The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Community Living (ACL) requires states that receive federal funding from the Assistive Technology (AT) Act to submit a State Plan for Assistive Technology every three years. The State Plan outlines goals for the state’s AT program and tracks progress towards these goals based on federal performance measures.

Wisconsin's AT Advisory Council has completed a draft of Wisconsin’s State Plan for AT 2018-2020. The Wisconsin AT Advisory Council welcomes your comments, suggestions, and feedback on the state plan. This plan aims to improve access to assistive technology devices and services for people of all ages in order to continue to live independently in the community with dignity and respect. Attached to this email and available at: https://atc.wisconsin.gov/atcfiles/p-02162_State_AT_Plan_18-20.pdf.

Public comments and feedback received on the State Plan for AT will be reviewed and  addressed in the plan as appropriate. The AT Advisory Council is committed to using the comments and feedback received on the plan in multiple ways—including implementation of the State Plan.

Please submit your responses via the feedback survey or in writing by Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 5 pm (CST). If you have any questions about the public comment process or need assistance completing this survey, please contact Mason Aumanstal at (608) 266-3118 or via email at MasonE.Aumanstal@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

The State Plan for AT Feedback Survey link will be active on the State Plan AT webpage (https://atc.wisconsin.gov/state-assistive-technology-plan.htm) the week of 6/4/2018.

You may also submit comments via mail or email:

WisTech Program

ATTN: State Plan

1 W. Wilson Street, Room 551

PO Box 2659

Madison, WI 53701-2659

MasonE.Aumanstal@dhs.wisconsin.gov   

Thank you in advance for your feedback on the 2018-2020 State Plan for AT!

“Never judge someone by the way he/she looks.“  Most people are taught that beginning at an early age.  While we all know it’s not right to judge one another, everybody does—it’s human nature.  Regardless of age, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, economic status, or disability, as a society, we are taught to believe that everyone is equal and nobody is the better than anyone else.  Theoretically, this means that everybody should feel like they “fit in” everywhere all the time; however, it’s not realistic.  Most people experience feeling “singled out” negatively more than once in their life.  Often, it’s unintentional and purely situational, but, regardless, “sticking out” usually isn’t something to be desired.  People with disabilities often “stick out” more than most—it’s just a fact.

My disability is pretty noticeable.  Some people have very mild cerebral palsy and the effects often go unnoticed by many.  I happen to have a pretty severe form of cerebral palsy.  In addition to using a power wheelchair, I can’t verbally speak clearly and because of my fluctuating muscle tone, my arms and legs often move unintentionally.  My head often droops and sometimes my mouth hangs open or my tongue sticks out.  I also drool. There’s no way around hiding the fact that I’m “different.”

As I’ve explained in previous journal entries, I accept that I have a disability, but it doesn’t define who I am.  Unless a situation presents itself, I don’t think of myself as being disabled.   Growing up, I guess I became accustomed to “sticking out.”  Since I was in regular classes, classmates got used to having me in class and understood what I was capable of.  It wasn’t a big deal.  College was unique.  UW-Whitewater specializes in serving students with physical disabilities, so I certainly didn’t stick out on campus.  In classes, sometimes I felt like I stood out because I was the only one with visible limitations, but again, after people got to know me, it wasn’t an issue.

As I get older, I notice I feel I stick out more at social gatherings.  Whether it’s a retirement dinner for my mom, a friend’s wedding, or a cousin’s graduation party, I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb.  I think it has a lot to do with meeting new people who are unaware that the person that the event is for has a relative or a friend who has a disability.  Now, obviously, in all three of those scenarios, I was invited because the person wants me there and they see past my disability.  Often, at such events, the harder I try not to stick out (besides being in wheelchair), the more my muscles tense up which causes unintentional movements and noises.  Unfortunately, it’s just how my body works.  My mom, dad, and sister know not to tell me to try to fix it because it only makes it worse when I try harder. I also need to be fed at these events.  Being fed automatically draws attention to oneself.  Again, the harder I try not to make a scene, the more my body will react while eating causing me to cough and food to drop.

Admittedly, I also have some social anxiety when attending events where there are people my age.    While I know most people don’t expect me to get married and have a family, it doesn’t mean I don’t crave that.  I realize most people probably don’t even think about it (which is good), but I often feel singled out because I don’t have that.  Seeing friends and cousins with significant others and children at events can be pretty hard.  As happy as I am for them, it makes me wonder if it will ever happen to me.  The older I get the less likely it is and that’s not an easy thing to accept.  I try my best to experience happiness through other people’s eyes, but, sometimes, when everyone else around you seems to have what you desperately want, it can be hard.  As hard as it can be, I’m eternally grateful that I have amazing friends and family who always include me despite my circumstances.  I’m one lucky girl!

I’d love nothing more than to actually walk down the aisle and stand with the other bridesmaids at my friend’s wedding this weekend; however, I have a different path in life.  Instead, I will proudly roll down the aisle thinking about how lucky I am to have the bride as one of my best friends for over 25 years.  Will I stick out?  Definitely, but I’m honored to be in my friend’s wedding.  She obviously doesn’t have a problem with my circumstances, so why should I?

