Self-Determination Network News: October 2016
October 2016
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Hot Topics and Challenges
Join the conversation! As we all work on a day-to-day basis to enhance lives of people with disabilities in our communities, we may run into challenges or face questions about how to move forward. There are also "hot topics" in the disability community that come up as well... topics that we may have heard about but don't know enough about. Share your hot topics and challenges in our discussion forum by responding to the discussion already started or by starting one of your own on this page. By sharing these, we can support each other and together find a path forward.
2016 Election and Wisconsin Long-Term Care
Before heading to the polls on November 8th, advocates for people with disabilities and older adults in Wisconsin are reminding candidates about one of the most important issues they will take a vote on if elected: long-term care. The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition has released three documents to help people talk to and ask question of their local candidates about long-term care. We encourage you to look at these documents and have conversations with your local Assembly and Senate candidates regarding long-term care in Wisconsin.
Take our One-Minute Poll!
Click here to take this month's one-minute poll. Election Day is coming up on November 8th. Millions of Americans will be flocking to the polls. Will you be one of them?
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 this month, we shine the spotlight on Jennifer Kuhr. Being recently elected to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities is just one of her many accomplishments. This disability advocate extraordinaire fully encompasses the definition of self-determination. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jennifer.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Presidential Debate Questions: Laura posted information regarding how people can vote to have a disability related question asked in the final presidential debate. Find out how you can vote.
- Job Opening: Wisconsin Family Ties is seeking a Parent Peer Specialist. Learn about what this position entails.
- Web Accessibility: A company has created a software system which allows websites to be accessible for people with disabilities without changing the existing code or impacting the design. Read about this new system.
- TV Show Gives Glimpse of Daily Life: A new show, 'Speechless', is giving people a glimpse into what daily life is like for families who have someone with a physical disability. Find out what show it is.
- Self-Advocacy Resource Center: The first-ever national resource center for self-advocacy has opened. Learn what the center offers.
- Recommendations on Autonomous Vehicles: The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration is being commended for its inclusion of people with disabilities in discussions leading to the release of its “Federal Autonomous Vehicle Policy.” Read about their recommendations.
- Personalizing Homecare: A new home care approach in Scotland is making a real difference in older people's lives. Learn about this new approach.
- Disability Service Ranking: New national rankings find states across the nation have top services for people with disabilities, but also warns that more people are facing long waiting lists for supports. Find out which states ranked best.
- Diehard Award: Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin? Nominate them for a Diehard award.
- Caregiver Concerns: A new survey found that a large majority of caregivers have serious concerns not only about their relative's (who has special needs) financial future, they're worried about their own. Read more about their concerns.
- Changes to the ABLE Act and Special Needs Trusts: Congress is trying to pass two separate pieces of legislation that would allow people with disabilities and their families to save more money without losing their benefits. Learn about how these could impact many people.
- Direct Care Workforce Survey: Wisconsin’s direct care workforce crisis is leaving people with disabilities and the elderly without needed care. Help by taking this survey to show lawmakers how the workforce crisis is impacting real people.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses how having a disability affects sibling relationships. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- AbilityMKE Now: October 26th, 9p.m., 104.1 Riverwest Radio (or online)
- Across the Lifespan Conference: November 3rd-4th, Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells WI
- 2016 Self-Determination Conference: November 8th-10th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Door County Parents in Partnership: November 4th-5th, Landmark Resort, Egg Harbor WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
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.
