A great blog written by guest bloggerDanIgnaszewskiabout self advocacy. He brings up several great points about how to advocate.

How to Be a Good Advocate

By Guest Blogger DanIgnaszewski, Director of Government Relations and Development, theAmputee Coalition

At the Amputee Coalition, we advocate for the limb loss community on policy issues and also encourage and empower amputees to advocate for themselves. The Amputee Coalition works on a variety of issues, including adequate insurance coverage for prosthetic devices, Medicare and Medicaid, funding for research and programs that help the limb loss community, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, Social Security disability benefits, veterans issues and reasonable travel procedures for amputees, among others. This article is meant to provide insight and tips on how to be a good advocate for yourself, your cause and your community.

Advocacy is the process by which an individual or group aims to influence policies or practices; it is, by its very nature, the art of standing up for yourself to make a positive difference in your circumstances. You can advocate for your personal life on many fronts, and you can also work with groups to advocate for the larger community by getting involved in policies and regulations at the local, state or national levels.

Every day, you have opportunities to be an advocate. Whether its calling a service provider to try to reduce your monthly payments, dealing with travel issues with flight or baggage delays, or even addressing your healthcare and insurance needsyou always have an opportunity to stand up for yourself. Its important to know how to be your own advocate, so that you can ensure you are treated fairly and appropriately and that you are getting the device(s) or service(s) that you need.

Regardless of whether were talking about healthcare, insurance, service providers or any other arising issues that may require advocacy, its important to remember a few very important things:

Be Prepared and Take Notes!

When you call a company regarding a situation youre facing, make sure that you can take notes on a computer or notepad or have someone take notes for you if youre not able to.

• Start with the date at the top of your notes, so you can reference it later if needed.
• Have bills, letters or resources in front of you, so youre prepared to discuss your situation with all of the applicable information.
• When you first talk with someone, he or she will likely give you his or her first name.Write it down.Its always helpful to be personable in a conversation, and when you can use the persons first name, it creates a connection. If you ever get disconnected or need to have subsequent conversations, it also helps to be able to look back at your notes and say, I spoke with so-and-so on this date.
• Take notes throughout the conversation regarding important points that you make and the response you receive from the person on the other end; this will help you refer back to things, if needed, and can provide a recap if you end up needing to speak to a supervisor or another party.

Dont Get Frustrated, Be Polite

When dealing with a difficult situation, youre often passionate, invested and want a resolution quickly, but the first person you talk to may not be able to help you. This is not unusual. When you call an insurance company to resolve issues about your coverage, the first person that you talk to may not be aware of the device or service you need.Dont let that faze you.Its important when seeking answers to be firm and direct, but as courteous and pleasant as possible.

The first person you talk to regularly works with a lot of upset people. When youre pleasant and respectful in your request, you will often find that those first points of contact will want to help you more than if you had approached them in a combative way. Thank you for your help, I really appreciate everything youre doing for me and Youre making my day are all phrases that will likely elicit a positive response. You will usually get further with them than if you are disrespectful or combative.

Be Firm, Be Reasonable and Work to Ensure Your Needs Are Met

Make your case, explain your situation and tell them what your expectations are. For example, if youre calling the cable company after an increase in your monthly bill, tell them that you are looking to reduce your payments to a specific number that youre comfortable with or that you were previously paying. Then, work with them to get to that figure or negotiate a rate that is reasonable and meets your expectations.

If youve spent some time with the first point of contact in trying to resolve the issue, and he or she is still are not able to resolve the situation to your satisfaction, respectfully ask if you can speak to a supervisor. A polite way to do so is by saying, I really appreciate your help and understanding, but if its possible, I would like to speak to a supervisor to see if he or she might be able to help me a little more. You will often need to go through some of the same points that you made with the first person you talked to (this is where your notes and patience continue to play a key role). Restate your expectations and ask how he or she can help you through your situation.

For more information about the Amputee Coalition, what we provide, what we do and how you can make a difference for people with limb loss, visit our website atamputee-coalition.orgor like our Facebook page atfacebook.com/AmputeeUSA.

Dan Ignaszewski is the director of government relations and development for the Amputee Coalition. He is responsible for developing the positions of the Amputee Coalition on public policy issues and integrating public policy development with grassroots organizations aimed at implementing strategy. Dan works on federal and state issues, including the Amputee Coalitions primary legislation, the Insurance Fairness for Amputees Act. Expanding the government relations footprint in recent years, he also works on funding for limb loss initiatives, research, veterans issues and other issues affecting the limb loss community.

