News
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with the following information about how a new technology section was added to ada.gov.
New Accessible Technology Section Added to ADA.gov
The Department of Justice has launched a new Accessible Technology sectionfor ADA.gov, its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Web site, to further assist covered entities and people with disabilities to understand how the ADA applies to certain technologies, such as Web sites, electronic book readers, online courses, and point-of-sale devices. Covered entities have longstanding obligations to make their programs, goods, services, and activities accessible—including those they provide online or via other technology. The new Web pages compile in one place the Department’s technical assistance and guidance about accessible technology, as well as information about the Department’s accessible technology enforcement efforts, regulation development, and other federal accessible technology resources and initiatives.
The Federal Communications Commission is trying to make it easier for people with disabilities to communicate over the phone. They proposed a rule that would require wireless phone networks to recognize real-time text starting in December 2017. Real-time text would allow people to send and receive messages as they're being relayed without a separate device or translator on the line.
People with disabilities often struggle to find appropriate housing. There are many different barriers and issues people have to consider when looking for housing. Disability.gov put together a great list of people should know about housing. It includes tons of excellent resources too!
Google is spending millions on technology that will increase independence for people with disabilities through its "Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities" initiative. The grants will go to various disability organizations to enhance technology for people with disabilities. Each organization that received a grant has committed to sharing their technology which will encourage innovation from other sources.
THE GUARDIAN: How the world of disability has changed in the last 80 years – in pictures
By SD Network, 2016-05-03
Over the past decades, attitudes towards people with disabilities have dramatically changed. Changes in legislation and services have improved people's lives. A charity in London recently held an exhibit called "Crippled, Handicapped, Disabled: Living Beyond Labels" which opened up the charity's archives to explore attitudes towards people with disabilities over the last 80 years.
Multiple states have joined together to work to create ABLE Accounts (accounts that will allow people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without jeopardizing their Social Security and other government benefits). Currently 40 states (plus Washington D.C) have approved legislation to create ABLE accounts, but no state has made the program available yet. By working together, state officials hope to offer better quality investment products at lower cost.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Disability Advocates See Opportunity In Self-Driving Cars
By SD Network, 2016-05-03
As self-driving cars become more of a reality, many people with disabilities see a new opportunity coming. Advocates are urging manufacturers to make sure that people with disabilities are included in planning and development of this new technology. They want to make sure the disability community's needs are incorporated into the original designs rather than being introduced later or only as special modified models.
Manufacturers and project managers point out that unfortunately expectations of self-driving cars are unrealistic at this point. They say that each person's situation is different and determining who can use which car will be a "nightmare of complexity." Federal guidelines are now being drafted for automated vehicles that are expected to include the needs of those with disabilities.
Calling all Wisconsin service organizations and micro-enterprise owners! Are you providing quality self-direction services in WI? Do you have a microenterprise? Apply to be an exhibitor at the 2016 Self-Determination Conference: Count Me In! Nov. 8-10 at the Kalahari Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Exhibits will be open on Nov. 9 and 10. Space will fill up fast: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/sdc/
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Neugart at Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov.
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A WISCONSIN FAMILY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
NOW accepting applications for 2016!
WiFLI is a new opportunity for Wisconsin families to participate in an intensive leadership development experience. Upon completion families will be able to:
ü engage with partners
ü participate in quality improvement activities
ü serve on advisory committees
ü organize local groups
ü improve their communities for children with disabilities or special health care needs and their families.
If you previously participated in a family learning opportunity such as PIP, YiPPE, Partners in Policymaking, or have served on an advisory or community committee, you will find WiFLI a great next step in your journey. WiFLI provides an in depth leadership development experience for families supporting a family member with disabilities or special health care needs. The Institute has a strong focus on building skills for participatory leadership, values of community inclusion and principles of individual and family centered practices.
WHO: Parents and other family members supporting a child or young adult 0-26 who has a disability or special health care need
WHEN: Summer/Fall weekends 2016
WHERE: Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, WI
WHAT: Five, 1 ½ day face-to-face learning sessions starting Friday at 4:00pm, ending Saturday at4:00pm. Participants commit to all five sessions and participate in a community project.
COST: 25 participants will receive a full scholarship covering hotel and meals
Applications available at http://go.wisc.edu/hut55a. If you have questions, please call or email Sonja Oetzel at (608)265-8955, soetzel@wisc.edu or Liz Hecht at (608)263-7148. Visit the WiFLI website at http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/wifli.htm
Applications are due by May 15th
This program is sponsored by the University of WI-Madison, Waisman Center UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Development Disabilities) in collaboration with Family Voices of WI with funding from the Department of Health Services to the CYSHCN network of Regional Centers and Parent-to-Parent organizations.