News

In a refreshing counterpoint to the airlines’ indifference to accessibility and disabled travelers, Amtrak is seeking approval from the Federal Railroad Administration to make their new, intercity trains more accessible than current regulations mandate. In addition to accessible spaces in all seating cars and accessible rooms in all sleeper cars, they want wheelchair users to have accessible pathways between all parts of the train, elevator access to the upper level of bi-level cars, accessible restrooms wherever other restrooms exist and easier access from train to station.

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Self-Determination Network News:

August 2023

Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org

Don't Forget to Register!

Have you registered for the 2023 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference yet? It will be held October 16th-18th Join us in-person at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells or virtually for this year’s conference. The theme is Be Curious: Explore the Possibilities. Check out the brochure and website for more information. Register today!

Share Your Caregiver Crisis Story with your Legislators 

Recently, Madison Magazine published an in-depth article "Wisconsin's Caregiver crisis: What happens when no one shows up?" In the article, people with disabilities and family members talk about the daily challenges they face because they do not have enough workers to hire, what has happened when they don't have enough workers, and their fears about the future. Do these people's stories match your lived experience? If so, you are not alone. People in every corner of Wisconsin are having the same struggles every day, day after day. If this story is your story, email your legislator a link to the article and say, "That's Me." Include a few sentences about how the care worker shortage is impacting you, your family, your future.

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 Richard. When he’s not working at the Department of Revenue, he’s either advocating on the Arc board or participating in one of his many hobbies. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Richard.   

Who should we shine the spotlight on next?

Stacy’s Journal

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:

• "Finding my passion has made a difference in my life"

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:

• Accessible Housing: Despite 26% of the US population having a disability, less than 5% of housing is accessible and less than 1% is wheelchair accessible. Learn about several ideas which came from a hearing attended by both political parties that would help with the shortage.
• Creating Accessible Transportation: Late in July, the Vice President and the Secretary of Transportation held a roundtable discussion about accessible transportation. Read about the meeting.
• Improving Online Access to State and Local Services: Ahead of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Acts, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a new proposal that would improve online access to state and local services for people who have various limitations Find out what the proposal includes.
• Accessible Changing Tables: For many families in Wisconsin, it's nearly impossible to leave the house for an extended length of time because of the lack of accessible adult changing stations in public places.  Read about a new program that would require all public buildings to have adult changing stations.
• Airline to Add Braille to Planes Interior: Finding your seat on airplane is challenging for anyone, but for people who have visual impairments, it's usually impossible to find their seat independently.  Read about how one airline is planning to install Braille to signs inside planes.
• UpliftWI: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced a new phone line is now available allowing all Wisconsinites to share their successes and challenges with a peer who will listen and offer support. Find out more about this program.
• Partners in Policymaking: Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program that develops future leaders across the state who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Applications due October 2nd.
• SPARKS Grants:  Do you have an idea to make your community a better place for people with disabilities?  Organize your grassroots group and apply for funding to help make it happen! Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members may apply. Applications due September 1st. Learn more and apply today!
• Mandate to Make Planes More Accessible: The Department of Transportation is in the process of finalizing regulations to require many new commercial airplanes to more accessible for people with disabilities. Read about how new regulations would require some planes to have large enough restrooms that for a person with a disability and an attendant.
• Right-of-Way Guidelines: Pedestrians with disabilities throughout the United States continue to face major challenges in travel because many sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities are inaccessible. Recently, the U.S. Access Board addressed this inequity by issuing a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. Learn what these guidelines are.
• WisCaregiver Connections: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently invested in an online training program for 10,000 people to become certified direct care professionals. Find out more about this program.
• Call for Proposals: 
  

  Applied Self-Direction is seeking conference sessions that focus on best practices and innovations related to self-direction. We strongly encourage a range of perspectives including people and families who self-direct, state program staff, Financial Management Services providers, direct care workers, support brokers, and policymakers. Proposals due October 11th.

Upcoming Events 

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

• Webinar: Housing Act: August 22nd, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
• 45th Anniversary Open House And Assistive Technology Donation Drive: August 24th, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Access to Independence, Madison WI
• Electronic Visit Verification Forum: August  24th, 2p.m. to 4p.m., Online
• Options For Independent Living Community Expo: August 24th, 3p.m. to 7p.m., Options for Independent Living, Green Bay WI
• Webinar: Accessible Residential Housing: September 7th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.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.

Find certified caregivers to fill your open positions

Competition for quality, talented caregivers is at an all-time high. In fact, one in four direct caregiver positions is currently unfilled. That’s why the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is investing in the caregiving workforce by training up to 10,000 new workers as certified direct care professionals (CDCPs) through WisCaregiverCDCP.com.

Our companion online platform, WisCaregiver Connections, makes it easy for eligible providers* to find CDCPs to fill open positions. You can gain a competitive edge in finding certified caregivers—at no charge to you. This one-stop platform lets you:

• Post job openings
• Auto-match with jobseekers
• Screen candidate profiles and credentials

Join WisCaregiver Connections Today!

Training new caregivers

People interested in becoming CDCPs can access the free, 30-hour online curriculum, created by our academic partner, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Participants advance through the modules at their own pace.

After successfully completing the curriculum and a supervised, online exam, individuals will be listed on the Wisconsin Certified Direct Care Professional Registry. CDCPs receive a $250 bonus upon hiring and an additional $250 six-month retention bonus if employed by an eligible agency or provider.

In addition, employers' and agencies' current employees are eligible to earn certification and to receive bonuses. This is at no cost to you when you become an eligible provider registered on WisCaregiver Connections.

Questions? 

