Self-Determination Network News: November 2021
November 2021
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National Family Caregiver Month
November is National Family Caregiver Month. The Survival Coalition, the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network, and the Wisconsin Family Caregiver Alliance released this three minute video to listen to some of the challenges facing family caregivers across Wisconsin: See Us: Wisconsin's Invisible Family Caregivers.
Without this essential support from dedicated family members, many older adults and people with disabilities would not be able to live in their own homes and would be forced into expensive Medicaid-funded institutional settings. We encourage you to share this video with your legislators and tell them your story.
It was a great Self-Determination Conference again this year! We understand many people missed being able to attend in-person, but we were glad so many were able to join virtually. Let's keep the conversation going! Share your comments, questions, and ideas. Join the conversation!
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference. These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- Vicky Gunderson
- Maria Nogueron
- Kate Rinehart
- Maureen Ryan
- Delores Sallis
- Jordan Anderson
- Sydney Badeau
- Kathryn Burish
- Mike Hipple
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 Olivia. This determined self-advocate doesn’t let anything stop her from achieving her goals. As director of an advocacy program for high school students, she helps others learn leadership and advocacy skills. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Olivia.
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:
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Community Resources
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: All Abilities Market
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Block Party
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Keynote: Self-Determination Strong
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Diehard Awards
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Keynote: Redefining Disability
- 2021 Self-Determination Conference: Wrap Up
- A Time I Advocated for Myself
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:
- Landmark Bill Introduced: New legislation was recently introduced that would create add-on plans for Medicare Home Health Benefit that would allow providers to mix in telehealth, transportation, personal care, and other services. Learn more about this new bill.
- Benefits Increase: It was recently announced that Supplemental Security Income and Social Security will get a significant increase in 2022. Find out how much it will increase.
- Workforce Study: A study was done about the workforce displacement and re-entry during the pandemic among direct care workers and workers other jobs. Find out what the study revealed.
- Technical Bulletins: The U.S. Access Board has released technical bulletins on accessibility to lavatories and sinks, washing machines and clothes dryers, and saunas and steam rooms. Read about what they specify
- Workforce Safety: Due to the nature of the job, home care workers are at increased risk for experiencing workplace violence. Learn how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is doing to try to prevent this.
- Federal Funding Increases Home Care Services: The Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a plan how to use funds to expand home-and-community-based services. Learn what they are planning to do.
- Public Comment Needed on Voting Access Recommendations: The National Institute on Standards and Technology is seeking public comment on recommendations for addressing voting access for people with disabilities. Public comment closes November 22.
- Boost in Home-and-Community-Based Services: President Biden is moving forward with his push for the biggest increase to home-and-community-based services in 40 years. Learn what services this could improve.
- Transportation Grant Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $3.5 million in Fiscal Year 2021 competitive grant funding for projects that improve access to vital services for older adults and people with disabilities, and in low-income communities. Proposals due December 6.
- Family Caregiver Campaign: Due to the caregiver shortage across the country, family caregivers are overwhelmed and feeling the brunt of it. Find out what three policy changes advocates are highlighting that would help family caregivers.
- Assistive Technology Survey: WisTech is looking ahead to 2022 and would like your input on what training topics you are interested in. The survey closes December 10.
- Electronic Visit Verification Hard Launch Delayed: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that they are delaying the hard launch of Electronic Visit Verification. Read more about the plan.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Disaster Response And Disability: Approaches For Citizen Responders: November 17, 12pm.to 1p.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.
