News

Meet Jeff.  This classic rock loving man always tries to keep a positive attitude regardless of what life throws at him.  He loves having choice of what he wants in life and he enjoys connecting with others who have the same outlook.  We’re so lucky to have as a member of the Network! 

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Jeff has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized scooter to get around; he also speech impediment, but that doesn’t stop him from leading a great life.  He joined the Network because he wanted to help people and be there for them.

 Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Jeff really likes the fact that he can choose what he wants for his care.  He has been an IRIS participant for about eight years; being able to have choice means a lot to him.

 What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

 Jeff wants to encourages people to always keep a positive attitude no matter what life throws at them.  He explains that it makes him feel really good when people ask him for help, and because he keeps a positive attitude, people connect with him.  He says, “it’s a great feeling.”

 What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?

Jeff loves being a member of the Network.  He likes that people are friendly and they are there for you.  He also explains that the Network has good resources.  “You guys do excellent work,” he says.

 What are some of your hobbies?

Jeff enjoys meeting new people and being outside when it is nice.  He also loves listening to music—especially classic rock from the 70s and 80s.

***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.

Health departments and community clinics report that local funding has been inadequate for some time. As state and county governments have resisted raising taxes and increasing funds for public health needs and community clinics, grants from local organizations and foundations have helped fill the breach, but private philanthropy only goes so far. Changes to Medicaid payment, along with proposed eligibility changes and fears of funding cutbacks, are causing grave concerns among community health leaders.

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A recent survey by the Survival Coalition reveals major transportation issues for older adults and people with disabilities in Wisconsin.  People who took the survey report that lack of transportation options impact things such as employment, where they live, getting to medical appointments, staying connected to family, and participating in the community.  Many reported that they struggle to find transportation and they can't get where they need to go a lot of the time.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the availability of $6.3 million in competitive grant funds for transit coordination projects that improve access to healthcare. 

View Notice of Funding Opportunity (Federal Register)

Applications due: November 13, 2018

FTA’s Access and Mobility Partnership Grants focus on transportation solutions to medical appointments and other non-emergency healthcare services. The grants will help improve options for people with limited transportation choices and bridge the gap between service providers in the transportation and health sectors.

Funding is available under two programs: the Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility (ICAM) Pilot Program, which supports projects focused on non-emergency healthcare travel needs, and the Human Services Coordination Research (HSCR) program, which funds research to reduce gaps in services to provide safe, affordable and reliable mobility options to seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. 

• ICAM Grants.gov Opportunity ID: FTA-2018-002-ICAM
  
• HSCR Grants.gov Opportunity ID: FTA-2018-006-HSCR
  

For more information

Kelly Tyler, FTA Office of Program Management, Kelly.Tyler@dot.gov

Travel can be hard for people with disabilities.  Certain accommodations can be hard to find.  A man from Eau Claire is working on an app to help people with disabilities to help make travel more accessible.  In addition to GPS features, the app will allow people to check out accessibility options at local hotspots.

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 Self-Determination Network News:

September 2018

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

There is Still Time to Register!

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 October 12th.  Register today!

BPDD Releases State Budget and Policy Platform Recommendations

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) is preparing for the upcoming elections and state budget and legislative session!  They have finalized their 2019-2021 budget and policy platform, which focuses on seven priority issues that impact people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families in Wisconsin.

The Board has created a sheet for each issues: 

• Direct caregiver workforce
• Transportation
• Employment
• Education
• Medicaid & Long-Term Care
• Public Benefit Reform
• Improving self-direction and independent decision-making

We encourage you to read over these sheets and share your thoughts with your legislators.  We also encourage people for share this information with family and friends.  

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 September, we shine the spotlight on Dave.   As a Behavioral Consultant, he helps to develop an understanding of what people are trying to communicate or achieve through behavior.  He believes that interdependence should be the goal of a self-determined life.  Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Dave.

