News
The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship managed by Rooted in Rights and AAPD 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. The project combines hands-on training on cutting edge technologies with a strong foundation in developing the individual’s voice and using story-driven videos in advocacy. Applications are due March 15th.
The 2017 Aging and Disability Network Conference is calling for Proposals for Workshop Presentations. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, through the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, is sponsoring the first Aging and Disability Network Conference: Together Towards Tomorrow.
This statewide training opportunity is September 6-8, 2017, at the Madison Marriott West, 1313 John. Q. Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI 53562.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Nevada, North Carolina, and Kansas Launch ABLE Programs
By SD Network, 2017-02-02
Nevada, North Carolina, and Kansas recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). Nevada's program is called "ABLE Nevada," North Carolina's program is called "NC ABLE," and the Kansas program is called "Kansas ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. All three programs are open to residents nationwide.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota Launch ABLE Programs
By SD Network, 2017-02-02
Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). Iowa's program is called "IAble," Minnesota's is called "Minnesota ABLE Plan," and it's known as "Illinois ABLE" in Illinois. Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. All three programs are open to residents nationwide.
Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum Accepting Applications
The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities. It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness to approximately 25 students with disabilities from throughout the state of Wisconsin. YLF is a project of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum is for:
- Students who show leadership potential by being active in their school and community
- Students who have a disability (physical, learning, cognitive, emotional, sensory, etc.)
- Wisconsin residents
- Students who are currently sophomores, juniors or seniors
Why Attend the Youth Leadership Forum?
- To give you a place to meet other students your age who are experiencing similar issues and concerns,
- help you increase your leadership skills so you can further your future goals and reach them,
- assist you in becoming a leader in your school and community.
WHERE: Edgewood College, Madison, WI
WHEN: July 9 - July 14, 2017
To apply: go to the website download the application and submit it by April 1, 2017.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Department of Health Services (DHS) Announces the Managed Care Organizations to Provide Family Care Services in Northern Wisconsin Expansion Counties
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Recently, the Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the expansion of Family Care services in six northern Wisconsin counties including Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Taylor and Adams. This will provide many people access to long-term care services for the first time. DHS plans to expand Family Care ad IRIS statewide in the first quarter of 2018.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: New USDA Regulation Confirms ABLE Funds Protection
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Recently, the Food and Nutrition Service published a final rule regarding various aspects related to, among other things, eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families (including those with disabilities) and provides economic benefits to communities. Since SNAP is federally funded, this rule confirms that ABLE funds won't compromise eligible people from accessing benefits under the SNAP program.
GEORGIA TECH: Read the Wireless RERC research brief, Observations of the 2016 National EAS Test
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) did a study of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) test that was done in September 2016. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the EAS in 1997 for an easy way to alert the public of local and national emergencies. Wireless RERC's study finds that there is inconsistent implementation of the EAS nationwide, which results in inaccessibility to people with disabilities. The Wireless RERC made recommendations that would improve accessibility, like slower scrolling announcement text, uniformity of presentation, and muting of the regularly scheduled television program.
BUSINESS INSIDER: A group of Google employees spent their '20% time' making Google Maps wheelchair-friendly
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Google developers have spent time gathering information regarding accessibility for public places like restaurants in order to add the information to Google Maps. When you search for a restaurant on Google Maps, general information like the hours of operation, reviews, and the restaurant's website are included in the entry. Now, the entries will also show information on accessibility, such as whether the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
MY SOCIAL GOOD NEWS: Tangata Group Is Founded To Address The Rights of People With Disabilities Worldwide
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Several disability rights scholars have joined together to form The Tangata Group, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting disability rights. The group's name is from the Maori language; "tangata" means "the essence of being human." The founders hope to consult on domestic and international human and disability rights issues, including matters involving the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and accessibility issues.