News
Late in June, the US Supreme Court decided it wouldn't hear a case disputing a 2013 Dept. of Labor regulation that requires in-home care workers to receive minimum wage and overtime pay. Before this rule took effect, caregivers weren't entitled to the same rights as other types of employees. Many care agencies sued over this change stating that it would make care unaffordable to their clients, but the Supreme Court found otherwise.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about the ADA and Beyond
By SD Network, 2016-08-02
The 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was July 26th. The ADA improved the lives of people with disabilities in many ways. Here is an excellent list of things to know and understand about the ADA. It has lots of great links and resources.
According to a new report, more Medicaid dollars are going toward community-based services than institutional care. In 2014, 53% was directed to community-based services. That's a 51% increase from the previous year. This suggests that ideas about how to best serve people with developmental disabilities are trending toward community living. However, most of funds to care for older adults and those with physical disabilities went to institutional settings.
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http://files.ctctcdn.com/04efdbb9001/c16370bc-1a5d-4f14-b707-ca92d515fbf4.pngWISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Family Care and IRIS Programs to Expand Statewide
By SD Network, 2016-07-28
Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced plans to expand Family Care and IRIS programs statewide by beginning of 2018. This will eliminate the wait list for hundreds of people seeking long-term care services. This means the final seven counties in Wisconsin will finally have access to services.
Family-Led Network Coordinator
Are you interested in building strong family-led networks in Wisconsin?
A Family- led group is a network of families with children transitioning from high school or young adults with I /DD that are committed to work together to educate themselves on various aspects of adult life for their children with disabilities in their community.
A Family-Led Network Coordinator will assist 3 new family-led groups around the state of Wisconsin. A coordinator will provide technical support, facilitation and training to these groups to support their education on various aspects of developing an integrated life for their sons and daughters with I/DD (ages 14- to 24) in their communities.
Apply to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (W BPDD) Family-led Network Coordinator Grant. Family-led Network Coordinator Grant will provide funding up to $36,000 (Total for coordinator and 3 family-led groups). Coordinator will provide technical assistance, and tools/resources to support Family-led activities.
Previous Family-led coordinators have: assisted family groups to secure training on various topics including: self-determination, self-direction, person-centered planning, and supported decision-making. A coordinator will arrange speakers, visits to other communities, facilitate meetings and communication among members.
If you are interested you need to complete a brief application http://www.wi-bpdd.org/docs/2016/Family-Led-Network-Coordinator-Application.docx
Send completed application to:
Family-Led Network Coordinator Grant
c/o WI-BPDD
101 East Wilson Street
Room 219
Madison, WI 53703
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with this great information about the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Hard to believe that just 1 year ago today the country was celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the ADA and all that has been accomplished while recognizing that there is still more to be done. The tag line "Disability Rights are Civil Rights" continues to ring true today as we mark the 26th Anniversary of the ADA.
Below is a compilation of the statements and activities marking the 26th Anniversary:
Presidential Proclamation - https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/25/presidential-proclamation-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act-2016
ADA National Network ADA Anniversary Took Kit: www.adaanniversary.org
Disability.gov blog titled "The ADA in 2016" -
https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2016/06/29/the-ada-in-2016/
Blog by Andy Imparato titled: The ADA And Claiming Disability https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/07/02/the-ada-and-claiming-disability/#.Vajevb_lffQ.facebook
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ABLE Accounts
ABLE Accounts, which are tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities and their families, are now being created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act. Income earned by the accounts will not be taxed. Contributions to the account made by any person (the account beneficiary, family and friends) will be made using post-taxed dollars and will not be tax deductible. These savings accounts will not affect a person's eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other public benefits. Accounts must be used for disability-related expenses that are not covered by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. To be eligible for an ABLE account, people must have onset of disability before the age of 26 and receive SSI and/or SSDI. If a person doesn't receive SSI/SSDI, but still meets the age of disability requirement, he/she could still be eligible to open an ABLE account if they meet Social Security's definition and criteria regarding significant limitations and obtain a letter from a doctor.
Each state will have their own stipulations for ABLE accounts. Earlier this summer, states began launching programs allowing individuals to open these accounts. It's unknown when Wisconsin will establish its program for accounts; however, in some states, people do not have to be a resident to open an ABLE account. In other words, people who live in a state that doesn't yet have a program setup can open an account in a state which does. We've setup an ABLE account section on the Network where we'll continue to add information about ABLE account programs as more are created.
Take our One-Minute Poll
We're bringing one-minute polls back. To start off with, just for fun, this month we're asking people what their favorite summer activity is. Take our one-minute poll now!
