News
Accessibility continue to be an issue at many commercial and institutional facilities across the country. Now, students at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee are developing a app where people can rank businesses based on accessibility. They hope to have it ready by the time for the Democratic Conversation this summer. It will look at all sorts of different accessibility things, so people can rank them and add comments.
Once a decade, the federal government undertakes the constitutionally-mandated task of counting every person living in the United States. The decennial census is the federal government’s largest peacetime mobilization, and no data collection effort is more vital to American democracy. Your responses to the 2020 Census will help us understand who we are as a nation today and shape our collective future. This is a great document that explains the accessibility of the census.. Please pass it on to others who might find it helpful.
Census Info Census Info.pdf, 491KB ∞
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Several Funding Opportunities Open for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP)
By SD Network, 2020-02-22
The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened several funding opportunities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Community Living and Participation (both Research and Development), Health and Function (both Research and Development), and Projects for Translating the Findings and Products of Disability Rehabilitation Research and Development into Practice.
The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.
DRRP on Community Living and Participation (Research): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a research project that is aimed at improving community living and participation outcomes of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new or full scientific knowledge, or (2) understanding of the subject or problem studied.
DRRP on Community Living and Participation (Development): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a development project that is aimed at improving the community living and participation of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes.
DRRP on Health and Function (Research): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a research project that is aimed at improving health and function outcomes of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must identify one or more hypotheses or research questions and perform an intensive, systematic study directed toward producing (1) new or full scientific knowledge, or (2) understanding of the subject or problem studied.
DRRP on Health and Function (Development): Under this particular DRRP priority, applicants must propose a development project that is aimed at improving the health and function of individuals with disabilities. A grantee must use knowledge and understanding gained from research to create materials, devices, systems, or methods beneficial to the target population, including design and development of prototypes and processes.
DRRP on Projects for Translating the Findings and Products of Disability and Rehabilitation Research and Development into Practice: Under this particular DRRP priority, grantees must promote the use or adoption of findings or products from NIDILRR-sponsored research or development projects.
Please visit the links above for more details about this grant opportunity and application process. These grant opportunities close on March 23, 2020.
What is normal? That’s a loaded question with no right or wrong answer. When people ask it, it’s often meant to be rhetorical leaving people to ponder. A common response to that question is, “there’s no such thing as normal.” That’s so true! Regardless of the circumstances, normal is usually what everyone strives to be. In the disability community, the word “normal” is something we many times laugh at because it truly doesn’t exist in our world.
Sometimes, people ask me if I could have one day- 24 hours- without CP, what would I do? In other words, what would I do if I could be “normal” for a day? I honestly don’t even know. I can’t even imagine. First, I have to be realistic and say I understand that if there was a way I could be without CP for a day, I’d probably have to be a psych ward because it’d be such a shock to my entire body at first, I probably couldn’t handle myself.
With that said, what’s the first thing I’d want to do? Yes, I have thought about it. It’s fun to daydream about. First of all, I’d want to know when it was going happen so that could have my close family and friends could be there. When the magic first happened, (again, I’m fantasizing about this--realistically, anybody in that situation would likely need psychiatric treatment after that big of a shock to the body) I’d stand up and start hugging people. I’m not sure what I’d talk about, but I wouldn’t shut up the entire day! After hugging everyone there, I’d walk around the entire house (I’m assuming that I’d be at my parents house where I grew up) and experience walking up and down the stairs. I’d carry any babies and little kids around that were with me-–something I long to do. We’d then go somewhere where I could try playing lots of sports just so I could see what it felt like to play the sports I love to watch. Then, we’d go to every inaccessible place in the area, so I could experience it. I’d visit friends’ houses and go up the lighthouse. I’d go to small jammed restaurants and eat the messiest foods. When we got back to my parents, explore the house some more--do simple things such as run through the grass and ride a bike. I’d probably try driving a vehicle too just so I could experience it. I would end the day by walking around the neighborhood and chatting with my friends and family until my time was up. That’s how I’d spend my day!
Is my fantasy realistic? Absolutely not. If given the chance, would I do it? Probably. I’m not sure how I’d handle going back to having cerebral palsy. On one hand, I think it’d be incredibly hard because you just experienced a lot of things you’ll likely never be able to do again; however, part of me wonders if you’d almost miss having the limitations. It’s interesting to think about, but, if given the chance, I think I would do it.
