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<p class="MsoNormal">Thank You,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Steve Cook, CPM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Assistive Technology Consultant<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Newsline Administrator<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SC Commission for the Blind<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">1430 Confederate avenue<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Columbia, SC 29201<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Office: (803) 898-8788<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight;color:black">Cell: (803) 908-3856<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight;color:black">1-888-335-5951
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sccb.state.sc.us%2Findex.php&data=01%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ca60af8178b80400b2a4d08d6982954c8%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1&sdata=SdTUn0YhjvvTNH1HIoLDyUfqhbAPc6EgSHYhjfL52wA%3D&reserved=0" title="SCCB logo"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight;color:#003572;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="135" height="85" style="width:1.4062in;height:.8854in" id="Picture_x0020_8" src="cid:image001.png@01D6A78A.FC63E960" alt="SCCB_logoblue"></span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=www.sccb.state.sc.us&data=01%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ca60af8178b80400b2a4d08d6982954c8%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1&sdata=T1NJfwiSB1AzTtSmRsx0PxlJ4XX5gx%2Fr4TOol%2FTahgg%3D&reserved=0"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight">www.sccb.state.sc.us</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:MerriweatherLight;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Gamble, Mark <Mark.Gamble@sccb.sc.gov> <br>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, October 20, 2020 9:11 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> _CFB - South Carolina Commission for the Blind <cfb_agency@sccb.sc.gov><br>
<b>Subject:</b> SCCB Connects Newsletter • October 2020<o:p></o:p></p>
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<span style="font-size:12.0pt">Trouble viewing thi<span style="color:black">s email?
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sccb.state.sc.us%2Fsccb-connects-2020-october.php&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529148463%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Fq8tzZDGLcGsqtlyvAYPyyzbSgP6lT04gesuar7gWy4%3D&reserved=0">
Read it on the web</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><img border="0" width="585" height="131" style="width:6.0937in;height:1.3645in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image002.png@01D6A6C0.E3BE9CE0" alt="SCCB Connects Logo"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<h1>SCCB Connects • October 2020<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2>Crossing the BRIDGE to success<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shanadria Rush is empathic, an excellent listener, and has a passion for helping others. In 2012, when her vision became impaired, Shanadria came to SCCB and received training to help her adjust to vision
loss and in how to use JAWS assistive software. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In discussions with her SCCB Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, Shanadria explained that she wanted a job in Human Services where she could utilize all of her skills. She had attended Denmark Technical College,
where she received her Associate Degree in Office System Technology, and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from South Carolina State University.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">She said that she wanted a job in Human Services where she could utilize all of her skills. However, she had difficulty finding employment opportunities in her area, and wanted assistance to help her prepare
to enter the workforce.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Her counselor thought that Shanadria would be a good candidate for SCCB’s BRIDGE program, where she received training that helped prepare her for entering the workplace and prepare for a career path.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Shanadria completed the classroom portion of BRIDGE training in November 2018, and soon afterward she began on-the-job training at Homeless No More, a nonprofit organization that helps families that are homeless
remain together, meet their needs, and transition into affordable housing. <o:p>
</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">After completing her on-the-job training, Shanadria was employed as a Family Support Specialist at the Homeless No More family shelter in Columbia, SC. She is also employed as a Direct Support Professional
at the Midlands Center, which is operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“BRIDGE helped prepare me for my career goal,” says Shanadria, “and job shadowing taught me how to interact with different personalities, and prepared me for working with people with mental health disabilities.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center">About the BRIDGE program<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">BRIDGE (Building Readiness for Individualized Development of Gainful Employment) is a pre-apprenticeship training program that provides a career path for consumers into employer-based apprenticeships or direct placement.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">The 6- to 8-week paid training incorporates work readiness development, job shadowing, and a Job Club experience to provide consumers with skillsets that meet specific needs of industries and align with the consumer’s
vocational goals.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Earlier this year, BRIDGE was invited to be a pilot program with Apprenticeship Carolina, which will allow graduates to compete for apprenticeship opportunities in the Customer Service field. Graduates will also be
considered as candidates for BlueCross BlueShield’s Customer Service Associate Apprenticeship program or a direct hire.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">BRIDGE is also working with Midlands Technical College to offer credential attainment and training opportunities for healthcare support occupations and technical jobs.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2>Virtual workshops for consumers cover voting, <o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2>other topics<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3>Voting in the upcoming election<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Red, white and blue button with the word VOTE surrounded by stars." style='position:absolute;margin-left:184.2pt;margin-top:1357.8pt;width:143.3pt;height:140.6pt;z-index:-251656192;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="191" height="187" style="width:1.9895in;height:1.9479in" src="cid:image009.png@01D6A78A.FC63E960" align="right" hspace="12" alt="Red, white and blue button with the word VOTE surrounded by stars." v:shapes="Picture_x0020_7"><![endif]><span style="font-size:14.0pt">During
