News
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: ABLE National Resource Center Publishes Accomplishments and Outcomes Report
By SD Network, 2017-01-12
The ABLE National Resource Center recently released an Accomplishments and Outcomes Report. We're nearing the second anniversary of the signing of the ABLE Act which allows people with disabilities to setup tax-free saving accounts for disability related expenses. These accounts won't jeopardize their government benefits. The report includes lots of interesting data and success stories.
Policymakers in Washington and Wisconsin are discussing changing Medicaid to a block grant program. This will change the way Wisconsin delivers many Medicaid services to people with disabilities, older adults, families, and children. Medicaid block grants are intended to reduce federal Medicaid spending and reduce future growth in Medicaid budgets. The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition has created a document to help people talk to policymakers about how block grants would effect them.
WLTCC Questions for Policymakers about Medicaid Block grants WLTCC Questions for Policymakers about Medicaid Block grants.pdf, 310KB ∞
The future of Medicaid will be a big issue in 2017. Federal efforts are underway to change Medicaid to a block grant program that states would administer. This could have a major impact on programs such as Family Care, IRIS, BadgerCare, SeniorCare, and many other programs that older adults and people with disabilities rely on. Check out this presentation for information on what block grants are all about. Thank you to the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and The Arc/Wisconsin for this helpful explanation.
WPBDD Medicaid Block Grants Presentation Medicaid Block grants.pdf, 1.3MB ∞
Discussions taking place at the federal level about Medicaid block grants, which cap funding for the program, would have a major impact on the 1.2 million Wisconsinites, including people with disabilities and older adults, who use Medicaid programs (Family Care, IRIS, MAPP, BadgerCare, SeniorCare, CCS, CRS, Katie Becket and more). This op-ed piece written by Barbra Beckert of Disability Rights Wisconsin explains in detail about how these block grants could effect many people.
Happy New Year! Many people think of January as a time to get a fresh start. People often take time to reflect on the past year and think about the year ahead. Some make specific resolutions while others just wish for a better year. Many people my age wish for things like a marriage proposal, a wedding, more children, or to move into a new house. Over the holidays, I got a chance to see many family members and friends. As I listened to them talk about the upcoming year with excitement in their voice, I couldn’t help but think about my life really is.
While in the back of my mind, I’ll always wish for those “normal” things, as New Years rolled around this year, I thought about what I have to look forward to. At the top of my list is getting a new computer setup and a new phone.
Since mid-summer, I’ve been in the process of getting a new computer. My current computer is now over six years old and on its last legs. I originally began researching new computers a few years ago, but I discovered my adaptive keyboard wouldn’t work with updated operating systems. I had been checking the company’s website periodically to see if there was updated software for the keyboard. In July or August, I realized that the company had discontinued the keyboard. It was then I knew I needed some help. After contacting several different people trying to inquire about how to get funding for an assistive technology assessment (AT) done, I ended up reopening my Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) case and using “post-employment services” to get an AT assessment done. After my case was opened, I had to pick a vendor to do the assessment. Due to a lack of communication, this ended up being a long drawn out process.
I chose to go through my regional Independent Living Center (ILC) to do the assessment. The assessment was finally scheduled in mid-December. The specialist asked me a bunch of questions about my history and abilities via email beforehand, so, when he came to my apartment to meet with me, he already had some ideas. My biggest issue was that I need mouse functions that are built into an enlarged keyboard. Due to spasticity from Cerebral Palsy, I’m unable to use a regular mouse. I control the mouse using buttons on my keyboard. He brought some adaptive equipment for me to try and he did some research afterward; however, ultimately, we discovered the best option for me would be to get a new computer with the same operating system I currently have (and not get the updated system) and buy a new adapted keyboard just like the one I have (luckily other companies still sell the discontinued keyboard). There isn’t any other enlarged keyboard on the market that has mouse functions built in. While, admittedly, I’m pretty disappointed that I have to get an outdated system because technology hasn’t advanced enough, I’m thankful that I’m able to at least get a “new” computer. The AT specialist also recommended some additional software programs that will save me a lot of time. I’m waiting for him to finish up his report and send it to DVR. Then, we can determine what the next steps are and hopefully, get it all ordered!
