News
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Don is the proud father three adult children—two boys and a girl. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, but, after volunteering for seven years with the organization, in 2010, he became the Vice President of Sports & Health Programs with Special Olympics Wisconsin. He made the switch to the non-profit to make an impact in the lives of people with disabilities. His middle child, Tyler, is a Special Olympian.
Tyler lives independently in a condo with the assistance of a part-time caregiver. He works in the online ordering department at Woodmans. He participates in Special Olympics and has competed in over nine sports including track, bowling, alpine skiing, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and flag football. He went to the 2014 Special Olympics USA games and won a gold medal on the state flag football team. As the Special Olympics Wisconsin Health Leader and Global Ambassador, he promotes healthy lifestyle and spreads the positive message of Special Olympics. He has raced in multiple half-marathons (best time 1hr 36min) and one full marathon (3hr 39min). He has competed in world level competitions in track (Ecuador) and half-marathon Portugal) and is currently training for the World Track & Field Championships for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Australia this October.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Don shares that he has always been a strong proponent of finding ways for individuals to help create and fulfill their life dreams. He explains that he and his wife raised Tyler in a way that they were always preparing him to be able to live on his own, and their school district did a very good helping Tyler learn work skills that transitioned in many years at Panera Bread and now Woodman’s. “Tyler loves being productive and bring home a paycheck. He had been planning on moving out for several years and last October that dream because a reality,” he says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Don is extremely proud that Tyler is living on his own. He explains that young adults of any ability dream of moving out from mom/dad’s house and living independently. Young adults with disabilities are no different.
For Tyler, the Paralympic running experience has been pretty exciting. He is able to travel on his own with the USA Team.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Don encourages parents not to treat your child different just because they have a disability. He says to push them and help them grow to be productive members of society that will someday not need mom or dad. “That is hard as parents. Especially when you have a child with a disability. Also help prepare them for life without you,” he says.
What are some of your hobbies?
In his free time, Don enjoys reading, doing crosswords, hiking, and watching sports. When Tyler isn’t busy working or training, he enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.
***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.
The legislature's Joint Finance (budget writing) committee is holding four hearings across the state to gather public input on the state budget (see below for dates and locations).
Committee members have said how helpful it is to have real people share their stories and illustrate what makes a difference in their lives, and where improvements are needed. Joint Finance Committee hearings are an important opportunity for families to highlight budget proposals for the committee. To see an in-depth summary of the Governor’s budget go to https://familyvoiceswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/State-Budget-Summary-from-Family-Voices-of-WI-.pdf.
A few key issues for children with disabilities for the Joint Finance Committee http://www.survivalcoalitionwi.org/index.php/budget-priorities/
- END Wait Lists - Ensure that all children eligible for the children’s long-term support program can receive services. Provide “sum sufficient” funding for all eligible children in the Medicaid budget so that no child with a disability is left waiting for needed supports and services.
- SUPPORT FAMILIES - Support $4.5M for a “no wrong door” or Family Support and Disability Resources to support families including: children's services navigators; disability resource specialists; and advocacy services to help families access and navigate available community resources, programs, and services.
- SPECIAL EDUCATION - Increase state special education reimbursement to local school districts from 24% to 60%.
If you are unable to attend a hearing in person, you can submit your comments on the state budget to: budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov
Public hearing dates and locations:
Friday April 5th
10 AM to 5 PM
Pontiac Convention Center
2809 North Pontiac Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
Wednesday April 10th
10 AM to 5 PM
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 South Howell Ave
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Monday April 15th
10 AM to 5 PM
University of Wisconsin River Falls
University Center, Riverview Ballroom #260
500 Wild Rose Avenue
River Falls, WI 54022
Wednesday April 24th
10 AM to 5 PM
University of Wisconsin Green Bay
University Union, Phoenix Rooms
2430 Campus Court
Green Bay, WI 54311
DISABILITY RIGHTS WISCONSIN: Annual report from DHS Division of Care and Treatment Services
By SD Network, 2019-04-03
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Care and Treatment Services has issued their annual report. This division oversees division which seven care and treatment facilities, community mental health and substance use services, community forensic treatment services, and the protection of client rights for individuals receiving services for developmental disability, mental health, and substance use.
