News
GEORGE TOWN UNIVERSITY: Top Five Threats to Children and Families Posed by a Medicaid Block Grant
By SD Network, 2017-03-02
George Town University released an article listing the top five threats posed to children and families by turning the Medicaid program into a block grant. The reasons include:
- It's a cut.
- It jeopardizes the nation's progress in covering kids.
- It leaves states holding the bag when a new disease strikes or a new treatment is discovered.
- It diminishes state flexibility to respond to changing economic circumstances.
- It endangers key features of Medicaid that work for kids – namely its strong benefits and cost-sharing protections.
The article explains why each reason is a threat. Block grants are said to bring innovation and opportunities to states, but many feel that any major changes to Medicaid would have a big impact on the health and financial security of families and communities.
2017 Wisconsin Employment First Conference
Embracing Change: Together We Make It Happen
Only four more weeks to the conference, make sure to Register Now!
See full conference program with session descriptions and presenters: 2017 Employment First Conference Program
CEU’s and CRC’s will be available!
The Wisconsin Board for Developmental Disabilities, Wisconsin APSE and People First Host the Fourth Annual Employment First Conference on April 5th at the Kalahari resort.
This year’s conference title is Embracing Change: Together We Make It Happen. The conference focuses on the changes happening at the state and federal level and how these changes will significantly increase integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Change provides both opportunities and challenges. This conference brings together individuals with disabilities, family members, state vocational rehabilitation counselors, employment providers, policy makers, and educators to learn and share creative ways to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities.
The conference will provide many opportunities for learning, sharing resources, and developing connections. At each breakout session, there will be topics specifically geared towards individuals with disabilities, family members, employment service providers, long-term care providers, state vocational rehabilitation counselors, and educators.
Some of the many excellent speakers include:
- Keynote speaker, Patti Killingsworth will talk about talk about how Tennessee launched the “Employment and Community First CHOICES” managed long-term care program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the first managed long-term care program in the country specifically designed to advance Employment First.
- Janet Estervig and a panel of key leadership from the Department of Health Services will talk about how the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Non-Residential Rule is moving forward.
- Lisa Mills, National Consultant, will talk about the growth of Integrated employment and day Services options in Wisconsin, and present examples from providers doing innovative practices
- Sara Murhpy, Transcen Inc. National Consultant, will talk about encouraging Independence, facilitating natural Supports and ways to encourage self-confidence in community settings, the dignity of risk and how to build a network of support that goes well beyond program services.
- Linda Hedenblad, will do an informative, interactive and fun session that will explore the basic concepts of Motivational Interviewing and experience a taste of how it may be applied.
- Michael Callahan, national consultant, will talk about the “Seven Phase Sequence” designed to engage natural supports from day one of the individual’s employment.
- EF Ambassadors, individuals with disabilities, will share their compelling stories and outreach efforts that are having a tremendous impact on local communities and statewide policies.
- A panel of employers and the individuals with disabilities that they hired, will talk about how they worked together to make their business stronger and get the job done!
For individuals who are not able to pay the conference fee contact Ann Sievert at ann.sievert@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-9897 for a conference fee waiver code.
Hope to See You at the Conference!
KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION: Medicaid’s Role: What’s at Stake Under a Block Grant or Per Capita Cap?
By SD Network, 2017-03-01
The Kaiser Family Foundation has released a short video slideshow that explains how Medicaid works now and what is at stake as policymakers in Washington consider converting program financing to a block grant or per capita cap. The video describes how Medicaid is funded under current law, whom it covers and how spending is distributed across various groups of enrollees, including children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The voices of people with disabilities and their families are so important in shaping public policy at the local, state and federal levels. Here's a great new document from People First WI that shows what's in the Governor's proposed budget for the WI disability community, along with questions you can ask your legislators and the Governor. Share widely and contact your state Senator and Assembly Rep! You can also use this at Disability Advocacy Day on March 21st in Madison. Let your voice be heard!
CBPP.ORG: Medicaid Per Capita Cap Would Shift Costs and Risks to States and Harm Millions of Beneficiaries
By SD Network, 2017-03-01
The federal government currently pays a fixed portion of states’ Medicaid costs, varying by state but averaging about 64%. Previous congressional budget and health plans have proposed converting Medicaid into a block grant or imposing a per capita cap. This article describes how, under these proposals, costs will shift to states and how it will effect programs.
