|  | November Youth Newsletter |
| | Indigenous People and Mental Health An interview conducted by Youth Program Assistant, Grace Trumpower To honor our local Indigenous community this Thanksgiving season, I spoke with Able South Carolina’s Cason Stark, a member of the Seneca Nation of Indians in upstate New York. He is a mobility management assistant with Able who helps people with disabilities learn to navigate their local transit systems. He lives with physical and psychiatric disabilities and is also a trans man. Note that our conversation has been edited for length and clarity and can be found below. Grace: Do you think that Native Americans or indigenous people have a different view of disability than most Americans would? Cason: Yes, it's not really talked about within our culture…From my experience, we were raised to just toughen up, like it's just in your head. It's not real. Grace: Now, where do you feel like that attitude comes from? Cason: I believe it's just because natives in general, we don't really talk about mental illness or anything. [But I've also] noticed recently up there in the reservation that I have a cousin that's actually started a grief support group and addresses individual mental health also. So it's just now starting to become a thing up in the reservation to where people are actually starting to actually say, look, mental illness is real. It's legitimate. And we need help. Grace: Racial minorities are more likely to experience a psychiatric disability. Why do you think that? Is that just due to a lack of health care or due to attitudinal barriers or a shared trauma or anything like that? Cason: I think a little bit of all that, because Native Americans, we are the biggest minority in the US 'cause we're a dying race. They're not my tribe specifically, but if you look at other tribes like, say, the Lakota Sioux, any of the Western tribes that are, like, really poor…[There’s a] lack of healthcare, transportation, and monetary support. They just don't have ways to go get healthcare or handle their mental health or basically have anybody to talk to out in the Western tribes. There's a lot of major poverty, a lot of alcoholism. I guess you could say the communities are…kind of pushed under the rug if that makes sense. Grace: What is something that you think that maybe not the government necessarily, but society in general could do to help address the issues that the indigenous community is facing? Cason: Let it be known that having psychiatric disability is just not a bad thing…If there's more awareness out there that it is OK to talk about it, then it might help. Grace: Do you think indigenous people would respond better hearing this from a native person instead of someone from outside of the culture? Cason: Natives aren't very trustworthy of anybody outside the native community…Because we've been treated so badly and so forth with the US government so they’re a very closed, a very closed community. We kind of stick to ourselves. Grace: You mentioned a little bit earlier that stigma and pride have impacted your mental health. Can you tell me more about the pride aspect of it? With me being a trans male… So I'm a guy. Men have a harder time talking about mental illness or their feelings. And then plus, being Native American and for the LGBT community, it's also hard to talk about all this stuff because it's just, it just seems taboo, if that makes sense. Grace: Do you feel like, being a trans man and a Native American, that intersectionality has impacted your mental health? Cason: Yes, especially when I was at [inpatient psychiatric hospital] because everyone has a roommate. But because I'm transgender, I wasn't allowed to have a roommate. I was by myself the whole time I was admitted…At the end of the day, when everybody…when the nurses and staff told you it's time to go to your rooms and go to bed for the night, you can hear other people talking to each other in their rooms, laughing, giggling, and then you're just in your room by yourself. No one is there to talk to you. Grace: That made you feel more isolated? Cason: Yes, isolated, discriminated [against and] disregarded. Grace: What advice would you give to someone who's just been diagnosed with a psychiatric disability? And maybe they're a little bit scared of what their future is going to be like. Cason: [Psychiatric disability] is not something to be ashamed of or to be scared of. It's not the end all.
Just be willing to reach out [to your friends and family] and talk and listen to others. At first, you may not want to hear their advice and so forth because you’re kind of like just bummed that you were diagnosed with any psychiatric disability or just bummed in general because of your depression or…Whatever your mind is trying to tell you, basically because you're in a depressive state, your mind's telling you all these things. That's not true. Basically, just don't listen to [the depressive thoughts]. Grace: Thank you, Cason. It was great speaking to you. |
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| | |  | This month’s spotlight is SC CATER. SC CATER stands for South Carolina Center for Assistive Technology and Educational Research. A division of the University of South Carolina, SC CATER brings together disability professionals, graduate students in disability-related fields, family members, and people with lived experience of disability. SC CATER helps people with disabilities in grades K-12 and those transitioning to the workforce. SC CATER provides training on the newest assistive technology and employs a train-the-trainer program. Train the trainer allows teachers, graduate students, and rehabilitation counselors to become experts on the subject of assistive technology and to in turn educate their peers. SC CATER has helped advance understanding of the uses of assistive technology via grant-funded research. SC CATER has worked alongside Able South Carolina’s Equip team to provide monthly lessons on Unity programming, culminating in a certificate. SC CATER also offers access to virtual reality technology in the form of games and activities. SC CATER has also taught youth how to make and program robots. Equip hosts an event alongside SC CATER on the last Saturday of each month. We spoke to Dr. Ismahan Arslan-Ari who is the director of SC CATER. She believes that there is a unique solution to the STEM worker shortage: people with disabilities. People with disabilities are often called an untapped resource for employers and the stem field is no different. Dr. Ari thinks that educating students with disabilities is the most important aspect of her work. When asked why she felt this way, Dr. Ari responded that “[Students with disabilities] are often denied the opportunity to take STEM classes in K 12…so they might have a fear of STEM classes but they have the potential…the only thing that [students with disabilities] need is accessibility.” Dr. Ari really lives out the values of SC CATER and the independent living movement as a whole and is a great ally to Able South Carolina! SC CATER has also recently added three 3D printers to its available technology collection. 