News

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

joshua.ryf@wisconsin.gov

Learn more about disability-related issues on BPDD's Facebook page!

Connect | Share | Learn |http://sdsnetworkwi.org/

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

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

LOV-Dane is in the process of hiring a second Bridge Builder to support our loved ones with disabilities. Please help us spread the word!

Application deadline is Friday, August 16 at 4pm.

Do you

• Approach the world with curiosity, enthusiasm, empathy and fun?
• Love to bring people together to create inclusive community?
• Dig deep to understand a challenge and think outside the box to solve it?
• Enjoy both supporting others behind the scenes and shining in the spotlight yourself?
• Have superb communication skills?

LOV-Dane is looking for a person who answers yes to these questions! This position will support individuals with a variety of disabilities as they explore their gifts and dreams, set manageable goals, and build the skills and connections to achieve them.

The right candidate will believe in and delight in our members; be a good listener, teacher, and salesperson; have experience breaking long-term goals into manageable pieces; be highly organized and self directed; enjoy being creative with a team; anticipate and address challenges with patience and empathy; be flexible; have the ability to respond to diverse needs and styles.

Please check out our website (lovdane.org) for all of the details about how to apply.

Disability Rights Wisconsin is seeking an Executive Director who embodies a collaborative/ shared leadership style. A successful candidate will have the ability to make complex decisions swiftly, sometimes with limited information. He or she needs to inspire a culture where deep change brings opportunity and new approaches lead to systemic improvement. The Executive Directors primary responsibilities include providing visionary leadership for DRW, managing strategic planning and policy development, and supervising daily operations that include financial oversight, program development, staff supervision and fund development. The Executive Director provides information and counsel to the Board to facilitate its decision making processes, ensuring accountability to federal, state and local congressional mandates.

Deadline: July 26, 2013 To Learn More...

Connect | Share | Learn |http://sdsnetworkwi.org/

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

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

This month's issue ofThe Riot!is called "What's in Your Cookbook? Tips & Tricks to Spice Up Self-Advocacy". If you haven't read The Riot! before, it's time you checked out this great resource.

Here's what the writers of The Riot! have to say about themselves and their publication:

Self-advocates are people with disabilities who speak up for themselves and others. Self-advocates speak up with spoken words, sign language, letter boards or in ways unique to each person.

The Riot is about self-advocacy. We offer a newsletter, a blog where self-advocates can share opinions, an online art gallery, toolkits, games and services to help individuals become stronger self-advocates. We cover topics that are important to self-advocates. And we really dont like silly rules that just keep people down.

We are serious about self-advocacy issues, but we also want to make you laugh and feel good about life. Join us to celebrate the strengths of self-advocates. Help take on the barriers that stand in the way. Most of all, lets work together to help people live the life they want with the support they need.

How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?

I have been involved with adults who have developmental disabilities and focusing on their life in the community for 33 years. I have known since I was in high school that I was not someone destined for corporate life, but rather that my work was meant to be working side by side with individuals who have a disability. To my good fortune that often has come with family, friends and community who surround those individuals. Working with people to identify the possibilities their lives hold and working toward the realization of hopes and dreams for their futures has been my lifes work and passion. I have met wonderful people and have been part of people's community-based homes and lives for many years. Being part of this ever-growing and transforming movement of life in the community and self-determination has been a blessing in my life. I was asked to help host the SDSnetworkand my hope is that through conversation and connectedness, that we together can find a sense of common purpose and sharing through this on line community.

The most exciting thing for me personally, at this juncture in my life, is that I amnetworkingwith people from around Wisconsin and the United Stated and finding that this movement is BIG! I moved to Madison in 1982 because it was where things were happening- creative, innovative and ground breaking. Today, widening my scope, outside of the world of residential supports in Dane County, I see this movement is BIG around the world! I have met people in the past several years from England, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Michigan, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, my dear home town of Madison, etcand am so excited to be living and learning in a widenetworkof passionate and energetic people who get-it! I guess I shouldnt be surprised. While I was working hard on a micro level, the world just kept charging forward around this on a macro level! Its awesome!

My tip is, be sure to tell your story. There is wisdom to be drawn on and information deep in your life stories that tell others, in a special way, who you are, whats important to you and what makes you tick. If people are listening well and looking to discover and realize what you are all about, your stories will go a great way in identifying those things. Personally, I believe that telling your life story through conversation goes much farther than answering a lot of questions about yourself on a piece of paper.