Now, I know and understand this is one of those controversial topics among people with different abilities. Many people feel their disability is a part of who they are and they wouldn’t change it. While I respect their opinion, that’s not me. Like I’ve said in past entries, yes, I accept that I have cerebral palsy and a it’s part of my life; however it doesn’t define the person I am. For that reason, if given the chance, I’d love to experience “normalcy.” I’m not expecting it in my lifetime. If it happens, great, but if it doesn’t, that’s okay too.
Normalcy is something we all crave and strive for. That said, definitions of “normal” widely vary. Unless referring to something static like temperature, the word usually can be used pretty loosely. While we all have our own unique definitions, society has its own that many people continue to strive for!
***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Youth Leadership Forum Applications Now Available
By SD Network, 2020-02-07
Do you know a high school student with a disability who is a leader or a budding advocate? If so, please refer them to the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)!
WHO: High school students with disabilities who have an IEP (up to age 21)
WHERE: Edgewood College, Madison, WI
WHEN: July 19 – 24, 2020
COST: FREE to invited participants
In just one week, students will gain:
- Better leadership skills
- Practice getting/keeping a job
- Career exploration
- Improved self-advocacy skills
- Adult mentors to support you
- A Personal Leadership Plan to keep you focused when you go home
- Increased confidence
- Experience with independent living skills
- Connections with your state legislators & new friends
- Memories and fun!
Application is available at: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/wisconsin-youth-leadership-forum/
Applications are due April 1st, 2020!
Being selected to attend the Youth Leadership Forum is a distinct honor that can go on a resume!
Questions? Contact, Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-7707.
FAMILY VOICES OF WISCONSIN: Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance Underserved Families Survey
By SD Network, 2020-02-07
CAPE GAZETTE: Technology Allows Comcast Programs with Visual Disabilities to See TV
By SD Network, 2020-02-07
Comcast has recently partnered with NuEyes. They are a company who set out to allow visually impaired customers access to television, through the use of virtual reality. The company created glasses and magnifying devices to do this.
The technology is lightweight and works on everyday objects, not just TV. The new partnership will now allow millions to use the technology. Comcast has also previously released other technology. These include a voice-activated remote, and a talking TV guide. The company has also sought to make their TV programs accessible.
The University of Texas at Houston and the City University of New York have partnered to achieve an important goal. The two schools created a device to allow seniors the ability to stand. While losing the ability of motor functions is normal among the elderly, it is a large issue. The robotic device seeks to delay the issue. The device is a wearable machine, which functions as an exoskeleton. Fortunately, the design is much lighter than those on the market. This is crucial as a heavy product restricts the user's ability. The lighter the product, the easier it is to use. The school's ultimate goal is to expand beyond seniors. Their design could certainly be utilized by many others.
Neillville's Daina Shilts has done it again. She has won a gold medal in snowboarding at the Winter X Games. This Special Olympian is no stranger to winning medals. She has won multiple medals at events across the world. Shilts trains in her hometown at Bruce Mound or at Granite Peak in Wausau. She snowboards every chance she gets and practices with a local ski team.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Cindy is a self-advocate and the Executive Director of People First of WI. She has come a long way from her start in an institution. She explains that she had a guardian that advocated for her! The guardian helped her to get out of the institution and helped her become her own guardian. Why was this important? Because she wanted to vote!! “When we went to the courthouse to get my self-guardianship, the judge agreed and also advocated for me to become my own guardian. So, I feel the need to pay it forward with my work in People First of WI and advocate for others,” she says.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
“I want to be able to speak up for myself, I want to do my own thinking and not have others speak for me. It’s the same reason for myself advocacy and assisting others to advocate for themselves,” Cindy says. She feels that people with disabilities should be able to voice their opinions and needs--just like everybody else.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Cindy thinks people have more of a voice now. People are listening to people with cognitive disabilities more than ever before. She recently took Secretary Palm of DHS on a tour to showcase people with significant disabilities that successfully live in their community. “The Secretary came on the tour and listened to my input regarding the advantages of community living as opposed to living in an institution. She followed up with a thank you card - that’s exciting,” she exclaims!
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Cindy encourages people to get out and exercise your right to vote! She explains that many decisions that lawmakers need to make can affect people with disabilities. “You can’t complain if you don’t vote,” she says. She also wants to remind people that this year it is important to be counted in the 2020 Census.
What are some of your hobbies?
Cindy loves snuggling with her kittens. She’s an avid sports fan, and she loves watching and participating in all sports. She also enjoys reading magazines and watching TV.
***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.