News
SEEKING NOMINATIONS: Wisconsin Long Term Care Workforce Alliance Caregiver Awards
By SD Network, 2015-10-05
Hereis the nomination form and sponsorship form for this year's WLTCWA Caregiver Awards. This year awards will be presented to four caregivers, a team of caregivers, andnew this year: a family caregiver or caregiver of a friend. We hope you will nominate someone you know for one of these awards and/or forward this on to any other organizations or listserves you may be affiliated with. These awards dont just recognize the winnersthey recognize all long-term care workers who work hard every day to serve the older adults and individuals with disabilities in this state.
As an alliance we thought it was very important to highlight and help sustain the important work of families and friends who are caring for a loved one in their own home with chronic, disabling health conditions (both paid and unpaid). We want to honor and recognize the strength and perseverance of these family caregivers who dedicate their lives to care for their loved ones.
The due date for nominations isFriday, October 16, 2015.Forms and essays can be either faxed to866-813-0974,emailed, or sent to the following address:
2015 Caregiver Awards
c/o GWAAR
1414 MacArthur Road, Suite A
Madison, WI 53714
A copy of the brochure is also available on theWI Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance Website. Thanks in advance for all your help to promote this event!
The committee would like to thank our sponsors:
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https://static.ctctcdn.com/ui/images1/btn_fbk_160_a.pngThis is a great blog on disability.gov written by guest blogger Neal Seigrfried about the power of networking for people with disabilities. He explains that there are many different types of networking. He also points out that networking can be used for many different things-- not just employment. Networking can be beneficial in so many ways!
The Power of Networking
By Neil Seigrfried
For those of us with any kind of disability, we live our life in a normal world. We have to face the fact that only 20 percent of the U.S. population is disabled and many disabilities are not visually detected. For those of us who use a mobility aide or prosthesis, we have to get used to the stares and questions that are inevitable. Its always nice to learn how others in the same boat deal with this. This can be done best through networking.
Networking comes in different forms. A neighborhood, school or business function can be networking. In todays online world, social media is a huge form of networking. Simply put, networking is interacting with other people to exchange information and develop contacts.
Networking allows people to market themselves as in a possible career move. One can network to make social connections. We can also use networking to build on knowledge. We learn to live with what we are dealt. Unfortunately, some of us only learn enough to get by in our day-to-day routine. Networking allows people to expand their world by sharing ways of doing tasks. You might find that one way is easier and more efficient than the way you were first shown.
It becomes empowering to attend any event or function designed for people with disabilities. It is especially cool to attend a function designed specifically for your disability. I have been an amputee since 2004. In May 2004, after losing my leg in April, I read about a conference for amputees that was to be held that summer in Nashville. I felt the need to attend. Walking into the conference hotel was like, Gee, Ive arrived where I belong. Everywhere you looked were scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and lots and lots of prosthetic legs and arms.
I connected with as many people as I could to try to learn as much as I could about my new life. Everywhere I turned was a new learning experience. There were sessions available for just about everything you might encounter in life, even one on how to be intimate. I even took an acting class that was taught by an amputee actor. Such a great experience!!
That first conference for me was an epiphany. I learned more about being an amputee and dealing with amputee issues. I walked very well, but I learned how to carry myself better and with more ease. I learned easier ways to lead my daily life. It wasnt all business, though. There was pool time, where you could learn even more. Getting in and out of a pool isnt always easy when you only have one leg. And I was amazed that I did not swim in circles as I was told I would. Meal time and bar time usually gives you a chance to add some colorful touches to your disability. You loosen up a bit and become less rigid. This is the time to make connections with people by comparing and cajoling.
Ive attended every conference since 2004. Ive made friends from around the world. These are true friends, not acquaintances people who I long to spend more time with. I try to welcome and guide new attendees when going to conferences today. It can boggle the mind when youre trying to absorb so much in so little time.
I recently took a cruise through an accessible travel company where amputees were mixed with people with spina bifida. It was interesting to network with these guys. I got to understand more of their abilities as compared with those of an amputee.
Support groups are a great source of networking. These meetings allow people to come together, usually in smaller numbers, to share their experiences. Group meetings can also provide introductions to various aspects of your life you might think youve lost, such as sports, recreation and fitness. I get as much out of our support group meeting by helping someone else as I do from the program itself.