Recently, a leaked copy of the plan to eliminate the ACA and develop a per-capita plan for Medicaid (the federal program that funds Family Care/IRIS, BadgerCare, Katie Beckett, Children's long-term supports and autism programs, etc. in Wisconsin) was released. While changes in the plan are expected, here's an overview of the direction the bill would take regarding the ACA and Medicaid.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Request for Public Comments re: HCBS Statewide Transition Plan
By SD Network, 2017-03-01
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking public comment on its Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) statewide transition plan. DHS operates several home and community-based programs for frail elders and adults and children with disabilities. The programs operate under federal authority from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In 2014, CMS published new regulations that changed the definition of HCBS settings. DHS must submit a statewide transition plan to CMS, to identify the steps DHS will take to come into compliance with the new settings requirements no later than March 17, 2019. DHS is seeking public comment on the statewide transition plan. The draft statewide transition plan is available on the DHS website for 30 days at: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hcbs/index.htm. A paper copy of the Statewide Transition Plan will be provided by mail upon request. Requests should be made by telephone at 608-267-7286, or toll-free at 1-855-885-0287, or by mail to Department of Health Services, Statewide Transition Plan-Request, P.O. Box 7851, 1 W. Wilson St., Room 518, Madison, WI 53707-7851.
Email comments to: DHSLTCPublicComment@dhs.wisconsin.gov, or write: Division of Medicaid Services, Attn: Statewide Transition Plan, 1 W. Wilson St., Room 518, PO Box 7851, Madison WI 53707-7851.
February 2017
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
The 4th annual Aging Empowerment Conference: Living a Self-Determined Life will be held June 6th (full conference) and June 7th (Self-Determination Summit) at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Sponsored by InControl Wisconsin, this unique event gathers older adults, their families, and the professionals who support them and explores self-determination and empowerment in aging. Presentation proposals and exhibitor applications are now being accepted. The submission deadline has been extended to March 1st. Apply today!
2017 Self-Determination Conference
Mark your calendars! The 2017 Self-Determination will be held November 1-3 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. It's the 10th anniversary of the conference this year! This year's theme is health and wellness. Presentation proposals are now being accepted. Proposals are due April 7th. Submit a proposal today!
Disability Advocacy Day
Make your voice be heard by attending this year's Disability Advocacy Day in Madison on Tuesday March 21st! Disability Advocacy Day is designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. Registration closes March 10th. Find out more information and 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. In February, we shine the spotlight on Emily. This very determined lady hasn’t encountered an obstacle that she can't overcome. This college graduate truly encompasses the definition of self-determination! Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Emily.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
In this month's entry, Stacy explains why having patience is so important when you have a disability. She talks about how waiting is a big part of her life. What do you have a hard time waiting for? We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Watch: The ABLE National Resource Center has recorded a webinar about four of the new ABLE programs. Learn about how these programs could benefit you.
- FINDS Survey: The Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports (FINDS) Survey is currently being conducted about the experiences of parents and family members who provide support to their family member with intellectual or developmental disability. This survey closes on March 30th.
- Updated Airline Accessibility Training: After a record number of complaints in the area of disability air travel, the US Department of Transportation recently released new training material for airlines and passengers. Find out what the training focuses on.
- Tangata Group: Several disability rights scholars have joined together to form The Tangata Group, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to promoting disability rights. Read about what this group hopes to do.
- Google Maps: Google has added an accessibility feature to Google Maps. Learn how this feature helps people with disabilities.
- EAS Accessibility Study: A study of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) was recently done. Find out what was found regarding accessibility of the EAS and what recommendations were made.
- Final Rule Regarding SNAP and ABLE Accounts: The Food and Nutrition Service published a final rule that since the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is federally funded ABLE funds won't compromise eligible people from accessing benefits under the SNAP program. Read more about this rule.
- Family Care Expanding: The Department of Health Services announced the expansion of Family Care services in six northern Wisconsin. Learn which counties are finally getting much needed services.
- Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum: The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum is a week long training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities. Applications are due April 1st.
- Call for Proposals: The 2017 Aging and Disability Network Conference is calling for Proposals for Workshop Presentations. Proposals due February 24th.
- Storytellers Fellowship: The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship provides the opportunity for an individual with a disability to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling, and to connect with media professionals to prepare participants for advanced careers in media production, journalism, online advocacy, or digital design. Applications are due March 15th.
