News
DISABILITY SCOOP: Smart Home Products Prove Useful For Those With Special Needs
By SD Network, 2017-10-27
A growing number of states are enacting laws designed to keep people from passing off their pets as service animals. Service dogs, which are trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability, were first used by people with vision and hearing impairments. They are now also used by those who use wheelchairs or have other impairment in mobility, people who are prone to seizures or need to be alerted to medical conditions, like low blood sugar, and people with autism or mental illness.
Many states are pushing for legislation to crack down on people who try to pass their pets off as service animals. The laws would make it a misdemeanor to represent an untrained dog as a service animal and would come with fines.
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DISABLED WORLD: United Airlines Obtains EZ Access® Certification For New Self-Service Kiosks to Better Ensure Accessibility for All Customers
By SD Network, 2017-10-26
United Airlines has incorporated EZ Access technologies into self-service kiosks to better ensure they are accessible to all travelers including travelers with sensory or mobility impairments. Thanks to extensive research, the kiosks are cross-disability accessible.
FORBES: Tommy Hilfiger Has Designed a Fashion Line for People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2017-10-26
More and more fashion designers are designing clothes for people with disabilities. Tommy Hilfiger recently launched an adaptive adult clothing line. Clothes have features such as adjusted seams and openings and magnetic closures. Clothes also have things such as adjusted leg openings and hems to accommodate leg braces and orthodontics and they also have magnetic buttons On shirts that people to fasten them using one hand.
DISABLED WORLD: Social Security Announces 2% COLA Benefit Increase for 2018
By SD Network, 2017-10-23
The U.S. Social Security Administration announced monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will increase 2% in 2018. This is just a smidge higher than what was originally estimated. The increase is based on the cost of living adjustment. The increase will take effect in January.
A bill that would address the needs of family caregivers is gaining support. The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act would create and implement a plan to "recognize and support family caregivers" which includes steps that can be taken at the federal, state, and local level. It also calls for a family caregiving advisory council to be created. The Senate recently approved the bill, and now it goes on to the House of Representatives.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON INDEPENDENT LIVING: National Survey about Accessible Parking and Placard Abuse
By SD Network, 2017-10-17
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) invites you to participate in an online survey for people who require accessible parking, or have disabled placard or license plates. The survey takes about 15 minutes and will have a major effect on policies related to parking for people with disabilities.
Have you faced challenges when it comes to finding available parking? Have you been frustrated by parking spaces that are designated for people with disabilities but are used by those who don’t need them? What other parking problems do you encounter?
Here is your chance to share your experiences, insights, and challenges. NCIL is part of a newly-formed Accessible Parking Council to address these issues on a national scale.
If you require accessible parking and have a disabled placard or license plate, please take this 15-minute online survey on Accessible Parking and Placard Abuse to ensure your voice is heard.
It is important to complete the survey before it closes November 1. Results are being reported at a Stakeholder’s Forum on Accessible Parking and Placard Abuse,December 6 in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Access Board, the federal agency responsible for developing and updating the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines.
In addition to the National Council on Independent Living, participating organizations include American Association of People with Disabilities, the United Spinal Association, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and the International Parking Institute, among others.
Your responses are anonymous and appreciated. The more people who respond, the more valuable the survey will be in making positive changes for people in our community.
Stop By and Say Hi!
More than 600 people will soon gather at the annual Self-Determination Conference. This year's theme is "Self-Determination in Full Color: Celebrating You... Mind, Body and Spirit." Participants will learn more about self-determination and self directed supports so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. We encourage you to look at the brochure to see all the interesting sectionals the conference will offer. InControl Wisconsin will have a booth in the exhibit hall. If you're going, be sure to stop by and say hi! Registration closes on October 20th. 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 Mike. This self-advocate began leading a self-determined life at a very young age. When he’s not busy volunteering for the Wisconsin Augmentative Alternative Communication Network or attending conferences, he enjoys catching up on his favorite TV shows. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Mike.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Having somebody who has a significant disability in a family has its challenges. Extended family has a choice whether or not to accept the circumstances the person has. In this month's entry, Stacy discusses how her extended family not only accepts, but embraces her unique challenges. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Compassionate Allowances List Grows: New conditions have been added to the compassionate allowances list for U.S. Social Security. Learn what the new conditions are.
- Caregiving and Dementia: The Administration on Aging put out a special newsletter on dementia care and advocacy topics. Read and learn about some helpful tips.
- Scholarship Opportunity: The American Association on Health and Disability is accepting applications for the Frederick J. Krause Scholarship for undergraduate (junior/senior status) and graduate students with disabilities who are majoring in a field related to disability and health. Applications due November 15th. Find out how to apply today!
- Google Wants Help: Google is looking to the public in an effort to make navigating the world easier for people with disabilities. Read about how you can help.
- Accessibility Hub: A first of its kind digital hub is designed to address needs of over 1 billion people facing disability, digital literacy or aging related barriers. Learn about this unique hub hopes to provide.
- Results are In: The National Association of States United for Aging Disabilities administered a survey of state agencies that deliver Long Term Services and Supports. Find out what the survey found.
- Home Care Worker Challenges: According to a new national report, Wisconsin is expected to need an additional 20,000 home care workers by 2024. Read about why this is so frightening.
- Poor Wages Hurt Care Worker Longevity: A new report reveals that direct care workers can't afford to stay in their jobs. Learn about why the average wage isn't enough to live on.
- Criminal Justice and the ADA: The Justice Department issued guidance earlier this year to facilitate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during interactions criminal justice entities. Read about what the guidelines include.
- Estimated Social Security Increase: It's estimated that people who receive Social Security could see an increase in 2018. Find out what the estimate is based on.
- Sidewalk Requirements: A new paper explains the historical and modern state of the ADA's legal influence on sidewalks and answers important legal questions about the duties of local communities and governments under the ADA. Learn about available resources for businesses and governments to use in planning for accessible sidewalks.
- Supported Decision Making: The Council on Quality and Leadership recently issued a paper about applying approaches of Supported Decision Making in the US. Read about practices and benefits of Supported Decision Making.
- Best Cities for People with Disabilities: Wallethub released its annual "Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities" report. Find out which two Wisconsin cities are in the top 150 best cities.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Long-Term Services And Supports And Caregiving For Adults Aging With Disability--Session 1: October 16th, 11a.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Veterans' Resource Fair: October 16th-17th, Waukesha County Expo Center Arena, Waukesha WI
- Webinar: Advances At The Intersection Of Aging And Long-Term Disability-- Session 2: October 18th, 11a.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Webinar: Advances At The Intersection Of Aging And Long-Term Disability-- Session 3: October 20th, 11a.m. to 1p.m., Online
- 2017 Self-Determination Conference: November 1st-3rd, 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.
Wallethub released its annual "Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities" report. The report ranks cities on three categories: Economy, Quality of Life, and Health Care. Find out which two Wisconsin cities are in the top 150 best cities.