Self-Determination Network News:

November/December 2018

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We were so excited to see many of you at this year’s Self-Determination Conference at the end of October. What was your favorite part? What were some things that you learned? Do you have a neat story from the conference? Did something really inspire you?  Let's keep the conversation going!  Share your comments, questions, and ideas in this discussion!

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:

• Jennifer Kratsch
• Patti Becker
• Mairlee Adamski-Smith 
• Cathy Derezinski
• Barbra Beckert
• Emily Flood

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.

In November, we shined the spotlight on Andrea.   When she’s not running 5Ks or leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, she enjoys helping people figure out and achieve dreams as a Support Broker.  Stop by November's Member Spotlight to get to know Andrea.

For December, we're shining the spotlight on Allison.   Between writing her dissertation and volunteering on many boards, she works as a Program Manager. Allison believes that self-determination goes beyond self-direction and sometimes within the service system there is a not a framework for what that looks like. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Allison.

 Stacy’s Journal

"A few months ago, when cares really started becoming a challenge again, my mom and I started researching our options. What we’ve learned is that the options are very limited and the “system” is unbelievably broken."  In November's entry, Stacy discussed her challenges with trying to figure out the Long-Term Care system.

For December, Stacy discusses how the paying it forward movement impacts people with disabilities.  How do you pay it forward?  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:

• Advocacy Award Nominations:  Do you know somebody who has gone to extraordinary lengths to advocate for people with disabilities?  The Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities is currently accepting nominations for the Dan C. Johnson Award for Advocacy Excellence.  Nominate somebody today!  
• Benefits Increase:  People who receive Social Security and SSI benefits will see a relatively large increase next year.  Find out how much it will go up.
• Best Cities:  Wallet Hub has released its annual "Best &  Worst Cities for People with Disabilities" report.  Learn which Wisconsin cities made the list.
• Web Accessibility: The Department of Justice ruled that failure to comply with web accessibility guidelines isn't necessarily a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Read about what the Department said.
• Missing Voice in Politics:   The recent election cycle hosted candidates from many backgrounds, but people with disabilities are missing in elected office.  Learn about why people feel this way.
• Air Travelers "Bill of Rights":  Due to the many problems people with disabilities face while flying, an "Airline Passengers Bill of Rights" is being developed.  Read about what will be included in it.
• Redesign of Eldercare Website:  The Administration for Community Living redesigned the Eldercare website to make it easier for older adults and their caregivers to find essential aging resources.  Check it out!
• Transportation Problems:  According to a recent report, Wisconsin’s lack of sufficient investment in public transportation puts seniors, people with disabilities and low incomes, and communities of color at a disadvantage.  Read about the struggles people are facing.
• Call for Presenters:  Presentation proposals are now being accepted for the 2019 Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Training Conference.  Proposals are due by February 22, 2019.
• First Responder Training:  Many people with disabilities have some unique challenges when emergency situations arise.  Learn about how first responders in one Wisconsin city took a course to learn about how to assist people with different abilities in emergency situations.
• Accessibility in Medical Facilities: Even though there are laws in place to help people with disabilities, they do not often help them at the doctor's office. Read about how new laws promise change, but government has yet to act on them.
• Navigating Cities using Apps: New apps allow people to work together in mapping out their towns in a disability friendly way.  Find out why people shouldn't heavily rely on the apps.

 Upcoming Events                                    

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• Webinar: Common Sources Of Confusion In The ADA And ABA Standards: Thursday December 6th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
• Webinar: Qualified Disability Expense Fundamentals:  Thursday December 13th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.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.