Self-Determination Network News:

April 2019

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Advocacy Award Nominations

Do you know somebody who has gone to extraordinary lengths to advocate for people with disabilities? The Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities (CPD) is pleased to announce the Dan Johnson Advocacy Award. This award is in memory of Dan and his many accomplishments and was created to recognize people with physical disabilities who are outstanding advocates.

The Dan Johnson Advocacy Award is aimed at recognizing excellence in advocacy, and public policy change for people with physical disabilities, rather than disability advocacy. Individuals nominated should be people with physical disabilities who advocate for people with physical disabilities and have had a positive impact on federal or state legislation, public policy, or programs that affect people with disabilities in Wisconsin. The advocacy work conducted should exceed normal expectations of regular advocacy practice, and should be inclusive and respectful of the values and independence of those who are affected by it.  The nomination deadline is June 30th.  Learn more and nominate someone today!

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 April, we shine the spotlight on Don and Tyler.  For this dynamic father/son duo, life centers around sports.  Tyler, a Special Olympian, has traveled all around the world competing in many different sports. For dad, Don, volunteering with Special Olympics ultimately led to a career switch, so he could make an impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Although it isn't easy, he encourages parents with children with different abilities to push them to their fullest, so they can be productive members of society.    Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Don and Tyler.

 Stacy’s Journal

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Removal of "Derogatory Language":  Recently, Governor Evers issued an order to  remove "derogatory language" from the state administrative code.  Learn which  terms will be removed and what they will be replaced with.
• Marital Status Bill:  Under current law, when two people who rely on Supplemental Security Income marry, their benefits can be at risk because they must jointly report their income. Find out how, under a new proposed bill, that and other rules regarding SSI and marriage would change.
• "Community-Based" Clarification: Federal officials have released guidance to clarify what living arrangements for people with disabilities are considered to be "community-based."  Read about what the criteria is.
• Airlines Disclose Damages:  Thanks to a new law, for the first time ever, airlines had to publicly report how many wheelchairs or scooters they broke or lost.  Find out what was revealed.
• Grant Opportunity for Transition Age Youth: The Administration on Community Living announced a grant opportunity for research, training, technical assistance and related activities to improve employment outcomes of transition age youth with disabilities.  The grant application is due May 24th.
• Furniture Attachment Blueprints:  For people with disabilities, using regular furniture can often be challenging.   Learn about what one store is doing to furniture more accessible for everybody to use.
• Research Funding Grant Opportunity on Employment:  The Administration on Community Living announced a grant opportunity for research, training, technical assistance and related activities to improve employment outcomes of people wit developmental and intellectual disabilities.  This grant opportunity closes May 28th.
• Uproar Brings Attention to Other Program Cuts:  Recent uproar over a proposal to end federal funding for Special Olympics has brought attention to other potential harmful cuts to programs for people with disabilities.  Read about how advocates are using the situation as  a  great opportunity to inform lawmakers about other harmful cuts.
• Exhibitor Opportunity:  Do you create jewelry, candles, art, or knit goods? Do you teach piano or offer consulting for social media? If you have any services or products that you want to tell the Madison disability community about, the Disability Pride Madison festival is for you!  Learn more and sign up today! 
  

 Upcoming Events                                    

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

• Webinar: Using An ABLE Account To Support Youth From Transition To Independent Living: April 25th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
• Self-Advocacy Spotlight : April 30th, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• 2019 Circles Of Life Conference: May 2nd & 3rd, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point WI
• Webinar: Accessible Sales And Service Counters: May 2nd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online 
• Dance Card: May 3rd, 7:30p.m. to 9p.m., Shattuck Music Center at Carroll University, Waukesha WI
• Long Term Care Advocacy Team: May 14th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): May 28th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Long Term Care Advocacy Team: June 11th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): June 25th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI

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.