THE THINGS: IKEA Releases Free Blueprints For Furniture Attachments To Help Those With Special Needs
By SD Network, 2019-04-03
For many people, assembling furniture is often incredibly time-consuming and frustrating. For people with disabilities, simply using the furniture can be just as much of a challenge . To help with this, IKEA is offering free blueprints for attachments in hopes to make a furniture more accessible for everyone to use. The attachments include easy to use handles for doors, cabinets, and curtains, as well as bumpers to protect furniture from wheelchair collision. They also include a "finger brush" which allows people with hand function problems to paint, draw, and write more securely.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Research Funding Opportunity on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2019-04-03
The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL is announcing a funding opportunity for a new Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) project.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers
The purpose of the RRTC program, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topic areas as specified by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders.
RRTC on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities: The purpose of this particular RRTC is to conduct research, training, technical assistance, and related activities to contribute to improved employment outcomes of transition-age youth with disabilities.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on May 24, 2019.
DISABILITY SCOOP: In First, Airlines Disclose How Many Wheelchairs They Break
By SD Network, 2019-04-03
According to new data, airlines damaged at least 701 wheelchairs and motorized scooters in a single month. Thanks to a new law, December was the first month airlines had to publicly report how many customers' wheelchairs or scooters they had broke or lost. The numbers showed the scope of the problem for the first time.
Federal officials have released long-awaited guidance to help states determine what living arrangements for people with disabilities are considered community-based rather than institutional. It clarifies a 2014 rule that outlines criteria for programs through home and community based services waivers. It calls for home and community based settings to provide access to the community as well as offer privacy, promote independence, and allow people with disabilities to make their own choices about services and providers.
This email is being sent on behalf of Ben Barrett, Chair, Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities.
Good Morning,
Today, is the two-year anniversary of the passing of Dan Johnson. Dan worked tirelessly as an advocate for people with physical disabilities both within and outside of his role as the Physical Disabilities Program Coordinator with the Department of Health Services.
The Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities (CPD) is pleased to announce the Dan Johnson Advocacy Award. This award is in memory of Dan and his many accomplishments and was created to recognize people with physical disabilities who are outstanding advocates.
The Dan Johnson Advocacy Award is aimed at recognizing excellence in advocacy, and public policy change for people with physical disabilities, rather than disability advocacy. Individuals nominated should be people with physical disabilities who advocate for people with physical disabilities and have had a positive impact on federal or state legislation, public policy, or programs that affect people with disabilities in Wisconsin. The advocacy work conducted should exceed normal expectations of regular advocacy practice, and should be inclusive and respectful of the values and independence of those who are affected by it.
The nomination process for the award is now open and applications are being accepted by CPD. Full award criteria and application are attached and are also available on CPD’s website: https://cpd.wisconsin.gov/dj-award.htm. The nomination deadline is June 30th. The award recipient(s) will be notified following the approval of the nomination by CPD members and presented at the award ceremony in October. The name of the awardee will be kept confidential until the award is presented.
Also the inaugural presentation of the Dan Johnson Advocacy Award will be Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Inspiration Room, Sheraton Hotel, located at 706 John Nolan Drive, Madison, WI 53713. Doug Nelson, former president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, now retired, and good friends with Dan, will act as emcee for the event. Other honored guests will include Dan's wife, Kathy Johnson, and his children. The formal presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. For more information and to RSVP for this event, please visit CPD’s website at: https://cpd.wisconsin.gov/dj-award.htm. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, August 30, 2019.
I want to personally thank Kathy Johnson and CPD members for all their work on this award and event. CPD also wants to extend a thank you to the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities for their efforts for building the foundation for this award.
Please share this with all stakeholders who may be interested!
Sincerely,
Ben Barrett
Email: benjamin2012barrett@gmail.com
Application for the Dan C. Johnson Advocacy Award FINAL_Application_Dan Johnson Advocacy Award_3-19-19.doc, 446KB ∞
Eligibility Criteria for the Dan C. Johnson Advocacy Award FINAL_Eligibility_Criteria_Dan_Johnson_Advocacy_Award_3-19-19.pdf, 179KB ∞
Under current law, when two people who rely on SSI marry, their benefits can be at risk because they must jointly report their income. They would receive 25% less than they would if they lived together but didn’t marry. Under a new bill, couples (who both rely on Supplemental Security Income) would be protected if they choose to marry. The bill would also ensure SSI wouldn't be affected by marital status-- meaning if a person receiving benefits marries somebody who doesn't, SSI benefit calculations would only be based onthe person with the disability income. Their spouse's earnings wouldn't be a factor.
CBS3DULTH: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers moves to remove “derogatory language” from state administrative code
By SD Network, 2019-03-14
In recent years, language within the disability community has to become more people friendly. This month, Governor Evers issued an order to remove "derogatory language" from the state administrative code. The term "mental retardation" will be replaced with "intellectual disability" and "handicapped" will be replaced with "disabled."