Source: http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2014/09/24/how-to-be-a-good-advocate/

A positive article in Disability Scoop written by Michelle Diament about about a big step forward in getting the ABLE Act passed.

Deal Reached On Tax-Free Disability Savings Accounts

By Michelle Diament

Federal lawmakers say theyve reached a deal to move forward on legislation that would establish a new way for people with disabilities to save money without jeopardizing their government benefits.

Members of the U.S. Senate said Friday that they have an agreement that will allow the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act to proceed.

The bills chief sponsors and leaders of the Senates Committee on Finance said in a joint statement that they expect the legislation to be considered when Congress returns to Washington in November.

We are committed to working with our House colleagues to ensure this legislation will be passed in a bipartisan, bicameral manner and sent to the presidents desk in the lame duck session, read the statement from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.

Under the measure, people with disabilities would be able to create specialaccounts at any financial institution where they could deposit up to $14,000 annually. The ABLEaccounts could accrue up to $100,000 in savings without risking an individuals eligibility for government benefits like Social Security. Whats more, Medicaid coverage could be retained no matter how much money is deposited in the proposed accounts.

Modeled after the popular 529 college savings plans, funds deposited in ABLE accounts could be used to pay for education, health care, transportation, housing and other expenses. Interest earned on savings within the accounts would be tax-free.

The ABLE Act has been under consideration in Congress since 2006 and is sponsored by more than half the members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nonetheless, when the bill was approved by a House committee in July, lawmakersindicatedthey would need to reach an agreement on how to pay for the measure before it would be put up for a floor vote.

The deal reached this week will serve as the foundation for final passage, the senators said.

Source:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/09/19/deal-savings-accounts/19689/

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

Network Guidelines

Were really glad youre a member of the Self Determination Network. We really encourage you to share your thoughts, resources, ideas, and questions with us, and the rest of our community. To ensure this community continues to run as smoothly and effectively as possible, we have developed some simple guidelines. We encourage you to take a minute to read them over. You can view them by clickinghere.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Join the Conversation: In todays world, ableism is likely one of the last things on peoples minds. It certainly does exist though. This piece brings up many points. What are your thoughts on Ableism? What are some things we can do as a society to bring awareness to this issue?

• Be Inspired: Read this inspiring story about how a Starbucks employee went the extra mile to help a customer become more independent.

• Watch: This is a great video from the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities about inclusion.

• Conference Scholarships: Family scholarships are available for the Self-Determination Conference. Application deadline is September 30^th. Find out how to apply today!

• Share:Share your story about self-determination. Have you advocated for yourself or others to gain independence? Have you defied odds or proven naysayers wrong? Our stories provide opportunities to inspire and learn from each other. Share your story with us.

• Read: Read about how two disability advocates are making sure that the disability community has a voice in the state proposal.

• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

We are in the process of reevaluating and possibly revamping how Coffee Breaks are done. Were hoping to start them up again soon. If you have thoughts or ideas regarding Coffee Breaks, please contactStacy Ellingen. We certainly welcome any input.

New Members

Stop by to welcomeournewest members

• Shesa momwho is looking for things that could help her daughter

• She was recently named2014 Winneshiek County Fair Queen

Do you know someone who should join the Self-Determination Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the Self-Determination Network:

• Disability Rights Wisconsin Listening Session: September 19^th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm,Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, Milwaukee WI

• Wisconsin FACETS College Panel: September 24^th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Wisconsin FACETS, Milwaukee WI

• Madison Nonprofit Day Conference: October 2^nd, Monona Terrace and Convention Center, Madison WI

• Think College Wisconsin: Expanding College Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: October 17^th, 8:30am to 4pm, Cardinal Stretch University, Milwaukee WI

• Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference: November 10^thto 12^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI

• Across The Lifespan: Bringing the Best Together: November 13^thto 14^th, Glacier Canyon Lodge and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells WI

• The Survival Coalition Disability Advocacy Day: March 17^th, Monona Terrace and Convention Center, Madison WI

Post your eventon the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? ContactStacy Ellingen.

The Self-Determination Network is powered by In Control Wisconsin and supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.

A neat story written by Ellen Seidman. We need more people in the world like this!

Everyone Should Treat People With Disability Like This Starbucks Staffer Did

By Ellen Seidman

Accommodating people with disability isn't that hard; it's partly about putting in effort but mostly, it's about having the right attitude, as this story shows.

