Self-Determination Network News: July 2021
July 2021
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Registration Opens August 2nd!
The 2021 Self-Determination Conference will be October 18-20. As the COVID variants continue to be monitored, plans are being made to offer three options how people can safely participate in the conference.
- At the Kalahari! If you have been fully vaccinated and are comfortable with large in-door gatherings, join us at the Kalahari.
- At one of the local Watch Parties around the state. If you have been fully vaccinated and are comfortable with smaller in-door gatherings, join others at a local watch party.
- Join Virtually. If you are not comfortable with coming in person or have not been fully vaccinated, we are offering a virtual option.
Calling Microbusiness Owners
Business owners who have disabilities are encouraged to apply to sell their products/services/art at the conference. People will also have the opportunity to sell online all year long. Applications are due September 1.
Exhibitor Applications Available
Applications to be an exhibitor at the conference are now being accepted. Organizations that support self-determination and self-directed supports are encouraged to apply. Applications are due September 1.
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 in one of the following two categories: Professional Advocate or Self-Advocate/Grassroots Advocate. Nominations are due September 1.
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 Kristi. This up-and-coming self-advocate has found her passion--disability advocacy. She has recently realized that her voice does matter and that she can make a difference in the world. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Kristi.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
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. Videos are posted a couple times a month 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:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Impact of the Pandemic: It's widely known that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities are at much higher risk of getting COVID and dying from it. Learn about what a study found about how COVID has impacted quality of life for people with disabilities.
- Inclusion Employment Platform: The push for inclusion in the workplace has become more popular in recent years. Read about a professional and employment platform with a committed focus on flipping the conversation around.
- Budget Helps but not Enough: The state budget for the next two years has more money for nursing homes, an pay increase for in-home caregivers, and additional help for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, but it leaves out funding for improvements in services for people with disabilities. Find out what advocates feel was missed.
- Become a Leader: Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program that develops 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 the next class are due October 1. Find out more and apply today!
- Prioritizing Inclusion in Film: Recently, a famous Hollywood studio committed to putting more people with disabilities on screen. Learn how one Hollywood studio is taking steps to increase inclusion of people with disabilities.
- Ipads for Loan: WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, now has iPads available for short term loan for up to 30 days. Find out how the program works.
- Paralympics May Help Boost Inclusion: Many experts think that this summer's Paralympic Games are an opportunity for businesses to embrace an underrepresented segment of the workforce and help with the global coronavirus recovery. Read about why advocates feel the games will spotlight the need for inclusion.
- Public Comment on Statewide Transition Plan: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services opened a 30-day public comment period on its updated statewide transition plan to be submitted for final approval to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service. The public comment period closes July 26.
- Great Resources: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided a range of programs to support individuals, families, and communities. Check them out!
- Executive Order: Recently, President Biden signed an Executive Order to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal workforce. Learn what the order confirms.
- Boost to Disability Services: Although, President Biden's effort to get eliminate waiting lists for people with disabilities by getting more funds into Medicaid and home-and-community-based services has halted at the moment, it appears the plan may soon get new life. Find out why advocates think an increase in funding will be coming soon.
- Travel Website: The world is opening up again and that means people are beginning to travel. The International Transport Forum and the Federation Internationale de l' Automobile recently launched a new website that has information on facilities and options for people with disabilities traveling by car. Read about what kind of information the website provides.
- Rise in Employment: According to the June jobs report, there were big rises in employment for people with and without disabilities. Find out how much it increased.
- Celebrity Case Calls Attention to Questions on Guardianship: Recently, due to the attention from the Britney Spears case, debate over Guardianship has been highlighted. While legal oversight arrangements are needed as protection for some, many disability advocates question the need for them in many cases. Learn about why many people feel guardianship is too widely used for people with disabilities.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: ADA Anniversary Update: July 20, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m.,Online
- EngAGED Virtual Social Engagement Summit: July 22, 11:45a.m. to 1:15p.m., Online
- Webinar: New Approaches To Web Accessibility Requirements Under WCAG3: July 27, 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Accessible Pedestrian Trails And Shared Use Paths: August 5, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
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.