Additionally, I’ve been looking at getting a new cell phone. My current phone is about a year and a half old. Depending how old you are, that’s either considered pretty new or pretty old. The reason I want a new phone is because I discovered I can access a phone with a bigger screen easier. Given my limited fine motor ability, many people are amazed how well I’m able to use a touch screen cell phone. I’ve come to depend on my cell for much more than calling and texting. I use it to communicate with others most of the time. As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, I have an iPad for a communication device, but, because I can’t pull up to any tables when it’s mounted on my chair, I rarely use it for day to day communication. I’ve found that I can type a message on my phone (which is conveniently mounted on my chair) and have people read it. I’m also able go on the Internet and do emails on my phone. It has really become a lifeline for me. Having a phone with a larger screen will just make my life easier.
So, while getting a new computer and phone probably isn’t a big deal to most people, it is to me. It’s something I look forward to this year. It’s something that excites me because both of these things are things that I spend most of my time on. I’m sure, like every other year, this year will be filled with ups and downs, but that’s a part of life. We just have to make the best of it!
***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.
The Wisconsin AAC Network is a network for people who use Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), their family members, and people who work with people who use AAC. Wisconsin AAC Network is new in Wisconsin. We have three programs which are New Families to AAC, Education, and The Leadership Team. We are a mentor and support system for families who are starting out on their AAC journey. Tips and suggestions for new families are available by mail or email. My email is mike4@new.rr.com. In the future, we will be having a new family’s class. In the class, you will be learning about AAC, United States Society of AAC, helpful tools and websites. The leadership team will meet quarterly on the internet or in person to talk about what is happening in Wisconsin for people who use AAC. Before I had my communication device, I never talked to my family members, my friends and my IEP team. Now, I don’t stop talking. That is how AAC changed my life. Thank you and please like Wisconsin AAC Network on Facebook.
InControl Wisconsin invites you to submit a proposal to be considered for presentation at the 4th annual Aging Empowerment Conference: Living a Self-Determined Life.
Scheduled June 6 (full conference) and June 7 (Self-Determination Summit) at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, this unique event gathers older adults, their families, and the professionals who support them and explores self-determination and empowerment in aging.
Sponsor and Exhibitor opportunities available, invitation attached!
Click here to register online: https://www.regonline.com/AECsponsor2017
The deadline for proposal submission is February 15, 2017.
Please contact Peggy Rynearson, Conference Planner, with any questions, at608/446-4206 or prynearson@gmail.com
2017 Aging Empowerment Call for Sponsors/Exhibitors SponsorExhibitorOpportunities2017Fillable (1).pdf, 1.2MB ∞
InControl Wisconsin invites you to submit a proposal to be considered for presentation at the 4th annual Aging Empowerment Conference: Living a Self-Determined Life.
Scheduled June 6 (full conference) and June 7 (Self-Determination Summit) at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells, this unique event gathers older adults, their families, and the professionals who support them and explores self-determination and empowerment in aging.
We are seeking proposals for both the conference workshops and summit programming.
The Call for Presentations deadline for submission has been extended to March 1st.
See attached brochure for more information.
2017 Aging Empowerment Call for Presentations Call for Presentations_2017 2 AEC Fillable (1).pdf, 7.7MB ∞
Please contact Peggy Rynearson, Conference Planner, with any questions, at608/446-4206 or prynearson@gmail.com
U.S. Access Board Updates Requirements for Information and Communication Technology
By SD Network, 2017-01-10
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with information about updated accessibility requirements for information and technology in the federal sector. In the final rule, it also updates guidelines for telecommunications equipment. In addition to enhancing web accessibility guidelines, the updated requirements specify the technologies covered and provide both performance-based and technical requirements for hardware, software, and support documentation and services.
U.S. Access Board Updates Requirements for Information and Communication Technology
The U.S. Access Board today released a final rule that updates accessibility requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) in the federal sector covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The rule also refreshes guidelines for telecommunications equipment subject to Section 255 of the Communications Act.
"This update is essential to ensure that the Board's Section 508 standards and the Communications Act guidelines keep pace with the ever-changing technologies covered and continue to meet the access needs of people with disabilities," states Sachin Pavithran, Chair of the Board's ICT ad hoc committee. "The Access Board is grateful for the input it received from the public and stakeholders throughout the rulemaking process which greatly enhanced the final product."
