News
A new coffee shop called, Inclusion Coffee Co., recently opened in Waukesha. The owner has always wanted a place where people with disabilities felt equal and valued. The goal of this coffee shop is to have 50% of the staff be people with disabilities. Unlike many other restaurants, employees with disabilities will actually help make the food and drinks. Training will be hands-on with employees learning every process of running a restaurant.
MACPAC.GOV: State Efforts to Address Medicaid Home-and Community-Based Services Workforce Shortages
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
This issue brief looks at state Medicaid levers to address the HCBS workforce shortage, and is based on a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and a panel at MACPAC’s October 2021 public meeting. State strategies for increasing HCBS workforce capacity include raising worker wages, providing benefits, expanding training opportunities, developing recruitment and retention initiatives, and supporting family caregivers. This issue brief also provides examples of state actions in each of these areas and explores how states plan to use funds provided under the American Rescue Plan Act to further support the HCBS workforce.
WUWM 89.7: People with disabilities worry about tougher time voting in Wisconsin
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
Due to recent court rulings, many people with disabilities are worried about their ability to vote in the April election. They also are concerned about being able to vote in larger elections later this year. Under the rulings, it's illegal to have someone else put absentee ballots in mailboxes or drop boxes. There are also questions around getting assistance filling out the ballot. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to have more to say about these rulings this summer.
ACL UPDATES: US Department of Education Launches Real Pay for Real Jobs Initiative for People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
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US ACCESS BOARD: Department of Justice Issues Web Accessibility Guidance Under the ADA
By SD Network, 2022-03-29
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has published guidance on web accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to inform state and local governments and businesses open to the public on how to ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. This guidance uses plain language and clear examples to review Title II and Title III of the ADA, the importance of web accessibility, barriers that inaccessible websites create for some people with disabilities, requirements of the ADA to web content, and tips on making web content accessible.
APPLIED SELF-DIRECTION: What Would a Great Self-Direction Program Look Like?
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
A review of self-direction literature, statutes, policies, and advocacy papers in the U.S. and other countries reveals a number of recurrent aspirations of the creators of these programs. Considering these themes as a whole makes it possible to generate a composite vision of a “Great Self-Direction Program” with a number of discrete elements. This paper is an attempt by long-time, InControl Wisconsin board member, Lynn Breedlove at describing such an aspirational program, which doesn’t exist anywhere (yet). It is intended to be a starting place for a conversation, not the last word on the subject.
You can email Lynn with any questions or comments you may have.
KAISER HEALTH NEWS: Pandemic Medical Innovations Leave Behind People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
Going into the third year of the pandemic, things such as telemedicine, working at-home rapid tests, virtual schooling, and drive-thru vaccine clinics have become the norm for most people. However, as people raced to come up with solutions for living in a pandemic, some people with disabilities were left behind. Medical things such as interpreters for virtual appointments, an small print instructions for at-home tests, long lines at drive-thru testing or vaccine sites for non-drivers who rely on other paid transportation, and various other things have made it more challenging for people with disabilities.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Gov. Evers, DHS Announce 154 Wisconsin National Guard Members Completed CNA Training Course Since January
By SD Network, 2022-03-14
Governor Evers recently announced that 154 National Guard members have completed certified nursing assistant (CNA) training to assist with staffing in hospitals and nursing homes. This is intended to be short-term.
Two years into the pandemic, and many people with disabilities are facing hidden costs that most people don't even think about. Many people are struggling to obtain regular much-needed medication due to pharmacies not being able to get them. In addition, many of the replacement parts for medical equipment aren't readily available. Materials needed to make home modifications aren't easily available either. Costs of materials have nearly doubled , so building something like a ramp to get in and out of the house is costly.
March 2022
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Time to Start Planning for the Spring Election
The Spring Election is coming up April 5th. There are several things you should have an understanding about before going to the polls or filling out your absentee ballot. The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition has put together a toolkit for the Spring Election. It has fact sheets, timelines, and other resources you can look at to help you with the voting process. Remember, voting is an important part of advocating for what you want changed.
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 Katie. When she’s not busy crafting or gardening, she’s advocating for marriage equality not only for herself, but for others as well. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Katie.
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:
- The Rage Fund Survey: Anna posted a survey seeking information to understand the needs of people who use in-home care providers. The hope is to use the information to develop more responsive solutions. Please consider taking the survey if you use in-home caregivers.
- Disparities in Caregiving: A research brief was recently released detailing the caregiver workforce by gender and race / ethnicity. Learn about the need for policy and practice interventions to address these disparities in the workforce.
- Input Needed: The National Institute Of Health is seeking input on its framework for the Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Comments due April 3.
- Insurance Coverage of At-Home COVID Tests: The Administration for Community Living has released a fact sheet about insurance coverage for at-home COVID tests. Find out ways that you may be able get at-home tests for no cost.
- Guidance for Health Care Providers: Recently, new guidance was issued for health care providers working with people with disabilities. The guidance is meant to ensure people with disabilities aren't discriminated against in accessing health care during the COVID public health emergency. Learn more about what the guidance says.
- Alternatives to Guardianship Website: The Center for Youth Voice, Youth Choice recently launched a website with resources about alternatives to guardianship. Check it out!
- Caregiving Report: The National Alliance for Caregiving has published a 2021 national report, "Caregiving in a Diverse America: Beginning to Understand the Systemic Challenges Facing Family Caregivers," which was based on results of the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 study. Learn what the study revealed.
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COVID Response and Recovery Fact Sheet: The Biden Administration released a fact sheet that lays out steps to address the needs of people with disabilities in response and recovery of COVID.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: The Role And Value Of Volunteers In Home- And Community-Based And Long-Term Care Programs For Older Adults: March 15, 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., Online
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Disability Advocacy Day Of Change: March 16, 10a.m. to 12p.m., Online
- 2022 National Self-Direction Conference: April 11-12, Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor, Baltimore Maryland
- Circles Of Life Conference: May 12-13, Virtual or the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point Wisconsin
- Employment First Conference: May 24, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin
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.