News
Recently, at an Apple product release event, the company highlighted the new ways in which its products allow for increased accessibility. At the event, Apple showed a video that demonstrated people with various types of disabilities using the new devices and new features. Apple also unveiled its new accessibility website that users can visit to learn about the accessibility features and how to use them.
OSHKOSH NORTHWESTERN: Commentary: Wisconsin in direct care workforce crisis
By SD Network, 2016-12-05
It is pretty known that Wisconsin is experiencing a crisis-level shortage of direct care workers. Elders and people with disabilities aren't getting the care they need to survive. More than 85% of people who rely on direct care in Wisconsin report that they can't find enough workers. This commentary article explains that the state has always been a national leader in supporting people with disabilities and older people in the community, but this care worker crisis jeopardizes that. It suggests that high worker turnover rates and growing job openings contribute to the crisis. Agencies struggle to keep up with the increased costs of doing business and to pay workers competitive wages with the current reimbursement rate. The demand for direct care is expected to increase by 28% by 2024 according to this commentary. It suggests that Wisconsin must take action now!
MAGELLAN HEALTH INSIGHTS: Full Citizenship and Inclusion for People with Disabilities Starts in Typical Places, Doing Typical Things
By SD Network, 2016-12-05
There is a new shift trending in supporting people with disabilities in our communities. Rather than purely focusing on their needs, it's important to consider the strengths, talents, and assets of the person. In this blog, InControl Wisconsin board member, Patti Becker, reflects on her experience at this year's TASH conference. TASH is an international advocacy organization for people with disabilities and advocates. She explains that she led a session which engaged people in using tools to make a path to inclusion, employment, and community connections.
With service dogs becoming seemingly more and more popular these, there are lots of misconceptions out there about service animals. A service dog trainer complied a list of common misconceptions people have about service dogs. She does a nice job of explaining why the misconceptions are wrong.
A new free app helps people with hearing impairments detect dangerous sounds, communicate with people, make emergency calls and dance to music. One of the app's founders is deaf and has been essential in developing it. The app, BeWarned, has four main features:
- Sound Monitor-- it detects possible dangerous sounds and alerts the user with flashing lights and vibration signals
- Connect--this allows users to communicate with others by using a special chat feature
- Dance-- this feature allows users to enjoy music which is converted into vibration signals or flashing lights
- Emergency Call-- allows users to inform family and friends about an emergency situation he/she is in
BeWarned is free and is currently available for Android and iOS.
This is a very interesting website about how the election results might affect Medicaid (and all the programs that are funded through MA). Key Medicaid Questions Post-Election
Survival Coalition conducted a survey about the direct care workforce crisis and received over 500 responses. Overwhelmingly, the results showed that people are not getting the help they need to live safe, healthy and independent lives in the community.
November 2016
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Proposed 40 Hour Work Week Rule
The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) has proposed a new 40-hour rule for IRIS, limiting the amount of time that a staff person may work for you. At this point, DHS is putting it on hold while they work on revisions of this rule. The Survival Coalition, a cross-disability advocacy coalition, has made recommendations about the proposed rule. After you read more about the proposed rule and recommendations, share your thoughts about it in this discussion.
Diehard Award Winners
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference.These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- Beth Wroblewski
- Olivia Quigley
- Nikki Vander Meulen
- Sherry Gundlach
- Kristy Bridenhagen
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Public Transit-Human Services Coordination: November 29th, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Milwaukee County Zoo Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee WI
- AbilityWI Now: November 30th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online Radio Broadcast
- Transportation and Equality Summit: December 3rd, 9a.m. to 5p.m., Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee WI
- Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Quarterly Meeting: January 26th, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Skype, Telephone, or Crowne Plaza, Madison WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
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.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses misconceptions many have about people with disabilities and how she handles them. Have you been in similar situations? We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Person-Centered Planning: Person-Centered Planning is becoming more and more popular. Learn about a new approach to help people evaluate risk and the power of having choices.
- ABLE Act Changes Draw Backlash: Many disability advocacy groups are opposing changes to the ABLE Act. Find out why.
- Event Accessibility: Whether it's a large convention or a small meeting, event planners often struggle to make sure that events are accessible to all people. Read about a document that has been created to help event planners ensure events are accessible to all people.
- Benefits Increase: Find out how much Social Security benefits will increase next year.
- Communications Technology Accessibility Report: The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission released its report on the state of accessibility of communications technology under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Learn what the report entails.
- Voting Rights: Even though the election is over, this is an interesting blog about problems voters with disabilities had in the 2012 election. Did you or someone you know experience problems while voting this year?