Having a pronounced physical disability often makes fitting in difficult.  Some people are completely okay with not fitting in because of their limitations, and others work hard to hide theirs.  I think I’m somewhere in between.  While usually I don’t have a problem with being seen as different, there are times where I desperately want to fit in.  It’s during those times that I need to remember that I was chosen to have a different path in life.  My purpose in life is different than most; I’m here to show people what is possible despite the curve balls life throws at you! 

***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.

Meet Jane. This past Diehard Advocate award recipient is dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment.  When she’s not busy working or serving as an adviser for People First, she has a plethora of hobbies.  She believes that everyone should have the right to vote.  She also encourages people to ask for help because we can all learn from one another.  We are so fortunate to have Jane as a member of the Self-Determination Network. 

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

Jane got involved in self-determination through her  place of employment which is Portal, Inc. in Grafton. She started four years ago as a Prevocational Mentor and worked with getting people out in the community and beginning to experience jobs. Currently, she work as a Job Consultant and Job Coach with Portal.  I also work with WIOA students two days a week teaching them self-determination and living skills.

Jane also helped restart the People First Chapter in Ozaukee County and became and advisor.  It was then that she heard of the Self-Determination Network and decided to join to make community connections and have a source to help her. She has attended the Self-Determination Conference the past four years and in 2015, she was awarded the Diehard Advocate award.   “It was pretty exciting,” she says.

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

Jane is excited to see is all of the jobs available today in our community that are being filled by people with disabilities.

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

A tip Jane would like to share is that if you do not vote or do not know how, ask for help.  She encourages people to register to vote and head to the polls on voting day.  She says, “your voice matters.”  She explained that they had a member of their People First Chapter get back her right to vote which was really exciting.

What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?

“Many hands make light work,” Jane says. She explains that we don’t always have to reinvent the wheel.  She encourages people to ask for help--more times than not someone wants to help and can.

What are some of your hobbies?

Jane is a lady with many hobbies.  In addition to sewing, quilting,  and painting, she loves to wall paper. She also is an avid reader—she reads a book (mostly fiction, biographies, or cookbooks) every 10-14 days.  She also loves to people watch.

***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.

1. Participate in monthly planning meetings to move the work of the Coalition forward.
2. Identify outreach and training opportunities and serve as an ambassador for the Coalition in your community.
3. Join a subcommittee dedicated to one of the many important goals of the Coalition.
4. Share the work of the Coalition with your colleagues and friends via social media and other creative ways.

It's not widely known, but in many states people with disabilities can be stripped of their right to vote.  For adults with a developmental disability or mental illness, a guardian may be chosen to assist with management of their loved one’s finances and health care decisions. Judges are also empowered to make decisions regarding voter participation competency during these guardianship proceedings.  During this process in many states the person's right to vote can be taken away.  This opinion blog explains why many people feel that the law needs to be changed.  Many people feel that everybody should have the right to vote.

Read blog

It's graduation season.  Many people with disabilities will cross the stage overcoming tremendous odds.  That is the case for one UW-Green Bay alum.  Christopher not only overcame multiple disabilities, he also overcame poverty.  Growing up, his mother was a strong advocate for him and made sure to focus on what he could do.  As he got older, his self-determination and self-advocacy led him to some amazing opportunities.

Read more

CMS Seeking Comment on Durable Medical Equipment Interim Final Rule

CMS is seeking comments on an interim final rule that increases payments to suppliers for some DME and enteral nutrition in areas of the country that are not subject to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DEMPOS) Competitive Bidding Process (CBP). These include rural areas, and Alaska, Hawaii and the territories. From June 1 through December 31, 2018, payments will return to the blended rates that were in effect in 2016. 

The change is in response to stakeholder concerns about significant financial challenges created by the current rates for suppliers, as well as concerns that the number of suppliers in certain areas continues to decline. It is projected to result in a $70 million dollar Medicare cost-sharing increase to beneficiaries. This increase may be covered by supplemental insurance programs like Medigap, and for dual eligible beneficiaries, Medicaid pays the cost sharing. However, beneficiaries who do not have supplemental insurance or who are not dual eligible will have increased cost sharing.

For more information on Durable Medical Equipment Fee Schedule, Adjustments to Resume the Transitional 50/50 Blended Rates to Provide Relief in Rural Areas and Non-Contiguous Areas (CMS-1687-IFC) or to submit a comment on or before July 9, 2018, please visit Regulations..

 Self-Determination Network News:

May 2018

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

Supported Decision-Making Webinar May 21

Register now for a webinar about supported decision making on Monday May 21st.   Governor Walker recently signed a supported decision-making bill into law that gives people with disabilities and older adults options beyond guardianship for getting help with important decisions in their lives.  Attend this webinar sponsored by The Arc of Wisconsin to learn what the law in Wisconsin does and how you might use it in your life or to support a family member.