When Aaron Seldomridge first visited a Starbucks in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, he was with his mom, Janiece. Aaron has autism and Janiece asked barista Anisa Dujnic if they had a picture menu. Yes, they did. Anisa and Janiece helped Aaron to point to an image of an iced grande chai and repeat the words. A few weeks later, Aaron went to the counter with his mom and placed his order without the menu. And then, he started putting in his request -- and paying for it -- on his own.

Because Aaron was in an environment in which he felt encouraged and comfortable, he was confident enough to go it alone. "It's great steps for him to take as a person," Anisa said.

Really, it didn't take much, just a little attention. Some customer customization--no more than goes into making, say, a mocha frap.

Stories like this make you wonder why accommodating kids and adults with disabilities seems like such a big deal to some people. Yes, on the surface this is just about serving a drink, which doesn't take a whole lot of effort.

But at its heart, as special needs parents like me know, this isn't "just" about a barista going the extra mile. It's about a mindset: The readiness to give extra assistance to someone who needs it. The openness to working with the person with disability or a parent to figure out what can help. The willingness to find another way. The patience for letting things take their course. And the pure humanity of celebrating another person's success.

I'd say this story is the exception, not the rule, in terms of attitudes toward welcoming people with disabilities. I know this firsthand from experiences with my son, Max, who has cerebral palsy -- most recently,the program coordinator who flat out refused to accommodate him. Even within the Starbucks world, with its typically welcoming atmosphere, it boils down to individual mindsets (despite what the law might say); at one Starbucks in Brighton, NY, a woman with a brain injury who has a service dogsaid she taped an employeetelling her that she could not come in with her dog.

Welcoming and accommodating kids and adults with disability should be a natural, organic part of society.

It's so simple.

It's no biggie.

If only....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzbrjvhsxDg

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-seidman/everyone-should-treat-peo_b_5754600.html

A great opinion editorial in theOshkosh Northwesternwritten by Pam DeLap and Ginger Beuk about how the disability community has a voice in the state proposal. They make several great points in this piece.

Survey gives disabled voice in state proposal

By Pam DeLap and Ginger Beuk

As disability advocates in the Oshkosh community, we share the same goals most of our community shares. We want to see everyone, including people with disabilities have the same chance to make choices about their lives, educational opportunities, where and with whom they live, and what kind of job opportunities they have, just as any other community member would have.

That is not happening right now for too many Wisconsin residents with disabilities who rely on Medicaid funded long term supports. Although these programs were supposed to allow people to stay in their homes and work in the community, that is not happening for many across the state.

These individuals are experiencing very little choice in their homes. A recent People First Wisconsin survey found that nearly one-fifth of respondents said they aren't' allowed in parts of the home they live in, and 21 percent said they can't even make simple choices like what to have for dinner and when to go to bed.

Currently Wisconsin spends nearly $3 on facility based pre-vocational training for every $1 they put into integrated community employment at real wages. The average wage in a facility is only $2.40 an hour, compared with nearly $9 an hour in the community.

Every person should be able to choose where they work, what type of work they want to do, have an opportunity to be included in their community, but the choices are so limited for an individual with disabilities. If you have a passion or an interest in working with computers, animals or even want to start your own business, the supports and pre-vocational training are just not in place at this time for those more inclusive choices; many feel the only choice available to them is a facility based workshop earning less than minimum wage.

Now there is a real opportunity for change in Wisconsin.

On July 30th, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a5-year-planthat requires the state providers of home and community based services funded through Medicaid to offer additional supports in inclusive community settings to include more choices for individuals with disabilities. This plan also helps make sure that Medicaid funds are used more equally to expand choices for all people who rely on supports.

We in the disability community are hopeful this plan will lead to more supported transitional choices for our sons and daughters coming out of school, more autonomy in our own homes, and more options so that we can choose and keep jobs of our choice that can lead to less reliance on public funds.

Far too long, society's expectation of people with disabilities has been one of dependence: a life in poverty, reliant on public supports, and less capable than others. Our vision is a life of contribution to the community, increased independence and demonstrating success.

Public supports should go toward that same vision, not stop people with disabilities from reaching their dreams. We are hopeful that the state's new transition plan will lead to that vision becoming a reality for our sons and daughters, friends and family and for all people with disabilities in Wisconsin who use long term supports by investing in more programs that will support a more integrated and inclusive future.

For more information on how you can contribute your story and input on the plan, go towww.takeastandontheplan.organd fill out the on-line tool to share with Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Pam DeLap and Ginger Beuk are advocates for the rights of the disabled.

