News
NBCNEWS.COM: Disability rights groups battle Lyft for wheelchair accessible vehicles — again
By SD Network, 2022-08-26
Disability advocates continue to advocate for wheelchair accessible vehicles to be available in ride share companies such as Uber and Lyft. This has been an ongoing battle for years. Advocates have filed multiple lawsuits over this. Ride share companies argue that they're not required to follow regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act because they're a technology company, not a transportation business.
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Seeking Marriage Equality for People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-08-25
For many people with disabilities, marriage is a tricky topic. Those who receive Social Security benefits often have to make the tough decision to not get legally married because they would lose their benefits they rely on. Generally, the rule is if someone marries a person who doesn't receive benefits, you lose your benefits. If both people receive benefits, the amount is significantly decreased. Disability advocates continue to talk with legislators in hopes to make changes happen.
Many voters with disabilities are sighing a sigh of relief as a federal judge signaled that he would allow voters with disabilities to receive assistance returning their ballot in the November election despite a Supreme Court ruling that put doubt on such assistance and state law suggesting it's not allowed. It is expected that he will issue an order soon.
The U.S. Access Board seeks an Accessibility Specialist to serve in its Office of Technical and Information Services. This Accessibility Specialist will be responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and guidance to the public on design requirements for accessible buildings and facilities and medical diagnostic equipment. They will also participate in Board rulemaking to update or supplement these requirements. Although not required, fluency in Spanish is highly desirable for this position.
Current or former federal employees who qualify as status candidates, candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, the Career Transition Assistance Plan, or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities) or who are eligible for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, should respond to Vacancy Announcement #22-AB-7-MP. Candidates who are U.S Citizens or U.S. Nationals with no prior federal experience should respond to Vacancy Announcement #22-AB-8-P.
Applications are due September 12, 2022.
For further information, contact the Applicant Call Center at 1-304-480-7300 or by email at accessboardinquiries@fiscal.treasury.gov.
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: Disability rights advocates work toward better outdoor accessibility
By SD Network, 2022-08-24
More people started visiting their local and state parks at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but who has access to those outdoor spaces? A disability rights activist talks to us about their work to make outdoor spaces more accessible and inclusive to all, regardless of physical ability.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: American Rescue Plan Act funds to help improve services for people in Wisconsin's long-term care programs
By SD Network, 2022-08-20
American Rescue Plan Act funds to help improve services for people in Wisconsin's long-term care programs. Providers whose work supports people in Wisconsin’s HCBS programs can apply. First round of applications are due September 12th And a second round will be due in February.
CHANNEL3000.COM: Resolution to bring adult changing tables for people with disabilities to Dane Co. facilities
By SD Network, 2022-08-20
Most people don't think twice about the ability to use a public restroom, but, for some people with different abilities, using the restroom requires accommodations that aren't readily available in most public places. Recently, a Dane County Supervisor brought a resolution to a County Board Meeting that would bring electric, height adjustable, universal changing stations to county facilities with the highest foot traffic. The resolution will head to a Committee in the next few weeks. If passed, the changing tables could be installed in the next year-and-a-half.
Self-Determination Network News:
August 2022
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Have you registered for the 2022 Self-Determination Conference yet? It will be held October 17-19 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Join us for one of the largest events for people with disabilities and people who support them. There is an option to attend virtually as well. Register now!
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better.
This month, we shined the spotlight on Rachel. Between working for the state and being involved in different advocacy activities, this busy lady doesn’t have much free time. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Rachel.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Check out the Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content. Videos are posted a couple times a month on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Take the Survey: The National Survey on Health and Disability is an annual survey about health, quality of life, access to health care services, and the COVID-19 pandemic, concerning people with disabilities or health conditions. The survey closes September 2nd.
- Continued Struggles for Family Caregivers: Family caregivers continue to be forced to pick up the slack due to the workforce shortage. Read about how the pandemic only made the situation worse.
- Lack of Hazard Pay for Caregivers: According to a recent study, more than half of US states didn't support caregivers with hazard pay or paid sick leave policies during the first 18 months of the pandemic. Learn about what else the study revealed.
- Affects of Unwinding the Public Health Emergency Policies: A report was recently released about how unwinding the public health emergency policies is affecting those who have disabilities. Find out what the main issues seems to be.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Success: After a life-changing injury, a man in Price County was able to get back to doing what he loves thanks to help from the Department of Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Read about what accommodations and technology he was able to get.
- Listen Now: National Public Radio did an interview to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It talks about the protections people have and what more is needed. Listen to the interview.
- Fact Sheet: To mark the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Biden-Harris Administration released a new fact sheet. Check it out!
- Voting Lawsuit: Recently, four Wisconsin voters with disabilities filed a lawsuit asking the federal court to ensure that voters can get assistance returning their ballot. Read about why this is so important.
- Employment Brief: The Administration for Community Living recently released a new brief summarizing research on Customized Integrated Employment. Find out what is being done to increase knowledge about the benefits of Customized Employment.
- Long COVID Reports: The Department of Health and Human Services released two reports on the effects of Long COVID. Learn what the reports are about.
- Partners in Policymaking: Applications for the next Partners in Policymaking class are now being accepted. Partners is a six weekend hybrid course that trains people how to advocate for policies and initiatives that support full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities. Applications due September 30th.
- SPARK Grants: Applications are now available for Sparks Grants. Sparks grants are available for grassroots groups that want to be more inclusive of people with disabilities, but are not sure how to do it. Applications are due September 10th.
- Flying Problems Continue: For travelers who wheelchairs or scooters, flying is an embarrassing and risky ordeal. Check out this article documenting a person who uses while navigating taking a flight.
- Key Disability Questions for Candidates: Midterm elections are happening in many states. Learn about five key questions that people with disabilities may want to consider when researching candidates.
- Input Needed on Long-Range Plan: The Administration for Community Living is seeking input from stakeholders in developing its 2024-2029 long-range plan. Participate in a listening session.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Common Sources Of Confusion In The ADA And ABA Standard: September 1, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m. Online
- 2022 Update On Got Transition®’S Health Care Transition Resources: September 8, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
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.
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.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: Administration for Community Living’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research to Host Listening Sessions on Long-Range Plan
By SD Network, 2022-08-15
The Administration for Community Living’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) is hosting a series of six listening sessions to obtain input from key stakeholders, especially people with disabilities in developing its 2024-2029 Long-Range Plan. The input from these listening sessions will inform NIDILRR’s future funding priorities and strategic direction.
FORBES: 5 More Disability Issue Questions State And Local Midterm Election Candidates Should Answer
By SD Network, 2022-08-15
Midterm elections are coming up in November for many states. For people with disabilities, there are some unique things to think about when researching candidates. This article explains five key questions that people with disabilities may want to consider.