 Stacy’s Journal

“Life isn’t fair.” Most of us have heard that saying more than once in life. In this month's entry, Stacy opens up about the recent struggles she has had and how she tries to persevere through them.  How do you persevere through life's challenges? 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:

• Self-Direction Questionnaire:  Citizen Network is working with the European SKILLS project to identify the extent to which self-directed support is being adopted in different countries around the world.  Take their questionnaire to help them track progress of self-directed supports.
• Special Olympics Exhibit:  With a new exhibit, the Smithsonian Institution is highlighting how athletics have helped to dramatically change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities over the last 50 years.  Learn about how the exhibit showcases the history of Special Olympics.
• Push for Doctors:   Federal lawmakers are pushing to make doctors and other health care services much more available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read about how a bipartisan bill would help.
• Airline Accessibility:  A lawsuit is seeking to force the nation's airlines to make major changes to better accommodate travelers with disabilities.  Find out about how a lawsuit may speed up airline accessibility.
• Google Accessibility:  In the past few years, Google has shifted the way that it thinks about accessibility, moving from grassroots advocacy to codified systems.   Learn about how it's  finding ways to help people with disabilities navigate the world.
• Disability Statistics:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new statistics for disability.  Read about the most common disabilities.
• Disability Policy:   Federal policy is often implemented with little consideration for how it will impact people with disabilities, but that could change under a new proposal.  Find out about how a new bill may change that.
• Lack of Disability in Film: According to a new report, people with disabilities still remain largely underrepresented in major movies. Learn just how few movies have characters with disabilities.
• Call for Artists:  Access to Independence is in the process of looking for artists as part of the commemorations for their 40^Th Anniversary.  Find out how to get involved.
• Call for Presenters:  The Circles of Life Conference invites you to submit a proposal for the 2019 conference.  Applications due September 30th.
• Disability Museum:  Thanks to a high school history class studying history of disability, a student believes that there needs to a National Museum of Disability.  Learn why.
• ADA Amendment Act: Ten  years ago this month, the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act was passed.  It expanded the numbers of Americans covered  by the ADA.  However, many feel that the Amendment Act  doesn't go far enough.  Find out why.
• Family Care Wavier Ideas:  The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is preparing their applications to renew the Family Care waivers, and they would like input about what to include in the renewals.
• Accessible Gaming:  Microsoft will soon sell a controller that offers touch controls, as well as connectors for each button on a standard controller.  Read about how this will help.

 Upcoming Events                                    

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

• BPDD Community Conversation: September 26th, 10:30a.m. to 1p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
• Ability Fest:  October 14th, 7:30a.m. to 4p.m., Camelot Golf Course, Lomira 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.

Ten  years ago this month, the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act was passed.  It expanded the numbers of Americans covered  by the ADA.  However, many feel that the Amendment Act  doesn't go far enough.   impairments that are controlled by medication or other measures still are considered disabilities if, when considered without the mitigating measures, the impairment would substantially limit the individual’s major life activities. 

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Microsoft knows that there are almost two billion video gamers in world, and they are ready to make it easier for gamers with disabilities to play. Today, some gamers cannot hold a game controller or have difficulties pushing more than one button on the controller at a time. Game controllers are complex and have many buttons on different sides, but not everyone can hold them. Some people with disabilities have built their own controllers, but this is extremely difficult and complex to do.

Microsoft will soon sell a controller that offers touch controls, as well as connectors for each button on a standard controller. This way, a user could plug in switches that they could not normally use on a standard controller. If a user cannot push a button with their hand, they could use an elbow or a foot. This controller will launch in the fall and will work on Xbox systems and Windows 10 computers.

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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is preparing their applications to renew the Family Care waivers. They would like your input about what to include in the renewals. If you have ideas you would like them to consider including in the waiver renewals, read the request letter on their website.

The Family Care program is administered through concurrent 1915(b) and 1915(c) federal Medicaid waivers which will expire on December 31, 2019