Source: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/story/opinion/readers/2014/08/29/disabled-survey-wisconsin-rights/14796601/

Scholarships are nowavailable for students age 14-21 to attend the SD Conference November10th-12th, 2014 with a parent.

The scholarships include:

*Registration for the student with a disability (must have an IEP) and oneparent. ($25.00 registration fee required)

*Pre-conference Session for both

*Lodging on Monday and Tuesday night in a double room at the Kalahari Resort

*Most meals are covered by the conference (Starting with a reception onMonday evening through lunch on Wednesday.)

*Additional attendees must pay registration fee. (Use regular registrationform)

The 2014 Self Determination Conferencewill beheld November 10-12, 2014, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. This willbe the seventh year of the conference and the theme is, Mission Possible:

Discovering the Potential in our Communities.

Applications for scholarships are still available to individuals with
disabilities experiencing financial hardships can apply for a scholarshipto theconference. Learn more about the conference in this yearsbrochure.

Dont miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and make a change! EarlyBird registrationends Aug. 29.
The deadline to request a scholarship is Sept. 30, or until there are no longerfunds available. The deadline to register for the conference is Thursday, Oct. 15.

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

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have a question, a news story, an idea, an event, or information you think others would benefit from? Post it on the Self-Determination Network and share it with over 200 people. There's a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills represented by the members of the Self-Determination Network.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SD Network:

• Join the Conversation: There has been a lot of buzz lately about the new handicapped symbol. Have you seen it? What are your thoughts? Is it too disability specific?

• Posting: Stefaine posted a great job opening for a Community Bridge Builder for Living Our Visions, Inc. (LOV-Dane) Check it out!

• Watch: Watch a video from last years Self-Determination Conference.Registerfor this years conference today!

• Let Your Voice Be Heard: The DHS has produced a plan that will change the way long term supports through Medicaid will be delivered. Let your voice be heard

• Share: Share your story about self-determination. Have you advocated for yourself or others to gain independence? Have you defied odds or proven naysayers wrong? Our stories provide opportunities to inspire and learn from each other. Share your story with us.

• Learn: Read about the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act that could potentially improve life for thousands of people with disabilities.

• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

Were hoping Coffee Breaks will return in October or November. What topics would you like to have on the Self-Determination Network Coffee Breaks? Answer ourOne-Minute Poll now!

New Members

Stop by to welcomeournewest members

• Shebelieves in equal rights for all peopleand is passionate about serving her community.

Do you know someone who should join the SD Network? Spread the word andinvitefriends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the SD Network:

• Think College Wisconsin: Expanding College Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: October 17^th,8:30am to 4pm, Cardinal Stretch University, Milwaukee WI
• Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference: November 10^thto 12^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Across The Lifespan: Bringing the Best Together: November 13^thto 14^th, Glacier Canyon Lodge and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells WI

Post your eventon the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? ContactStacy Ellingen.

The Self-Determination Network is powered byIn Control Wisconsinand supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.

Community Bridge Builder

Do you

• Approach the world with curiosity, enthusiasm, empathy and fun?
• Love to bring people together to create inclusive community?
• Dig deep to understand a challenge and think outside the box to solve it?
• Enjoy both supporting others behind the scenes and shining in the spotlight yourself?
• Have superb communication skills?

LOV-Dane is looking for a person who answers yes to these questions! This position will support individuals with a variety of disabilities as they explore their gifts and dreams, set manageable goals, and build the skills and connections to achieve them.

The right candidate will believe in and delight in our members; be a good listener, teacher, and salesperson; have experience breaking long-term goals into manageable pieces; be highly organized and self directed; enjoy being creative with a team; anticipate and address challenges with patience and empathy; be flexible; have the ability to respond to diverse needs and styles.

The Bridge Builder will

• Build relationships with project members (individuals with disabilities), their families and close supporters
• Support project members as they find their own voices and motivations and make clear personal choices
• Work with project members not for them by teaching the skills needed to fade assistance as individuals become more independent
• Facilitate authentic relationships between members and others

• Actively seek out community connections (clubs, churches, service groups, employment) with and for project members and help build relationships between LOV-Dane and other community organizations
• Help project members design and maintain organizational systems that will increase their independence at home, work, or the community

This position is full time, annual pay is $27,000-$31,000 (based on experience) and benefits are included. A drivers license and vehicle with car insurance are essential for frequent travel around Madison and Dane County.

