Self-Determination Network News: January 2020
January 2020
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
ACTION ALERT: New Wisconsin ABLE Legislation Could Help More People With Disabilities Save for the Future
ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a great new way for people with disabilities (or families on their behalf) to save money without harming their eligibility for important benefits like Medicaid or Social Security. Unfortunately, many Wisconsin residents don’t even know about ABLE or how to set up an account. That’s because Wisconsin is one of just 9 states that does not to operate or market an ABLE program.
Bi-partisan legislators have just introduced an ABLE bill that would require the state Department of Financial Institutions to start an ABLE program. This will increase awareness about ABLE as a savings tool so people with disabilities and their families feel more secure about earning and saving more money in an ABLE account to put toward important extra expenses like transportation, housing or other support needs.
You can learn more about ABLE here.
If you think Wisconsin should join the other 41 states with ABLE programs and make sure state residents with disabilities and their families know about ABLE here’s what you can do:
- Contact your State Assembly Representative and State Senator TODAY and ask them to support LRB-3165 and LRB-5380 – the ABLE bill!
- Go to Who are My Legislators to find your rep’s contact information.
- Contact your representatives by January 24TH
You can find links to the current ABLE bill draft and legislator memo here.
2020 Disability Advocacy Day
Mark your calendars! Make certain your voice is being heard by joining us for the 2020 Disability Advocacy Day in Madison on Tuesday March 24th! It's a day designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. Registration and additional information will be coming soon.
Check Out The Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content.
The theme of the channel is: Self-Determination is Empowerment. It’s a place where self-advocates can be seen and heard, connect with others, and mentor each other. The hope is that the channel can be used as a teaching tool and show examples of what is possible.
Videos are posted weekly on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
- Tips for a Stress Free Holiday
- New Year Resolutions for 2020
- Self-Determination Channel 2019 Top 10 Moments
- Darwin Makes Up for Lost Time
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
If you want to be notified every time we post a new video, click on the bell that is next to the subscribe button on Channel homepage.
Then, click the "All" bell.
That's all there is to it. You will now get an email notification every time a video is posted.
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.
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Barbra. This worldwide traveler believes that people with disabilities should make their own choices and live their most meaningful lives--just like people without disabilities. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Barbra.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"Whether it’s the waterpark, the sauna, the workout room, or a different amenity, it’s often fun to look around and see what the place has to offer. For people with physical disabilities, exploring hotels is also enjoyable experience; however, we often look at different things." In this month's entry, Stacy talks about how accessibility widely varies. What accessibility issues at hotels have you faced?
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:
- Free Resource: Check out the ABLE Employer Toolkit recently released by the ABLE National Resource Center.
- Help Shape the Future of the ADA: This year is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! Help form the future of it by taking a survey.
- Feedback Needed: The national Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage Family Caregivers Act (the RAISE Act) became law in January 2018. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and maintain a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers, and to organize an Advisory Council to make recommendations. Comments due February 7th.
- Members Needed: The Assistive Technology Advisory Council is seeking new members to fill vacancies on their roster. Learn about the qualifications and consider applying.
- Winter Fun: Wisconsin has a lot to offer in the winter, but not everyone can take advantage of it. Read about how three organizations want to change that.
- Feedback Wanted on Airplane Restroom Accessibility: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeks public comments on a new proposed rule to improve restroom access for passengers with disabilities on single-aisle aircraft with 125 or more seats. Comments due by March 2nd.
- Changes to Social Security Could Put Beneficiaries with Disabilities at Risk: A proposed change to federal disability assistance would result in millions more case reviews, likely cutting off many recipients with disabilities if the changes are made. Read about the proposed change.
- Program Extended: For the fourth time in a year, lawmakers voted to keep alive a program that moves people with disabilities from institutions into the community, but its long-term fate remains in jeopardy. Find out why.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Waisman Center Day With The Experts: Autism: January 25th, 8:30a.m. to 12:15p.m., Waisman Center, Madison WI
- Ability Fest Planning: February 6th, 9a.m. to 10a.m., Milwaukee World Festival Inc., Milwaukee WI
- Adaptive Sports Night: February 8th, 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., YMCA, Kenosha WI
- SOPHIA Transportation Meeting: February 20th, 11:30a.m. to 1p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church West, Brookefield WI
- Advocacy For Change 2020: March 12th, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- AbilityMKE NOW!: February 26th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 24th, 9a.m. to 4p.m., Monona Terrace and State Capitol, Madison 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.
