This is a great story from WISC TV/CHANNEL 3000 written by Leah Linscheid about a piece of equipment that helps people who have limited mobility hunt. This all-terrain wheelchair makes it possible for people to partake in several outdoor activities. The wheelchair is located in Dane County.

Wheelchair helps those without mobility hunt

All-terrain wheelchair operates on tracks

By Leah Linscheid

MADISON, Wis. -A new piece of hardware is helping those with limited disability take part in Wisconsin's hunting tradition.

More than 300,000 people in the state have mobility issues and cant easily maneuver through the rough terrain encountered during a hunt. Access Ability Wisconsin is offering a solution to that problem -- an all-terrain wheelchair, purchased this month.

The enhanced wheelchair will be located in Dane County and can help people with handicaps access the states outdoor activities, like hunting. It runs on tracks and can quietly maneuver through any type of terrain.

Monica Kamal, a co-founder of Access Ability, took the wheelchair out Saturday.

"In a regular wheelchair, or if I had a cane or walker, being able to go around a terrain like this is very difficult, Kamal says.

Kamal is an avid hunter, despite a skiing accident 14 years ago that left her without motion.

"My skis hit the slope, it drug me down, I hit a tree, broke my back and paralyzed myself, she says. Im basically paralyzed from mid-waist to my toes.

Taking part in the hunt has been difficult for Kamal, as she was limited to a regular wheelchair. That wasnt the case Saturday.

The important thing about the all-terrain wheelchair is I have independence, she says. For one of the first times, I was able to go around through the woods and I didnt have to worry about anybody. They didnt have to push me over rocks or worry about me falling out I would do it just like I was a walking person again.

Kamal hunted for white tail Saturday side by side with her boyfriend, Steve something they havent been able to do before the all-terrain equipment.

The independence, the freedom and the not being dependent on someone, were really important," she says.

They didnt harvest any deer, or even see any Saturday, but Kamal says shell be out time and time again this week, thanks to the new wheelchair.

Source: http://www.channel3000.com/news/wheelchair-helps-those-without-mobility-hunt/29885412

This is an interesting blog on disability.gov written by Ann Chiapetta about pet owners are passing off their dogs as service animals. This has become a real problem for businesses. She explains how service animal organizations are trying to come up with ways to educate the general public about this issue.

Service Dogs Welcome?

By Ann Chiapetta

There is trouble out there in service dog land. The nationwide publicity about pet owners passing off their dogs as service animals has become a current event. To be more specific, there is an epidemic of pet owners trying to pass their dogs off as working dogs. Did you know that, with just a minimum of information, you can go online and purchase a vest and fake ID for your pet stating it is an assistance animal?

Legitimate service and guide dog handlers are at risk of being turned away from public places because of this epidemic. As a guide dog handler, I know this problem firsthand. For example, businesses are caught in-between following the laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities and their service dogs, while also not having a clear way of identifying illegitimate service animals.

One organization that is spearheading a campaign to increase public awareness about this issue isGuide Dog Users, Inc.(GDUI). As the nations leading consumer and advocacy organization of people with visual impairments working with guide dogs as their primary means of mobility, GDUI hopes to educate the general public about this problem.

As a dog guide user, I am concerned about how the growing number of pet owners who misrepresent their pet dogs as service animals in order to gain access to public places, or to avoid pet fees, will adversely affect me. Currently, business owners are faced with trying to identify pets posing as service animals, a problem which is only mounting.

These kind of clashes have increased exponentially, and dog guide teams feel it each time we are barred from legitimately entering a place that accommodates the public because of a pet owner who doesnt want to leave their dog at home.

Likewise, many people do not understand that dogs and other types of domestic animals, known asEmotional Support Animals, are not qualified service animals.The sole function of these animals is to provide comfort, emotional support or well-being, and therapeutic benefits or companionship. Under theAmericans with Disabilities Act(ADA), only service animals that perform physical tasks or work to mitigate a disability are given the right to accompany their partners with disabilities in all public places.

Moreover, GDUI supports businesses and transportation services that allow people with legitimate disabilities to be accompanied by guide dogs and other types of service animals. They also support pet owners who maintain good control over their dogs and obey applicable local, state and federal laws regarding access for people with disabilities who use service animals.

GDUI also supports state laws that penalize individuals who knowingly misrepresent a dog as a guide dog, or other type of service animal, in order to gain the same treatment or benefits as a person with disabilities.

As a result, GDUI and other service dog organizations are struggling to find positive ways to inform the public that posing as a person with a disability with a service dog is harmful to the people who depend on genuine service dogs to assist them, and that it constitutes a form of fraud.

The United States is the most accessible country in the world. The guide dog movement has been established for 50 years; many of those early years we spent fighting for our civil rights as people with disabilities who are blind. Our dogs are indeed the quiet, masterful companions we depend upon. If someone you know is passing off a pet as a service animal, we hope you will share this blog with them and let them know they are hurting other legitimate guide dog teams.

Ann Chiappetta, M.S. is a writer, advocate and guide dog user living in New York State. Ann works as a trauma and family therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs. To view Anns blog, please visitwww.thought-wheel.com.

Source:http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2014/11/21/service-dogs-welcome/

Disability.gov can help you find transportation options near you, includingpublic transportation, paratransit and accessible taxis.Disability.govs Guide to Transportationalso has information aboutmodifying a car or other vehicleandprograms that can help you buy a car. Learn about your transportation rights and find resources for air travelers with disabilities. Read 10 Things You Need to Know about Trains, Planes and Automobiles to learn more. There areguides on other important topicsas well.

