News
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Born with a brain injury, this young man has accomplished more than anyone ever imagined
By SD Network, 2019-02-11
Perseverance and self-determination can make all the difference. For Ben Page, that couldn't be more true. Due to an injury at birth, this 22 year old has an intellectual disability, but he hasn't let that stop him from leading a successful life. Doctors warned his parents not to expect much from Ben's development, but they started to view his progress through the lens of his own abilities. He has exceeded everyone's expectations!
Are you interested in presenting at the 2019 Self-Determination Conference? We are seeking session proposals for Tuesday, October 15 & Wednesday, October 16. You can download the application here
All proposals are due by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.
Please submit your completed proposal form to:
Fil Clissa at Fil.Clissa@wisconsin.gov or mail to BPDD, 101 E. Wilson St., Room 219, Madison, WI 53703
GEEKWIRE: Microsoft makes real-time captions and translation standard in Office 365 PowerPoint
By SD Network, 2019-02-04
Microsoft PowerPoint is adding live captions of voice translation to millions of Office 365 subscribers. The feature launched in 2017 as an add-on. It is now standard. Microsoft partnered with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology to pilot the automatic captioning program. They added 30 new accessibility features to Office 365 since launching a $25 million, five-year program to fund artificial intelligence-based tools for people with disabilities. The program began in May 2018. One of the goals for the Microsoft team was to make captioning more available for Deaf and hard of hearing members of the workforce. Technology can help make communication more accessible, but the article notes that increasing employment for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals also requires cultural change to reduce discrimination.
For many adults with disabilities, it's often a struggle determining whether or not it's worth it to work. Many would like to, but if they exact too much money, they not only their Supplement Security Income (SSI), but, more importantly, they also lose Medicaid coverage. Thankful to the Affordable Care Act, some states are now required to offer Medicaid to everyone under age 65 with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of disability or employment status. This opinion article explains how even though some states are enacting new barriers for eligibility, the Medicaid expansion still works for people with disabilities.
Windchill warnings, polar vortex, below zero temperatures- people in Wisconsin have gotten very familiar with these terms recently. Everybody knows winters in Wisconsin can be brutal. Plowing out from a foot of snow is one thing; dealing with dangerously low temperatures and windchills is another. Dangerously cold temperatures affect everyone. From starting a vehicle early so it can warm up, to taking the dog out, to being called off work or having to find child care because school is canceled… bitter cold temperatures impact people in multiple ways. For people with disabilities, extreme temperatures (cold or hot) often create some unique challenges.
While I’m a person who likes snow around the holiday season, I’m not a fan of cold weather. Having a physical disability, cold temperatures cause challenges that an average person probably doesn’t even think about. Bundling up often takes some work. Due to my muscle spasticity because of cerebral palsy getting a winter jacket takes quite a bit of pulling and yanking from the person helping me. As I’ve explained in previous entries, often when I want my body to move one way, it does the opposite; for example, when I want my arm to point straight out to get a coat on, it retracts. It’s just how my body works. Usually I’m also wearing a sweatshirt also, so that adds another issue; when I stick my arm in the coat, the sleeve of my sweatshirt often hikes way up my arm since I’m not able to hold onto it. Somebody has put their hand up the arm once the coat is on to pull the sweatshirt sleeve down. Coats are definitely a pain for me!
Gloves and hats cause similar problems. I rarely ever wear gloves. Getting gloves on me is like pulling teeth on a giraffe. Because of my muscle contractors it’s nearly impossible to get my fingers in the right spots. Even when we do get gloves on me, it’s not ideal because I sometimes can’t drive my wheelchair or use my phone (which serves as my communication device). Hats and headbands often slide down due to my constant movements.
I think I may have written about this in an entry a few years ago, but while I was in college at UW-Whitewater, I never wore a jacket or gloves and hat to class. People thought I was absolutely crazy, but I didn’t have anyone to help me dress and undress each time I went to and from class. I’d get way too hot (especially in the dorms) if I wore my coat all day. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but I survived!
For people who have intellectual disabilities, the frigid cold weather is dangerous as well. People may not understand why it’s so important to bundle up. They may wander outside without realizing that it’s dangerously cold. People may not understand why they aren’t able to do their normal routine.
Extreme temperatures impact other things for people with disabilities. Below zero temperatures and windchills could cause health care professionals to be unable to get to work. This can cause delays in service and care for people with disabilities. Specialized and public transportation services many be delayed or stopped resulting in people missing work or appointments. Day programs may be closed forcing family caregivers to have to miss work. The list goes on and on.
Outside temperature can affect Some disabilities and health conditions. For me, I’ve noticed that extreme cold causes havoc with my muscle tone. I usually handle and enjoy warmer temperatures; however, when it gets really really hot, I’ve noticed my tolerance has decreased as I’ve gotten older. I think it has to do with sitting in a black wheelchair seat all the time. It gets pretty toasty!
Personally, I’d take a 95 degree day over a -50 degree day anyday. As we all know, though, Wisconsin has four seasons, and with that comes a big temperature variance. Some people like the cold weather; some people enjoy the really warm weather. I guess we get a bit of everything in this state. I say, BRING ON SPRING!!!
***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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hunter is 26 years old. He was born three months premature in Milwaukee, WI. He has Cerebral Palsy and is considered a quadriplegic. He uses a wheelchair to get around and has a visual perception deficit. He has a brother adopted from Vietnam who has a hearing impairment and an intellectual disability.
Currently, Hunter lives in Wausau, WI in his own apartment with his cat, Sully. He lives independently with the help of a team of caregivers, including his mom. He uses an emergency alert system for added safety.
