News

The Administration for Community Living is leading the Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to establish a new advisory council to address the needs of family caregivers.

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act directed the establishment of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of both family caregiving and support to family caregivers, as well as improving coordination across federal government programs.  

The Advisory Council will include up to 15 voting members, with at least one from each of the following constituencies: family caregivers; older adults who need long-term services and supports; individuals with disabilities; health care and social service providers; providers of long-term services and supports; employers; paraprofessional workers; state and local officials; accreditation bodies; veterans; and as appropriate, other experts and advocacy organizations engaged in family caregiving.  Deadline is December 3rd.

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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation invites the public to review and offer comments on the 2018 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. 
Public comments on the plan will be used to help guide the department’s strategy for ADA improvements moving forward. The full plan and information about public comments can be found online at the link below.

 Self-Determination Network News:

October 2018

Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/  

Hurry!  Registration Closes Friday!

Register today for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference!  The annual conference works to empower people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. More than 600 people each year participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination and Self-Directed Supports so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. The conference participants include people with disabilities and their family members, direct care providers, and professionals from Wisconsin’s disability community.  Registration closes this Friday, October 12th.  Register today!

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 October, we shine the spotlight on Jeff.  This classic rock loving man always tries to keep a positive attitude regardless of what life throws at him.  He enjoys being able to use self-direction to choose what he wants in life.  Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jeff.

 Stacy’s Journal

Volunteering or being active in the community often makes people feel good about themselves. For many people with disabilities, it often seems impossible to give back to the community. In this month's entry, Stacy shares how she's able to find ways to give back.  How do you give back?  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:

• Travel App:  Travelling is often difficult for people with disabilities.  Read about how a Wisconsin man is developing an app to help make travel more accessible.
• Access to Healthcare Grant Opportunity:  The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of $6.3 million in competitive grant funds for transit coordination projects that improve access to healthcare.  Applications are due November 13th.
• Annual Report:  The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities has released its 2017-2018 Annual Report.  It details their mission, membership, goals, accomplishments, and budget.  Take a look what they're up to.
• Survey Shows Critical Transportation Needs:  A recent survey by the Survival Coalition reveals major transportation issues for older adults and people with disabilities in Wisconsin.  Find out what people are reporting.
• Uncertainties for Medicaid and Public Health Programs:  Health departments and community clinics report that local funding has been inadequate for some time. Learn what is causing these concerns.
• Scholarship Opportunity:  The American Association on Health and Disability is accepting applications for the Frederick J. Krause Scholarship for undergraduate (sophomore standing and above) and graduate students with disabilities who are majoring in a field related to disability and health.  Applications due November 15th.
• Supporting Self-Sufficiency and Inclusion: Landmark laws and advancements in technology are often credited as helping people with disabilities succeed; however, there are many simple solutions to help people be independent and included.  Read about ways to help.
• Home Health Care Crisis:   In one way or another, the home care crisis will soon affect everyone.  Listen to a podcast and find out what factors created this crisis.
• Programs Report:  A recent report discusses well-known programs serving three categories of people with disabilities: physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Learn about what these programs offer.
• Architectural Barriers Act:  The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) stated that any buildings that were built or altered with federal dollars must be accessible.  Read about how this first disability law in the US paved the way for other laws which further expanded disability rights.
• Updated Air Travel Handbook: The Airports Council International World (ACI) has put out a new edition of its Airports & Persons with Disabilities Handbook which includes new policies designed to help travelers with disabilities.  Find out about these new policies. 

 Upcoming Events                                    

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• Webinar: ABLE Basics: How It Works: October 10th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
• Ability Fest:  October 14th, 7:30a.m. to 4p.m., Camelot Golf Course, Lomira WI
• Webinar: ABLE: The Big Picture: October 18th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
• WI FACETS Workshop: Self-Advocacy Spotlight: October 23rd, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• 2018 Self-Determination Conference: October 29th-31st, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI

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.

The Airports Council International World (ACI) has put out a new edition of its Airports & Persons with Disabilities Handbook. The handbook has new policies designed to help travelers with disabilities. These policies will affect travel technology and facilities. While some American international airports are members of ACI, all airports in America are bound by federal standards of accessibility. However, International watchdog agencies are still concerned as accessibility remains a concern for travelers outside of America.

