News
The US Senate is reconsidering ratification of the UN Disability Rights Treaty. It was originally voted on (and defeated largely along party lines) last December in spite of being based on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and supported by abroad coalition of over 700 disability, civil rights, faith, business and veterans organizations.
Learn more:
Contact your senatorsto let them know how you feel about the UN Disability Rights Treaty
National Report: “Experience of Voters with Disabilities in the 2012 Election Cycle”
By SD Network, 2013-11-07
BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF REPORT
Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. For too long, people with disabilities have been in the shadows in exercising this basic civil right. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), enacted in 2002, mandated improvements to the electoral process by establishing minimum standards for uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements, including, for the first time, requirements that citizens with disabilities be able to vote independently and privately. HAVA joins existing voting and disability rights laws to prohibit voter discrimination, suppression, intimidation, and denial of voting access for people with disabilities. Since 2002, HAVA has helped make voting an act of civic participation for people with disabilities; however much work remains to be done.
Using an open-ended questionnaire, the National Council on Disability (NCD) gathered the experiences of nearly 900 voters with disabilities across the nation during the 2012 election. On October 24, 2013, NCD released Experience of Voters with Disabilities in the 2012 Election Cycle. This report provides a snapshot of architectural, attitudinal, technological, legislative, and voting practice barriers that confronted voters with disabilities and provides an overview of the use of federal funds, activities, and outcomes under HAVA for people with disabilities over the past decade.
KEY FINDINGS
- People with disabilities continue to face barriers in exercising their voting rights because of architectural and physical barriers at registration and polling sites.
- Nearly 40% of respondents to the NCDs questionnaire encountered physical barriers at their polling places.
- Voters with disabilities do not have equal access to voting systems because states and localities have not invested adequate resources, planning, and training to provide reliable, accessible voting technology.
- 45% of respondents reported barriers inside the polling place involving voting machines.
- Voters with disabilities face discrimination at voter registration and polling sites resulting from poorly trained election personnel and volunteers.
- Nearly 54% of respondents encountered barriers, including attitudinal, inside the polling place.
- 20% of respondents said they were prevented from exercising a private and independent vote.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
- State and local election officials must be held accountable for compliance with all accessibility provisions of HAVA, the ADA, and other relevant voting rights laws.
- States should upgrade their accessible voting equipment to assure universal access for people with disabilities.
- State and local election officials must invest in adequate training for all election personnel and volunteers.
- The Presidential Commission on Election Administration should adopt the recommendations made in the Experience of Voters with Disabilities report in their own report to the President later this year.
FULL REPORT
Download a free copy of the full report at: http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2013/10242013
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November 7, 2013
We Need to Hear Your Ideas!
Each month or so, the SDS Network holds a Coffee Break. We need to know what topics we should schedule. Is there a particular person you'd like us to invite as a special guest? Respond to the discussion forum with your ideas, questions, etc., or respond to a short surveyto tell us what you think.
Coffee Breaks are informal, livediscussions (chats) on the Network, open to all members. It is not a presentation.They are usually scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month, from 8:30-9:00 am (dates/times may vary - check the schedule).
Each Coffee Break has a different theme -participants will be asked to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and challenges on the subject. You are also welcome to ask questions or share information about anything that relates to SDS and self-determination..
It Only Takes "Five"
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:
- Join the Conversation: Senator Schumer from New York is proposing that the Justice Dept. provide tracking devices for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities in case they go missing. Is that a good idea? Or does it infringe on their personal rights? What do you think?
- Share your ideas: Julie is still wondering about what questions you ask when hiring a support person or provider agency. Tell her what you think! Give her some ideas!!
- Get Involved: The US Senate is reconsidering ratification of the UN Disability Rights Treaty (it was defeated in December 2012). Find out more about the Treaty and how you can share you opinion with your senators.
- Learn about Resources:Howard Mandeville and Movin' Out recently won the Bridge-Builder Award from the Isthmus in Madison. Learn more about this fabulous resource.
Join Us for a Coffee Break
Join us and share your questions, as well as your ideas and experiences.There is no registration fee to participate, but you do need to be a Network member and RSVPs are welcome!
Using Technology to Stay Safe & Independent: November 20, 2013, 8:30-9:00 CST
Technology can be a valuable tool when you are trying to live independently but have family & friends who are concerned about your safety. But you may not be aware of what options are available or how to access them. This is your opportunity to ask about what options are available, how to pay for them, how they work, etc.
If you already use technology to be independent, join the Coffee Break to share your story - how has technology helped you stay safe and independent in your own home.
Join our special guest, Chris Patterson from Night Owl Support Systems as we talk about technology.
Living in Your Own Home: December 18, 2013, 8:30-9:00 CST
Are you thinking about moving into your own home but aren't sure where to start? Maybe you already have your own place and have some ideas to share with Network members about what helped get there. Or you just want to hear about the possible options to explore for the person you support. Join special guest, Howard Mandeville, from Movin' Out, as we talk about a home of your own.
