News

Stacy's Journal: Somewhere In Between


By SD Network, 2019-08-10

Ever find yourself wondering which side you’re on?  Whether it’s a game where your two favorite teams, deciding between two colors of paint for a home remodel project, determining which political candidate is best, or something as simple as deciding between your two favorite foods, everybody has had to make decisions that they’re uncertain of.  Often, there isn’t a right or wrong decision; but what we decide usually has a (positive or negative) impact.  When we are trying to decide on something, we sometimes have that feeling of uncertainty.  Should I be doing this?  Is this right for me?  What if I chose something different?  That feeling of uncertainty is something we all face on a daily basis and it’s not a bad thing.  Often times, we feel “on the fence” about the decisions we make which sometimes makes us questions things.  When we are “on the fence” about something, we don’t know how to feel about whatever it is.

In past entries, I’ve explained how unless I’m in situations that presents itself, I normally don’t think of myself of having a disability.  No, I’m not ashamed of it; it’s just not something I focus on.  It wasn’t really until after college that I learned the world of disability advocacy existed to the extent it does.  My first job of being an online mentor for students with disabilities really led me into the advocacy world.  Especially after college, I quickly learned that it was something I wanted to get involved in.  Advocating has opened many doors for me and I’ve found my purpose.  I truly love it!

Having said that, though, I often still find myself struggling to find a happy medium.  I feel like I’m somewhere in between most of the time.  I have many friends with disabilities.  It’s interesting to me that most are either completely involved in disability advocacy or they aren’t at all.  I know very few who are in between like myself.

The past month or so has been a great example of this conundrum.  I was gone three weekends in a row in late July and early August.  I had multiple events going on each weekend and my parents arranged their schedule to accommodate me.  The first weekend I met three of my friends from college for lunch and shopping in Milwaukee.  It’s something that I look forward to every year because it’s the only time we all get together.  One of my friends now lives in a different country and she and her family only come back once a year.  We always make sure we get together when she’s home.  These three girls were caregivers for me at UW-Whitewater and the four of us became really close friends. 

The second weekend was when I really felt mixed emotions.  I told my mom I felt like it was a weekend of two extremes.  Saturday, my mom and I were at Disability Pride Fest in Madison literally all day long.  I’m part of a group that’s creating to YouTube channel about people with disabilities and we taped some videos at the festival.  It was a long day, but I had a blast.   Again, I guess I’m used to sticking out, so when I’m around people with all types of different abilities, it’s a unique feeling.  I loved blending in with the crowd and not being stared at or judged If my muscles spasmed or if my tongue accidentally stuck out.  There are very few places where I don’t stick out.  As I’ve explained in other entries, since my disability is very apparent, when I’m at something like that, I automatically feel the need to prove my intelligence.  Please understand that by saying that, I’m in no way trying to belittle people who have intellectual disabilities; it’s just that when you’re nonverbal and use a wheelchair, people unfortunately make assumptions.  The more events I attend, the more comfortable I get.  I truly love being an active member of the disability community.

Sunday of that weekend I attended a gender reveal party for one of my best friends from grade school.  When I got the Facebook invite, I had to take a second to just breathe.  I knew I had to attend because love my friend and wouldn’t miss it for the world, but I also knew it’d be selfishly emotional for me.  As happy as I am for my friend, I just want those exciting life moments for myself.  Knowing I’ll never likely experience those life-changing moments can be a hard pill to swallow.  However, I knew I couldn’t let it stop me from going and supporting my friends.  Mom and I went and it was a great time. Their family and friends know me and are very accepting.  I caught up with another friend and her family too which was very nice.  When they did the reveal, I had to take a couple seconds to compose myself, but then I was fine.  I’m so happy for her and her family, and I’m incredibly blessed to have friends who continue to go out of their way to include me in their life—it truly means the world to me!

The last weekend my parents and I drove all the way up to Superior where I had a two-day Independent Living Council meeting.  The Council rotates meeting at the eight Independent Living Centers across Wisconsin.  I’ve been on the Council for about two years now, and I finally feel like I understand what it’s about.  I’m becoming more and more active on it.

One of the weekends, my mom and I were talking and I said, “man, I’ve taken us on quite a journey, haven’t I?” She chuckled and agreed.  The events of the last month have been a whirlwind.   I find myself trying to find a sweet spot between wanting to do all I can to advocate for people with all disabilities, but yet wanting to be as socially “normal” as I can.  At times, it’s challenging to find the right balance, but I wouldn’t trade either for the world. 

***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.

PIP and YiPPE Trainings 2019-2020


By SD Network, 2019-08-09

2019-2020 Training Opportunities for Families of Youth with Disabilities 

What is a Transition Parents in Partnership?Transition Parents in Partnership (PIP) is an opportunity for families to learn about the transition process for their youth with disabilities ages 14-21 in the areas of employment, education, living and health.
Why Should I attend a Transition PIP?

  • Learn about planning for life after high school
  • Learn about valuable resources and adult services
  • Become part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
  • Explore ways to share the information I have learned
  • Strengthen partnerships between the many professionals I interact with on behalf of my child

 For more information about PIP and for the locations and dates for the 2019-2020 PIP trainings visit: https://wspei.org/families/pip.php 

What is Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment?Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE) is an opportunity for youth with disabilities (ages 14-21) and their parents to learn about the transition process in a unique way while building real life skills in the areas of employment, education, living and health. Why Should I attend YiPPE?

  • Learn about planning for life after high school 
  • Learn about valuable resources and adult services
  • Become part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
  • Explore ways to share the information I have learned
  • Strengthen partnerships between the many professionals I interact with on behalf of my child

 Why Should my Youth Attend YiPPE?

