News
NEWS8000: Local program offers adaptive skiing lessons to people with disabilities
By SD Network, 2020-01-15
Wisconsin has a lot to offer in the winter, but not everyone can take advantage of it. However, a collaboration between three organizations want to change that. The La Crosse Area YMCA, the North American Squirrel Association, and Mount La Crosse are joining together to offer adaptive skiing lessons for people with disabilities.
US ACCESS BOARD: Study Initiated on Equipping Passenger Aircraft with Wheelchair Restraint Systems
By SD Network, 2020-01-15
The U.S. Access Board is undertaking a study that has the potential to advance access to air travel for passengers who use wheelchairs. As directed by Congress, this project will assess the feasibility of equipping passenger planes with restraint systems so that passengers can remain in their wheelchairs on flights. Having to transfer out of wheelchairs makes air travel very difficult, if not impossible, for many people with disabilities.
The Board is conducting this study through the National Academy of Sciences' Transportation Research Board (TRB). TRB has organized a committee of experts to evaluate the feasibility of in-cabin wheelchair restraint systems. Members include experts in aircraft interiors and safety engineering, accessibility, wheelchair design and crashworthiness, airline operations, and other disciplines. Committee members will evaluate the design, engineering, and safety requirements for equipping aircraft with locking or tiedown mechanisms for non-motorized and motorized wheelchairs used as seats. If such restraint systems are found to be feasible, the committee will then assess the wheelchair restraint systems that can be used to accommodate passengers using wheelchairs through all phases of flight, from boarding to deplaning.
The committee will hold its first meeting February 5 – 6, 2020 at the Access Board's conference center. Most sessions will be open to the public and available by web conference. Those attending in person do not need to register in advance, but registration is required (free) to attend online.
Visit TRB's website for further information on this project, the meeting agenda, and the committee.
Questions about the study can be directed to Mario Damiani of the Access Board at damiani@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0050 (v), or (202) 272-0066 (TTY). Inquiries about attending the committee meeting or registering for the web conference should be addressed to Anusha Jayasinghe of TRB at AJayasinghe@nas.edu or (202) 334-2401.
Committee on the Feasibility of Wheelchair Restraint Systems in Passenger Aircraft
- Alan M. Jette [Chair], Emeritus Professor and Dean, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University; Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute of Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Naomi Armenta, Senior Associate in the Oakland, California office of Nelson Nygaard
- Peter W. Axelson, Founder and Director of Research and Development of Beneficial Designs, Inc.
- Rory A. Cooper, Associate Dean, Distinguished Professor, and FISA Foundation and Paralyzed Veterans of America Professor of Rehabilitation Engineering, School of Public Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
- Karen J. Erazo, retired Manager of Legal Affairs at Sun Country Airlines
- Francis S. Heming, Jr., independent consultant specializing in the testing and certification of aircraft seating systems, including dynamic test planning, implementation, and witnessing.
- Kevin L. Hiatt, specialist in the application of safety management systems in the transportation industry
- Katharine M. Hunter-Zaworski, Associate Professor, School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University
- Auturo Jackson, Senior Director for Contracted, Paratransit, and Vanpool for METROLift, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas
- Miriam A. Manary, Lead Research Engineer, Biosciences Group, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
- Clinton V. Oster, Jr., Professor Emeritus and former Associate Dean, Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University
- Gary M. Weissel, Founder and Managing Officer of Tronos Aviation Consulting
Inaugural Meeting of the Committee
February 5 & 6, 2020
Open Sessions:
• February 5, 10:15 – 12:15 (ET) registration link
• February 5, 1:15 – 5:00 (ET) registration link
Access Board Conference Center
1331 F Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C.
Contact: Anusha Jayasinghe of TRB, AJayasinghe@nas.edu, (202) 334-2401
Note: For the comfort of all participants and to promote a fragrance-free environment, attendees are requested not to use perfume, cologne, or other fragrances.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Wisconsin Assistive Technology Advisory Council is Seeking New Members
By SD Network, 2020-01-15
The Assistive Technology Advisory Council is seeking new members to fill vacancies on their roster. If you are a consumer who uses assistive technology (AT), a family member or guardian representing a person who uses AT, or a professional who works with consumers on AT-related issues, and you are interested in providing guidance and direction related to AT products and services throughout Wisconsin, apply to be a member on the AT Council.