The rule jointly updates and reorganizes the Section 508 standards and Section 255 guidelines in response to market trends and innovations, such as the convergence of technologies. The refresh also harmonizes these requirements with other guidelines and standards both in the U.S. and abroad, including standards issued by the European Commission and with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized voluntary consensus standard for web content and ICT. In fact, the rule references Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 and applies them not only to websites, but also to electronic documents and software.
"Throughout this process," according to Access Board Executive Director David M. Capozzi, "the Board worked very hard to ensure consistency with other consensus guidelines and international standards to promote global harmonization and facilitate compliance." He noted that, "ICT requirements that are closely aligned remove ambiguity, increase marketplace competition, and lead to better accessibility features and outcomes."
The updated requirements specify the technologies covered and provide both performance-based and technical requirements for hardware, software, and support documentation and services. Access is addressed for all types of disabilities, including those pertaining to vision, hearing, color perception, speech, cognition, manual dexterity, and reach. The rule, which will be published later this month in theFederal Register, restructures provisions so that they are categorized by functionality instead of by product type due to the increasingly multi-functional capabilities of ICT products. Revisions are also made to improve ICT usability, including interoperability with assistive technologies, and to clarify the types of ICT covered, such as electronic documents.
The Board released a proposed version of the rule for public comment in February 2015 and, before that, earlier drafts of the rule. The rule is based on recommendations from an advisory panel the Board chartered, the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee which included representatives from industry, disability groups, government agencies, foreign countries, and other stakeholders.
The rule will take effect in one year. The Section 508 standards, which are incorporated into the federal government's procurement regulations, apply to ICT procured, developed, maintained, or used by federal agencies. The Communications Act guidelines cover telephones, cell phones, pagers, computers with modems, switching equipment and other telecommunications equipment.
The Board will conduct a webinar on the rule on February 2.
For further information, visit the Board's website or contact Timothy Creagan at (202) 272-0016 (v), (202) 272-0074 (TTY), or508@access-board.gov.
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with information about new accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment. These standards will ensure that equipment such as examination tables and chairs, scales, and radiological equipment are accessible to people with disabilities. In addition to the final rule, which includes a discussion of the requirements and background on how they were developed, the Board released an assessment of the benefits and impacts of the standards and an overview of the rule.
U.S. Access Board Issues Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment
The U.S. Access Board has issued new accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) under section 510 of the Rehabilitation Act. The standards provide design criteria for examination tables and chairs, weight scales, radiological and mammography equipment, and other diagnostic equipment that are accessible to people with disabilities. They include requirements for equipment that requires transfer from mobility aids and address transfer surfaces, support rails, armrests, and other features. The Board developed the standards in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration.
"The new standards will be instrumental in ensuring access to health care services," states Regina Blye, Vice Chair of the Access Board. "The Board is pleased to fill this gap in accessibility because diagnostic equipment has remained problematic for many people with disabilities due largely to the lack of design specifications for making such equipment accessible."
Barriers to diagnostic equipment include equipment height and other dimensions, the lack of supports and features necessary for transfer, and the characteristics of contact surfaces. The standards address these as well as other features such as operable parts and patient instructions. The provisions are organized based on use position (standing, lying down, or seated) and whether transfer from wheelchairs is necessary. In addition to the final rule, which includes a discussion of the requirements and background on how they were developed, the Board released an assessment of the benefits and impacts of the standards and an overview of the rule.
The Board previously issued the standards in proposed form for public comment. Following the comment period, the Board organized a panel of stakeholders to develop consensus recommendations on how the standards should be finalized according to the comments received. The MDE Accessibility Standards Advisory Committee, whose 24 members included representatives from disability groups, equipment manufacturers, health care providers, and standard-setting organizations, among others, presented its recommendations in a report to the Board. The final standards are based on the committee's recommendations and the public comments received on the proposed standards.
As issued by the Board, the standards are not mandatory on health care providers and equipment manufacturers. The U.S. Department of Justice, which has issued guidance on access to medical care, may adopt them as mandatory requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other federal agencies may implement them as well under the Rehabilitation Act which requires access to federally funded programs and services.
Visit the Board's website for further information or contact Earlene Sesker at sesker@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0022 (v), or (202) 272-0091 (TTY).