|  | Able SC September News This month, our team hosted a powerful screening of the COVID-19 documentary Fire Through Dry Grass at the Nickelodeon Theater, followed by a discussion on advocacy, health, and inclusion for Black, Indigenous, and other persons of color with disabilities. The panel, led by Justice Shorter and featuring the film’s creators, shared personal experiences of systemic ableism and racism, making it an educational and emotional event. Because of our continued excellence in advocacy for people with disabilities, our CEO was invited to the White House to attend a celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride. While there she was able to meet with her childhood hero, Ted Kennedy Jr., a disabled advocate! To celebrate disability voting rights week, members of our team participated in a screening of "Accessing Democracy" and talkback hosted by the SC Disability Voting Coalition at Columbia's Nickelodeon Theater. Our very own Director of Independent Living Services, Laquanda Clark, was one of the stars and Senior Director of Community Education, Dori Tempio, and Youth Independent Living Specialist, Holden Roberts, were members of the panel alongside SC Disability Rights' Macy Adams, and the PIO for the State Election Commission, John Michael Catalano. We also heard and saw members of our team in the media. Leading up to our 9th annual Employer Summit, our Director of Employment Programs, Marly Saade, was interviewed by the SC Business Review on SC Public Radio. Our Senior Director of Community Education was on WLTX for a feature on disability voting rights. And our VP and Chief Public Relations Officer, Mary Alex Kopp, received a honor as one of the "best and brightest under 35" by Columbia Business Monthly. |
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| | Able SC Statement on Death Penalty in South Carolina Product of a system: the death penalty in South Carolina targets multi-marginalized, disabled individuals Trigger Warning: Discussion of state-sanctioned killing, death penalty, and discrimination against disability. For the first time in 13 years, South Carolina has scheduled an execution. Khalil Allah (known formerly as Freddie Owens) is set to be executed today, September 20, 2024. The death penalty is disproportionately applied to multi-marginalized communities. If a person is disabled, Black, poor, or lacks access to quality education, their likelihood of facing execution increases. In Mr. Allah’s case, all of these factors are present. We developed a statement earlier this month in support of deferring his execution, and condemning the practice. |
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| |  | Able SC Team Highlight: Employment Programs We offer a variety of employment programs and initiatives to help people with disabilities achieve their employment goals. Our Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA team works with people who receive social security benefits to help them understand how working may impact their benefits and what work incentives may be available to them. Other employment programs include Hire Me SC, Ticket to Work, SNAP2Work, and SC Disability Employment Coalition. Read more about our employment programs. |
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 | Success Story Highlight Recently a member of our Youth Transition Services Team shared this story with us:
A 16-year-old student with learning disabilities came to Able SC about a disheartening comment. She mentioned that her teacher had told her and her classmates they couldn’t become doctors. After talking with members of our Able SC team, the focus shifted. The we emphasized that while they might face different barriers or need to take unique paths compared to others, with hard work and asking for help when needed, becoming a doctor was absolutely possible. They explored the various paths that could lead to a medical career, and by the end of the lesson, the student was visibly inspired. She even wrote down “surgeon” as her career goal, leaving our meeting with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. |
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| | Upcoming Events Able SC has an abundance of educational events, social events, and more. Be sure to save these dates: Youth Events: Events for Youth ages 13-28 - Equip Hangouts: 1st and 3rd Thursdays 6-7 pm, contact equip@able-sc.org
- SC Cater + Equip Virtual Reality Lab: September 28 10 am - 1 pm, 1530 Wheat St. Columbia, SC, contact equip@able-sc.org
Consumer Events: Events for People with Disabilities Education Trainings: |
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| | | Tidal Wave Charity Day Thank you Tidal Wave Auto Spa for choosing Able SC for your Charity Day! Today Tidal Wave Auto Spa's two locations in Columbia, SC hosted us and 50% of the day's proceeds were donated to Able SC! |
|  | You’re Invited to FundAble! Friday, November 15, 2024
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Central Energy
2030 Gregg Street
Columbia, SC This year’s Able SC’s annual fundraising & awards event will celebrate our 30th Anniversary and share our vision for the future. Dress to impress in cocktail attire for an elegant evening consisting of heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live music performance, and more; all in support of our disability community. An unforgettable experience for a worthy cause. Come and enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, awards show, and live entertainment - all while having a fun evening with dedicated individuals who work to equip people with disabilities, educate our communities, and advocate for access, equity, and inclusion! |
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| | Able South Carolina
720 Gracern Road Suite 106 | Columbia, South Carolina 29210
803.779.5121 | advocacy@able-sc.org |
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