Social media has entered many of our lives. There are online pages for virtually anything and everything out there. Social media provides a real benefit for people with disabilities. It allows people in even the most remote areas to network with others.
The Amputee Coalitionmaintains aFacebook pagefor this purpose. It has exceeded 70,000 likes within its three-year lifespan. It isnt unusual to get 20-25 posts per day with up to 100 responses each. Weve even helped prevent four suicides. Amputees from all walks of life have found us. We help new amputees, their caregivers or family members and amputees who are suddenly experiencing problems after years of normal wear. We even get some who are contemplating amputation. They come to us comparing their present life with a useless limb to that of an amputee. Our primary concern is helping others overcome a problem, but we also become a cheering section for those whove accomplished a particularly difficult task. We share pictures, prayers, love and hope.
Networking can be a meeting of two to an infinite amount of people coming together to share. Share what you want, but have some fun doing it. Be sure to give back as you never know when your way might be the best way. If youre having a problem, dont be afraid to reach out. The next time you see a notice of a chance for networking, try your best to attend. It just might change your life.
Source:https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/09/24/the-power-of-networking/
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL: Disabled, elderly concerned about state changes to Family Care, IRIS
By SD Network, 2015-10-01
This is a great article in theWisconsin State Journalwritten by David Wahlberg about people with disabilities continue to voice concerns over changes in long-term care. He explains what some of the changes would mean for people. There are many valid quotes in this piece..
Disabled, elderly concerned about state changes to Family Care, IRIS
By David Wahlberg
Through Wisconsins Medicaid program, Nick Zouski, a disabled man from Madison, hires a caregiver to come to his home at 5:30 a.m. weekdays to help him get ready for work.
Under changes in the state budget passed in July, insurance companies will administer such long-term care, along with medical care, for some 55,000 disabled and elderly residents.
Zouski, 37, a quadriplegic from a diving accident who works at Access to Independence in Madison, is worried about the impact on his life.
I would challenge anyone to find a large insurance company that would send someone consistently to my house at 5:30 in the morning, he said. Its not going to happen.
Zouski was among more than 30 patients, advocates and others who testified Wednesday at a public hearing in Madison on the changes, set to begin in 2017.
The Department of Health Services is expected to release details early next year.
Currently, eight regional managed-care organizations oversee home care and other supportive services for about 43,000 disabled and elderly people through the states Family Care program, part of Medicaid.
Some 12,000 more rely on an alternative program called IRIS Include, Respect, I Self-Direct which lets them hire caregivers.
Both programs are designed to keep people out of nursing homes.
Under the changes, which the health department calls Family Care/IRIS 2.0, a smaller number of insurance companies known as integrated health agencies, or IHAs, will replace the managed-care organizations and offer an IRIS-like option.
Additionally, the companies would provide participants with medical care, something they now receive through other Medicaid coverage.
As part of the change, Dane County and seven other counties in Wisconsin that havent adopted Family Care will have to implement it.
Dane County has contributed extra money, which brings in federal matching money, to provide supportive services that county officials say are richer than those in Family Care. There is a waiting list, however, which is supposed to go away under Family Care.
The scope and complexity of the statewide changes has left patients and advocates concerned, many of them told health department officials at the hearing at Goodman Community Center on Madisons East Side.
Susan Oshman, of Madison, said her daughter, Meadow Cynkar, 40, has cerebral palsy, seizures and developmental disabilities. Oshman said Cynkar has been able to work three part-time jobs, pay taxes and live with others in a Madison apartment because of consistent care under the current system.
Changing providers to the new IHA could have devastating effects, Oshman said.
Tom Frazier, co-chairman of the Wisconsin Long-term Care Coalition, said Aging and Disability Resource Centers, established around the state as part of Family Care, should be maintained and not replaced by other entities, as has been discussed. The centers help people find services.
With the changes, were going to need all the help we can get, Frazier said. There will be a lot of confusion and destruction of peoples previous lives.
Beth Swedeen, executive director of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, said state officials should make the IHAs accountable for the lifestyle quality of clients, not only medical factors such as hospitalizations.
