Self-Determination Network News: October 2022
Self-Determination Network News:
October 2022
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We're looking forward to seeing many of you next week at the Self-Determination Conference. InControl Wisconsin will have an exhibit table at The conference and we'd love it if people stop by and say hi! The week after the conference, we'll start a discussion on the Network for people to share their thoughts and experiences about the conference. Watch for an email the week after with a link and continue the great conversation!
Survival Coalition Family Caregiver Survey Results
The Survival Coalition (which InControl Wisconsin is part of) would like to thank everyone who took the Family Caregiver Survey. Here is a summary of the results. Survival Coalition recently held a press event sharing the results of the survey, and family caregivers and those with needing care shared their personal experiences and struggles about the caregiver shortage crisis. We encourage you to share your personal stories about the crisis and ask legislators to make helping family caregivers a priority in the next state budget.
November 8th Election
Wisconsin will hold a mid-term election on Tuesday November 8th. We want to thank the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition for providing us with the following information regarding absentee ballots.
Absentee Voting for the November 8th Election: New Guidance
Are you voting by mail for the November 8th election? Make sure you know your rights.
Ballot Return Assistance
An August 31st federal court order clarified that federal law protects the right of all disabled Wisconsin voters to receive assistance to mail or deliver their absentee ballots, or to assist with any part of the voting process.
Voters with a disability may request assistance with voting from a person of their choice, other than the voter’s employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter’s union. Voters should let their assistor know that clerks may ask their “assistor” to confirm that they are returning a ballot for a person with a disability. The voter and assistor should not have to fill out any forms or provide proof of disability.
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has guidance for voters who need assistance mailing or returning their absentee ballot:
Completing and Returning Your Ballot
Make sure your vote counts! Carefully follow the instructions for completing your absentee ballot and the certificate envelope. Make sure that your witness signs their name and records their complete address on the envelope including street number, street name, municipality, state and zip code. Clerks are no longer able to correct missing or incomplete witness address information.
Drop boxes are no longer allowed for ballot return. You will need to return your ballot by mail or deliver your ballot in person to your clerk or clerk’s office by Election Day.
- If you are mailing your completed ballot, be sure to allow plenty of time for mail delivery, to make sure your ballot arrives in time.
- If you or an assistor are delivering your ballot, it must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day.
- You may check with your Municipal Clerk to determine where your assistor should deliver your ballot. Find contact information for your Clerk on My Vote Wisconsin.
If you have questions or experiences barriers to voting, please contact DRW.
DRW Voter Hotline: call 844-347-8683 or email info@disabilityvote.org
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 shined the spotlight on Jennie. This incredible self-advocate enjoys attending advocacy conferences, and she's learning about supported decision making. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jennie.
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:
- Human Rights: #1 Live Where You Want
- Human Rights: #2 Make Your Own Choices
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:
- Augmentitive and Alternative Communication Survey: Mike posted about an opportunity to participate in a survey about Augmentitive and Alternative Communication. Learn more about this opportunity!
- Importance of DSPs in the Workplace: Everyday, thousands of Direct Support Professionals assist people with disabilities in the workplace. In honor of DSP Recognition Week, the Department of Labor put together a webpage talking about their contributions and access to resources for them. Check it out.
- Language Change in US Code: A bill eliminating the term "mentally retarded" from the US code was recently introduced to the US House of Representatives. Learn why this is finally being done.
- Self-Direction Call for Presenters: Applications to present during a virtual self-direction conference series in 2023 are now being accepted. Applications due October 20th.
- Survey on Access to Healthcare: The Southwest ADA Center is conducting a study on the experiences of people with disabilities with their accessibility of healthcare. Take a few minutes to complete the survey.
- National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers: The US Department of Health and Human Services released a roadmap needed to better support family caregivers. Learn about some of actions suggested.
- 10 Things to Know: Millions of people use long-term services and supports delivered in home and community based settings. Find out 10 facts about long-term care.
- Hackers out of Necessity: People with disabilities often become " hackers" because they are forced to figure out how to adapt things to make things functional for them. Read this incredible essay by a son of two parents who have physical limitations comparing their navigating their world to skateboarding.
- Public Comment on Accessibility Guidelines for Transaction Machines: The US Access Board is seeking public comment on accessibility guidelines for self-service transaction machines. Give your feedback!
- Seeking Information on Person-Centered Planning for Multiple Chronic Conditions: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking public comment about comprehensive, longitudinal, person-centered care planning for people at risk for or living with multiple chronic conditions. Comments due November 20th .
- Disability Employment Awareness Month: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Read the declaration President Biden released.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: States’ Journey In Using American Rescue Plan Funding To Increase Competitive, Integrated Employment: October 11th, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Accessible Camping: October 13, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Disability And DEI (Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion) Panel Discussion: October 13, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- INTEGRAL Adult Autism Conference: November 5th, 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.
