8:30- Registration in the Blatt Building (Corner of Assembly and Pendleton) in Room 101. There you will sign in (having a count helps up promote the need and shows the need). You will receive a South Carolina Living Magazine, donated by the Electric Coops, with the legislative guide. In that magazine there are 3 posters (1 for your State Representative, 1 for your State Senator and 1 for you to keep) and a bright yellow label saying “No Cuts for Disabilities.” This label helps to identify your cause. ¨ If you are new this year, and have questions, please look for a volunteer who will be wearing a red ribbon.
Till 10:00 – Visit your Representative and Senator From the time you register until 10:00, go visit your House Member and Senator. If you can, set up an appointment before hand. If you did not set up an appointment, stop by their office and leave them a poster with your name and a short note. There is plenty of space on the poster to write a short note. ¨ Our goal is that every member receives a visit. ¨ If you have never visited your elected officials before and would like to have an experienced parent go with you, Family Connection will have volunteers on hand to attend with you. They can help show you the ropes.
By 10:00 am – Be in the Upstairs Lobby of the State House! Filling the lobby and the galleries helps to visually show lawmakers how important these issues are. We will be introduced from the floor of the House sometime that morning. Those in the gallery will be asked to stand to be recognized.
11:30 – Self Advocates Rally South Side Steps of the State House Come and here how potential cuts will affect self advocates. Feel free to bring your picnic lunch!
2:00 – Senate Gallery It may be getting late in the day, but the Senate will also introduce us from the floor. Show your support by being in the gallery.
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The South Carolina Autism Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and a registered charity in the state of South Carolina. Almost 90% of total expenses go to program services.
Click here for more information.