Living Our Visions, Inc. (LOV-Dane) is a grassroots organization of individuals with disabilities and their families or other community members. LOV is committed to building fulfilling, community-centered lives for all citizens. LOV is not an agency or program but an organization in which members and others can mobilize their strengths and gifts to enrich the lives of people with disabilities and strengthen the civic life of the community as a whole. By focusing on the assets of people with disabilities, LOV is committed to altering the perception that the primary role of people with disabilities is as clients and receivers.

Learn more about us at: www.lovdane.org

Please submit a cover letter, resume and responses to the following questions by noon (12pm) on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 to employment@lovdane.org

1. How are you involved in your community? What have been the most rewarding parts of your involvement?

2. What experiences have you had supporting people with disabilities? What draws you to this life path?

3. Several of the members of this project are reluctant to try new things and meet new people. How would you help them move forward?

4. Describe your experiences teaching someone a new skill and supporting him or her to become more independent.

5. Creative use of technology is a critical part of becoming independent for many of the people you will be working with. Describe your experience/comfort with utilizing technological tools such as smartphones, tables and web-based tools.

6. This job requires a lot of self-direction and flexibility. What experience have you had working independently and balancing multiple priorities and projects?

Take A Stand On the Plan campaign helps people submit comments on Wisconsin Home and Community Based Services Transition Plan

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has produced a plan that will significantly change the way in which long term supports through Medicaid waivers (including Family Care, IRIS, legacy waivers and the Childrens Long Term Support Waiver) will be delivered to participants.A copy of the plan can be found here:http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/LTCare/StateFedReqs/waiver.htm

There are only have 30 days to submit public comments on the DHS Wisconsin Transition Plan that will require the states providers of home and community based services funded through Medicaid to offer supports in inclusive community settings that allow people with disabilities to have more choices about where and how they work and live. Comments are dueSeptember 2nd, 2014.

The Board for People with Disabilities, People First Wisconsin, and Disability Rights Wisconsin have created a website and tool to help self-advocates, families and providers submit public comments to the Department of Health Services. Go to:

www.takeastandontheplan.organd click on take action and use this online tool to submit comments

Paper copies of the online tool and help filling it out are available upon request. Contact John Shaw at608-266-7707.

DHS must hear from people with disabilities, families and advocates that believe people with disabilities need more choice in their lives and should be a part of our communities. Without your input, these changes may not be strong enough to make lives better!

A great article in theMarshfield News Heraldabout The Social Security Administration's "The Faces and Facts of Disability." I think it's awesome that a small newspaper to do an article like this.

Facts about Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration recently launched "The Faces and Facts of Disability," an education and awareness initiative to help educate the public about Social Security disability insurance and dispel common misconceptions. Social Security disability insurance is coverage that workers earn by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. Nearly 9 million disabled workers receive disability insurance. These 9 million individuals make up a diverse group of individuals with mental impairments, sensory disabilities, and physical disabilities.

Definition of disability

The Social Security Act defines disability very strictly. Eligibility rules differ from those of private plans. Social Security does not provide temporary or partial disability benefits, like workers compensation or veterans' benefits do. One of the qualifications that Social Security looks at to see if an individual is disabled under Social Security's Act is if he or she cannot work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The individual's medical condition must prevent them from doing work that they have done in the past, and it must prevent them from adjusting to other work.

Disability is unpredictable

Disability is unpredictable and could happen to anyone at any age. Tragically, every day thousands of young people are seriously injured. Many individuals hear about disability but they don't think it will happen to them. One in four 20 year olds insured for disability benefits become disabled before reaching retirement age. Social Security disability insurance provides a critical source of financial support to these people.

Social Security Disability payments

The average monthly disability benefit paid by Social Security to beneficiaries at the beginning of 2014 was $1,146. Even with this disability payment one in five beneficiaries live in poverty and most are low income. More than 49 percent of all disabled beneficiaries receive less than $1,000 per month.

Community resources

Disability Benefit Specialists at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin work with individual's ages 18-59 years old with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities. They can provide accurate information on public and private benefits and programs; help determine which benefits and programs you may be entitled to, and assistance with filling out applications. Some of the programs a Disability Benefit Specialist can help with are Medicaid, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Prescription Drug Assistance, and Insurance Issues. They can also provide referrals, assistance, and support on other matters including disability rights.

To contact a Disability Benefit Specialist, call the Aging &Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin at 888-486-9545. The ADRC-CW serves Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon and Wood counties.

Source: Social Security. The Faces and Facts of Disability.http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityfacts/materials.html#a0=5

Contributed by Michelle McDougal, disability benefit specialist with Aging & Disability and Resource Center of Central Wisconsin.

Source:http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/story/life/2014/07/26/facts-soc...