SC Assistive Technology Program

National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day

Today we recognize National Assistive Technology (AT) Awareness Day, a time to highlight the essential role assistive technology plays in advancing access, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Assistive technology includes a wide range of tools, devices and services that support individuals in learning, working, communicating, and fully taking part in their communities. From screen readers and communication devices to everyday technologies like smart home tools and adaptive software, AT empowers individuals of all ages and abilities to thrive.

National AT Awareness Day reminds us that assistive technology is not a luxury -it is a necessity that opens doors to education, employment, and community life. This day is also an opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals, educators and advocates who work to connect individuals with the technology that best supports their goals, helping to promote dignity, independence, and opportunity for all.

At the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, Center for Disability Resources, USC School of Medicine Columbia, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing awareness of assistive technology and supporting individuals in accessing the tools they need to succeed. This year‘s theme reminds us of “Assistive Technology. Everywhere. Everyone. “ -AT impacts all of us, and awareness today helps ensure access tomorrow.

We encourage our community to learn more about assistive technology, explore available resources, and continue working together to build a more accessible and inclusive environment. 

The Blackboard Design team wants your input to make Blackboard more intuitive, inclusive and enjoyable. We're looking for students and faculty/instructors to join the Blackboard Task Force! We’re especially interested in reaching out to this group to help ensure disability and accessibility are continuously incorporated into early product development.
• What is the Blackboard Task Force? A volunteer community of students and instructors who give feedback on Blackboard.
• Why join? Help make Blackboard better for everyone – influence the tools you use every day and sneak peek at new features!
• What’s involved? Once signed up, instructors/students will be contacted if a suitable study is available. (Signing up does not guarantee a spot for sessions). These will be occasional, short, online sessions (30–60 min) such as user interviews, surveys, co-design workshops, or feedback sessions.

Sign up for the Blackboard Taskforce here!
https://forms.office.com/r/wrikALrddy
It’s important for us to make our products as intuitive as possible for instructors and students, and that can only happen when we create these products together with you – thank you for your support.

Best wishes,
The Blackboard Design, Accessibility, and Research Team

Dr. Amy Lomellini (she/her)
Director of Accessibility

________________________________________

forms.office.com

🌟 Thank You for Joining Us at the SC Assistive Technology Expo! 🌟
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo! We truly appreciate your presence, your energy, and your commitment to learning about the latest tools and innovations that support independence and accessibility.
We hope you left with valuable information, new connections, and fresh inspiration. Your participation is what makes this event so meaningful each year.
We’re already looking forward to seeing you again in 2027! 💙✨
Until then, stay connected, stay empowered, and keep exploring what assistive technology can make possible.

The SC Assistive Technology Program is hosting a webinar entitled: "Assertiveness Skills for Safer Travel"
Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Webinar
Cost: Free
Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nC79JUIDSBqbJEujD_UQaw

Participants must register to receive the webinar link. REGISTER NOW.

About the Program
Learn the skills that increase safety, reduce risk, and strengthen independent travel. This session teaches you how to communicate your needs clearly, give effective instructions to drivers, decline unwanted assistance confidently, and respond decisively when a situation raises concern. We’ll be drawing on evidence-based personal safety practices and real community travel scenarios to learn phrases, behaviors, and actions you can rely on across rideshare, paratransit, public transit and everyday community interactions.

Participants will learn:

Communicate needs and boundaries clearly and confidently during travel situations, including giving directions, setting limits, and declining unwanted assistance.
Apply assertive language and behaviors to increase personal safety and reduce risk when using rideshare, paratransit, public transit, and navigating everyday community interactions.
Recognize early signs of concern and respond decisively using evidence based strategies and practiced phrases to maintain control of the situation.
About the Presenter
Alex Livingston
Alex has been an Orientation and Mobility Specialist for five years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from UNC Asheville and a master’s degree in special education from North Carolina Central University. She serves children and adults with vision loss throughout the state of South Carolina.

Accommodations
CART captioning is provided for all SCATP webinars. If you need an additional accommodation to participate, please contact us at least one week prior to the webinar via e-mail or by phone at 803-935-5263.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Assertiveness Skills for Safer Travel. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Description of Webinar: Learn the skills that increase safety, reduce risk, and strengthen independent travel. This session teaches you how to communicate your needs clearly, give effective instructions to drivers, decline unwanted assistance confidently, and respond decisively when a situation rais...