a recent virtual workshop presented by the Ellen Beach Mack Rehabilitation Center (EBMRC), consumers learned about the voting process, the unique challenges presented by the pandemic, and the different accessibility options available to voters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">John Michael Catalano and Hampton Miller, from the South Carolina Election Commission, discussed the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scvotes.gov%2Fabsentee-voting&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529158422%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=E%2FDWRtoqeaLy3fJGvJWLuLuO757mS%2FeENcGnaO95b%2BU%3D&reserved=0">
process for voting by mail and utilizing absentee ballots</a>. They reminded attendees that, due to a recent court decision, absentee ballots must have both the voter’s signature and a witness’s signature for the vote to be counted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Next, they talked about the process for in-person voting and the accessibility options available to all voters. All voting machines in each polling location have accessibility features, and all poll workers
have been trained in how to use those features.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Catalano and Miller informed consumers that they can bring someone with them to the precinct to help them use the accessibility options when casting their vote. They also talked about how individuals can request
help from a poll worker and what to expect.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Miller and Catalano stressed that if a person needs assistance from a poll worker, they have to ask for help. The poll workers will not assume a person needs assistance even if that person has a visible disability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">They also stressed that all ballots are anonymous, and using accessibility features does not change this. The only information recorded about each voter is whether they actually cast a ballot.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Anyone who has questions about the voting process or how to use the accessibility features of the voting machines can visit the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scvotes.gov%2F&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529158422%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Dv2r2XLpmDfoh6qG93X99QT25jGzkUpm4WwQfxEQeUI%3D&reserved=0">
SC Election Commission</a>, or contact John Catalano at <a href="mailto:jcatalano@elections.sc.gov">
jcatalano@elections.sc.gov</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3>Talking Book Services<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Kristin White, Director of South Carolina Talking Book Services, spoke about how they had resumed services to individuals in June, and the various ways that talking books, large print titles, Braille books,
or descriptive videos could be ordered by phone, mail, fax, email or online catalog.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Talking Book Services is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the
printed page.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">To qualify for Talking Book Services, a person must have some type of disability which has been verified by a certifying authority, which includes--but is not limited to--medical doctors, optometrists, and
rehabilitation counselors. Complete eligibility information and how to apply is available on the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sctalkingbook.org%2Fapply&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529168379%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=JZigXmCvAo8oPFM13KOdmDNeLp5cAsq3ZnB3d8xR%2BMY%3D&reserved=0">
Talking Book Services website</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">White also said that librarians at every public library around the state can certify a person qualifies for Talking Book Services if they have a visible disability.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3>Other Workshops<o:p></o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Other business presenters at workshops have included Crystal Brunson, Rehabilitation Counseling Specialist at Sothern Illinois Carbondale, and Jessica Smith, a Certified Yoga Instructor and member of Yoga
Alliance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As part of a series on career exploration, former consumers who are competitively employed talked about the services and training they received from SCCB, their career interests, and how they achieved employment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="color:#203864">Future workshops<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.2in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.2in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">Upcoming workshops at the EBMRC will include a virtual cooking lesson. Participants will receive a list of ingredients and will be able to prepare a simple dish by following along with instructor Robin Glenn.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.2in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.2in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.2in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.2in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:black">EBMRC Workshops are held each week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am.</span><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" width="664" height="217" style="width:6.9166in;height:2.2604in" id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:image008.jpg@01D6A6C0.E3BE9CE0" alt="National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Increasing Access and Opportunity. Celebrating 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities act."><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<h2>NDEAM turns 75<o:p></o:p></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This year marks the 75th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is observed annually in October. NDEAM raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates
the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This year’s theme is theme “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” As the nation continues to be effected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to increase the participation of workers with disabilities in the
nation’s workforce.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” says U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead,
the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities
Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NDEAM’s true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year. Employers of all sizes and in all industries participate in NDEAM.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt,” says Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Sheehy. “Now more than ever, flexibility
is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. NDEAM began in 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October “National Employ
the Physically Handicapped Week.” The word “physically was deleted in 1962 to include individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name NDEAM. Since 2001, NDEAM has been administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Find out more about <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.gov%2Fagencies%2Fodep%2Finitiatives%2Fndeam&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529168379%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=7iE5Q60zGnvD9ejMLewU0TKhcSbcnY8fO5c3eZAq7R4%3D&reserved=0">
NDEAM and its 75th Anniversary</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Read the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fpresidential-actions%2Fproclamation-national-disability-employment-awareness-month-2020%2F&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529168379%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Nd%2BoL7I697EwM%2BFoklHtKxyX9SKU1qqnn6po6A5Un%2FE%3D&reserved=0">
