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Whether it’s going to the store to get milk, going to work, going to a doctor apportionment, or meeting friends for dinner, most people get out of their house on a daily basis.  It’s the natural thing to do.  For many people with disabilities, going out isn’t always easy.  In fact, it’s often one of the biggest barriers.

Growing up, I was blessed that my family was able to take me places just like any kid. As I’ve written about in past entries, I’ve probably traveled to more places than most people my age.  Before getting our first wheelchair accessible van, my parents took me places in a car and took either my stroller or manual wheelchair.  I was young enough that the independence factor (when I use my manual chair as opposed to my power chair, I have to depend on others to move me around) didn’t really matter.  When my parents got their first wheelchair accessible van, I remember thinking it was so cool being able to go places in my power chair.  It brought a whole new meaning of independence to me.  As I got older, we used the car and my manual chair less and less.  My independence became more prevalent, so the van became my main means of transportation.  Now, we just occasionally use my manual chair for things such as visiting relatives and vacations where we fly.

When I started at UW-Whitewater, I found a whole new means of transportation—my wheelchair!  Yes, UW-Whitewater had a service that gave students with disabilities rides around campus.  In most cases, I think the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) funds this for students who need it.  For a few years I was there, they also offered off-campus rides.  Students paid extra for this service and vans would take people to places such as stores and restaurants.  I used the service for a couple of years, but the service hours weren’t very convenient and it just wasn’t worth it.  I think they have stopped offering off campus rides now actually.  I used the on-campus ride service pretty regularly, but I also just went around in my chair quite a bit.  Whitewater is a pretty small town and the campus is small, so I could go anywhere in my chair (as long as the weather was decent).  It was awesome!  Whitewater also had a decent accessible cab service that my friends and I frequently used.  I had my manual chair down there as well, so oftentimes, my friends would just put me in their cars, and we’d go places. 

It wasn’t until after college that I realized just how big of a barrier transportation was going to be in my life.  My parents live outside of the city, so public transportation wasn’t an option.  I couldn’t cruise very far in my chair either.  I solely relied on my parents to take me everywhere.  That was a huge adjustment from college.  I had to schedule everything around their availability.

When I moved to Oshkosh, things got a little better, but not by much.  My apartment is in the city, but no stores or restaurants are real close by.  I used to go for long cruises all around town in summer.  However, unfortunately, that came to an end two summers ago when my chair quit on my way back from the park.  My whole family was out of state at the time, and it was a huge mess.  Fortunately, some nice people stopped to help me and they were able to figure out to call my care agency I had at the time (I’m nonverbal and of course didn’t have my communication device with me, so that added to the circus).  Needless to say, I don’t venture further than around the block by myself anymore!

Oshkosh does have accessible public transportation available.  Their bus system is accessible. A few years ago when I was working with DVR to try to find employment, they actually had me do bus training to see if it’d be a reliable source of transportation for me.  Unfortunately, due to many factors, it didn’t work out too well.  The closet bus stop is about two blocks away from my apartment which isn’t far, but if it’s raining or snowing, I have no way to protect my electronic equipment.  Plus, the bus schedule is very confusing, and it’d be nearly impossible to coordinate it with my care schedule.  There are two or three accessible cab companies in Oshkosh.  One is connected with the city bus system; that’s the one I use to go grocery shopping every week.  I have a standing ride to and from the store every week, so I don’t have to have someone call in each time.  They pick up and drop off my staff and I right in my apartment driveway.  It works okay.  Again, timing is an issue.  It has improved recently, but there have been times where we’ve waited well over an hour for a scheduled ride.  This wouldn’t be a big deal except that I only have staff for a certain amount of time.  I also wish there was some way that I could setup rides and ride the cab independently.  Currently, the only way to schedule a ride is over the phone.  Eventually, with technology advancing, I’m hoping that will change.  They also only take exact cash from people like me (I’m not on the MCO so I don’t get ride tickets).  I’m physically unable to hand the driver money, and I don’t feel comfortable having them root through my stuff to get it.  I wish that they had some sort of a pass or something I could buy.  Maybe in time they will.

Cabs are affordable for in-city daytime trips; however, if you want to leave the city limits or go somewhere outside of normal business hours, the prices skyrocket!  I live less than 40 miles from my parents, and if I wanted to take a cab to their house, it’d cost me over $250 one way!  I think that’s insane!  For now, thankfully, my parents are able to cart me around to most of the events I want to go to.

Relying on others for transportation definitely puts limits on a person’s life.  Not being able to go where and when you want can be very frustrating.  Self-driving vehicles are becoming more and more advanced.  I don’t know if it’ll be in my lifetime, but someday there will be self-driving accessible vehicles widely available (and affordable).  All a person will have to do is program where he/she wants to go using a phone or computer and then the vehicle will automatically go there.  How incredibly amazing will that be?  It’s hard to even fathom, but it will be life changing for many of us with disabilities.  I can only hope I see that day come! 

