News
THE WHITE HOUSE: A Proclamation on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2023
By SD Network, 2023-09-30
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It's a month to recognize workers with disabilities, and the country recommits to providing equal access and opportunity to all people regardless of disability.
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is an easy way to get connected to the services you need! Visit DIAL’s new website, dial.acl.gov, to get connected to programs and services that can help you access transportation, housing and other essential services—right in your community. Ways to connect with DIAL: online search or chat at dial.acl.gov, call/text/videophone 888-677-1199 or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. Connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Melanie shares that she was born with her disability. As a kid, she says she had a decent life. She explains that during college is when it really started to hit her how many barriers adults with disabilities face to be able to be self-sufficient, contributing adults in society. She’s currently still working through trying to find resources to get employed enough to cover her healthcare needs and find affordable accessible housing.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Melanie first heard the term self-determination during the pandemic after joining the Wisconsin Disability Connections Facebook group. She was looking for support and resources and was very interested in learning more about what all self-determination all entails. “I joined the Self-Determination Network to gain a greater sense of community and belonging with other people with disabilities,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Some exciting news for Melanie is that she’s working towards getting employed for the first time. She has an associate degree in accounting, and she explains that now that she knows how to advocate better, she’s working with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in hopes to find employment. She’s looking for something in the Administrative Assistant field she thinks.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Melanie encourages people not to give up! She tells us that she has gotten really down on herself as an adult when life milestones such as getting a drivers license, graduating college, and now getting a job, and moving out all seemed to come at a slower later pace in life than her peers without disabilities. “But I am determined to make those goals happen for myself,” she exclaims!
What are some of your hobbies?
Melanie loves being an aunt to my niece and nephew. In her free time, she enjoys Diamond Painting.
***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.
THE JOURNAL TIMES: United Airlines will make changes for people with wheelchairs after a government investigation
By SD Network, 2023-09-28
Following an investigation by the federal government after a complaint by a disability advocate, United Airlines has agreed to improve the experience for passengers who use wheelchairs. The airlines will add a filter tool on their website to help people find flights on which the plane can be more easily accommodate wheelchairs. They also agreed to refund the price difference if a passenger needs to take a more expensive flight to accommodate their wheelchair. These changes are expected to take effect early next year.
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL: Staff shortages, sale of nonprofits threaten Wisconsin's Family Care, advocates say
By SD Network, 2023-09-28
Wisconsin disability advocates continue to worry as for-profit companies buy two of the four nonprofit organizations that run Family Care. Advocates are concerned about access and quality of services. The caregiver crisis causes delays and wait lists for care as is.
THE WHITE HOUSE: FACT SHEET: Statement from President Joe Biden on 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act
By SD Network, 2023-09-27
In late September, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act. It is responsible for banning discrimination on the basis of disability by federally funded entities through Section 504 of the law, and it paved the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
THE CONVERSATION: Driverless cars could be a revolution for people with disabilities – but they also have good reason to be worried
By SD Network, 2023-09-27
It's no secret that self-driving vehicles are becoming more and more popular. There are several pros to these vehicles for people with disabilities, but there are also many concerns. This article does a good job of laying out the the benefits and risks of autonomous vehicles.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH: NIH designates people with disabilities as a population with health disparities
By SD Network, 2023-09-26
The National Institutes of Health recently designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities. People with disabilities often experience a wide and varying range of health conditions leading to poorer health and shorter lifespan. In addition, discrimination, inequality and exclusionary structural practices, programs and policies inhibit access to timely and comprehensive health care, which further results in poorer health outcomes. People with disabilities who also belong to one or more other populations with health disparities fare even worse.
The National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities rejected a plan earlier this month to designate those with disabilities as a health disparity population. The move came as a blow to advocates who saw the label as a way to help chip away at discrimination experienced regularly in the medical field. Disability advocates are asking the Biden administration to step in after a government advisory panel squashed plans to put more resources toward addressing the persistent disparities people with disabilities face in the healthcare system.
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY: 7 disability advocates talk about accessibility and ableism outdoors
By SD Network, 2023-09-22
People with disabilities often face obstacles or unwelcoming environments when they try to use outdoor spaces. A growing movement of disability advocates and online communities is actively working to challenge these barriers and promote inclusivity in outdoor recreation.