Self-Determination Network News:

August 2019

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Register Today!

The 2019 Self-Determination Conference will take place October 14th-16th at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  The Conference empowers people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. Technology is constantly evolving and so is the Self-Determination Conference. Join us as we learn ways to live healthier, happier and more productive lives.  Registration closes September 27th.  Register today!

Diehard Award Nominations

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities?  Do they support self-determination?  Nominate them for a Diehard Award!  A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles of community integration and self-determination. Diehards go above and beyond to make sure everyone is counted.  Nominations are due by 12p.m. on September 5th.  Nominate someone today!

“Scotland Reports” from Lynn Breedlove

In early August, Lynn Breedlove represented In Control Wisconsin at an International Disability Congress in Glasgow, Scotland. He presented highlights of his paper entitled “Self-Direction Worldwide: Contrasting Beliefs and Their Impact on Practice” and attended several workshops focused on self-direction. He was the U.S. representative in a half-day brainstorm with self-direction advocates from 9 countries focused on the current state of self-direction around the world.  He is writing a series of articles for the SD Network about what he learned.  Today, we are pleased to share the first in his series.  Join the conversation: Please share comments, and thoughts with one another using the network. 

Read Scotland Report #1

Read a summary of “Self-Direction Worldwide”, with a link to the full paper

The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better.

For August, we shine the spotlight on Lydia. This college senior is determined not to let anything stop her from achieving her goals!  She believes it’s so important to advocate and show the world what people with disabilities can do. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Lydia.

Stacy’s Journal

"The events of the last month have been a whirlwind. I find myself trying to find a sweet spot between wanting to do all I can to advocate for people with all disabilities, but yet wanting to be as socially “normal” as I can. At times, it’s challenging to find the right balance, but I wouldn’t trade either for the world."

In this month's entry, Stacy talks about trying to balance being a strong advocate and wanting to lead a "normal" life as possible.  We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Family Caregiver Characteristics: The Administration for Community Living released a data profile using data from the Caregiver Outcome Evaluation Study of the National Family Caregiver Support Program which examines characteristics of caregivers including age, relationship to care recipient, level of caregiving intensity, and use of NFCSP services.  Find out what the study found.
• State Budget Impact:  The state budget passed by the legislature and approved by the Governor will fund state programs for the next two years. Read the Survival Coalition's summary.
• Inclusive Emojis: An updated collection of emojis intended to be more inclusive and diverse was released.  Learn what new things are included.
• Housing Assistance Funding: Federal officials announced that they plan to set aside millions of dollars to help people with disabilities access housing in the community. Find out what the funding Will help with.
• Accessible Homes:  For people with disabilities, house  hunting can be very frustrating. Read about the push to make all homes more accessible.
• Employment First Partner Grants:  The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities is seeking up to eight organizations to engage in community outreach activities that lead to increased community, integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applications are due August 30th.
• Self-Advocate Leaders Needed:  People First Wisconsin is seeking applications from eight people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to become Self-Advocate Leaders for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Model Approaches to Living Well grant project. Learn more and apply today! 
• Partners in Policymaking:  Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Applications for Fall are due September 1st.
• New MCOs for Family Care: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently announced New managed care organizations (MCOs) have been selected to provide the Family Care program in some counties in Wisconsin beginning next year.  Learn about the change.
• PIP and YiPPE Trainings: Transition Parents in Partnership (PIP) and Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE) Trainings for 2020-2021 are now open for registration. Find out more about these great programs and register today! 

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• The Organizer’s Forum:  August 20th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
• Webinar: Insights On Traveling With A Mobility Disability:  August 20th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
• Adaptive Waterskiing:  August 21st, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Lauderdale Landing, Elkhorn WI
• Webinar: Self-Direction For Dually Eligible Individuals Utilizing Long-Term Services And Supports (LTSS):  August 21st, 11a.m. to 12:30p.m., Online  
• At The Lake:  August 23rd & 24th, Camp Whitcomb, Hartland WI
• Adaptive Sportsmen Family Picnic & Shoot:  August 24th, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Schultz's Gun Club, Muskego WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): August 27th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Caregiver Summit:  September 5th, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Department of Health Services, Madison WI
• Webinar: Disability-Competent Care Conversation On Care Coordination With Independence Care System (ICS):  September 5th, 1p.m. to 1:30p.m., Online
• Webinar: Web Accessibility:  September 5th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
• Long Term Care Advocacy Team:  September 10th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Abilities Travel Club:  September 11th, 11:30a.m to 12:30p.m., Carroll University, Waukesha WI
• Community Resource Network :  September 11th, 11:30a.m. to 12:30p.m., AbilityNow, Waukesha WI
• Supported Decision-Making And Other Alternatives To Guardianship Training:  September 13th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Laugh Comedy Hour:  September 14th, 3p.m. to 4:45p.m., ComedySportz, Milwaukee WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT):  September 24th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Autumn Ability Fest:  September 29th, 7a.m. to 7p.m., Camelot Golf Club, Lomira WI
• 1st Annual HOPE And WISDOM Fundraiser:  September 29th, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Camelot Golf Club, Lomira WI 

Post your event on the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions?  Contact Stacy Ellingen. 

The Self-Determination Network is powered by InControl Wisconsin and supported financially by our members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you!  Find out how you can help support the Network.