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Make Change Happen: SPARK Grants are designed to organize groups that aim to make changes in their communities resulting in a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Applications due on July 29th. Apply today!
- ADA 26th: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 26th at the end of this month. Read about the many ways it has improved the lives of people living with disabilities.
- Summertime Tips: The summer season can often present a host of challenges for people with disabilities. Here is a list of tips and information to keep in mind about summer fun and safety.
- Staying Fit: Many times, it's challenging for people with disabilities to stay physically active. Learn about how a technology company will soon release software that will be able to track activity level for people who use wheelchairs.
- Partners in Policymaking: Partners is an advocacy and systems training for individuals who will be able to work with legislation and communities on policies and initiatives that will support participation and inclusion of people with disabilities. Find out how to apply!
- Innovative News App: A new app allows people who have visual impairments to enjoy their favorite newspapers without needing any special formats. Find put how the app works!
- Family Care/IRIS Expand: For over 400 people in one Wisconsin county, the wait for long-term care services will soon be over. Learn which county Family Care and IRIS are now in.
For July's entry, Stacy discusses how amusement and theme parks can be challenging places for many people who have disabilities. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Parent to Parent Training: July 30th, 9am to 3pm, Neenah WI
- Disability Pride Festival: July 30th, 12pm to 5pm, Brittingham Park, 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.
Florida launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Florida, the program is known as "United ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. United ABLE is only available to Florida residents.
Places such as Six Flags and Noah’s Ark are popular for many families. Amusement parks and theme parks are usually fun relaxing places for most people.
That isn’t the case for people with physical disabilities. Rollercoasters and many other rides aren’t accessible. Even if I could get on a ride with assistance, because of my poor head control, I’m not allowed on most rides.
When my sister and I were younger, we did the Disney parks in Orlando, Florida. We did a different park almost every year. Disney is actually pretty accessible. They do all they can for people with disabilities. People with disabilities and their families are automatically moved to the front of the lines. I don’t agree with this policy for the most part. It made my family and I feel a little embarrassed when we were escorted to the front of lines when sometimes literally hundreds of people had been waiting hours for a ride or an attraction. We didn’t feel right that just we got to go first just because I have a disability.
In recent years, Disney has come under scrutiny regarding the policy. They’ve had issues with identifying people with disabilities and some people faking having a disability just so they could get to the front of the lines. I believe there are some special circumstances where people should be granted the privilege of being at the front of the line. When an individual is terminally ill and time is literally of essence, I believe they shouldn’t have to wait in lines. I also think that there some unique circumstances when people have a very hard time waiting because of their intellectual disability. I’m not sure how Disney (and other theme parks) can police this. Maybe people get a note from their doctor and then get a card when they arrive at the park that identifies that they need that privilege. That’s just my idea.
My family loves to go to Wisconsin Dells. We love to swim. Waterparks aren’t very wheelchair friendly. We went to Family Land (now Mount Olympus) quite often when we were little. It was less hilly and a little bit more accessible than Noah’s Ark. The wave pool and lazy river are my favorite! The waterslides are really hard to access. There are usually steep hills and stairs up to them. I remember when I was really little, a few times my dad carried me up, handed me to my mom, he went down first so he could catch me when I came down with mom, and then I went down on mom’s lap. That only happened a few times though because it took a lot to get me up there. I absolutely love the wave pool because I can sit in an inner tube by myself and ride the waves. Someone has to be right next to me in case the tube flips, but I just love it! My parents and I recently went to Mount Olympus again for the first time in 10 or 15 years. I was surprised that the accessibility hasn’t improved much. In fact, in my opinion, it has gotten worse from how it was years ago. Sure, they have accessible restrooms and changing rooms, but with all the new attractions and rides they’ve added (very few of which I could enjoy), it’s much more hilly and hard to get around.
I understand that when most amusement parks and waterparks are developed people with disabilities aren’t normally thought of as prime clientele, but we enjoy and deserve to have fun with our family and friends too. I’ve recently read about how some amusement parks are becoming more disability friendly. One theme park in Tennessee added a sensory room for those who have sensory disorders. Other parks are making similar accommodations. To the best of my knowledge, there hasn’t been a wheelchair accessible rollercoaster made yet. If there ever is, though, you can bet I’ll be the first in line!
Do I wish I could go on every ride just like everyone else? Of course I do. I would love nothing more than to be able to go to Six Flags for a day with a bunch of friends, but that’s just not possible. I figure life is full of enough rollercoasters I can ride!
***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.