News
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Desi is 32 years old and lives in her own apartment. She has a helper come in twice per week to help with meal prep and household chores. She is very determined and outgoing lady. She spends her time volunteering at various places. She volunteers at a animal shelter twice per week, a place where foster families can get clothes once per week, and the Donna Lexa Art Center twice per week. “I enjoy splatter painting at the Art Center the most,” she says. She’s also involved with some of the activities at LOV Inc and serves on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
What does Self-Determination mean to you? Why is it important?
To Desi, self-determination means, “independence and living on my own with support.” It’s important to her because it makes her happier.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Desi is creating a presentation that will help law enforcement better understand how to interact with people with disabilities. She hopes that by educating them about certain behaviors or reactions people may have, it will cut down the number of people with disabilities getting hurt or traumatized.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Desi encourages people that if you fall, to dust yourself off, and get right back up. “You’ve got it,” she exclaims!
What are some of your hobbies?
In her spare time, Desi loves doing arts and crafts. She enjoys making bracelets for law enforcement and fire departments. She also enjoys biking around her neighborhood and hopes to get into backpacking someday.
***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.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center Fellowships Now Open for 2023 Projects
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
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Application Deadline: Monday, January 9, 2023 | 9 PM ET
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The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) is now accepting applications for fellows for a one-year self advocacy project. SARTAC will select six fellows, who will grow their leadership skills as they work on their projects with host organizations. Fellows will work on their projects about 14 hours per month and will receive $5,000 to complete their one-year project. The fellowship begins on March 1, 2023 and ends February 28, 2024. SARTAC will choose fellows and contact all applicants by February 14, 2023. To learn more about the application process, SARTAC will hold a Zoom meeting on Thursday, December 1st, at 1 PM ET. Meeting information is below:
For more information, please contact Candace Cunningham or call 816-235-5833. |
SPECTRUM NEWS: DHS gives $12 million to address home and community-based service shortages
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
Forty-three organizations focused on home and community-based services received $12 million from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The funds will be used to improve home and community-based services for the elderly and those with disabilities. The industry is facing a pressing workforce shortage crisis; one in four direct caregiver positions is vacant.
The United States will keep in place the public health emergency status of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing millions of Americans to still receive free tests, vaccines, and treatments. The possibility of a winter surge in COVID cases and the need for more time to transition out of the public health emergency to a private market were two factors that contributed to the decision not to end the emergency status in January.
Many people with disabilities describe challenges in finding physicians prepared to care for them. Not only do many clinics lack the necessary equipment—such as scales that can accommodate people who use wheelchairs—but at least some physicians actively avoid patients with disabilities.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY: Strengthening the HCBS Ecosystem – Responding to Dangers of Congregate Settings during COVID-19
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
In the wake of the disproportionate death toll in congregate settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, this report examines weaknesses in the home and community-based services (HCBS) ecosystem and outlines a roadmap to expand community living options to meet the needs of people with disabilities across the lifespan. The 2014 Medicaid HCBS Settings Rule added specific requirements to ensure integrated settings were truly community-based. Much of the requirements to meet the Settings Rule are reflected in self-directed waiver services.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Resources for Boosting Vaccinations Among Older Adults and People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is the most important thing we all can do to protect ourselves from serious illness due to COVID-19. It’s particularly crucial for older adults and people with disabilities. As trusted voices in their communities, many aging and disability organizations across the nation are working this season to educate people about the latest vaccines and help older adults and people with disabilities overcome any logistical challenges they face in getting vaccinated.
Acting ACL Administrator Alison Barkoff recently joined an online discussion with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy about the power of partnerships in increasing bivalent vaccination of older adults and people with disabilities. Representatives from two ACL-funded aging and disability service providers — Walter Glomb, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Bev Kidder , vice president of community programs at the Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut — also participated in the discussion, sharing powerful stories of how collaboration can help older adults and people with disabilities get vaccinated.
Additional Resources
- The ACL COVID-19 webpage provides resources and information for older adults and people with disabilities, including resources for people with COVID-related disabilities.
- The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get information on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.
- The Eldercare Locator connects older adults and their families to services in the community.
NATIONAL GOVENORS ASSOCIATION: Addressing Wages Of The Direct Care Workforce Through Medicaid Policies
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
NATIONAL REHABILITATION INFORMATION CENTER: Study Highlights the Impact of COVID-19 on the Delivery of Personal Assistance Services for People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-11-28
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted marginalized communities in many ways, especially those with disabilities and their access to health care. Approximately eight million people in the US have disabilities that make it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as bathing and dressing. Recent studies have shown that around 2.3 million people with disabilities in the US access paid personal assistance services (PAS) to help them with these daily activities. In a recent NIDILRR funded study, researchers sought to understand the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of PAS and its impact on the lives of people with disabilities who were relying on these services.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Supreme Court To Hear Case That Could Have Major Consequences For People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-11-16
Despite strong pushback from disability advocates, a case that could severely restrict the rights of those who rely on Medicaid and other government programs is set to go before the U.S. Supreme Court this week.'' The case hinges on whether individuals receiving services through programs like Medicaid have the right to sue state and local governments if their civil rights are violated.