Contact us at cdcp@uwgb.edu if you have questions or would like to learn more about the
CDCP program and workforce platform.

Pedestrians with disabilities throughout the United States continue to face major challenges in travel because many sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities are inaccessible. Recently, the U.S. Access Board addressed this inequity by issuing a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. These guidelines inform federal, state, and local government agencies on how to make their pedestrian facilities, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, shared use paths, and on-street parking, accessible to people with disabilities. 

View guidelines

A child winning a trophy. A person accomplishing something amazing. Someone conquering a fear. An individual achieving a longtime goal. What do these things have in common? The feeling of pride. According to Google, the definition of pride is “a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those whom one is closely associated; or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.” In the last quarter century, the concept of pride has taken on another whole meaning. Many minority groups have leveraged the idea of pride into their culture. Minorities have begun dedicating specific months to celebrating their culture. February is African American month. June is gay pride month. Disability pride month is July.

“I struggle with the concept of disability pride,” I told my mom as we were driving to the Self-Determination YouTube Channel retreat in Madison a few weeks ago. We were talking about the Madison Disability Pride Fest that was happening the next day. For multiple reasons, we weren’t able to attend this year, but my mom and I got on the topic of disability pride. In late July, I was on a panel that presented for the Leading Learning Agency Webinar Series. There were 350 people listening and the topic was disability rights. Most of the questions were about disability pride. I was telling mom how some people probably didn’t like my answers because I have a very different opinion about the whole idea of disability pride than many people do.

In my personal opinion, the word pride means proud. When you have pride in something, you feel proud of whatever it is. Am I proud of the fact that I have a significant disability? Unlike many people, I can’t bring myself to say I am. In fact, I can firmly say that I am not. I really admire anyone who can say that they’re proud of having a disability –what a strong individual you must be! The whole idea of disability pride is very similar to the disability awareness months. In a previous entry, I discussed my views on those. I’m not a fan of focusing solely on one’s limitations. Personally, the last thing I want is attention drawn to my disability.

Having said all that, I’m all for celebrating how far people with disabilities have come. Or, I should say how far society has come in including people who have disabilities. The concept of disability pride was started to celebrate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the rights and protections it gives to people. The 33^rd anniversary of the ADA was at the end of July. I think Disability Pride month is twofold. Obviously, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate all that has been able to be accomplished thanks to the ADA. It’s great to recognize all the things that people with disabilities are able to do because of the ADA. I also feel that the concept of Disability pride acknowledges the fact that people with disabilities still don’t have the same opportunities as their non disabled counterparts. Simply put, it serves as a reminder that we, as disability advocates, have more work to do.

Being a self-advocate and also working in disability advocacy, I find myself always trying to find a balance. I’m not proud of having a disability, but I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish despite having some extra barriers to overcome. In my opinion, advocating for what you need and sharing your experiences isn’t necessarily prideful. I believe advocacy is about educating others. Am I proud of the fact that I’m helping others learn what it’s like living with a disability? Absolutely; however, that doesn’t mean I am proud of having a disability. I also feel there’s a difference between accepting your disability and having pride in having a disability. I acknowledge and accept that I have a disability—it’s a part of my life. However, I don’t take pride in it.

I also feel like the people first language debate comes into play here as well. In a previous entry, I talked about how even though there continues to be a move away from the people first language, I still prefer to use it. Maybe I’m just too self-conscious, but I hope that people view me as the person I am first. Sure, obviously especially with physical disabilities, people are going to associate me as having a disability, but I hope they see the person I am first.

Over the years, it seems like more and more people have pride in being disabled. Maybe it’s because society is embracing the concept of disability more. Maybe it’s because people with disabilities feel like they are more united. While I personally can’t say that I have pride in having a disability, I have the utmost respect for those who do. Probably not our lifetime, but, someday, there won’t be any pride needed because society will be so inclusive that differences won’t matter!

***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.

On April 18, 2023, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, which included more than 50 executive directives aimed at almost every cabinet-level agency. In response, PHI has produced a five-part fact sheet series examining the executive order relevant to the direct care workforce. Specifically, this fourth fact sheet offers ideas for federal regulatory policies and inter-agency collaboration that would enhance equity for direct care workers.

View fact sheet

The Department of Transportation is in the process of finalizing regulations to require many new commercial airplanes to more accessible for people with disabilities. The regulations would require new single aisle aircrafts that seat 125 passengers or more to have a large enough restroom for a person with a disability and an attendant.

Read more

Meet Richard. When he’s not working at the Department of Revenue, he’s either advocating on the Arc board or participating in one of his many hobbies. He loves going to the Self-determination Conference each year where he meets new friends. He encourages people with disabilities to advocate for what they need to live a prosperous life in the community. We’re so fortunate to have him as member of the Network!    

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Richard was born and raised in Connecticut, but now he currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He shares that he has mild autism and has done numerous amazing things independently. He has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for almost 32 years.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Richard explains that he first got involved with Self-Determination when a friend, Nancy Alar, talked to him about what Self-Determination is. He has attended the annual Self-Determination Conference at Kalahari Resort for many years.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?

An exciting thing for Richard is that he is a board member and self-advocate for the Arc-Dane County in Madison.  He shares that he has excellent math and cooking skills, and he’s very outgoing and friendly. He is very committed to his job at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Richard encourages people who have disabilities to advocate for the accommodations they need to be able to live and work in the community. " Also, I would treat every single person with disabilities with respect, inclusion, acceptance, and love,” he says.

What are some of your hobbies?

Richard has a variety of hobbies which include: cooking, traveling, riding his bicycle, bowling, mini golf, going to high school football games, and making new 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.