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In 1968, Congress took its first steps to make sure there was access to federal buildings for people with disabilities. The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) stated that any buildings that were built or altered with federal dollars must be accessible. The ABA allowed buildings that predate it to remain as they were. This was the first disability law in the United States. It paved the way for the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act that would further expand disability rights. Things that make buildings more accessible are ramps, accessible parking, elevators, and other features. Post offices, national parks, and Veterans Affairs facilities fall under the ABA. The ABA even covers nongovernmental facilities, such as certain schools, transit systems, and public housing that received federal funding.

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This is very detailed report discussing programs serving three categories of people with disabilities: physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and mental illness.  Under each category, it lists different nationality known programs for each particular group.  At the end of the report, it discusses shared  features of programs that support all three categories.  it's jammed packed full of very interesting information.

View report

This is an excellent podcast about the home health care crisis.  It explains in-in-depth how the crisis will soon be affecting everybody in one way or another.  it discusses economic and political factors that  created this crisis and what will happen if things don't change.

Listen to podcast

Landmark laws and advancements in technology are often credited as helping people with disabilities succeed. While this is true, things such as community planning, low-tech devices, and common sense adaptations also play a critical part in helping people live safely and independently.  This article discusses 10 ways to support self-sufficiency and inclusion.

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Whether it’s Loaves and Fishes, Optimist Club, donating blood, or something else, most people enjoy giving to others.  Volunteering or being active in the community often makes people feel good about themselves.  For many people with disabilities, it often seems impossible to give back to the community.  Barriers such as transportation, communication, or just simply physically being able to do the task at hand often prevent our ability to volunteer.

Growing up, my mom was always involved in something it seems.  Whether it was teaching Sunday school, serving on church council, or being the President of the ARC, she was and continues to be involved in something.  My sister followed her example by volunteering at the hospital in high school and now she volunteers with a spinal cord injury group in the Madison area.  Due to my physical limitations, I had to find different ways that I could give back and be involved in the community.

Although I probably didn’t realize it, I started giving back when I was really young.  Beginning in elementary school, almost every year I would make a presentation to my class about why I was the way I was.  Obviously, for the first few years, it was pretty basic and didn’t go into much detail about what actually happened during my birth, but, as we got older, I went into more detail.  My message always was that I’m just like all of you except my muscles don’t work like they’re supposed to.  It helped my classmates understand and feel comfortable with my circumstances.  In high school, I also presented to a couple of speech classes about the different communication methods I used.

In college, I occasionally was invited to speak to education classes about living with a disability.  The students in these classes were going to be teachers and were interested in how teachers accommodated me.   I still occasionally speak to classes at UW-Oshkosh.  It’s a little nerve-racking because these students are really listening to what I’m saying and may someday use something I talked about in their own classroom.  It’s also very rewarding to me because future teachers are learning from me!

I was fortunate to have an incredible opportunity for a few years while I was in college to be a volunteer columnist for my hometown newspaper.  What started out as a failed job shadow tour (because, at the time, the newspaper layout room wasn’t accessible), turned into an incredible experience.  Every other week, I wrote a column about living with a disability.  I wrote about all different topics.  It was very well received by the community and the exposure was great.

Like as everybody says, the Internet has opened up a whole new world.  As I’ve explained in a previous entry, I’ve been a part of many online disability support groups for many years.  First, it was egroups; as the web advanced, groups emerged on social media sites.  These groups not only allow people to share valuable information with one another, it also allows people to share experiences and develop relationships with those with similar circumstances.  I’ve been able to connect with many parents of younger children who have cerebral palsy.  I’ve shared my experiences, answered questions, and offered advice on various topics.  By doing that, I feel like I’m “giving back” in some small way.  It’s really a great feeling.

Recently, I have been able to get involved with some disability advocacy councils.  Last year, I was appointed to the Wisconsin Independent Living Council.  The Council runs the eight Independent Living Centers across the state.  While I’m still learning the ropes, being a member makes me feel like I’m contributing.  I’ve applied to a couple more boards and councils, and I hope to get more involved in disability advocacy efforts soon. 

While I may not be able to “give to the common good” in a traditional way, I find other ways to contribute to society.  I truly believe every single person on Earth, regardless of his/her circumstances, has something to give.  Sometimes, a person’s gifts and talents may not be blatantly obvious, but if we take time to dig deep enough, I believe you’ll find a special talent in everyone! 

***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.