Questions like: How much are they being employed in the community? Swedeen said. Are their choices being honored? Do they feel safe?
Fran Gentry, adult services manager for Dane County, urged state officials to make sure the IHAs dont jeopardize supportive services by focusing more on medical care. Also, the insurance companies shouldnt be allowed to have unlimited profits, Gentry said.
If profits are not capped, profits will increase with every service denial, and that would be bad, he said.
Karen Musser, president and CEO of Madison-based Care Wisconsin, one of the managed-care organizations that operate Family Care today, said the agency hopes to participate as an IHA in the new program.
But Musser asked state officials to lower financial reserve requirements. Critics have said most of the managed-care organizations dont have enough money to qualify.
Margaret Kristan, of the health departments long-term care division, told the audience that Wisconsin is a national leader in managed and self-directed long-term care. We want that tradition to continue, she said.
The hearing was the fourth held around the state this month. Three more hearings for the general public are scheduled, including another one at Goodman Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 7.
We are currently accepting proposals for the 2016 Annual Conference,April 7-9, 2016at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The purpose of the conference is to provide a wide range of information to those affected by autism, including those who are new to autism and those who have years of experience. Breakout sessions take place onFriday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, lasting one hour and fifteen minutes each.
Were looking for presentations on topics affecting those with autism at all ages. Of particular interest are submissions that include practical strategies and include the following content:
- Evidence based practices
- Challenging behaviors
- Positive behavior support
- Bullying
- Interventions using technology
- Issues affecting teens & young adults
- Aging with autism
- Single parenting
- and more!
Be creative!
Below you will find the link to the proposal form which includes important instructions and guidelines. Please read over the materials carefully beforehand. If you are looking to submit a proposal for the BCBA CE breakout sessions, please refer to the next section below. Contact Melissa atmvandevelden@asw4autism.orgwith any questions.
Download the form here.All proposals are due byFriday, November 13, 2015
BCBA Call for Proposals Form
The Autism Society of Wisconsin is an Approved Continuing Education (ACE) Provider through the BACB. If you meet the criteria listed and you'd like your proposal to be considered for a BCBA CE breakout session,please complete this application.
Ask your legislator to Co-sponsor the MAPP Reform & Sustainability bill (LRB 2576/1)!
By SD Network, 2015-09-28
Contact your legislator and ask them to co-sponsor the MAPP bill (LRB 2576).Your legislator can add their name in support of the bill through the close of businessSeptember 29th.
You can find out who your State Senator and State Representative is by typing in your address under the Find My Legislator section onhttp://legis.wisconsin.gov/
Many people with disabilities rely on Medicaid-funded supportsmental health services, personal care, etc.that are not available in the private sector market or are not available at the levels necessary or at an affordable price. Strict Medicaid asset and income limits are often cited by people with disabilities as a Catch 22they want to work and progress in a career, but employment success and reaching earning potential may jeopardize the Medicaid services they need to work and that arent available outside Medicaid.
This bill proposes the following reforms to the program
- Determines eligibility on the basis of the individual participants income and assets, incentivizing workforce participation.
- Recognizes out-of-pocket medical and remedial expenses and long term care costs as deductible expenses when calculating an individuals net income. Long Term Care supportslike personal care and transportationare critical to make it possible for people with disabilities to work.
- Changes the premium calculation formula for those above 150% FPL, resulting in reasonable premiums that gradually increase with overall income. The current formula creates a disincentive to work because income results in unfair and unaffordable high premiums, sometimes well over $1,000 a month, for many individuals.
- Institutes a minimum $25 premium for all participants who are under 150% of the federal poverty level, establishing a fairer premium structure for all.
- Allows DHS to maintain MAPP eligibility for working people with disabilities earning more than 250% FPL as long as earnings are not sufficient to pay for all costs currently being supported through public benefit programs. Currently, the income/asset threshold causes MAPP participants to limit their earnings in order to maintain eligibility for the MAPP program.
- Gives participants the ability to contribute to their independence/retirement accounts without risking the loss of eligibility in other Medicaid programs once they can no longer work or they retire.
