News
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Family Care and IRIS Programs Expand to Rock County
By SD Network, 2016-07-06
On July 1st, Family Care and IRIS expanded to Rock County. This will put an end to a waiting list for over 400 people who have been waiting for long-term care service. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County has been counseling people, helping them decide which program best meets their needs.
A new app with VoiceOver technology allows people who have visual impairments to enjoy their favorite newspapers. The free app doesn't need any special formats. It works directly from the newspaper website and uses the computer version algorithms to interpret the newspaper layout. The app supports English, Spanish, French, and German.
Applications are being accepted for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking. Partners is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of 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. Apply now!
Download the application here: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/projects/partnersinpolicymaking/partnersadvocacytraining.cfm
People with disabilities often struggle to stay physically active. Apple recently announced that the Apple Watch will soon allow people who use wheelchairs to track their activity level much like the fitness trackers allow for people running and walking. The software update coming in fall will apply wheelchair pushes to all-day calorie goals. It will also be to offer things such as wheelchair-specific workouts.
On June 1st, Ohio became the first state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Ohio, the accounts are known as "STABLE accounts." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. STABLE accounts are open to both residents in Ohio as well as across the country.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Tennessee Launches Country’s Second ABLE Program
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
On June 14th, Tennessee became the second state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Tennessee, the program is known as "ABLE TN." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Tennessee as well as across the country.
Nebraska launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Nebraska, the program is known as "ENABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Nebraska as well as across the country.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about Summer Fun & Safety
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
Summertime is usually thought of as a time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. Families often take vacations to theme parks and waterparks, people play sports, etc... For many people with disabilities, though, the summer season can present a host of challenge. Are parks accessible? How can I stay safe in the heat? The list goes on and on.
Here is a great list of things to keep in mind about summer fun and safety. There are a bunch of links to helpful resources included in the list.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 26 at the end of July. The ADA improves lives of people with disabilities in many ways. This blog talks about some of them and discusses briefly how the Act was formed.
SPARKS Grants are designed to organize local grassroots groups that identify and make changes in their communities resulting in a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Grassroots community organizing means groups working for positive community change for individuals with disabilities on issues that are important to them. SPARKS Grants are available to people with developmental disabilities and family members in Wisconsin.
Activities funded by SPARKS Grants include organizing a local People First chapter; forming a local social justice or civic group that includes people with and without disabilities (this could be a school group); providing for local community advocacy (e.g., developing an inclusive park or accessible garden, expanding community employment opportunities for people with disabilities)
Apply for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI-BPDD) SPARKS Grants. These Grants provide you with funding up to $3,000, technical assistance, and tools/resources to support your outreach activities.
If you are interested you need to complete an SPARKS Application (if link does not work, cut and paste this URL into browser: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/docs/2016/2016-17-SPARKS-Grant-Application.pdf
Send completed application to:
SPARKS Grant c/o WI-BPDD 101 East Wilson Street Room 219 Madison, WI 53703
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, July 29th, 2016. Individuals (or groups) with I/DD who have diverse identities and /or individuals that are underserved are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions contact: John Shaw at 608-266-7707 or john1.shaw@wisconsin.gov
You can also contact Deb Wisniewski (Sparks Grants Coordinator) at scgwis@gmail.com or leave a comment below.