Souped-up call!

gistfile1.js

$('.carousel ul').each(function() {
   
    var ul = $(this);
    ul.simpleScroll({
        auto_slide: 1,
        hover_pause: 1
    });
    
    // Aha! There's our data object we created inside the plugin. Luckily, this gives us access to everything that SimpleScroll had to offer.
    var api = ul.data('simpleScroll');
    
    // Here's an example of how you could create previous and next buttons to go along with your plugin...
    
    ul.closest('.carousel').find('.prev').click(function(e) {
        // Access the slide function directly from the api variable. Very simple.
        api.slide('left');
        e.preventDefault();
    });
    
    ul.closest('.carousel').find('.next').click(function(e) {
        api.slide('right');
        e.preventDefault();
    });

});