2022 SC Self-Advocacy Conference-INDEPENDENCE: MY CHOICES, MY LIFE

169 Laurelhurst Avenue,Columbia SC 29210

26 May, 2022

Description

A conference for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to gain the tools that will help people with disabilities be more independent. Individuals Motivating People to Achieve Change Together (IMPACT SC) is the state wide self advocacy council in South Carolina. IMPACT SC members believe in encouraging positive change for people and working together to enhance lives. IMPACT SC is proud to announce their statewide conference, "Independence: My Choices, My Life" on May 26, 2022. This conference is for self-advocates, parents, and professionals to gain the tools that will help them become more independent. Deadline to register is April 15, 2022. For the health and safety of our participants, we are taking necessary precautions to protect all attendees. Masks are encouraged and will be available. Hand sanitizer stations will also be available. Space is limited to allow for social distancing . CONFERENCE AGENDA 9:00AM-10:00AM: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION/REGISTER TO VOTE 10:00AM-10:15AM: WELCOME 10:15AM-11:05AM: KEYNOTE SPEAKER: James Cox "My Journey To Independence" 11:20AM-12:10PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS **Are you registered to vote? Please visit the voting room to register during breaks. You must bring your photo ID and Social Security Number to register to vote.** "Protection and Advocacy 101 for Self-Advocates and Families" This session will provide participants with an overview of the Disability Rights SC services, and the different ways that it serves people with disabilities. Participants will learn how Disability Rights SC can help self-advocates and their families become advocates who are more effective. Participants will also learn what systemic advocacy is and how Disability Rights SC influences system advocacy through education, client representation, and legislation. Beth Franco, Executive Director, Disability Rights SC “What’s So Great About Employment?”This session will explain where participants can start when looking for a job. The presenters will help participants identify who can offer support when getting and maintaining a job. This presentation will clarify any confusion, answer questions regarding barriers, and offer strategies for a path to employment. Susan Davis, Director of Employment Services, Center for Disability Resources; Becky Peters, Director of Day Services, S.C. Department of Disabilities and Special Needs “Reshaping Relationships” This session will help individuals with disabilities develop healthy interpersonal and professional relationships, recognize signs of abuse, understand how to interpret social cues, appreciate intersecting identities, and recognize the importance of consent in relationships. Participants will learn how to make healthy choices for themselves regarding relationships and connections in the community. Nicky Jones, Violence Prevention and Survivor Services Coordinator, Able SC; Dori Tempio, Director of Community Outreach and Consumer Rights, Able SC 12:15PM-1:15PM: LUNCH PROVIDED/REGISTER TO VOTE 1:15PM-2:05PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS " Community Integration and the "HCBS Rule": What are my rights?" This session will help participants understand community integration and the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Rule and provide them with an explanation of the rights of their family members. Self-advocates and their families will learn ways to help them advocate in an effective manner, address problem areas which may arise, and learn what questions to ask. Participants will also learn about resources they can use to be a better advocate. Anna Maria Conner, Attorney/Protection and Independence Team Leader, Disability Rights SC “Assistive Technology for Success in the Workplace”In this session, participants will learn who is responsible for providing assistive technology in the workplace. They will also learn how to identify assistive technology needs at work and three assistive technology solutions to use in the workplace. Tammy Wallace, Program Coordinator II, SC Assistive Technology Program, Center for Disability Resources “Representative Payee Program: Information for Beneficiaries and Representative Payees” Since August 2018, the Protection and Advocacy Network has received funding to conduct reviews on Representative Payee performance, on behalf of the Social Security Administration. This program provides oversight to Representative Payee services to beneficiaries, as well as, provide education, resources, and support to Representative Payees to better understand their role and responsibilities. LaShelle Tynes, Representative Payee & Voting Outreach Advocate, Disability Rights SC 2:05PM-3:00PM: REGISTER TO VOTE SPONSORS