- MiABLE: Michigan recently launched its program for ABLE accounts. Learn about the program.
- Service Dog Case: A very interesting case about the right to have a service dog in school is making national headlines. Read about this historic case.
- Air Travel Rule: Thanks to a final rule by the Department of Transportation, some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved. Find out how this rule will help.
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.
Often times I get asked if I could have one ability that I don’t have, what would it be. Many people are surprised by my response. Sure, I’d love to walk, feed myself, take care of myself, and be able to do things like drive, but the one ability I’d love to have is to speak clearly. Most people don’t understand the impact that verbal interaction has in today’s world.
Many times people think I have a cognitive disability just because I’m in a wheelchair and can’t speak clearly. I’ve had many different augmentative communication devices over the years. Many people with speech impairments use communication devices very effectively, but, admittedly, I’ve never been one of those people. Sure, I used one for classes throughout my schooling, and I still have one for things such as presentations and events where I have to speak to strangers. I don’t use it for day-to-day communication though. There are a few reasons for this. One is because, although devices have become much more compact, having it mounted to my chair is cumbersome (I can’t pull up to my computer desk or any table with the mount on). Secondly, and probably the main reason is that speech programs take a lot of time to learn how to effectively use. Many people compare it to learning a second language. Honestly, that concept has never appealed to me. I’ve learned how to program buttons on my device for what I need to say during certain events (such as conferences and classes), but I find faster ways to spontaneously communicate. I use the speech I do have and lots of gestures. I speak in vowel sounds. For example, my sister’s name is Stephanie. I call her “et-en-nie.” It takes awhile to get used to, but if people are around me enough, they usually catch on pretty fast. If family or friends can’t understand me, they ask me yes or no questions, or I type it on the cell phone. It may take a little while, but eventually I’ll get my point across.
Without even realizing it people judge other people. We all do-it’s a normal human tendency. I’ve encountered some pretty rude people in my life. I’ve been stared and pointed at countless times in my life. Depending on where I am and who I’m with, I usually just kind of ignore it. Sometimes, when I’m with my parents or sister, they’ll say something to the person, but staring and pointing doesn’t bother me much anymore. When I was younger and was in school, kids would tease me. Kids would call me “retard” and say things that did hurt my feelings, but I learned to brush it off. Kids and adults still occasionally tease me today, but I’ve learned to take it in stride and try to overcome their negativity.
Probably what bugs me most is when people treat me like I’m deaf or I’m a baby. People talk to me in real high-pitched loud voice. I’ve gotten pats on my head, pinches on my cheeks, and even kisses on my cheeks multiple times. Again depending on where I am and who I’m with, I usually just kind of blow it off. Sometimes, if I’m with family or close friends, they’ll usually try to explain that I understand everything they say, but sometimes no matter how many times people try tell them, they still do it. Years ago, we had this elderly lady in church who came up to me every Sunday, talked to me really loud, and kissed me on the cheek. It never failed. After awhile, I just got used to it. I’ve also had people insist on giving me things such as stuffed animals and stickers when I’m out in public. I understand when people do these kinds of things that they’re trying to be nice and aren’t trying to be hurtful. That said, it does hurt inside and it’s really embarrassing—especially when out with my friends. Most of my friends are used to it now, and we just laugh it off, but it’s still embarrassing!
I realize people have misconceptions because I’m in a power wheelchair and can’t talk. I also know that I should use my communication device more to avoid some of the misconceptions, but, at the same time, today’s society should be used to differences. Whether the person has a disability or not, treat them as normal as possible. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. The person with the disability would most likely have you ask it rather then having the wrong assumption be made. Don’t be afraid to say hi—- it’ll make things a lot less awkward for both of you!
Though things are improving daily for people with disabilities, some people will never fully understand that we have the capabilities to lead fairly normal lives. We, as people with disabilities, have an ongoing challenge to prove to the world that we can lead successful lives!
***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.
DISABLED WORLD: New Rule Requires US Airlines to Report Wheelchair and Scooter Transport and Damage
By SD Network, 2016-11-08
Some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved thanks to a final ruling by the Department of Transportation. The ruling requires large domestic airlines to track and report information about wheelchairs and scooters. Beginning in 2017, airlines will report how many wheelchairs and scooters that are put in cargo on a monthly basis. They will be also required to report how many wheelchairs and scooters are lost, damaged, etc... The hope is that this data will show what specific areas training needs to happen to reduce damages and meet the requirements of the Air Carrier Access Act.