***Thanks to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities for providing us with this information.
The Self Determination Conference is Seeking Nominations for the 2015 Diehard Awards
By SD Network, 2015-09-24
ANNOUNCING THE 2015DIEHARD AWARD
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond the lives of people with disabilities? Heres your chance to nominate them for a Diehard Award in one of two categories: Professional or Self-Advocate/Grassroots Advocate!
A Diehard is someone who has made a significantcontribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles ofcommunity integration and self-determination. Nominations must be received byMonday, October 5th. You may only submit one nomination for one individual per category.
For more information on the Diehard Awards or to get a nomination form, please visithttp://wi-bpdd.org/sdc/index.cfm
Self-Determination Network News: September 2015
Connect|Share|Learn|http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Join us for a Webinar about the Future Wisconsins Long-Term Care System
In the 2015-2017 budget, Governor Walker and the legislature started a chain of events which will likely lead to major changes in Wisconsins Long-Term Care (LTC) system.
But what was really included in the budget? How and when will changes happen? Most importantly, what can we all do about it?
Join this webinar as we share what we already know and discuss what's next for long-term care in WI. The webinar will be on Monday October 12th from 10:30am to 12pm. Watch for registration information coming soon!
Public Hearings on the Future of Family Care and Self-Direction
The Department of Health Services (DHS) is hosting alimited number of public hearingson what the new Wisconsin managed long term care system should look like.The hearings scheduled so far are:
- September 21st in Wausau
- September 21st in Hayward
- September 23rd in Madison
- September 28th in LaCrosse
- October 6th in Milwaukee
An additional tribal hearing will be scheduled with the date and location to be determined.We will inform you when details on that become available. The Wisconsin Long Term Care Coalition has put togethera set of principlesthat must be the foundation of Wisconsins future Long Term Care systemto help participants develop written testimony. If possible, bring a written copy of your testimony. People will be given three minutes to speak.
You are an expert in the daily services you and your family need to live in and be a part of the community. Now is the time to let your voice be heard. We need to tell DHS what good things about the current system should stay the same, whether there are some things that should change, and what we do not want to see when the current system is replaced.
Take our One-Minute Poll
In our last one-minute poll, we asked if youre planning to attend this years Self-Determination Conference on November 9th-11th. Unfortunately, about 46% of people reported that they arent able to attend this year. About 15% of people said theyre already registered, and 23% of people say they still need to register. Another 15% say they arent sure if theyre attending yet. If youre going, please be sure to stop by the InControl Wisconsin booth in the exhibit hall and say hi!
This month, just for fun, were asking you what your favorite Halloween candy is. Take our one-minute poll now!
Statewide Assistive Technology Resource Fair
InControl Wisconsin will be at the Statewide Assistive Technology Resource Fair next Wednesday in Green Bay. Stop by our booth and learn ways you can become more involved in our Networks.
It Only Takes "Five"
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Outdoor Access for All: Access Ability Wisconsin posted about their mission to get all-terrain wheelchairs in Wisconsin so people with physical challenges can enjoy the outdoors. Find out how you can get involved!
- Air Travel Survey: The Paralyzed Veterans Administration is conducting a survey of air travelers who use wheelchairs.
- Intriguing Statistics: This is a very interesting press release about new disability statistics.
- Protections for Home Care Workers: This is a great article about how the federal appeals court has reinstated a rule that gives home care workers minimum wage and overtime protections.
- Disability Rights Importance: This is a great article about why ensuring the ADA and other disability rights laws is important to everyone.
- Budget Summary: The Wisconsin Survival Coalition has put together a detailed summary of the state budgets impact on the disability.
- Inclusive Society: This is an awesome blog about ways to make society more inclusive for people with disabilities.
- Summary of Medicaid Forum: Here is a summary of the process the state will use to create the new long-term care.
- Housing Concerns: This is an interesting article about concerns over the lack of housing available for people with disabilities in Wauwatosa.
- Airline Guidelines: This is a great article about how the US Department of Transportation has created a new guide airlines must follow when serving people with disabilities
- Family Care and IRIS PowerPoint: The Department of Health Services has now posted a PowerPoint presentation which they will give at every public hearing outlining state budget provisions regarding Family Care and IRIS.
- Adaptive Sports Program: This is a great article about how an adaptive sports program is opening doors for people with disabilities.