Join the Discussion!

The Self-Determination Network posts a discussion question related to self-determination/self-direction every month in hopes that we can share experiences and learn from each other.  Last month, we had a discussion about community employment for people with disabilities.  We're switching gears a little bit in May and talking about how self-direction has impacted our lives.   How has self-direction impacted your life?  What words of advice do you have for others just beginning to use self-direction?  Join the Discussion!

Registration is open for the 5^th annual Aging Empowerment Conference: Living a Self-Determined Life!

Join InControl Wisconsin and our sponsors as we welcome international empowerment expert, Dr. Simon Duffy. We’ll learn highlights of global developments in the field of aging and discuss the movement toward self-determination and self-direction. Friday’s Advocacy Summit will be a strategic planning session focusing on Building Strong Moments for Change, in Wisconsin and beyond.

Keynote Address: Are older people still citizens?

A test of any decent society is how it respects the older generation. Are older people at the center of family and community life, or are they isolated or institutionalized? Can people set their own path, even when they need extra help, or are they forced to do what others think is best for them? While people with disabilities have demanded equal rights and self-determination, older people are often forced to accept lower standards. Dr Simon Duffy is both a philosopher and practitioner, who has worked for 30 years to develop ideas and systems to advance equal citizenship for all. Simon will explain what is happening around the world to enable people to be true citizens at any age, and whatever their needs. Simon will also explore how the idea of citizenship - which connects ancient Greece to the civil rights movement - must be central to solving the problems - and seizing the opportunities - ahead of us.

Know an older adult who would be interested in attending? Register for the conference, bring an older adult for free!

*Conference attendance is an activity that fulfills advocacy related goals for county and tribal aging units in your next three-year aging service plan!

For more information, visit :  incontrolwi.org

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 May, we shine the spotlight on, Tyler, a junior at UW-Whitewater . As if he isn't busy enough double majoring in Accounting and Economics, he also self-directs all of his own supports.  He encourages people not to settle and not to let the logistics stop you from achieving your dreams.  Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Tyler.

 Stacy’s Journal

“If it works, don’t fix it.” While it’s human nature for people to want to make things better, sometimes people forget to consider the repercussions of changing things will have on others. Change is hard for everyone. In this month's entry, Stacy discusses while most of the time change is for the better, sometimes with all repercussions of the change, it can do more harm than good.  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:

• Social Security Protections:  Thanks to a new law, people who handle Social Security payments for those with disabilities will be more closely monitored.  Read about how this law will more protect beneficiaries.
• Housing Voucher Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a notice of funding availability for Mainstream Vouchers. Learn how these can help people with disabilities.
• Wisconsin Named Leader in Self-Direction:  In a recent report by AARP, Wisconsin was highlighted for being a leader in self-direction.  Find out why.
• Care Facilities Reviews:  People often don't know where to start when it comes time to look for nursing homes or assisted living centers.  Learn about how Yelp reviewers are looking at different aspects of care than the government reviews.
• Care Worker Shortage:  A recent study finds that Wisconsin's care worker shortage continues to grow.   Find out why this is and what's being done to address it.   
• Public Comment on Family Care Amendment:  The Department of Health Services is taking  public comment on an amendment to the Family Care Wavier.  Learn what changes are being proposed.  Public comment closes May 30th.
• Caregiver Survey: To better understand the challenges employers experience as they address the needs of employees with caregiving responsibilities, the Wisconsin Women’s Council in partnership with the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance is looking for employers of all sizes to participate in a first annual survey on caregiving.  The survey closes on May 30th.

 Upcoming Events                                    

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

• WI FACETS Self-Advocacy Workshop: Self-Advocacy Spotlight:  May 21st, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• Webinar: Training On Wisconsin’s New Supported Decision-Making Law:  May 21st, 6:30p.m. to 8p.m., Online 
  
• 2018 Employment First Conference:  May 22nd, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• 2018 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 14th-15th, Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 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.

New Wisconsin Employer Survey on Employees & Caregiving

The Wisconsin Women’s Council (appointed by the Governor and the State Legislature) in partnership with the Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance is looking for employers of all sizes to participate in a first annual survey on caregiving.  We seek to better understand the challenges employers experience as they address the needs of employees with caregiving responsibilities.  The intent of this survey is to improve information and other resources available to Wisconsin employers as they supportcaregivers on the job.

Survey Link:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WICaregiving 

The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete.  Deadline to participate: May 31

For purposes of this survey, caregiving is defined as support provided to a family member (beyond typical care for a minor child) who may be an older adult or person with a disability. Individual survey responses will remain confidential.  Survey results will be shared with participating employers.

About Us

• Wisconsin Women’s Council: http://womenscouncil.wi.gov/
• Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance: http://wisconsincaregiver.org/alliance

If you have questions about the survey contact Christine Lidbury, Executive Director, Wisconsin Women’s Council Christine.Lidbury@wisconsin.gov  or Lisa Pugh, Co-chair, Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance: Pugh@thearc.org.

Thank you for your participation.