Welcome New Members
Stop by to welcome our newest members.
- She's an the director of IBA Resourcesin the Wausau area.
- He works with Night Owland will be our special guest for the Nov. 20th Coffee Break.
- She'sa parent and special ed teacher, with questions about Family Care.
Do you know someone who should join the SDS Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!
Upcoming Events
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:
- Coffee Break: Using Technology to Stay Safe & Independent, Nov 20th, Online Chat
- SDS Network Coffee Break: Living in Your Own Home, Dec18th. Online Chat.
- And many more!
Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com
I wanted to share this article with everyone. Movin' Out is a great organization and resource we have here in Wisconsin. So happy to see them recognized for the good work they do.
Take a peak!
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October 3, 2013
BadgerCare? Obamacare? Federal Shutdown? Oh My!
There's been a lot happening over the last couple weeks. First Wisconsin announced that 92,000 people would be taken off BadgerCare. Then the Health Insurance Marketplaces (through the Affordable Care Act - "Obamacare") opened up for enrollment. This happened at the same time that our US elected officials decided to "shutdown" the federal government. It's not surprising if you feel confused about how this all affects you. The SDS Network has added some resources and started a discussion to help you learn about what might help you, as well as how this is all affecting you. Please take some time to check these out and participate - Members are the best source of support for each other.
It Only Takes "Five"
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:
- Join the Conversation: With everything that's happening at once - Obamacare, BadgerCare, and the federal shutdown - how are you being affected?
- Check Out New Resources: We've posted some resources about Health Insurance and some about the shutdown of the federal government. Please add whatever has helped you.
- Share your ideas: Julie is wondering about what questions you ask when hiring a support person or provider agency. Tell her what you think!
- Stay Up-to-Date: Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) appoints a new director, DanIdzikowski. Find out who he is and how you can contact him.
- Tell Your Story: BPDD is sponsoring the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign. Find out how you can get involved.
Support the Network with "Five":
- We rely on contributions to keep the SDS Network in business. If you are finding it valuable to be a member,consider making a donation of five dollars or more, orbecoming a sponsor. For more information, contactDeb Wisniewski.
Join Us for a Coffee Break
Open Forum: October 16, 2013
The SDS Network Coffee Break this month will be an Open Forum. What questions do you have about self-directing your supports? How do you help other people self-direct? What are the biggest challenges for you or the people you support? We can also talk about BadgerCare, Obamacare, etc.... What do you want to talk about?
Join us and share your questions, as well as your ideas and experiences.There is no registration fee to participate, but you do need to be a Network member and RSVPs are welcome!
Welcome New Members
Stop by to welcome our newest members.
- She's an IRIS Outreach Specialist who adores her mom.
- She wants to help my family and other families to succeed with the freedoms that SDS provides.
- Sheis the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative at CESA #4.
- He's an educator who works with students who have disabilities.
- She's abig advocate of people taking charge of their own lives.
- She's an IRIS consultant.
- Sheworks at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County asan Assessment and Planning Coordinator.
- This person is interested in self-employment.
- She's a support brokerwho works with people all over Wisconsin.
Do you know someone who should join the SDS Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!
Upcoming Events
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:
- SDS Network Coffee Break: Open Forum, Oct. 16. Online Chat.
- Health Care Reform: What You Need to Know, Oct. 9. Online webinar - register now!
- Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference, Oct. 29-31., Wisconsin Dells, WI. - register now!
- And many more!
Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) Appoints Daniel Idzikowski as Executive Director
By SD Network, 2013-10-02
DRW Appoints Daniel Idzikowski as Executive Director
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), the states designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, has hired Daniel Idzikowski as its Executive Director.
He assumed this position on September 30th.
Dan has a long impressive track record of working for social justice. Throughout his career Dan has advocated for and with disadvantaged populations across Wisconsin. He has collaborated with numerous organizations and government agencies to create innovative partnerships that advance justice, social equity, and economic opportunity. I am thrilled to help steward Disability Rights Wisconsin an organization with a tremendously talented staff committed to community collaboration and the empowerment of the disability community, Dan stated upon appointment.
Resources: Federal Government Shutdown and the Effects on People with Disabilities
By InControl Wisconsin, 2013-10-02
These are the resources we've found so far regarding the effects of the Federal Government Shutdown on the lives and services for people with disabilities. We'll add more as we learn of them. Share any other you know of in the comment area below.
Federal Government Shutdown and the effect on people with disabilities:
Resources: Health Insurance - Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"), BadgerCare
By InControl Wisconsin, 2013-10-02
If you know of any other resources related to BadgerCare changes and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare"), please add them below in the comment section.