- Eliminating Discrimination: This is an interesting article about a new proposed rule would help ensure people with disabilities aren't discriminated against at doctors offices.
- Call for Proposals: Presenter applications for the Circles of Life Conference are now being accepted.
- Access to Special Needs Trusts: This is a very interesting article about a new bill knownas the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act would allow individuals with disabilities to establish a special needs trust for themselves.
- Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!
Stacys Journal
This month Stacy shares about her love for teaching and ways she has found can teach despite her physical limitations. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
New Members
Stop by to welcomeour newest members:
- This IRIS Consultant believes that self-direction and choice are the key to living life.
- Shes passionate about self-determination.
- This advocate and writer wants to connect with other people with disabilities.
- This organization works to get all-terrain wheelchairs for people with physical disabilities.
- This guardian joined the network to learn.
- Shes a part of the aging network.
- This social worker wants to gather information that will help her provide appropriate services to clients.
Do you know someone who should join the Self-Determination Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!
Upcoming Events
Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the Self-Determination Network:
- DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 21st, 9am to 12pm, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau WI
- DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 21st, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Hayward High School, Hayward WI
- The Fine Art of Balancing Protection with Self-Determination Webinar: September 22nd, 1pm, Online
- DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 23rd, 9am to 12pm, Goodman Community Center, Madison WI
- Statewide Assistive Technology Resource Fair: September 23rd, Lambeau Field Atrium, Green Bay WI
- DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 28th, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, LaCrosse Public Library Auditorium, LaCrosse WI
- WI FACETS College Panel: September 29th, 6pm to 8pm, WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
- Bringing Innovation to Light: What We Hold Dear in Dane County: September 30th, 10am to 6:30pm, Madison Public Library, Madison WI
- Parents in Partnership (PIP): October 2nd to 3rd, Holiday Inn Express, St. Croix Falls WI
- DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: October 6th, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Wilson Park Senior Center, Milwaukee WI
- Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9th to 10th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9th to 10th, Tundra Lodge Resort and Conference Center, Green Bay WI
- Long-Term Care in the WI State Budget: What's Next?: October 12th, 10:30am to 12pm, Online
- Mia Mingus Presentation: October 23rd, 4:15pm to 6pm, Sterling Hall, Madison WI
- Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 23rd to 24th, Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, Eau Claire WI
- Self-Determination Conference: November 9th to 11th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Across the Lifespan Conference: December 3rd to 4th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Wisconsin Transition Conference: February 18th to 19th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
Post your eventon 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 In Control Wisconsin and supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.
- Ask organizers to link the AAW website to the event's web page.
- Can you coordinate information being available at your physician's office, local school, or club? We had a youth use it for a field trip with his classmates this spring.
- Post the availability on your Facebook page.
- Like AAW's FB page:https://www.facebook.com/AccessAbilityWI?fref=ts
- Note: The press release is on the website. Click on the "Thank you to the Reeve Foundation" link in the middle of the Home page.
This is a very interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about a new bill knownas the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act would allow individuals with disabilities to establish a special needs trust for themselves. He explains how under current law, such trusts must be created by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or a court. He also notes that this would be different than the ABLE accounts.
Bill Would Increase Access To Special Needs Trusts
By Michelle Diament
Legislation approved by the U.S. Senate this week may soon make it easier for people with disabilities to save money.
The bill known as the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act would allow individuals with disabilities to establish a special needs trust for themselves. Under current law, such trusts must be created by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or a court.
Those who want and need to set up a trust to help pay for their care shouldnt have to jump through hoops to do it, said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who sponsored the legislation which passed by unanimous consent. This bill allows individuals to act in their own interests with their own assets without having to rely on a family member or the courts.
Special needs trusts can be vital for people with disabilities who rely on government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. To qualify for such programs, individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in assets at any given time. However, money saved within a special needs trust does not count against the asset limit.
A companion bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives.
Separately, states are working to implement the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act, which offers another way for people with disabilities to save money. Under thatlaw, individuals with disabilities will be able to establish ABLE accounts where they can accrue up to $100,000 without compromising their government benefits.
Even after ABLE accounts become available, however, experts say that deposit limits on the new accounts will mean that many people with disabilities will continue to rely on special needs trusts as well.
Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/09/11/bill-access-trusts/20789/