Independence: My Choices, My Life Conference

The Independence: My Choices, My Life Conference is hosted by IMPACT SC which is South Carolina's statewide self-advocacy council for people with disabilities. IMPACT SC's purpose is to provide self-advocates in South Carolina a way to meet with other self-advocates, not only in their state, but across the country in order to share ideas and support one another on issues that are important to people with disabilities. Our mission is to encourage positive change for people with disabilities through working together to enhance lives while making a stand for change.

The purpose of the conference is to bring people with disabilities, professionals, and families together to learn about resources and skills to promote inclusion, independence, and advocacy for the disability community.

New! IMPACT is celebrating 20 years of advocacy in May and you are invited to join us for cake, hors d'oeuvres, music and exhibits on Wednesday, May 21st from 5:00pm-7pm. It will be held at Hilton Garden Inn Columbia Airport, 110 McSwain Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169.

If you are in need of an overnight hotel stay to attend the conference, we have a limited number of scholarships for those who live outside of the Midlands Area. For more details and to complete a scholarship form , please email Kristi Hartwell at [email protected].

Info: This keynote presentation is a personal story of Ms. Deloach's journey to independence by using her voice to advocate for herself and with the help of her support system in making her own decisions that led to her living the life she desired.

Info: This session is a panel that includes graduates of the Partners and Policymaking Class.
Attendees will gather resources and information for their future, learn how to navigate systems toward independence and advocacy, and use their voice to advocate for their needs and wants. Will Farrior, Program Assistant, SC Developmental Disabilities Council

Info: In this session, participants will better understand benefits of owning an ABLE account and how ABLE accounts can be used to help people with disabilities and their loved ones plan and save for the future, while protecting benefits eligibility. Karen Crider, Palmetto ABLE Savings Program Manager, South Carolina Treasurer's Office

Info: The purpose of the National Core Indicators (NCI) Project is to gather opinions and experiences of individuals who receive services through the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. They will use this feedback to improve services. NCI gives people with IDD the ability to tell their stories and give input on the services and supports provided by the state. Your voice is important. Nothing About Us Without Us! Melissa Snyder, NCI Program Coordinator, Center for Disability Resources

Info: This session equips individuals with disabilities with the tools to take hands-on steps in maintaining mental health, leading to healthier, active, and more fulfilling lives. Participants will be able to understand their emotional responses, triggers, and stressors. They will also learn mindfulness and relaxation exercises and how to grow supportive relationships with peers, friends, family, or professionals. Ebony Deloach, Disability Health Equity Coordinator, Able SC; Mandy Halloran, Director of Public Health and Disability Integration , Able SC; Dori Tempio, Senior Director of Community Education, Able SC

Info: Everyone deserves a voice, and everyone deserves self-determination when making decisions about using Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC). AAC is a way to communicate that uses methods other than speaking. Join this session to learn more about how you can advocate for yourself and/or family member before, during, and after an Alternative Augmentative Communication evaluation. Rachell Johnson, M.C.D., CCC-SLP, ATP, Program Manager, Center for Disability Resources

Info: IMPACT SC Statewide Self-Advocacy Council offers a free training for people with disabilities across the state called the IMPACT Leadership Training. The goal of this training is to teach others how to advocate for themselves and become leaders in their community. The participants will learn how to hold a training in their area and what the students will learn in each class. They will also participate in fun activities to demonstrate the importance of teamwork. Donna Hinton, Support Trainer, IMPACT SC; Jonathan Pringle, IMPACT Vice President, Lead Trainer, IMPACT SC; Danielle Sartin, IMPACT Secretary, Lead Trainer, IMPACT SC

Host or Publisher IMPACT SC Self Advocacy Council