News
THE JOURNAL TIMES: Some fear election law changes in Wisconsin 'will result in...hurdles for people with disabilities to vote'
By SD Network, 2021-06-24
The Wisconsin Assembly sent bills to Governor Evers' office that would add challenges for people with disabilities to vote. The bills would put more restrictions on absentee voting. The proposals have faced criticism from disability advocates. One of the would require indefinitely confined voters to show photo ID in order to vote every time they vote. It also would require more paperwork. Another bill would prohibit election officials from filling out missing information on the absentee vote certificate, which also is the envelope that voters use to return ballots. Another bill would make it a felony for employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities to encourage residents to apply for , or not apply for, and absentee ballot. It would also require nursing homes to notify relatives when special voting for the deputies to be on hand to help residents with filling out their ballots. Advocates hope that Governor Evers will veto these bills.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: WisTech iPad Short Term Loan Program
By SD Network, 2021-06-22
iPads to Try Out
WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, now has iPads available for short term loan for up to 30 days. The iPads can be pre-loaded with requested apps and used by an individual with a disability or family to decide if the device will meet their needs or not.
To begin the process please visit Wisconsin AT4ALL. After you create a free account you can then search for an iPad under the Department of Health Services program. Once you add the iPad to your cart and click "check out," a request will be automatically sent to us. We will be in contact after receiving the request to gather a few more details and process the short term loan.
Wisconsin AT4ALL is a great way to learn about what other devices are available for loan and demonstration. Assistive technology that is free or for sale is also listed from throughout the state.
If you have specific questions please reach out to us via email.
Recently, a famous Hollywood studio committed to putting more people with disabilities on screen. Amazon Studios will take new steps to increase inclusion of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. The inclusion policy covers story development, hiring and production and includes expectations for documentation and meeting certain goals.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Self Determination Conference 2021: Exhibitor Applications Available
By SD Network, 2021-06-22
Application Requests are now available for the 2021 Self-Determination Conference.
October 18-20, 2021
Calling all Wisconsin organizations that support self-determination and self-directed support in Wisconsin. We encourage you to submit an exhibitor’s application. This Year’s Conference will be held in person as well as offer a virtual option for attendees.
Only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction in WI will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, variety and mission of the conference. We are particularly interested in having exhibitors with innovative approaches to services and supports for self- direction including the use of technology to help people with disabilities live full and inclusive lives. Exhibits will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 19-20th.
Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2021
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Partners in Policymaking Applications Open for the 2021-2022 Class
By SD Network, 2021-06-21
Become A Leader in Changing State Policies and Practices!
Applications due October 1, 2021 by noon
Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program that develops future leaders across the state who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.
Become part of a nationwide network of nearly 27,000 graduates who are community leaders and decision‐ makers serving on policymaking committees, commissions, and boards at all levels.
Who can apply?
Individuals who are highly motivated to create more inclusive communities AND are:
• Parents or primary caregivers of children under the age of 21 who have developmental disabilities
• Adults with developmental disabilities
• Adult siblings or family members of individuals with developmental disabilities
We are seeking cultural and geographic diversity within the guidelines above. The selection of participants is made by a team of parents, self‐advocates, and professionals.
Dates for the Class of 2021/2022 are:
• October 29 & 30, 2021
• December 3 & 4, 2021
• January 14 & 15, 2022
• February 25 & 26, 2022
• April 8 & 9, 2022
• May 6 & 7, 2022
Partners will continue to offer the training virtually for participants who cannot attend any other way. All participants are highly encouraged to attend in person to make the most of this experience. Many participants say the informal networking between activities and at night were as important as the formal training and developing long lasting relationships with your classmates will be easier in person. However, we understand people’s health, transportation, family and other issues may prevent in-person participation.
WISCONSIN EXAMINER: Advocates: Health budget helps elderly, nursing homes, but others fall short
By SD Network, 2021-06-21
The state budget for the next two years has more money for nursing homes, an pay increase for in-home caregivers, and additional help for people with Alzheimer's and dementia, but it leaves out funding for improvements in services for people with disabilities. Medicaid is a key part in the budget. The budget doesn't include many of the proposals that would help Wisconsin residents with health care. There is an increase in nursing home workers and those who assist at-home residents in Family Care, but it leaves out direct care and personal care workers.
FORBES: Inclusively — The Employment Platform Shouting Loudest On Disability At Work
By SD Network, 2021-06-17
Inclusivity is a professional network and employment platform with a committed focus on flipping the conversation about hiring people with disabilities around. Companies and organizations are encouraged to demonstrate efforts towards disability inclusion from the very beginning of the hiring process. One way to do this is to post workplace accommodations they may have previously experienced.
THE COUNCIL ON QUALITY AND LEADERSHIP: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of People with IDD
By SD Network, 2021-06-17
It's widely known that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities are at much higher risk of getting COVID and dying from it. The Council on Quality and Leadership did a study on how the pandemic has impacted the quality of life of people with disabilities. The study found five outcomes which had the largest changes between 2019 and 2020.
- People experience continuity and security;
- People interact with other members of the community;
- People participate in the life of the community;
- People have intimate relationships; and
- People choose personal goals.
June 2021
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Now is the Time to Speak Up! Wisconsin Assembly Representatives will be voting very soon on voting bills that may make it harder for many people with disabilities, older adults, and people of color to vote. The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition has put together this summary of how the bills would impact people. If you are concerned about the bills, now is the time to call/email your Assembly Representative to share how these bills could impact you or a loved one. Call or email your Assembly Representative about your concerns. You can find your Assembly Representative’s contact info by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 or click “Who Are My Legislators?” on the Wisconsin State Legislature Home Page. |
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're shining the spotlight on Renee. This self-proclaimed “Benefits Nerd” loves helping people with disabilities navigate their benefits and making them realize that they can work. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Renee.
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:
- Funding Opportunity for a Self-Advocacy and Technical Assistance Center: ACL's Administration on Disabilities (AoD) is seeking to fund one cooperative agreement for a Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center. Applications due July 26th.
- Continued Need for Accessible Diagnostic Medical Equipment: People with disabilities often have more medical problems than the average person, people continue to have problems physically accessing diagnostic equipment. Learn about what a recent report revealed.
- Report Shows the Continued Caregiver Crisis is Taking a Toll: The Survival Coalition, which InControl Wisconsin is part of, continues to hear about how the caregiver crisis is having an impact on many lives of people with disabilities. Learn about what the showed.
- Bills Would Help with Police Interactions: In recent years, there have been many problems with police interactions with people with disabilities. Read about two bills that would help with this.
- Launch of a Hotline for COVID Vaccine Information: The US Health and Human Services recently announced the launch of a hotline that will provide information about the vaccine to people with disabilities. Learn about this new hotline.
- Listen now: People with disabilities have felt the impact of emergency situations more than the general population. To try to solve these inequalities in the COVID response, disability and preparedness specialists were placed in health agencies around the country to promote inclusivity of people with disabilities. Listen to this podcast about what they have worked on.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Medicare Virtual Fair: June 23rd, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Online
- Webinar: Kitchens And Kitchenettes: July 1st, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Webinar: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Among Direct Service Workers: July 1st, 2p.m. to 3:30p.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.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Calling all Microbusiness owners and Artists!
By SD Network, 2021-06-13
We love our Marketplace! Microbusinesses run and created by people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Artists can sell their products and/or services.
You will also have the unique opportunity to join our marketplace and sell online, not only at the Self-Determination Conference but all year long! Support is available to help you through the process. For more information about the All Abilities Market, visit www.allAmarket.org.
Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2021