BadgerCare
- What's happening with BadgerCare in Wisconsin?WI Dept. of Health Services
- State notifying 92,000 that loss of BadgerCare imminent-News story about BadgerCare, Journal Sentinel, Sept. 24, 2013
Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")
- Healthcare Marketplace, US Health Insurance website
- Health Care Reform: What You Need to Know.Webinar, offered through ERI
Official Launch: Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign
People with disabilities are encouraged to take their legislator to work!
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) conducts the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign every fall to raise awareness about the importance of community-integrated employment for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Inspired by National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), the campaign highlights how everyone wins when people with disabilities have community-integrated jobs.
People with disabilities who have community-integrated jobs are encouraged to participate in the campaign! During the campaign, employees with disabilities invite their legislator to visit them at work and the legislator gets to see first-hand the value of community-integrated employment for people with disabilities. Last year, 40 legislators including the Governor visited people working in the community! Check out the report.
A visit usually lasts less than one hour. During a visit, the participant can:
- give their legislator a tour of their workplace,
- introduce their legislator to their co-workers, and
- discuss why their community-integrated job is important to them!
People with disabilities who are interested in participating in the campaign can use the Get Started Kit. The kit provides everything needed to get started, including the Participant Application. The first step for potential participants is to get permission from their employer to have their legislator visit their workplace.
BPDD is now accepting applications and people with disabilities who have community-integrated jobs are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Once approved, participants will receive the Campaign Tool Kit, which will include everything necessary for a successful visit, including the official Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign t-shirt.
If you have questions, please contact Joshua Ryf at joshua.ryf@wisconsin.gov or call 608-261-7829.
Joshua Ryf
Communications Director
WI BPDD
(608) 261-7829
Learn more about disability-related issues on BPDD's Facebook page!
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July 16, 2013
Show Your Pride!
Come celebrate Wisconsin's first Disability Pride Festival!Join us in Madison on July 27th to share our talents, skills, arts, energy, and pride in being who we are. This event builds on a long tradition of disability pride celebrations around the world. Our theme for this year is Forward to possibility.
Learn more about this exciting, upcoming event!
It Only Takes "Five"
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:
- Advance Your Advocacy:Apply for Partners in Policymaking.Self-advocates and family members of a person with a developmental disability (DD) who want to improve their leadership skills are encouraged to apply.
- Member Spotlight: Meet Carrie Bublitz-Cardarella, a passionate and energetic advocate and friend, as well as one of the people who worked to make Elven Stedpossible. Also find out about an update for a member previously in the Spotlight, Kate Parizek, who was recently honored with an award for her community work.
- Make a Difference:If you are passionate about making a change that will improve the lives of people with disabilities in your community, apply for a SPARKS grant from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).
- Job Opening: Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is now accepting applications for Executive Director. Deadline: July 23, 2013.
- Tell Your Story: BPDD is sponsoring a public awareness campaign, called Better Together. The goal is to raise awareness about the many important roles that individuals with disabilities play in our lives and communities.
Support the Network with "Five":
- We rely on contributions to keep the SDS Network in business. If you are finding it valuable to be a member,consider making a donation of five dollars or more, orbecoming a sponsor. For more information, contactDeb Wisniewski.
Join Us for a Coffee Break
Many people don't realize that they can use Self-Directed Supports (SDS) regardless of whether they use Family Care or IRIS for their supports. Join us at one or both of these upcoming Coffee Breaksto share your ideas and questions, to get more connected, andto learn how these two programs enable people to use SDS,. Remember that Network Coffee Breaks are not presentations - they areinformal, livediscussions (chats) on the Network, open to all members.
SDS and Family Care, July 24, 2013:
Do you use Family Care for your supports? How do you self-direct within Family Care? What questions do you have about how Family Care can support your efforts to be self-directed? Join our special guest, Cathy Derezinski, from Community Cares of Central Wisconsin (a Family Care Managed Care Organization).
SDS and IRIS, August 21, 2013:
Do you self-direct your supports through IRIS? Or are you wondering how IRIS can work for you or someone you care about? Maybe you're just not sure what IRIS is. Join our special guest for this Coffee Break,Brenda Bauer, from The Management Group (the IRIS Consultant Agency).
Welcome New Members
Stop by to welcome our newest member.
- She's an IRIS consultant, amom, daughter, sister, wife and friend.
- She'd like to see things that work come to her community.
- She's thethecoordinator for the grassroots group ActionNet.
- She's the Assistant Director at Options for Independent Livingin Northeast Wisconsin.
- She's a parent fromNew Glarus, WI.
- Her work currently focuses on transition and employment, school inclusion and teacher preparation.
- She's got a "sassy" mom and will be our guest at the Network Coffee Break in August.
- She has a son who uses SDS.
Do you know someone who should join the SDS Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!
Upcoming Events
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:
- SDS Network Coffee Break: SDS and Family Care, July 24.Online
- Disability Pride Festival, July 27. Madison, WI
- SDS Network Coffee Break: SDS and IRIS, August 21. Online
- Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference, Oct. 29-31., Wisconsin Dells, WI.
- And many more!
Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com