News
The Justice Department has rescinded many guidance documents which clarify implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The documents offered guidance on everything from service animals to accessible building practices. According to the Attorney General, the documents were "improper or unnecessary." Revoking the guidance doesn't change any of the ADA's mandates, but advocate worry that taking away interpretation of the law will cause uncertainty.
“Don’t compare yourself to others“. It’s something most people are told beginning at a young age. When people compare themselves to others, it’s often either to invoke pity on himself/herself or it’s to make him/her feel superior over someone else. Though we are told not to, it’s nearly impossible not to compare ourselves to others. It’s human nature. There are several different facets that people compare to. Whether it’s economic status, sexual orientation, religious preference, physical appearance, lifestyle preference, or something else, comparing is something most of us do on a daily basis.
People with disabilities are no different. I can’t speak for others with disabilities, but I probably compare myself to others more than most. Since my disability only affects my physical abilities, as I’ve said before, my expectations of myself coincide with what my friends without disabilities are doing. As I’ve written about in past entries, growing up my parents had normal expectations of me. Sure, some of them were modified, but, basically, I was expected to do what my peers were doing. Those normal expectations continued through college, and, even finding a job. It’s because of these high expectations that I’m as successful and independent as I am today.
However, after college, I began to notice that I wasn’t keeping up with my “normal” friends. Things such as finding significant others, “moving in together,” engagements, weddings, and pregnancies were and continue to be happening to many of my friends. Like I’ve said before, I’m very happy for them; I just wish those things would happen for me. Even though I have those expectations for myself, others don’t. I’ve heard things like, “honey, we don’t expect you to get married,” and “if it happens, great, but if not, that’s okay too,” from close family members. While I understand where they’re coming from and I’m grateful to know that my family doesn’t care if those things never happen to me, it also makes me sad that those normal expectations stopped. I’ve discussed this with a friend who has very similar circumstances (and whose family feels the same way), and we agree it’s an interesting conundrum. We wonder why those normal expectations stopped for us, but, yet, in our hearts, we know and understand it’s because our families want us to know that it’s okay with them if we don’t accomplish those monumental milestones in life.
That being said, it doesn’t stop me from comparing myself to others. Like many people, I find myself comparing my life to others when things aren’t going right. When things aren’t going right because of having a disability (my wheelchair breaks down, staffing problems, health issues, etc…), I often think about what my peers have going on. Of course, during times such as those, in my mind, everyone else unrealistically has a seemingly perfect life. An example of this happened in December. I was having problems filling my care shifts for January. One night I was really frustrated and told my mom, “Everyone else is worrying about what to get their kids for Christmas while I’m sitting here wondering who’s going to get me out of bed in January.” Obviously, I was venting out of frustration which does no good, but it goes to show how I sometimes compare my life to others.
Oftentimes, comparing ourselves to others is irrational; however, there are times when it can boost one’s self-esteem. While it’s not a very kind thing to do if one is boastful about it, comparing yourself to others who have similar situations can boost one’s confidence when realizing how well you’re doing compared to someone else. Of course, it could work the opposite way too. If you witness someone with similar circumstances doing better than you, it likely will cause some mixed feelings. In that case, you may have some bad feelings about yourself, but it also will hopefully make you want to improve. I sometimes see this in the disability community, and it’s not necessarily a negative thing. At least for me, when I see someone with similar circumstances succeeding at something, it makes me want to at least try it. Seeing people who have similar abilities accomplish amazing things ignites a spark in me. I can only hope I do the same for others.
Whether we realize it or not, comparing ourselves to one another is a part of life. Oftentimes, comparing ourselves does no good, but sometimes it can ignite a spark in us and make us realize what is possible!
***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.
There has been a rise in the number of lawsuits alleging that companies with inaccessible websites are violating the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, the websites are not accessible to people with visual impairments and therefore are denying access to businesses and government services. This past fall several class-action cases were settled against a number of large businesses, including KMart and GrubHub. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had planned to provide guidance on what the ADA required of businesses to be compliant. However, those proposed regulations have been put on hold, with no indication they will be pursued anytime soon. In the absence of DOJ guidance, and with courts increasingly recognizing the need for web accessibility, it is likely that companies will continue to reach settlements in web accessibility cases, rather than take cases to trial which may be unsuccessful.