Also, identify your gifts; if you dont know what they are, just think about what you have to offer with your head, your hands and your heart. If you cant come up with it on your own, ask those who surround you in your life. You will be surprised with how the list grows once you start asking. Examine and think about what others say your gifts are. Gifts, talents, strengths, what you bring to others lives will be the beginning of your own discovery process and your journey of sharing and building on your lifes dreams.

Identify and grow yournetwork; these are your friends, family, acquaintances, fellow workers, neighbors etc,.., its amazing when people know your stories and dreams where that will lead. People will often reach out to help you discover your lifes goals once they know you value and acknowledge them as important in your life.

Thisnetworkis our common ground, were united by the thread of self-determination and self direction, lets make the most of it. The SDSnetworkis our community so lets engage. We can connect, have conversation, learn, or just run things by one another. The sky is the limit, but it takes each of us to extend ourselves out just a little bit. I know, I myself have wondered about what to post, wondered if it was the appropriate forum, thought about how to word things etc. My commitment is to no longer let that questioning voice get in the way of putting myself out there andnetworkingwith you all. I ask you to do the same. One thing I did do, which you too may find helpful, is make the SDSNetworkone of my home pages. Everyday when I log on to the internet, the SDSnetworkopens up and I have the opportunity to see whats new or better yet to comment and share.

I actually have had a dream vacation that I want to relive. How about that? I went to Grand Cayman Island about 20 years ago on a fluke. It was one of those last minute unbelievable deals that my husband and I could not pass up. To tell you the truth I didnt even know the first thing about the Cayman islands when I got on the plane. The 7-day vacation was such a beautiful experience that I want to go back. The land, the water, the people, were all amazing and beautiful. My favorite experience while on Grand Cayman was snorkeling. I took a sailboat out to a reef and swam with stingrays! I also snorkeled in a beautiful cove where schools of fish came and surrounded me and I swam with them. I could feel their little bodies swimming all around me. It was surreal.

My immediate community is Windsor/DeForest Wisconsin. I have lived here for about 19 years. Its a suburb about 5 minutes north of Madison. Its very green and country-like, but close to all the amenities of Madison. Perfect! The first thing I noticed out here is the country wave. Everybody waves when you drive by. Its heartwarming! I have great neighbors who have come to be good friends over the years. I love country walks and all the natural beauty I live near. As far as Madison; I love the openness, the people, the creativity, the lakes, the neighborhood festivals and the community as a whole. I couldnt think of a better place to live.

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!

The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to develop local grassroots groups that will work on identified changes in their communities through grassroots community organizing. Grassroots community organizing means groups collaborating for positive community change for individuals with disabilities on issues that are important to them. The innovative methods SPARKS Grants ignite are intended to lead to systems change that improves the lives of people with disabilities. SPARKS Grants are availableto people with disabilities and family members in Wisconsin.

Priorities for 2013 SPARKS Grants include, but are not limited to, projects that focus on: Get Out The Vote (GOTV), state legislative issues, and local advocacy activities. Individual grants range from $500 to $3,000. Projects will begin no later than October 1, 2013 and should be completed by September 30, 2014.

To apply for a SPARKS Grant, complete and submit the SPARKS Grants Application and Budget Worksheet. The deadline to apply is 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013.

SPARKS Grants are funded by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. More information about SPARKS Grants is available.

Please forward this message to parties who might be interested in applying for a SPARKS Grant.

Self-advocates and family members of a person with a developmental disability (DD) who want to improve their leadership skills are encouraged to apply for Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2013.

Partners is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop future leaders who will work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that support the full participation and inclusion of people with DD. Nationwide, close to 15,000 graduates are part of a growing network of community leaders and decision makers serving on policymaking committees, commissions, and boards at local, state, and national levels.

The program is designed for (A) adults with DD, (B) parents, grandparents, or primary caregivers of children under the age of 21 with DD, and (C) siblings of individuals with DD. Applicants should be highly motivated to create more inclusive communities.

The six sessions will be held in Madison between November 2013 and May 2014. Each session begins at 1 p.m. on Friday and concludes at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

This program is an initiative of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD). BPDD covers all costs associated with the program, including the training, lodging, meals, and materials. More information about the program is available.

Those interested in participating must submit an application packet by September 1, 2013.

If you have questions about Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking, contact John Shaw at john1.shaw@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-7707.