Hunter is the owner and author of www.comerollwithme.com. He has been working hard to become a professional blogger and advocate for individuals with disabilities. He would like to expand, becoming a public speaker soon.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Hunter explains that his IRIS consultant, Jennifer, told him about the Self-Determination Conference in Wisconsin Dells this past October. He went as a vendor, promoting his blog and selling “Super Power” T-shirts. He wanted to also learn about others with disabilities to make him a better advocate.
Hunter lives in a building with other individuals with disabilities, but they are all much older than I am. He says the conference opened the door for him to meet others his age with disabilities. “It reminded me that I am not alone. I connected with some incredible people,” he explained. He joined the SD Network to continue connecting with other individuals with disabilities.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Becoming a member of the SD Network is exciting for Hunter! “I am hoping to meet new people and develop friendships,” he says.
Professionally, Hunter excited to have Virginia and Scott Steuck join the Come Roll With Me team. They will be helping him with marketing and expanding his reach. He’s excited for the growth and expansion of his blog and website.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Hunter explains that even though it may take a while, continue to look ahead. Being independent takes self-determination. However, it is a process. If you are working toward a goal, you are a success! Slow and steady wins the race. Obstacles are a part of living with a disability. Don’t let frustration cloud your view. Take a step back and figure out a strategy to make things fall into place. “Most importantly, never EVER give up,” he exclaims!
What are some of your hobbies?
In his free time, Hunter can be found on his computer or in front of his PS4. He also loves watching sports, including football, baseball, and wrestling. In the summer, he can be found at Athletic Field cheering on the Woodchucks. He also loves exploring new places and pushing his comfort zone with new adventures. Last year, he went water skiing and also rode on the back of a motorcycle!
***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.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Bill Would Prohibit Waiting Lists For Community-Based Services
By SD Network, 2019-01-30
A group of parents who have adult children with disabilities is teaming up to develop housing for their children. The parents of Home of Our Own have spent the past six years developing a 40-unit apartment complex in New Glarus, where their children can live on their own among friends and neighbors. A quarter of the apartments will be designed with special accommodations to meet the disability needs of their children. The rest will be offered for those in need of affordable, workforce housing.
The U.S. Access Board seeks Accessibility Specialists (GS 9/11/12) to serve in its Office of Technical and Information Services as indicated in vacancy announcements on the USAJobs.gov website. Chosen candidates will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to the public on accessibility standards for buildings and facilities issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and new Access Board standards for medical diagnostic equipment. They also will assist in preparing published guidance on these standards and in the periodic review and update of the standards. Several candidates may be selected.
Current or former federal employees who qualify as status candidates, candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, the Career Transition Assistance Plan, or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities, or covered by an Interchange Agreement) or who are eligible for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (GS-9 and GS-11 only), should respond to Vacancy Announcement 19-AB-1. All other candidates should respond to Vacancy Announcement 19-AB-2-P. Applications are due February 19, 2019.
For further information, contact the Applicant Call Center at (304) 480-7300 or by email at ACCESSBOARDINQUIRIES@fiscal.treasury.gov.
January 2019
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Disability Advocacy Day 2019
Registration is now open for Disability Advocacy Day 2019! Join fellow advocates on Wednesday March 20th in Madison to let your voice be heard. Disability Advocacy Day is designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. The day starts with a briefing of issues you and your fellow constituents want to discuss with your legislators and after lunch the whole group heads to the capitol for their legislative meetings. Registration closes March 8th. Register today!
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- SCI Community Input Needed: Check out the great opportunity Kurt posted about for people with spinal cord injuries to give input to influence research.
- Adaptive Community Approach Program: Kurt posted links about the Adaptive Community Approach Program. Learn about what this awesome program offers for people with disabilities.
- Youth Leadership Program: The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities. Applications are due March 15th.
- New ABLE Account Rules: With a change taking effect this year, individuals with disabilities can save more money than ever before without losing out on Social Security, Medicaid and other government benefits. Find out how much people can put in an account.
- Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems: The Administration for Community Living and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announce the launch of the National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems. Read about what the center will provide.
- Woe in Services: According to a new report, more people are on waiting lists, fewer are competitively employed and access to services remains uneven. Learn what causes such disparities.
- Accommodating Water Park: A water park has become an official certified autism center. Find out what the park is doing to accommodate people with autism.
- Family Caregiver Support Report: The Administration for Community Living has released documents about family caregiving. Read about study findings and statistics.
- Survey Opportunity for People with Visual Impairments: T-Mobile is developing a new television service and has begun to implement accessibility features for the individuals with visual disabilities. They are looking for input from adults with visual disabilities.
- Research Opportunity for Adults who Use Wheelchairs: A nationally recognized rehabilitation facility is conducting a study on falls and fear of falling in people who use wheelchairs. They're looking for people to help by taking a survey.
- Parents of Adult Children Find Support from Each Other: Many parents who have adult children with disabilities often worry about the future. Parents in this situations get together monthly to brainstorm solutions. Read about the group.
- Government Shutdown Impact: People with disabilities felt the effects of the country's longest government shutdown ever. Learn about how it impacted many people.
- Push to Remove the 'R-Word': Two Wisconsin senators are working on legislation to remove the term "mental retardation" and all its derivatives from state code and replace it with the words "intellectual disability." Read about why the senators are doing this.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: ABLE Accounts And Special Needs Trusts: January 31st, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Adaptive Bike Fair: January 31st to February 3rd, Emerys, Milwaukee WI
- Long Term Care Advocacy Team: February 12th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
- Webinar: Falls Prevention For Older Adults: February 13th, 11a.m to 12:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: The ADA, Businesses And Barrier Removal: What Are The Requirements?: February 19th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Advocacy For Change: March 13th, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 20th, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Monona Terrence, Madison 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.