News
NATIONAL ABLE RESOURCE CENTER: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Releases Guidance on ABLE Accounts
By SD Network, 2017-09-07
the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance to State Medicaid Directors regarding the “Implications of the ABLE Act for State Medicaid Programs.” The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) is pleased to see that the vast majority of the guidance acts to reinforce the language, spirit and congressional intent of the ABLE Act to ensure that ABLE accounts should “supplement, but not supplant” public benefits being provided to the ABLE account owner, including supports and services provided by the Medicaid program.
The contents of the letter are divided into the following topics:
- Treatment of Funds in an ABLE Account
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Contributions to ABLE Accounts
- Contributions by Third Party
- Contributions by the ABLE Account Beneficiary
- Contribution by Third Party who Apply for Medicaid
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Distributions from ABLE Accounts
- Treatment of Distributions Exceeding QDEs for Non-MAGI Determinations
- Treatment of Distributions Exceeding QDEs for MAGI Determinations
- Post-Eligibility Treatment of Income
- Transfer of ABLE Funds to State Estate Recovery.
Over the next few days, the ANRC, in collaboration with our partners in both the disability community and 529A community, will be working to analyze the guidance from CMS and develop a comprehensive summary. Additionally, the ANRC plans to host a dedicated national webinar aimed at helping all ABLE related stakeholders better understand how ABLE accounts may interact with Medicaid eligibility and supports and services given this new directive.
For initial highlights, and to read the CMS letter, visit the ANRC website.
ACL.GOV: Emergency Preparedness Month: “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”
By SD Network, 2017-09-07
The Administration for Community Living has put together resources for how to prepare for an emergency. Advanced preparation is especially important for older adults and people with disabilities because there may have additional needs to consider, including medical issues, accessibility, transportation, and more.
Although initially developed by engineers to recreate sci-fi fantasies, smart homes in modern times are important tools for increasing agency and accessibility for elderly people and people with disabilities. Modern smart homes are capable of exhibiting many accessible features, including automated doors and lighting, air conditioning, and heating controlled by smartphones; tables and counter-tops that can be raised or lowered; and wider halls, bathrooms, and showers. As may be expected, houses with features such as these cost as much as $500,000, although the cost has been going down as the technology becomes more commonplace. Several organizations are working to help with the costs.
The solar eclipse that happened last month was viewed by millions of Americans. People who are visually impaired experienced the solar eclipse as it happened thanks to technology that allowed them to feel a real time changing image. Employees of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), the co-inventor of the Graphiti™, and students of the Kentucky School for the Blind gathered together to "touch" the sun and experienced this historic event with their friends, family, and co-workers.
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