News
This is a very interesting website about how the election results might affect Medicaid (and all the programs that are funded through MA). Key Medicaid Questions Post-Election
Survival Coalition conducted a survey about the direct care workforce crisis and received over 500 responses. Overwhelmingly, the results showed that people are not getting the help they need to live safe, healthy and independent lives in the community.
November 2016
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Proposed 40 Hour Work Week Rule
The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) has proposed a new 40-hour rule for IRIS, limiting the amount of time that a staff person may work for you. At this point, DHS is putting it on hold while they work on revisions of this rule. The Survival Coalition, a cross-disability advocacy coalition, has made recommendations about the proposed rule. After you read more about the proposed rule and recommendations, share your thoughts about it in this discussion.
Diehard Award Winners
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference.These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- Beth Wroblewski
- Olivia Quigley
- Nikki Vander Meulen
- Sherry Gundlach
- Kristy Bridenhagen
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Public Transit-Human Services Coordination: November 29th, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Milwaukee County Zoo Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee WI
- AbilityWI Now: November 30th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online Radio Broadcast
- Transportation and Equality Summit: December 3rd, 9a.m. to 5p.m., Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee WI
- Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Quarterly Meeting: January 26th, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Skype, Telephone, or Crowne Plaza, Madison WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
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.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses misconceptions many have about people with disabilities and how she handles them. Have you been in similar situations? We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Person-Centered Planning: Person-Centered Planning is becoming more and more popular. Learn about a new approach to help people evaluate risk and the power of having choices.
- ABLE Act Changes Draw Backlash: Many disability advocacy groups are opposing changes to the ABLE Act. Find out why.
- Event Accessibility: Whether it's a large convention or a small meeting, event planners often struggle to make sure that events are accessible to all people. Read about a document that has been created to help event planners ensure events are accessible to all people.
- Benefits Increase: Find out how much Social Security benefits will increase next year.
- Communications Technology Accessibility Report: The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission released its report on the state of accessibility of communications technology under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Learn what the report entails.
- Voting Rights: Even though the election is over, this is an interesting blog about problems voters with disabilities had in the 2012 election. Did you or someone you know experience problems while voting this year?
- MiABLE: Michigan recently launched its program for ABLE accounts. Learn about the program.
- Service Dog Case: A very interesting case about the right to have a service dog in school is making national headlines. Read about this historic case.
- Air Travel Rule: Thanks to a final rule by the Department of Transportation, some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved. Find out how this rule will help.
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.
Often times I get asked if I could have one ability that I don’t have, what would it be. Many people are surprised by my response. Sure, I’d love to walk, feed myself, take care of myself, and be able to do things like drive, but the one ability I’d love to have is to speak clearly. Most people don’t understand the impact that verbal interaction has in today’s world.
Many times people think I have a cognitive disability just because I’m in a wheelchair and can’t speak clearly. I’ve had many different augmentative communication devices over the years. Many people with speech impairments use communication devices very effectively, but, admittedly, I’ve never been one of those people. Sure, I used one for classes throughout my schooling, and I still have one for things such as presentations and events where I have to speak to strangers. I don’t use it for day-to-day communication though. There are a few reasons for this. One is because, although devices have become much more compact, having it mounted to my chair is cumbersome (I can’t pull up to my computer desk or any table with the mount on). Secondly, and probably the main reason is that speech programs take a lot of time to learn how to effectively use. Many people compare it to learning a second language. Honestly, that concept has never appealed to me. I’ve learned how to program buttons on my device for what I need to say during certain events (such as conferences and classes), but I find faster ways to spontaneously communicate. I use the speech I do have and lots of gestures. I speak in vowel sounds. For example, my sister’s name is Stephanie. I call her “et-en-nie.” It takes awhile to get used to, but if people are around me enough, they usually catch on pretty fast. If family or friends can’t understand me, they ask me yes or no questions, or I type it on the cell phone. It may take a little while, but eventually I’ll get my point across.