3D printers have the ability to create a 3D physical object using a digital file and filaments on a special printer. 3D printers can create low-tech assistive technology, which can help people with disabilities in the environments of education, employment, and day to day life. SC CATER’S 3D Printers are available for public use. All you need is to find the appropriate file and you are on the way to creating your very own assistive device! Some examples of assistive devices that can be 3D printed include signature guides, bottle openers, and key holders among many others. To learn more about SC CATER, visit their website below. For digital files you can use to create your own assistive technology, click the link below. |
| | | | Able SC Youth Events & Programs |
| Monthly Equip Hangouts The Equip Hangouts occur on the first and third Thursdays of every month from 6-7 PM. The first Thursdays are held through a virtual meeting, and the third Thursdays are hosted in person at the Greenville and Columbia Able SC offices. Equip Leaders and Mentors help empower youth with disabilities ages 13-28 to take charge of their lives, find their unique voice to self-advocate, and engage with their community of peers more fully. If you have any questions or need help registering, email equip@able-sc.org or call us at 864.235.1421. Registration is required. To register, follow the link below. Equip Registration Link Meeting dates: November 21 (In person) December 5 (Virtual) |
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Creative Writing Club Equip Specialists Abigail and Dejha are bringing back the Creative Writing Club! One of our most popular Discord events, the Creative Writing Club allows Discord members to write stories together, socialize with each other, and share ideas and creativity. If you are already a member of the Able SC Youth Discord server, there is nothing you need to worry about. The entire server will be reminded of the event before it happens. If you’re not a member of our server, a link to join will be provided below! The Able SC Youth Discord server is a fun way for Equip participants to support one another, engage in activities together, and learn about upcoming events. Don’t miss out! Date: November 22
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00
Location: Online
Cost: Free Link to join the Able SC Youth Discord |
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| | Able SC Offers Pre-Employment Transition Services Able SC has partnered with South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation and the South Carolina Commission for the Blind to offer Pre-Employment Transition Services to students in the Midlands and the Upstate. These lessons help students with disabilities ages 13-21 transition between school and the working environment. There are eight curriculum options available to students including career readiness, self-advocacy, and life skills. Lessons are taught over six weeks for 45 minutes each, and students can be taught virtually or in the classroom. Lessons are taught by one of Able SC’s trained Youth Transition Specialists. Teachers are required to register each student and can request to receive reports detailing the attendance and measurable progress of each student, with individual improvement plans made for students who do not meet specific standards. Lessons are updated yearly based on teachers’ suggestions and student data. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of Able SC’s services. For more information on pre-ETS services and to register your students, please visit the website linked below. |
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| | | Youth Resources & Updates |
| Equity Factsheet for Schools, Teachers, and Administrators What does equity mean for students with disabilities? Equity is belonging. Equity is fulfilling the goals of full participation and equal opportunity of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Check out this latest project from Able SC and our partners at the Southeast ADA Center on what equity looks like for our youth: Equity is integration, design, and honoring accommodations. When we allow equity in our classrooms, we create a space where students with disabilities know they belong and are a part of their school community. Click on the button to check out the tool that explores exactly how to meet the needs of our students with disabilities, equitably. Teachers and school administrators, you can ensure equity is centered in your classrooms by contacting Able South Carolina. We offer training and consultation for teachers and schools about best practices for engaging students with disabilities. 803-779-5121 or email info@able-sc.org. |
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| | Holden's CANtalk Was A Success You may remember back in June that Holden Roberts was our spotlight for the month. We discussed his involvement in the Greenville CAN CANtalks program, funded by the Barbara Stone Foundation. The CANtalks program matches people with disabilities with a mentor who also has a disability. Together, they learn about communication skills and public speaking, and the program culminates in the CANtalk participant giving a presentation on a large stage. Holden has spent the last five months working on his speech with the help of his mentor, Reuben. On October 22, Holden finally got to give his speech, which you may remember was about people with disabilities protecting themselves against online scams. Holden felt a little bit nervous at first but quickly found assurance on stage, which he says he wouldn’t have been able to develop if it weren’t for the CANtalk program. He says that his mentor, Reuben, thought that he did very well and had no criticisms and that “[Reuben] was especially impressed with, like, how I was able to maintain confidence on the stage now.” Holden got feedback from the audience who said that they found the information he presented to be very useful. They learned a lot from him. But Holden himself also learned a lot from his fellow performers, stating “I would say the most important thing for me personally was how much I still had to learn and still do have to learn about other people with different kinds of disabilities.“ Holden felt fascinated hearing the life story of Jean, a woman with ADHD, and learned a lot about how DeafBlind people navigate their communities from a man named Jorge. |