TAC: Priced Out in the United States – SSI and Housing Affordability & Availability
By SD Network, 2018-01-03
The Priced Out report, written by Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, explains the nationwide housing affordability crisis experienced by people with disabilities. In 2016, millions of adults with disabilities living solely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) found that renting even a modest unit in their community would require nearly all of their monthly income. In hundreds of higher-cost housing markets, the average rent for such basic units is actually much greater than the entirety of an SSI monthly payment. TAC has solutions/recommendations to end this crisis.
According to a recent report, thousands of people with disabilities have opened ABLE accounts, but experts point out that millions more could benefit from them. ABLE accounts, which made their debut just over a year ago, allow people with disabilities to save a large amount of money without risking eligibility for Social Security and other government benefits. As more states launch ABLE programs, the number of accounts continue to increase, but its been slower than anticipated. There have been a few road bumps which have prevented people from getting one.
My name is Tyler Fallahi, and I'm a junior with muscular dystrophy attending UW-Whitewater. I wanted to share my Website that I developed, https://www.transition2collegewi.com/. I started this website after I had gone through the difficult transition process of moving from high school to college. When I graduated high school, I had to learn how to manage state programs, find caregivers, and balance both while trying to get an education. I learned how to accomplish all of this through mostly trial and error. I knew that it would have been helpful if I could have read someone else's experience to help make the transition easier, and that's why I started this website. This website has information about state programs, how to find caregivers, and how to manage employees and school life. I'm sharing this website on the self-determination network to see how I can improve the website, get some ideas for the website, and spread awareness about the website. Thank you.
Tyler Fallahi
December 2017
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
InControl Wisconsin wants to take a minute to wish everyone Happy Holidays! We really appreciate all of our Network members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you!
This is the season of giving! Our sponsors help us out in so many ways. Learn about how you can support the Network.
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better.
For December, we shine the spotlight on Carrie. Between being the mother to five children and her job organizing events for IRIS participants, free time is rare for this busy lady. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Carrie.
"Dreams energize our imagination. They give us a glimpse of what in some cases is the possible. It’s nice to dream, but we have to remember it’s truly just a dream!" In this month's entry, Stacy shares how while dreams can be fun to have, they can also sometimes be a reality check. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Vacation Rental Accommodations: More and more vacation accommodation websites are making efforts to be accessible for people with disabilities. Learn about how one lodging rental company is coming out with a new website that will accommodate people with various types of disabilities.
- Dental Care Struggles: The National Council on Disability has put out a brief about the concerning lack of dental care for people with disabilities. Read what recommendations the Council suggests.
- Website Accessibility: New accessibility guidelines for government websites will take effect in January. Find out what the new guidelines will mandate.
- Problems with Fake Service Animals Continue: Untrained service animals continue to be a problem across the country. Learn what service animal owners feel is needed to prevent these laws from being exploited.
- Medicaid Summary: In the Fall of 2014, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) conducted a Nationwide Adult Medicaid Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey of Medicaid enrollees to attain national and state-by-state measures of access, barriers to care, and experiences with care across delivery systems and major population subgroups. Find out what the survey found.
- Check it Out: The Minnesota Department of Human Services created an awesome video series about supported decision making. Check it out!
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Implementing Person-Centered Principles In TBI Service Systems: December 12th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Webinar: Disability-Competent Care Self-Assessment Tool: December 13th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
- WisconsinSibs: Journey Forward : February 17th, 8:30a.m. to 1p.m., Easterseals, Waukesha, 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.
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 two current and three 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. Coordinator must be able to travel throughout the state.
Apply to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI BPDD) for a Family-led Network Coordinator Grant. The Family-led Network Coordinator Grant will provide funding up to $27,000 (Total for coordinator and 5 family-led groups). Coordinator will provide technical assistance, and tools/resources to support Family-led activities. Contract may be renewed for additional years, up to three years subject to performance and need.