Without even realizing it people judge other people. We all do-it’s a normal human tendency. I’ve encountered some pretty rude people in my life. I’ve been stared and pointed at countless times in my life. Depending on where I am and who I’m with, I usually just kind of ignore it. Sometimes, when I’m with my parents or sister, they’ll say something to the person, but staring and pointing doesn’t bother me much anymore. When I was younger and was in school, kids would tease me. Kids would call me “retard” and say things that did hurt my feelings, but I learned to brush it off. Kids and adults still occasionally tease me today, but I’ve learned to take it in stride and try to overcome their negativity.
Probably what bugs me most is when people treat me like I’m deaf or I’m a baby. People talk to me in real high-pitched loud voice. I’ve gotten pats on my head, pinches on my cheeks, and even kisses on my cheeks multiple times. Again depending on where I am and who I’m with, I usually just kind of blow it off. Sometimes, if I’m with family or close friends, they’ll usually try to explain that I understand everything they say, but sometimes no matter how many times people try tell them, they still do it. Years ago, we had this elderly lady in church who came up to me every Sunday, talked to me really loud, and kissed me on the cheek. It never failed. After awhile, I just got used to it. I’ve also had people insist on giving me things such as stuffed animals and stickers when I’m out in public. I understand when people do these kinds of things that they’re trying to be nice and aren’t trying to be hurtful. That said, it does hurt inside and it’s really embarrassing—especially when out with my friends. Most of my friends are used to it now, and we just laugh it off, but it’s still embarrassing!
I realize people have misconceptions because I’m in a power wheelchair and can’t talk. I also know that I should use my communication device more to avoid some of the misconceptions, but, at the same time, today’s society should be used to differences. Whether the person has a disability or not, treat them as normal as possible. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask. The person with the disability would most likely have you ask it rather then having the wrong assumption be made. Don’t be afraid to say hi—- it’ll make things a lot less awkward for both of you!
Though things are improving daily for people with disabilities, some people will never fully understand that we have the capabilities to lead fairly normal lives. We, as people with disabilities, have an ongoing challenge to prove to the world that we can lead successful lives!
***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.
DISABLED WORLD: New Rule Requires US Airlines to Report Wheelchair and Scooter Transport and Damage
By SD Network, 2016-11-08
Some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved thanks to a final ruling by the Department of Transportation. The ruling requires large domestic airlines to track and report information about wheelchairs and scooters. Beginning in 2017, airlines will report how many wheelchairs and scooters that are put in cargo on a monthly basis. They will be also required to report how many wheelchairs and scooters are lost, damaged, etc... The hope is that this data will show what specific areas training needs to happen to reduce damages and meet the requirements of the Air Carrier Access Act.
A very interesting case about the right to have a service dog in school is making national headlines. The case is about a school district in Michigan who banned a student from bringing her service dog to school. The dog was specially trained to do such things as open doors, pick up items, and provide the girl with some independence. However, the school said an adult assistant could provide all the assistance she needed. There was question whether or not the family could directly sue the school or if they had to go through aadministrative proceedings first to try to settle it. The girl ended up transferring to another school district where the dog was welcomed, but the family is suing the school district under the ADA because they refused to accommodate the dog for over two years. They're seeking emotional damages. The ruling is expected in June
Michigan recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Michigan, the program is known as "MiABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Michigan as well as across the country.
In the 2012 election, 30% of voters reported problems while voting. Various problems ranged from different physical barriers, to the subject of mental competency. This blog discusses some of the issues and what needs to be done to ensure voting is accessible for everyone.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION: FCC Released Biennial Report on Communications Technology Accessibility
By SD Network, 2016-11-03
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) of the Federal Communications Commission released its report on the state of accessibility of communications technology under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The CVAA's goal is to ensure that accessibility laws keep up with the times and constantly changing technology to ensure access for people with disabilities. The report discusses things such as accessibility of telecommunications services, advanced communications services, and mobile phone Internet browsers.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY: Technology Bill of Rights for Americans with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2016-11-03
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has asked Congress to promulgate a Technology Bill of Rights for Americans with disabilities. NCD established this request in its state of the union on disability policy for 2016, "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report." The report focuses on how information and communication technology (ICT) continues to transform modern life, and the potential ICT and assistive technology holds for improving how people with disabilities live in the world.