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.

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.

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 5^th. 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 12^th 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 21^st in Wausau
• September 21^st in Hayward
• September 23^rd in Madison
• September 28^th in LaCrosse
• October 6^th 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 9^th-11^th. 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 21^st, 9am to 12pm, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau WI
• DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 21^st, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Hayward High School, Hayward WI
• The Fine Art of Balancing Protection with Self-Determination Webinar: September 22^nd, 1pm, Online
• DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 23^rd, 9am to 12pm, Goodman Community Center, Madison WI
• Statewide Assistive Technology Resource Fair: September 23^rd, Lambeau Field Atrium, Green Bay WI
• DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: September 28^th, 12:30pm to 3:30pm, LaCrosse Public Library Auditorium, LaCrosse WI
• WI FACETS College Panel: September 29^th, 6pm to 8pm, WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI

• Bringing Innovation to Light: What We Hold Dear in Dane County: September 30^th, 10am to 6:30pm, Madison Public Library, Madison WI
• Parents in Partnership (PIP): October 2^nd to 3^rd, Holiday Inn Express, St. Croix Falls WI
• DHS Public Hearing on Future of Family Care and Self-Direction: October 6^th, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Wilson Park Senior Center, Milwaukee WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9^th to 10^th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9^th to 10^th, Tundra Lodge Resort and Conference Center, Green Bay WI
• Long-Term Care in the WI State Budget: What's Next?: October 12^th, 10:30am to 12pm, Online
• Mia Mingus Presentation: October 23^rd, 4:15pm to 6pm, Sterling Hall, Madison WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 23^rd to 24^th, Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, Eau Claire WI
• Self-Determination Conference: November 9^th to 11^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Across the Lifespan Conference: December 3^rd to 4^th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Wisconsin Transition Conference: February 18^th to 19^th, 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.

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/

The Circles of Life Conference is an annual statewide conference for families of children and youth with disabilities or special health care needs and professionals who support them. The conference is a unique opportunity for participants to develop new skills, learn up to date information, and form lasting relationships.

We are looking for presenters including parents, family members, youth and adults with disabilities or special health care needs, professionals, providers, volunteers, or other potential presenters with information or expertise in a broad range of topics that affect families and individuals with disabilities. Previous topics have included: leadership and advocacy, community, education, family and self-care and wellness, health and mental health topics, long-term care, transition, and many others.

We hope that you will consider submitting a proposal for the 2016 conference or share this information with other individuals who would be excellent presenters! The deadline for submission isOctober 7, 2015. For more information, find us on Facebook or visit the Circles of Life web site atwww.circlesoflifeconference.com

DHS Adds MorePublic HearingsonFuture of Family Care and Self-Direction in WI

This is an interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about a new proposed rule would help ensure people with disabilities aren't discriminated against at doctor's offices. She explains that specifically the rule mandates that providersmake reasonable modifications in policies, practices or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability. It's a very informative article.

Proposal Aims To Curb Disability Bias Among Doctors, Insurers

By Michelle Diament

The Obama administration is taking new steps to ensure that people with disabilities dont face discrimination at the doctors office.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has put forward new regulations clarifying protections for people with disabilities when it comes to health care and insurance coverage.

Specifically, theproposalpublished Tuesday in the Federal Register mandates that health care providers make reasonable modifications in policies, practices or procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.

Whats more, under the proposal, facilities and technology should be accessible and those with disabilities must be provided effective communication via alternative formats or sign language interpreters, for example. The plan also stipulates that insurance providers offer equal coverage to people with disabilities.

The rule would apply to all plans sold by health insurers that offer coverage through Healthcare.gov and any health program that receives funding through the Department of Health and Human Services including hospitals that treat Medicare beneficiaries, federal officials said.

In addition to disability, the proposal bolsters protections related to race, color, national origin, age, sex and gender identity.

This proposed rule is an important step to strengthen protections for people who have often been subject to discrimination in our health care system, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell said.

The rule will be up for public comment through Nov. 9 before it can be finalized.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/09/08/proposal-curb-disability-bias/20780/

U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Petition for Rulemaking:

Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities; Service Criteria for Complementary Paratransit Fares.

Comments are requested on the method of calculating trip fares for eligible ADA complementary paratransit customers. Comments must be submitted bySeptember 21, 2015.

Notice of Petition for Rulemaking - Comments Sought

The U.S. Department of Transportation seeks comments on a petition for rule-making proposed by Access Services, a complementary paratransit provider in Los Angeles County, California, regarding the method of calculating trip fares for eligible ADA complementary paratransit customers.

Key Factors:

Current regulation 49 CFR 37.131 Service Criteria for Complementary Paratransit, paragraph (c) states, "Fares. The fare for a trip charged to an ADA paratransit eligible user of the complementary paratransit service shall not exceed twice the fare that would be charged to an individual paying full fare (i.e., without regard to discounts) for a trip of similar length, at a similar time of day, on the entity's fixed route system."

• Access Services is proposing an addition to this language that would:
  • Apply to entities coordinating paratransit service for 20 or more fixed-route agencies;
  • Allow the calculation of fixed-route fare based on a regional average; and
  • Fix the cap on the ADA complementary paratransit fare not to exceed twice the regional average for fixed-route trips.

The U.S. DOT seeks input from both customers and providers of paratransit services. From customers, particular questions to answer include:

• Would a more simplified tiered fare system, set by the local transit agencies, be beneficial to individuals with disabilities using public transportation in regions with multiple fixed-route providers?
• Would any tiered system need to be capped at a certain amount (e.g., twice the fare on a comparable fixed route trip)?
• How many tiers would be unmanageable for individuals with disabilities?

Questions for providers include:

• How do these paratransit providers, particularly in regions with many fixed-route operators, currently determine fares in order to comply with the Department's current regulations?
• What procedures or best practices do they use?
• What challenges do ADA complementary paratransit providers face in setting fares under the current regulations?
• How many fixed-route providers do you coordinate with?

Submission of Comments

• The comment period is open untilSeptember 21, 2015.
• All comments should include the docket number: DOT-OST-2015-0075
• Comments may be submitted as follows:
• Online at:http://www.regulations.gov
• Via telefax at202-493-2251
• Via U.S. mail at Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001
• By hand to:

Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building, U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between9 a.m. and 5 p.m.Eastern, Monday through Friday except federal holidays.

Click here for full text of the Petition for Rulemaking; Request for Comments and Instructions for Submitting Comments

***Thanks to the Great Lakes ADA Center (http://www.adagreatlakes.org/)for providing us with this information.