News
Starting January 1st, people with disabilities are able to save more money in ABLE accounts which are accounts that allow them to save without jeopardizing their government benefits. The Internal Revenue Service increased the federal gift tax exclusion from $18,000. The new limit is up from $1,000 last year.
PBS NEWS HOUR: What’s behind the shortage of workers who support people with disabilities
By SD Network, 2024-01-14
The nearly five million direct care workers who support older adults and people with disabilities are the largest workforce in the U.S. But despite high demand, many are paid little more than minimum wage. A longstanding workforce shortage means people with disabilities who depend on those workers are left without the support they need.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) 2024 - Apply Today
By SD Network, 2024-01-14
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Become a part of the youth that lead us! This week-long forum is for high school students with disabilities who want to learn more about leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness. Do you want to:
Please apply – you’ll have the time of your life! 25 students with disabilities will be chosen from around the state. We are looking for:
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KENOSHA NEWS: Community update from Society's Assets: Being your best self-advocate
By SD Network, 2024-01-14
What is self-advocacy? In the 1800s, people with disabilities didn't have the opportunity to advocate for themselves. They were placed in institutions or hospitals and were not seen by the world. Big changes came in the 1960s when the civil rights movement started. The Americans Civil Rights Act of 1964 made it illegal to treat people unfairly because of their disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act later required to public services, communication, education, transportation, and other things. To be the best self-advocate is to know what to want and how to receive what you want. This column lists several points to help you advocate.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Brett shares that he was born three months premature weighing 1 lb 15 oz. Due to this, he has cerebral palsy, but he doesn’t let it stop him. “I am always determined to make it impact in as many lives as I possibly can,” he says.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Brett shows self-determination by not giving up. “I keep fighting every single day of my life. My life may not be perfect, but somebody always has it worse,” he tells us. He joined the Network to make a difference.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Brett is working with legislators and stand functional screen for long-term care. “This isn’t going to happen overnight, but I’m not going to stop until it is changed,” he says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Brett enjoys watching TV and playing video games. He also loves spending time with his family and friends.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Requesting Public Comments for Falls Prevention Data Collection Tools
By SD Network, 2023-12-21
This notice solicits comments on the proposed extension of this data collection.
Grantee agencies through this program represent a variety of organization types, including state agencies, area agencies on aging, universities, nonprofit organizations, and tribes. The respondents for this data collection are grantee staff, local staff, and program participants.
The proposed data collection tools include:
- Program Information Cover Sheet
- Attendance Log
- Participant Information Form
- Post Session Survey
Submit electronic comments on the collection of information and any questions to Donna.Bethge@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Donna Bethge.
MARKET WATCH: A Guide To Accessible Travel for People with Disabilities (2023)
By SD Network, 2023-12-21
Everyone loves to travel every once in awhile. People travel to places for a variety of reasons. Traveling is generally fun and exciting, but it also can be stressful. This is especially true for many people who have disabilities. There are several things that people with disabilities have to think about when traveling. Market Watch put together a great guide of tips for people with disabilities.
Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions and new data that will help expand home-and-community-based services. The American Rescue Plan is helping deliver $37 billion across the country to strengthen services. CMS released new guidance outlining how states can use worker registries for HCBS to make sure people have awareness and access to qualified workers.
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL: The Census Bureau wants to change how it asks about disabilities. Some advocates don’t like it
By SD Network, 2023-12-16
The U.S. Census Bureau is considering changing the way it asks people about disabilities and advocates are concerned. Advocates feel it would artificially reduce their numbers by half. This would not only limit the amount of needed resources available, but it would also not accurately count the number of people who are living with disabilities.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: HHS Provides Additional Tools to Strengthen Access to Quality HCBS
By SD Network, 2023-12-15
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Recently, the White House hosted care leaders, workers, and champions to discuss new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on funding for home and community-based care through the American Rescue Plan. These funds are an investment in strengthening access to home and community-based services (HCBS) across the country. All 50 states are using this funding to improve their long-term care systems.
At the White House event, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced that the department, through CMS, is providing additional tools that will help improve access for millions who receive Medicaid HCBS. CMS issued new guidance focused on building and maintaining worker registries so more individuals receiving Medicaid-covered services can receive care in a setting of their choice. This guidance marks another step toward increased access to quality HCBS so older adults and individuals with disabilities can live safely and independently in their homes and communities. Read more about how these investments in long-term care and the care workforce expand access to care by investing in our direct care workforce. |
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