The national Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage Family Caregivers Act (the RAISE Act) became law in January 2018. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and maintain a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers, and to organize an Advisory Council to make recommendations. Now, in preparation for the Advisory Council’s initial report to Congress, HHS is providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to submit information on the challenges faced by caregivers. This information will help guide the development of the national family caregiving strategy. To offer your thoughts, submit this form by February 7, 2020.
SOUTHWEST ADA CENTER: Complete an ADA survey and help shape the future of the ADA
By SD Network, 2020-01-15
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!
The Family Care Medicaid program provides long term care to frail elders and adults with disabilities in Wisconsin.The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced recently the program will be funded through 2024.More than 50,000 people are enrolled in Family Care in the state.
Today, the ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) released the new ABLE Employer Toolkit. The toolkit consists of resources for employers to share with employees impacted by the additional and often significant expenses that can be associated with having a disability. Toolkit items are downloadable and free of charge.
Even with a well-paying job, employees who have a disability, or employees who support family members who have a disability, often face significant costs to maintain health, independence and quality of life. ABLE accounts are key to “Achieving a Better Life Experience” for your employees with disabilities and their families. An ABLE account can be used to support your employees’ ability to work and to increase their productivity, which results in a diverse, valued and productive workforce. The ABLE Employer Toolkit can help you understand and integrate ABLE into your employee benefits program to support their success in work and life.
Survival Coalition Action Alert: Legislation would offer free online training and better support for family and volunteer guardians, ask your State Legislators to co-sponsor
By SD Network, 2020-01-14
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Disability and aging groups have been working on a bill (LRB 2596) that will help guardians have a basic understanding of their roles, responsibilities, limits of their authority, other important aspects of Wisconsin guardian law BEFORE they are appointed. The bill is currently circulating for co-sponsorship, which means your state legislators are being asked if they would like to add their names in support of this bill. Call or e-mail your legislators (Who are my legislators?) and ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor of LRB 2596. Legislators have until January 21st to add their name as a co-sponsor! Your experience with guardianship as a provider, advocate, family member, person with a disability, or a guardian really helps bring to life how easy-to-understand information can help families, people with disabilities, older adults, and family/volunteer guardians. |
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Quick Bill Summary |
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Many family members who become a guardian do not fully understand what a guardian’s role, responsibilities, and administrative duties are under Wisconsin law. Frequently guardians feel overwhelmed, unprepared, isolated, and unsupported.
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Action Step |
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If this issue is important to you, call or e-mail (Who are my legislators?) your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to co-sponsor LRB 2596 (co-sponsor deadline is Tuesday, January 21st).
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November/December 2019
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
During a Hot Topics session at the Self-Determination Conference, InControl Wisconsin board members Lynn Breedlove, Patti Becker, and Kate Norby facilitated a great discussion about self-determination and self-direction. People were asked to write down questions about self-direction. We've compiled them and we encourage people to share their thoughts. We can all learn by sharing our thoughts and ideas with each other. Join the discussion!
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.
The theme of the channel is: Self-Determination is Empowerment. It’s a place where self-advocates can be seen and heard, connect with others, and mentor each other. The hope is that the channel can be used as a teaching tool and show examples of what is possible.
Videos are posted weekly on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the latest videos on the channel:
Tip for National Family Caregiver Month
Respite—A Break for Caregivers
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
If you want to be notified every time we post a new video, click on the bell that is next to the subscribe button on Channel homepage.
Then, click the "All" bell.
That's all there is to it. You will now get an email notification every time a video is posted.
2020 Disability Advocacy Day
Mark your calendars! Make certain your voice is being heard by joining us for the 2020 Disability Advocacy Day in Madison on Tuesday March 24th! It's a day designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. Registration and additional information will be coming in January.
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.
For November, we shined the spotlight on Tasha. As someone who has always wanted to make a difference in her community, she has worked with multiple groups of people who are in need. Her current job has made her realize how important self-determination is for everyone. Stop by her Member Spotlight to get to know Tasha.
