News
Wallet Hub has released its annual "Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities" report. They base their rank on three main categories: Economy, Quality of Life, and Health Care. Milwaukee and Madison made made it in the top 100 again this year. In addition to the overall rankings, it also breaks down the bests and worsts of several different facets in each category.
It was recently announced that people who receive Social security and SSI benefits will see a relatively large increase in 2019. It will increase by 2.8% which is the largest increase since 2012. Inflation appears to be on the rise which effects everything from mortgages to credit card bills. Federal benefits automatically increase when cost of living rises.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: ACL Seeks Nominations for Advisory Councils on Family Caregiving
By SD Network, 2018-10-14
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.
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.
WisDOT encourages anyone interested, including individuals with disabilities or organizations that serve individuals with disabilities, to participate in the public comment period through Nov. 2, 2018.
October 2018
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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.
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.
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.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT REVIEW: Handbook to enhance air travel experience of passengers with disabilities
By SD Network, 2018-10-04
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.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: Access Board Celebrates 50 Years of the Architectural Barriers Act
By SD Network, 2018-10-04
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.
THE COMMON WEALTH: Creating Better Systems of Care for Adults with Disabilities: Lessons for Policy and Practice
By SD Network, 2018-10-02
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.
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.
US NEWS AND WORLD REPORTS:10 Ways to Support Self-Sufficiency for People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2018-10-02
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.