2024 SC Self-Advocacy Conference-INDEPENDENCE: MY CHOICES, MY LIFE

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 23, 2024. 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, 2024.

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.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

9:00AM-10:00AM: CONFERENCE REGISTRATION/REGISTER TO VOTE

10:00AM-10:15AM: WELCOME

10:15AM-11:05AM: KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Cody Clark "A Different Way of Thinking"

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.**

"Saving for the Future with Palmetto ABLE"

This presentation will provide an overview and understanding of the federal ABLE act and the Palmetto ABLE Savings Program. The presenters will explain the benefits of owning a Palmetto ABLE savings account to eligible individuals with disabilities and demonstrate the ease of enrollment to encourage individuals to open an ABLE account and start planning for their financial futures. Karen Crider, Program Manager, Palmetto ABLE Savings Program; Matthew Smith, Palmetto ABLE Account Owner and Self-Advocate

“Protect and Promote the Rights of Each Resident”

In this session, participants will learn their rights while residing in long term care facilities. They will also learn how to access the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and their right to have access to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED’s) Vulnerable Adult Unit to report abuse, neglect & exploitation. Tammy Keller, Long Term Care Ombudsman Advocate, SC Department on Aging

“Write Your Own Story: Your Life, Your Plan”

This session will help participants learn how to communicate effectively to achieve their life goals and how to take control of their planning process using a web-based tool to create a person-centered plan. Dr. Melissa Richards, Ph.D., LBA, BCBA-D, Senior VP of Clinical Operations, The Columbus Organization; Heather Dubose, Case Manager, The Columbus Organization

12:15PM-1:15PM: LUNCH PROVIDED/REGISTER TO VOTE

1:15PM-2:05PM: CONCURRENT SESSIONS

" Disability Baggage and How to Deal with It"

In this session, participants will be able to define “Disability Baggage", the causes of this baggage and brainstorm solutions to loneliness, anxiety, and the other forms of baggage. Duncan Winburn, Disability Advocate

“Getting Social Security Disability and Want to Work? What You Need to Know about Benefits When You Work and How the WIPA Able to Work Program Can Help”

In this session, the presenter will identify the common misconceptions regarding how employment affects Social Security Disability Benefits and other federal, state, and local benefits. Participants will understand work incentives offered and how they can help in their journey to employment. Participants will also learn how and when to seek out benefits counseling services. Melissa Snyder, Lead Certified Work Incentives Coordinator, Able SC; Bauer Westeren, Certified Work Incentives Coordinator, Able SC

“Community Integration and Home and Community Based Services”

In this session, participants will learn what community integration and the “HCBS Rule” mean and updates on the rule. They will also learn the rights they or their family members have to make choices so they can be effective advocates or self-advocates. Anna Maria Conner, Senior Attorney, Disability Rights SC

2:05PM-3:00PM: REGISTER TO VOTE

SPONSORS

Host or Publisher IMPACT SC Self Advocacy Council