News
Researchers and robotics experts say they have developed cost-effective technology that would allow power wheelchairs to drive themselves. The concept was originally intended to help wheelchair users with upper-body disabilities that limited their movements. Previous autonomous wheelchair designs could cost the user upwards of $30,000, but this product they've developed will have a total cost of between $300 and $700.
Special needs trusts have a new level of flexibility. Under a law passed late last year, individuals with disabilities can for the first time establish special needs trusts for themselves. Before this, trusts had to be set up by a third party. The significant change is designed to make saving money easier for those with disabilities.
As populations around the world begin to live for longer than they ever have, their individual needs related to their health become even more complex which means is that care homes need to use greater amounts of, and more intelligent, assistive technologies. Research also suggests that care facilities will emphasize more on quality. It's thought that it will help people to "live healthier and longer lives."
Nominate a Person for a DRW Ruby Anniversary Award
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There are so many hardworking advocates for people with disabilities all across Wisconsin. We want your opinion about who should be recognized for their work at Disability Rights Wisconsin's Ruby Anniversary Gala this October. |
August 2017
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Early Bird Registration Ends September 1st...Register Today!
Registration is now open for the 10th annual Self-Determination Conference. This 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. Early bird registration ends on September 1st. Register today!
Diehard Award Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities? Do they support self-determination? Nominate them for a Diehard Award! A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles of community integration and self-determination. Diehards go above and beyond to make sure everyone is counted. Awards will be presented at the Self-Determination Conference on November 3rd at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Nominations are due on Friday, October 6th. Nominate someone today!
Annual Caregiver Award Nominations
Do you know a caregiver or team that deserves to be honored for the great work they do? The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance’s Annual Caregiver Awards are the only statewide recognition of these outstanding individuals and teams working tirelessly in all service locations. Nominations are due this Friday, August 18th. Learn how to nominate someone deserving!
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 August, we shine the spotlight on Barb. When she’s not traveling the world or reading mystery novels, she is busy helping people with self-direction. She is a firm believer in using this Network as a resource to connect with others. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Barb.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Most people don’t think twice about stepping off a sidewalk curb or running up a flight of stairs to get to their favorite restaurant. For people with disabilities, simple tasks such as these often present many challenges. In this month's entry, Stacy discusses how laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act have greatly improved life for people with disabilities, but, yet, there's much room for improvement. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Wisconsin's Direct Care Worker Shortage: It's no secret that Wisconsin has reached a crisis level shortage of direct care workers. Find out why advocates feel that the 2% increase in long-term care isn't enough.
- The 27th Anniversary of the ADA: July marked the 27th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This publication put out by the Department of Justice highlights the enforcement efforts of the law this year.
- Call for Presenters: Proposals to present at the 2018 Circle of Life Conference are now being accepted. Proposals are due October 5th.
- Symbol of Access Controversy: The international symbol of access was redesigned a few years ago. Learn about the controversy surrounding the new symbol.
- Uber Accessibility Lawsuit: Uber was recently sued by the Equal Rights Center, a civil rights nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Find out why.
- Gaming Accessibility: Gaming is becoming more and more popular. Read about how one nonprofit organization is aiming make video games accessible for people with disabilities.
- Test Driving: Buying a new car is both exciting and a big decision for most people. Learn how a recent court ruling confirmed that individuals who use hand controls to operate cars and trucks have equal right to test drive vehicles before purchasing them.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: “Putting Accessibility Law In Your Pocket: The Digital Accessibility Legal Update”: August 15th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- US Wake Sports Festival: August 15th to 16th, Traxler Park, Janesville WI
- Webinar: #ABLEtoSave Series: Understanding Qualified Disability Expenses: August 16th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 16th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 23rd, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Fishing Has No Boundaries: August 26th, 4:30a.m. to 1:30p.m., Lakeshore State Park Inlet Grounds & Docks, Milwaukee WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: September 6th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Red Roskopf Day AbilityFest Celebrating Communities And Families: October 1st, The Golf Club at Camelot, Lomira WI
- The Riot 2017 National Conversation: October 5th, Teleconference
- Veterans' Resource Fair: October 16th-17th, Waukesha County Expo Center Arena, Waukesha WI
- 2017 Self-Determination Conference: November 1st to 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.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities? Do they support self-determination? Nominate them for a Diehard Award! A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles of community integration and self-determination. Diehards go above and beyond to make sure everyone is counted. Awards will be presented at the Self-Determination Conference on November 3rd at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Nomination Forms must be in the BPDD office no later than 12 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017.
The Conference Planning Committee reserves the right to present none or multiple awards in any of the categories
DISABLED WORLD: Car Dealerships to Provide Hand Controls for Test Drives for Individuals With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2017-08-10
This is an interesting court case. Buying a new car is both exciting and a big decision for most people. The ability to choose the right vehicle for them can be especially meaningful for people with disabilities. Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, ruled individuals who use hand controls to operate cars and trucks have equal right to test drive vehicles before purchasing them.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Barb is one of the Self-Directed (SDS) coordinators for Community Care, Inc. She joined the Network to take advantage of the pool of experience of the members of the Network. “There’s always up-to-date information coming out of the Network,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Barb explains that the good news is the fact that we have moved beyond just talking about self-determination. There are so many resources now to assist people along the way. “Whether it’s needing an advocate, information on housing options or some practical advice on hiring employees, there are people who are knowledgeable and willing to make changes happen. That’s happening on an individual person to person level as well as impacting the system as a whole,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance, brain storming, or just for support,” Barb says. There are people within the Network who may have run into the same issue at some time.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Barb would like to share that she values the diversity and knowledge the different members bring to the Network. “Especially in this time of political uneasiness, the determination and thoughtful way roadblocks are tackled is appreciated,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Barb is an avid traveler; she has been to 16 different countries. She also enjoys reading and says that mystery novels are her favorite.
***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.
PCWORLD: AbleGamers' Player Panels could make future games more disability-friendly
By SD Network, 2017-08-08
AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization that aims to make video games accessible for people with disabilities, is creating Player Panels to connect gamers with disabilities with video game developers. The panels would test games that companies are developing and offer advice on how to make them more accessible. To keep the panel members safe, AbleGamers will liaison between them and the companies. They will vet incoming requests for advice as well as make sure the panel members are paid for their work. AbleGamers is aware that many people with disabilities are on Social Security and cannot receive extra money without it affecting their benefits and is working with companies to offer alternative compensation. One idea is to give the panelists gift cards to popular stores.
Uber was recently sued by the Equal Rights Center, a civil rights nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suit is based on Uber's Washington, D.C., area services, and alleges that Uber is incapable of adequately providing services to customers with nonfoldable wheelchairs. And even though some cars are wheelchair accessible, there is no way for drivers to indicate that their vehicles are accessible or for riders to request it. Although Uber has introduced the UberWAV app for riders with disabilities, an investigation by the Equal Rights Center showed that riders using the app paid up to twice as much and waited on average eight times longer for rides than people who use Uber's nonaccessible service. The lawsuit alleges that Uber's vehicle requirements actively discourage Uber drivers from operating accessible vehicles.