- Concerns over Medicaid: Talk of major changes to Medicaid have many people with disabilities worried. Read about how the changes could impact services.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Reimagining Home Care: February 24th, 6a.m. to 7a.m., Online
- State Budget Training: February 28th, 5p.m. to 7p.m., Midwest Independent Living, Stevens Point WI
- State Budget Training: March 1st, 5p.m. to 7p.m., Headwaters, Rhinelader WI
- Advocacy for Change: March 2nd, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- State Budget Training: March 3rd, 5p.m. to 7p.m., The Arc of Washington County- Threshold, West Bend WI
- State Budget Training: March 6th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Public Museum in the Daimler, Kenosha WI
- State Budget Training: March 7th, 5:30p.m., to 7p.m., Brookfield Library, Brookfield WI
- State Budget Training: March 7th, 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., The Arc of Dunn County, Eau Claire WI
- State Budget Training: March 8th, 6p.m. to 8p.m, First Presbyterian Church, Hudson WI
- State Budget Training: March 8th, 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., The Arc of Southwest Wisconsin, Mineral Point WI
- State Budget Training: March 9th, 6:30p.m. to 9p.m., The Arc La Crosse Viterbo University Reinhardt Center, La Crosse WI
- State Budget Training: March 14th, 3p.m. to 5p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
- State Budget Training: March 14th, 6:15p.m. to 8p.m., Watermark Community and Senior Center, Beaver Dam WI
- State Budget Training: March 15th, 10a.m. to 11a.m., Law Enforcement Center, Portage WI
- State Budget Training: March 16th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., The Arc of Racine County- Gateway, Racine WI
- State Budget Training: March 17th, 3p.m. to 5p.m., Options for Independent Living, Green Bay WI
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 21st, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison WI
- State Budget Training: March 22nd, 6p.m. to 8p.m., Orchard Ridge Church of Christ, Madison WI
- State Budget Training: March 23rd, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Red Cliff Band of Chippewa Legendary Resort, Bayfield WI
- State Budget Training: March 23rd, 6p.m. to 7:30p.m., Red Cliff Band of Chippewa Legendary Resort, Bayfield WI
- State Budget Training: March 28th, 7p.m. to 8p.m., The Arc of Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac, WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
- 2017 National ADA Symposium: May 14th to 17th, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago IL
- Aging Advocacy Day: May 17th, Madison WI
- 2017 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 6th-7th, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum: July 9th to 14th, Edgewood College, Madison, 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.
Are you interested in presenting at the Self-Determination Conference?
Now accepting proposals for presenters for the 2017 Self-Determination Conference, November 1-3. Are you using self-directed supports in an interesting way? Do you want to share your story at the SD Conference?
We’re looking for new and innovative ideas that help you and others live successfully in the community. Learning topics will support Self-Determination and all aspects of living in the community. We are particularly looking for sessions focused on health and well-being. Be creative!!!
Share ideas about transportation, employment, diversity, housing, stress reduction, grief, advocacy, supported decision-making and more. Share these ideas with over 600 advocates this November! Proposal deadline is April 7 at noon.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Emily is involved with self-determination through her work with people with disabilities in the community, and helping keep them independent and living happy healthy lives. Living with a disability herself, she has always been a self-determined person in her own life as well. She joined the SD Network because she feels that it's very important for people to have self-determined lives no matter, and this network helps foster that idea which is beneficial.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Emily explains that she has defied the odds that doctors set out for her. Doctors said that there was no way she would be able to earn a college degree. It took her a little longer than most, but she received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Social Work, and she’s planning to get a Master’s degree in the near future. She has a job that she loves and she owns a house.
As for the state of Wisconsin, Emily feels that we are moving in an exciting direction with people with disabilities and self-determination in the field of employment. She explains that there are a lot of programs out there that can help people with disabilities find employment. She recently attended an event at the capitol where some programs were proposed by people with disabilities. One of the proposed programs was a certification program for people with disabilities to do CNA and personal care work. “I think this could help with the shortage in personal care workers in the state, especially, if it can be expanded to other areas of the state,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“Fight for what you want,” Emily says. She explains that there may be a lot of push back from people around you who don't understand or want you to succeed. She says to ignore them and keep pushing. She explains that’s the technique she used succeed in college.
Emily also recommends being educated and always willing to learn from others. “Use your mouth or communications devices to be heard, whatever it takes so that you can achieve the goals and life you want to live and be happy in,” she says. She has also been involved Partners in Policymaking which has helped her become a stronger self-advocate, and learn how to better have her voice heard with those on a higher level.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Emily encourages people to keep communicating and networking with each other. She thinks that, together, as a strong group of people, we can do what we set our minds to. “You may not agree with who is in power, or what they are doing, but they don't know that until you voice your opinion,” she says. Also, she encourages people not to be afraid to voice their opinions, and be willing to work with and educate people in order to work together to get what they want. “It might not happen today, but it could in the future. No one knows it's a problem, though, until someone voices it, but it has to be done in a constructive way,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of Emily’s hobbies include reading, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. She also likes to do loom knitting. She has two cats that she rescued from different places in the community who she loves to death. She enjoys traveling and seeing new places. She has met a lot of friends and learned how be more self-determined by attending conferences and other events around the state. She also loves being involved in supporting Special Olympics in a number of different ways. She loves being out in the community!
***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.