  • Learn how to make decisions for themselves
  • Get involved in their school and community
  • Learn how to speak for themselves
  • Prepare for college and/or work
  • Meet other youth

 For more information about YiPPE and for the locations and dates for the 2019-2020 YiPPE trainings visit:www.wspei.org/families/yippe.php
If I’m Interested in either of these trainings, what do I do next?

  • To register for a YiPPE training, contact Sherry Gundlach 920-896-1003.
  • To register for the Fennimore Transition PIP training, contact Kari Todryk 608-745-5421.

 All trainings are FREE of charge to families.  Overnights, meals, and resources are paid for with a DPI IDEA Discretionary Grant.
*To learn more about WSPEI please click here to visit the website*

Watch a video to learn more about YiPPE!

Click here for video

 

Watch a video to learn more about PIP!

Click here for video

 


The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced that based on results from a recent procurement, Inclusa and Lakeland Care managed care organizations (MCO) have been selected to provide the Family Care program in Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, and Shawano counties beginning January 1, 2020. Incumbent managed care organization Care Wisconsin will no longer provide the program in those counties after December 31, 2019.

Read press release

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Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking 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.

Download the application by following this link: http://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/201920-Partners-Application.docx

Applications are due at noon on September 1, 2019.

Who can participate?

  • Adults with developmental disabilities
  • Adult siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities
  • Parents/primary caregivers of children and youth with developmental disabilities ages birth to 21.

If you have questions or would like more information about the Partners in Policymaking program, please contact Jenny Neugart at jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266‐7707.

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People First Wisconsin is seeking applications from eight (8) people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to become Self-Advocate Leaders for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities’ (BPDD) Model Approaches to Living Well grant project. Self-Advocate Leaders are needed in the following areas:


 

  • Madison/Beaver Dam area
  • Appleton/Fond du Lac area
  • Janesville
  • La Crosse
  • Platteville
  • West Allis/Milwaukee area
  • Watertown

What will the Self-Advocate Leaders do?

The Self-Advocate Leaders will partner with the following Living Well pilot organizations in their area to provide self-advocacy, safety and abuse prevention instruction and facilitate peer groups over the next four years: LOV-Dane, Community Living Connections, SOAR Fox Cities, Aptiv, Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, and Bethesda Lutheran Communities.

Self-Advocate Leaders will co-teach self-advocacy, safety, and abuse prevention classes using the Safe & Free curriculum developed by People First Wisconsin for the Living Well project. The training covers sensitive topics, including but not limited to identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, consent, dating and intimate relationships. Self-Advocate Leaders must be comfortable facilitating discussions with peers on these topics.

What is the BPDD’s Model Approaches to Living Well grant project?

Model Approaches to Living Well (called ‘Living Well’ for short) is a five-year federal grant from the Administration on Community Living (ACL) to develop and test approaches for improving the safety, wellness, and community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who receive home and community-based services (HCBS). ACL considers this a Project of National Significance and Wisconsin is one of five states to receive the grant.

 

Follow the link below to download an application: 

http://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Living-Well-Self-Advocate-Leader-RFA.pdf 

 

If you have any questions or if you'd like more information you can contact Allison Kelly at 608-266-5038 or email at Allison.Kelly@wisconsin.gov 

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2019 DIEHARD Awards

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities?  Do they support self-determination?  Nominate them for a Diehard Award in one of the following two categories: 

PROFESSIONAL ADVOCATE   

SELF-ADVOCATE/GRASSROOTS ADVOCATE

(You may only submit a nomination for one individual per category.) 

A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles of community integration and self-determination. Diehards go above and beyond to make sure everyone is counted.

  • Awards will be presented at the Self-Determination Conference on October 15th at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells.
  • Nomination Forms must be in the BPDD office no later than 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2019.
  •  The Conference Planning Committee reserves the right to present none or multiple awards in any of the categories. 

Download Nomination Form here: http://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2019-SDC-Diehard-nominee-form.docx

Please complete the nomination form and submit to:
BPDD/Awards, 101 E. Wilson St., Room 219

Madison, WI 53703

Or Fax to  608-267-3906

Or Email to:  fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov

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Apply for an Employment First Partner Grant! 

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI BPDD) is seeking up to eight (8) organizations to engage in community outreach activities that lead to increased community, integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Anyone committed to expanding integrated employment in their community can apply, including people with disabilities, family members, service providers, and schools. 

Possible activities include hosting a community conversation about employment, presenting to employer groups such as the chamber of commerce, or connecting families new to community-based employment with families who are committed to it to share experiences and alleviate concerns.  Each grantee will receive up to $2,000 plus coaching and presentation materials to engage in outreach activities. 

To learn more and apply, see the Employment First Partner application.  The deadline has been extended -- applications are due by 5:00 pm on August 30, 2019. 

Please contact Molly Cooney at 608-266-0266 or molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov with any questions.


For people with disabilities, house  hunting can be very frustrating.  Often, "accessible" houses are few and far between.  Even if a house has some accessible features, usually people have to adapt or customize thinking more to meet their individual needs.  This article explains that there are organizations that assist injured veterans and people with disabilities with making homes accessible.  It points out that injury and disability aren't the only reasons to make homes accessible; aging often creates the need to made homes accessible.

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Federal officials announced that they plan to set aside millions of dollars to help people with disabilities access housing in the community.  Through the Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program, public housing agencies are encouraged to partner up with health and human services organizations that can offer supports to people with disabilities.

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An updated collection of emojis intended to be more inclusive and diverse was released.  Options for varying gender, skin and hair color as well as for people who use hearing devices, prosthetics, a white cane, guide dogs, service dogs, and wheelchairs will be in the mix.The article explains why this is part of a major business trend of finding new ways for all people communicate in a way that is  reflective of their true selves.

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