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, complete a brief application
DEADLINE EXTENDED to Tuesday, December 12th at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Send completed application to:
Family-Led Network Coordinator Grant
c/o WI-BPDD
101 East Wilson Street
Room 219
Madison, WI 53703
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Carrie is the Community Partnership Specialist in Northeast WI with TMG (IRIS Consultant Agency), she felt it was very important to be a part of this Network and absorb as much information as possible to be able to provide assistance to the participants we serve, as well as her community. After her manager suggested she look into the SD Network, she reviewed the website and all the great things that the Network was doing, and she wholeheartedly joined.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Carrie received the opportunity to become the Community Partnership Specialist at TMG, which is a newly created position. Her role is to partner with the community, schools, job development agencies and organization that are dedicated to helping individuals that are part of the IRIS program. She has been able to organize a vendor event that allowed her to have over 20 vendors that were able to help over 150 participants and their families get the resources and services that they needed, all while having a fun time. “Making a difference in people’s lives is what it’s all about,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Carrie encourages everyone to take baby steps when it comes to trying something new. She says, “you might be out of your comfort zone, but try your best.” She explains that taking two steps forward and one step back might take a bit longer to get to your goal, but eventually, you’ll reach it. She also reminds people not to be afraid to ask a lot of questions—others probably have the same questions.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Carrie often encourages people to put himself/herself in another person’s shoes to really understand the struggles someone might have every day. “Be kind and compassionate when working with others” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Carrie enjoys spending time with her family which consists of her husband and five wonderful children. When she finds time, she also enjoys reading and playing word games.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
Everyone dreams. When people dream, amazing things happen. People do the unthinkable in their dreams. A dream can be funny, scary, inspirational, enlightening, and motivational. Dreams can be a source of hope, but they can also be a reality shock when you wake up and realize it was truly just a dream.
Once in awhile, I get asked if when I dream, I’m in a wheelchair or not. Fortunately, for me, in the dreams I’ve always had a disability. I don’t remember many of my dreams, but from the ones I do, I never recall being “normal.” I’m thankful for that because I think it’d be hard to wake up from a dream where I didn’t have a disability, and realize it was truly just a dream.
For whatever reason, it seems like I have memorable dreams during stressful times like the holiday season. This happened three or four years ago, but I still remember the dream as clear as day. I dreamt that I walked down the hallway of my elementary school. It wasn’t a normal walk; I had leg braces on and I was teetering, but I walked independently down the hallway. I remember for some reason my confirmation leader was there, but I unfortunately don’t remember anything else. I have absolutely no idea what brought that dream on, but I find it very interesting that it was so vivid. I wish I hadn’t woken up so quickly, so I could have “seen” what else happened.
I’ve also had dreams where I’ve been in a relationship with a significant other. I think these dreams are brought on by upcoming gatherings with family and friends. As much as I try to be ok with being single, when I’m around family and friends who have seemingly perfect relationships, it’s human nature to desire that as well. When I dream that I’m in a relationship, I still have Cerebral Palsy, but the significant other usually doesn’t have a disability. While dreams like these are fun to occasionally have, as one would guess, they aren’t the greatest to wake up from. It can be a pretty big reality check when you realize it was just a dream.
I’ve had friends and family members tell me that they’ve had dreams where I’ve all of a sudden gotten up and walked or said something perfectly. Years ago before she passed away, my grandma told me about a dream she had. Her sister who passed away and I were in it. Out of the clear blue, I said three words as clear as possible. The words were “I love you.” My grandma couldn’t believe it. She was so excited to tell my grandpa in the morning. I find it fascinating that my friends and caretakers have had dreams where I’ve stood up and walked or randomly verbally said something perfectly. Dreams like those must be awesome to have, but I don’t know how I’d react if I a dream like that. I think it’d a be reality shock.
It’s always fun to dream. I never knew what it’s like not have a disability, so I don’t usually see my disability until I’m faced with challenges related to it. In my dreams, it seems natural to me that I have Cerebral Palsy because I’ve always have had it. As much as I’d love not having a disability, I do and it has become part of life that I’ve learn to accept.
We all dream every night. Dreams energize our imagination. They give us a glimpse of what in some cases is the possible. It’s nice to dream, but we have to remember it’s truly just a dream!
***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.