***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.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced the managed care organizations selected to serve Family Care members and the IRIS consultant agencies that intend to serve participants in the IRIS program in Dane County.  This expansion will end the wait list for more than 450 people in Dane County with long-term care needs.  

Read full press release

It's no secret that advances in  technology have completely changed the world we live in.  People can do anything from make doctor appointments to get groceries or prepared meals delivered with just a click of a button.  While these  services were primarily designed for people on the go, there are benefits for older people and people with disabilities.  One of the biggest benefits is the potential to deliver important supports to people with mobility issues.  However, these services often come with some limitations.  This article discusses some of the benefits and risks of three services which include ride sharing, grocery delivery, and on-demand medical services.

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The  International Code Council recently released an update to 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard that provides greater accessibility to buildings for persons with physical disabilities and incorporates new elements of building design.  The ICC A117.1 standard helps achieve uniformity in the technical design criteria in building codes that allow a person with a physical disability to independently get to, enter and use a facility. The standard is intended for adoption by government agencies and organizations.

Learn what the new standards include

Public transportation notoriously causes difficulty and stress for people with disabilities. However, modern technology firms are working to change this. Uber, for example, has introduced the UberWAV app that allows users in New York City to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle, such as a Caravan or a Ford minibus. Their UberASSIST app trains drivers to accommodate assistive technologies, including scooters and wheelchairs.

Another company, Wayfindr, helps people with visual impairments navigate subway stations through use of audio technology. The CEO of Wayfindr has stressed the goal of inclusiveness and collaboration in developing the app, and thus the company worked to develop an open standard for this type of technology, which they hope would increase the development of other similar products.

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Even with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal legislation to protect the people  with disabilities, studies find that too many American citizens are restricted in where they can go or live due to lack of handicap-accessible accommodations.  Oftentimes, things such as sidewalks, office buildings, and public transportation are inaccessible. There are many interesting examples and statistics in this article.  Many people blame it on the  lack of  funding available.

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Louisiana recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits).  In Louisiana, the program is known as "LA ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  LA ABLE is available to people with disabilities nationwide.

Read about Louisiana's program 

Georgia recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits).  In Georgia, the program is known as "Georgia STABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  Georgia STABLE is available to people with disabilities nationwide.

Read about Georgia's program 

Do you know a caregiver or team that deserves to be honored for the great work they do?

The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance’s Annual Caregiver Awards are the only statewide recognition of these outstanding individuals and teams working tirelessly in all service locations.

 This is your chance to honor a dedicated individual or team. You can nominate caregivers in the following categories:

• Spotlight Individual Caregiver Awards (four awards)
• Caring Together Team Award (one team award)
• Heart of Family/Friend Caregiving Award (one award)

 (Please read the attached Alliance Caregiver Awards Brochure for criteria for each Award or visit us online at http://wiworkforcealliance.com)

How to Nominate a Caregiver
To nominate a caregiver, prepare the Nomination Form and an Essay of 200 words or less, sharing why you believe the person or team deserves the award in the selected category. You can submit the nomination in two ways:

1. Online Submission: You can complete the Nomination Form and Essay online at https://gwaar.wufoo.com/forms/q1cccgno018aain/
2. Mail/Email Submission: You can print and complete the Nomination Form in the Caregiver Awards Brochure, prepare the Essay in a Word document, and then email, mail or fax both to the contacts in the brochure. 

You must submit your nomination by August 18, 2016.

Announcement and Recognition of Caregiver Award Winners
Each award winner will receive a certificate, a monetary prize and an invitation to be our guest at the Alliance Caregiver Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Thursday, September 22, 2017, at the Wintergreen Resort in the WI Dells. The event is co-hosted by the WI Personal Services Association. 

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2017 Alliance Caregiver Awards!
We appreciate the support of our Sponsors around the state, who make it possible to recognize the Caregiver Award recipients.  There’s still time to become a sponsor for the 2017 Caregiver Awards – just complete the attached Sponsorship Form or contact us for more information.

 Hosting Sponsor

Wisconsin Personal Services Association

Sugar Maple Tree Sponsors

Kenosha County LTC Workforce Alliance

Society's Assets

Wisconsin Assisted Living Association

 Robin Sponsors

Consumer Direct Wisconsin

Dungarvin Wisconsin

 Wood Violet Sponsors

Community Living Alliance

Shared Purchasing Solutions

Caregiver Award Brochure 2017

Caregiver Award Sponsorship Form 2017