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|  | Holden says that the lessons he learned from CANtalks will help him in every aspect of his life, from professional employment to casual conversation. He “absolutely” recommends CANtalks to other people with disabilities who want to learn new skills. If you are interested in watching Holden's speech, you can visit the CANtalks YouTube channel linked below. |
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| South Carolina Early Childhood Inclusion Conference On October 17, Able South Carolina’s own Andrew Hancock and Gabe Pizzo spoke on a panel intended for self-advocates with disabilities at the South Carolina Early Childhood Inclusion Conference. Although the title of the conference invokes images of toddlers and very young children, Andrew and Gabe were able to share their lived experiences with teachers throughout all of K 12. Andrew and Gabe both attended South Carolina public schools growing up. They were excited to help make positive changes for young people with disabilities living in South Carolina. The conference was marketed toward disability professionals and teachers who work with youth with disabilities. The focus of the conference was how to facilitate inclusion and belonging for youth with all kinds of different disabilities. This conference was Andrew’s first time representing Able South Carolina. We think he did a great job! Andrew had some very solid advice for teachers based on his experiences as a person with a hearing disability. When asked “What is the most important thing you think teachers need to know about how to include students with disabilities?” Andrew answered that the most impactful thing a teacher can do is to “communicate and be there for” students with disabilities who may be being bullied or otherwise having a difficult educational experience. Andrew had a fun and meaningful experience at his first conference and is excited to continue to represent Able SC out in the community. Click the buttons below to watch a short video to learn more about Andrew and Gabe. |
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| New SC Law Allows More People with Disabilities to Become Childcare Workers A new law, which took effect on July 11, 2024, will allow more people with disabilities to become childcare workers. South Carolina families are facing a lot of frustration when trying to find care for their children due to a shortage of workers. But we have proposed a unique solution to this problem: people with disabilities!
South Carolina law used to require that childcare providers have a high school diploma or GED in order to qualify for employment in the childcare industry, but that has changed. Now, people with certificates of completion or SC Employability Credentials are able to work in childcare. A certificate of completion and an SC Employability Credential are alternatives to a high school diploma offered to students with disabilities who are not on track to earn a high school diploma. The lack of a diploma often makes it difficult for people with disabilities to find jobs, but this new law allows people with disabilities to break into the childcare industry. This law solves two problems: the shortage of childcare workers and the high unemployment rate for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are a powerful untapped resource. According to Able South Carolina’s President & CEO, Kimberly Tissot, “When you hire somebody with a disability, there’s less turnover and it’s really meeting what the childcare field is needing.” The training process has also been changed to better support the employers. A childcare worker used to have to be directly supervised by a more experienced employee for six months, and this required childcare centers to double or triple the amount of available staff. Instead of being supervised for six months, new employees are supervised for 30 days and are now required to complete 15 hours of health and safety training within 30 days of being employed. All employees, including those with disabilities, will be required to pass a background check. People with disabilities deserve competitive and integrated employment and parents deserve competent and qualified professionals to care for their children. What a wonderful opportunity for parents and the disability community alike! |
| | | | | Celebrating Thirty Years of Able SC at Fundable You’re Invited to FundAble! This year’s theme is “Just Imagine”!
Support Able South Carolina and our vision of a South Carolina that promotes equity and access for individuals with disabilities. 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, an open bar, a 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! Friday, November 15, 2024
6:00 PM EDT - 10:00 PM EDT
Central Energy
2030 Gregg Street
Columbia, SC 29201 Valet Parking Available Dress: Cocktail Attire Support Able Activities: Elegant and Fun Raffle Baskets, Mystery Wine Wall
Raffle basket themes include All Around Columbia, Charleston Experience, Around SC, Bourbon, Bubbles, Balloons, Cozy at Home with Able SC, and Disability Pride Fan! Come mix, mingle, dance, and celebrate Able SC! To buy tickets and reserve your spot, click the link below. Fundable Tickets Link |
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| Disability EmpowHer Network Disability EmpowHer Network works to empower girls, women, and femme-aligned people with disabilities through skill-building, peer support, and mentorship programs. Disabled women and girls are less likely to graduate high school and more likely to be unemployed. By matching girls with disabilities with a successful disabled mentor, they are empowered to reach their full potential and take charge of their lives. The Disability EmpowHer Network has supported Able SC’s Youth Programs through a recent donation, demonstrating their dedication to community involvement and fostering future leaders. |
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| | Able SC Youth Team Wishlist Support Disabled Youth! Check out our Amazon Youth Team Wishlist to support our youth programs including Equip, SC Youth Leadership Forum, and others. |
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Able SC Youth Services The transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities can be complicated. As an organization staffed and board-directed by a majority of people with disabilities ourselves, we understand the needs of youth, their families, and the professionals supporting them in ways that other agencies may not. |
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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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