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Phillip. This Oscar trivia extraordinaire has become more involved in self-determination in recent years. He encourages people not to be afraid to advocate for himself/herself. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Phillip.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"Can you imagine your life without a computer? Most people now literally spend hours and hours a day on a computer. Although computers can open many great opportunities for people with disabilities, accessing them can often present many challenges." In November's entry, Stacy discussed how the way she accesses the computer has changed over the years and how new technology she recently got may replace her keyboard in the future.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Wheelchairs on Aircraft: There have been countless challenges with airline accessibility in recent years. Read about a study that the U.S. Access Board doing to assess the feasibility of equipping aircraft with restraint systems so that passengers can remain in their wheelchairs on flights.
- Achieving Health Equality: When it comes to understanding the lives and health experiences of people with IDD, there is still a lot we do not know. Two reports were developed to address the gap. Learn what these reports include.
- Cross-cultural Resources for the Direct Care Workforce: Nearly half of all individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid receive help with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, managing medication, and other long-term services and support. Check out these resource briefs developed to help providers meet the cultural needs and preferences of dually eligible individuals.
- Transportation Grant Opportunity: The Federal Transit Administration has announced the Mobility for All Pilot Program. This grant program will fund projects that enhance transportation connections to jobs, education, and health services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low income. Applications due January 6th.
- The Impact of Climate Change: Climate change effects everyone, but some say the disability community is the most vulnerable to things such as wildfires, hurricanes and air pollution. Learn what people think could be done to help.
- Voting Barriers: Every adult should be able to vote, but various barriers continue to prevent people with disabilities from doing so. Find out what advocacy groups are doing to address these issues.
- Hate Crimes on the Rise: Recently released data indicates that hate crime incidents targeting people with disabilities are on the rise. Read about the specifics.
- Roommate Matching Service: An online service that's believed to be the first of its kind is helping people with developmental disabilities find compatible roommates and settle into homes independent from their families. Learn how this service works.
- Record High Representation: More characters with disabilities are set to appear on prime-time TV this season than ever before. Read about how while this is great news, people with disabilities are still way underrepresented on TV.
- New Law Helps Voters with Disabilities: Governor Evers recently signed a bill into law that removes the requirement for people who are unable to say their name and address because of a disability. Learn what's now accepted.
- State Receives Funding for Housing: It was recently announced that Wisconsin will get more than one million dollars to provide people with disabilities affordable housing. Find out how the money will be used.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Community Resource Network: December 11th, 3:30p.m. to 5p.m., Lakeland University, Milwaukee WI
- Webinar: Finding The Balance: Person-Centered Supports That Honor Both Safety And Dignity Of Risk: December 17th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): December 17th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
- Webinar: Supporting Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities As They Age: December 18th, 11:30a.m. to 12:45p.m., Online
- Webinar: Celebrating The Fifth Anniversary Of ABLE With ABLE JeoPARODY: December 19th, 1p.m. to 2p.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.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Phillip lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a Clerical Assistant at TMG, and has worked there for almost seven years.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Phillip is one of the hosts of the newly launched Self-Determination Channel, and he’s also a Buddy Director for his local Best Buddies chapter. He explains that all of this has helped him become more involved with self-determination and being a better advocate for himself and others. He joined the Self-Determination Network to meet others in the disability community, in order to create new friendships and create change in the world. “We all are capable of bringing change, one connection at a time,” he says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
For Phillip, the most exciting thing in Self-Determination that’s happening in Wisconsin right now is the Self-Determination Channel. He feels it gives advocates an outlet or a platform to share their experiences or a story with others who are going through the same thing. He explains that they are looking for others who are interested in having a video on the Self-Determination Channel. “We’d love for you to share your story,” he exclaims.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
A tip that Phillip would like to share with someone who wants to lead a more self-determined life is to never be afraid to advocate for yourself. “As people with disabilities we are the best at knowing what we want in our lives and when we need to ask for help. Do not be afraid of saying no and expressing how you feel if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or tries to control what you do, you know yourself best and communication is always the key,” he explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Phillip enjoys reading, writing, getting together with friends, traveling, and watching movies. “If you ever need someone to help with Oscar trivia then I’m your guy,” he says.
***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.