Presidential Proclamation</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Read the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdol.gov%2Fsites%2Fdolgov%2Ffiles%2FODEP%2Fpdf%2FMATF-NDEAM-Statement-2020-09-22-508.pdf%3F_ga%3D2.36106016.168603470.1602269306-183271493.1601999687&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529178334%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Aq05%2FfSIcIwrODqM7QXqZyZcFbK7Y3dwERJ4%2BFx0yFE%3D&reserved=0">
Multi-Agency Task Force on Increasing Employment Opportunities for Americans with Disabilities NDEAM Statement</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h3 align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="color:white">SCCB Virtual Open House<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:.3in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:.3in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">
<span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white">As part of NDEAM, South Carolina Commission for the Blind will be hosting a Virtual Open House on October 27 at 10 am. No registration is required. For more information, including how to attend the event, visit the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sccb.state.sc.us%2Fevent-ndeam-2020.php&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529178334%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=4raExAZoH%2B9rWtBhoU0IgJK9cpFdgnLs2%2Bz4yBCXyQA%3D&reserved=0">
<span style="color:white">SCCB website</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><img border="0" width="318" height="114" style="width:3.3125in;height:1.1875in" id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image010.jpg@01D6A6C0.E3BE9CE0" alt="VR100, Vocational Rehabilitation, 1920-2020."><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h4 align="center" style="text-align:center">Celebrating a century of success —<o:p></o:p></h4>
<h4 align="center" style="text-align:center">VR’s 100th Anniversary<o:p></o:p></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This year was the 100th anniversary of the first federally funded program to assist people with disabilities who had not acquired their disabilities as a result of serving in the
military.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, also known as the Industrial Rehabilitation Act and referred to as “The National Civilian Vocational Rehabilitation Act,”
into law June 2, 1920.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As part of the celebration, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) developed a
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.ed.gov%2Fpolicy%2Fspeced%2Fleg%2Frehab%2Fvr100%2Fhistory.html%3Futm_content%3D%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_name%3D%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%26utm_term%3D%23vr100-video&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529188278%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=pIhyXjXPS%2B4VTq5kKIl1zz%2FbDK0rlwA1%2F6SQ%2FSy4KSw%3D&reserved=0">
historical perspective video</a>. In addition, the VR Workforce Studio has a <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvrworkforcestudio.com%2Fvr-turns-100%2F&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529188278%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=pK%2FUH7Aof5pQMLY75XCKW7Le0H35DWzDPGfLtX64MF0%3D&reserved=0">
VR Turns 100 Podcast</a> discussing this milestone with RSA Commissioner Mark Schultz.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Find out more about the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.ed.gov%2Fpolicy%2Fspeced%2Fleg%2Frehab%2Fvr100%2F&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529188278%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=F60Ei2ePwb0zLY2AWL6gdmX%2BJVqev64G1QBmsxCy64o%3D&reserved=0">
VR 100th Anniversary</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><img border="0" width="324" height="152" style="width:3.375in;height:1.5833in" id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:image012.jpg@01D6A6C0.E3BE9CE0" alt="ADA 30, Americans with Disabilities Act. Celebrate the ADA! 1990-2020."><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h4 align="center" style="text-align:center">ADA 30th Anniversary<o:p></o:p></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.2in"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Find out more about the
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ada.gov%2F30th_anniversary%2Findex.html&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529198247%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=9wqdAXbm0j6kxb5Ax9sDIpiCuEI7uMJaGLWaKOoOCjI%3D&reserved=0">
ADA 30th Anniversary</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<h4 align="center" style="text-align:center">White Cane Day 2020<o:p></o:p></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Governor Henry McMaster signed a proclamation at the State House on October 15, declaring that White Cane Day. Among those in attendance were SCCB Commissioner Darline Graham, and Ed Bible, Treasurer for the
Foundation for the SC Commission for the Blind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities, to celebrate the abilities
and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world and to honor the many contributions being made by the blind and visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The white cane is an essential tool that gives blind and visually impaired individuals the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It allows them to move freely and safely from place to place—whether
it’s at work, at school, or around their neighborhoods.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In 1964, Congress declared October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. While the white cane does keep blind people safe (because drivers and other pedestrians can easily see it), it is also a tool that blind people
use to explore and navigate our environment. For this reason, the emphasis of White Cane Safety Day has shifted over time away from safety, and toward independence and equality. To emphasize the shift in focus from safety to independence, and to continue to
use the white cane as a symbol, the National Federation for the Blind has chosen to refer to this day as
<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfb.org%2Fprograms-services%2Fmeet-blind-month%2Fwhite-cane-awareness-day&data=04%7C01%7CSteve.Cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7Ce3a8fc47e57f4fa2111f08d874f98ebe%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637387962529198247%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=pIu6yQhCPhPgYPlJs360o24Q1%2BOFTe55DUfZ4iXs8ik%3D&reserved=0">
White Cane Awareness Day</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white">Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white">Attitude determines how well you do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:white">—Lou Holtz<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt">© 2020. SCCB Connects is published by the South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB). 1430 Confederate Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201. Some information in this publication was adapted from websites and other
sources; no copyright infringement intended. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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