VisitDisability.govs Guide to Transportation

An article inDisability Scoopwritten by Shaun Heasley about how now Jerry Seinfeld says he does not have autism. This, understandably, is creating some controversy among advocates and those who have the disorder.

Seinfeld Now Says He Doesnt Have Autism

By Shaun Heasley

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is backing off comments he made earlier this month suggesting that he may be on the autism spectrum.

In an interview withAccess Hollywood, Seinfeld clarified that he does not have the developmental disorder.

I dont have autism. Im not on the spectrum, the 60-year-old comic said. I just was watching this play about it and thought, why am I relating to something? I related to it on some level. Thats all I was saying.

Seinfelds comments come just weeks after hetoldNBC News that he sees traits of autism in himself, explaining that hes very literal and often struggles with social engagement.

I think on a very drawn-out scale, I think Im on the spectrum, he said at the time.

The suggestion that Seinfeld, whos currently promoting his web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, might have autism sparked controversy among those affected by the developmental disorder.

Some advocates welcomed Seinfelds acknowledgement, but others criticized the celebrity arguing that by attempting to self-diagnose he was making light of a disorder that can bring significant challenges.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/11/20/seinfeld-doesnt-autism/19864/

An article in theGreen Bay Press Gazetteabout how Family Care is expanding to seven counties in Northeastern Wisconsin--including Door and Kewaunee counties--in 2015.

Family Care expands to Door County

By Ramelle Bintz

Door and Kewaunee counties will join other counties in the state already offering Family Care to frail seniors and adults with disabilities. The Legislatures budget committee approved the expansion of the program Wednesday for seven counties in Northeastern Wisconsin.

Family Care currently operates in 57 of Wisconsins 72 counties allowing older adults and adults with developmental and physical disabilities to receive long term care in their own homes and communities rather than institutions or nursing homes.

A study by the Department of Health Services found that expanding the Family Care program to other parts of the state could reduce the states long-term care costs by nearly $35 million over the next 10 years. The transition to Family Care is expected to save the county at least $67,000 the first year it is implemented

Door County Board members and representatives from human service departments have lobbied lawmakers for years to expand the program to both improve services and reduce costs. State Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, applauded the unanimous vote by the Joint Finance Committee to approve the Family Care contracts.

Care Wisconsin and Lakeland Care District will be awarded the contracts to administer the program. Enrollment in the program is likely to being in early 2015.

Expanding the program is the right thing to do, Bies said. The 1,300 people who have been on the waiting list for years can finally access the same services as those who live in other parts of the state.

Providing needed services to individuals in their homes and other community-based settings is better for their health and the state as a whole, Bies said. Im thankful we were all able to come together to support the Family Care program and the expansion to Northeastern Wisconsin.

Door County Human Services Director Joe Krebsbach said the county has managed to get the local waiting list down to 53 people for Family Care. There is no firm time frame when the program will be rolled out next year, but once a plan is in place, Krebsbach said there will be public presentations for both consumers and providers.

Its positive for the folks who have been waiting for services for extended lengths of time who finally will get the care they need, he said. Its probably more important for people who will be asking for services in upcoming years. When they are eligible they will get the service as opposed to waiting.

In Door County, people who need information or assistance on issues affecting people age 60 and older or people with disabilities, age 18 and older, regardless of income, can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 832 N. 14th Ave., Sturgeon Bay, or call (920) 746-2372.

Contact Ramelle Bintz at rbintz@doorcountyadvocate.com.

Source:http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/local/door-co/news/2014/11/13/family-care-expands-door-county/18992577/

The ABLE Act

The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (H.R. 647/S.313) gives peoplewith disabilities and their families a way to save for things like college,retirement, transportation, therapies, and other life Events without affectingtheir public benefits.

The ABLE Act aims to lift this financial burden on families by allowing for thecreation of tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. WhileCongressional support for the ABLE Act has been strong, it is unclear whetherCongress will pass this bill in its late fall session. Please contact yourCongressional representatives now to share your opinion about the ABLE Act.

Use this link to find out who has signed onto the ABLE Act from WI.https://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=9395&parent=278&parent_title=Social%20Security&url=/template/page.cfm?id%3D278

Find your U.S. Congress senators and representative in Wisconsin
<https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/WI> and how to contact them.

This is a great article in theWauwatosa Now written by Rory Linnane about a man's dream to build an athletic and rec place designed for people with physical disabilities. His motivation for trying to get this going is amazing.

Wauwatosa man's dream 'Ability Center' could have $15 million annual impact, study finds

By Rory Linnane

Wauwatosa resident Damian Buchman knows he is a medical anomaly, having twice survived bone cancer in his legs as a young teenager. That's why he's dedicated his career to helping other people with disabilities lead healthier lives.

"The fact that I'm standing on my own two feet is part of my blessing," Buchman said. "This is part of my service for surviving."

His goal:The Ability Center, an athletic and recreational facility designed specifically for people with disabilities. The ambitious project has been several years in the making, but TAC is gaining more traction recently after securing nearly $1 million in donations and completing studies that attest to its economic feasibility and impact.

"These studies are showing this is real, and we could be a leader in this arena, as opposed to someone who adapts and follows," said TAC board member Diane Braza, who is chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Buchman hopes to build the 4.5-acre center at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, where doctors and researchers could use it for studies and for rehabilitating patients.

Studies show promise

TAC's economic feasibility study, prepared by Sports Facilities Advisory, gave the project a thumbs up for viability due to the lack of accessible facilities in the area, the central location of the MRMC, local partnerships, and market demand for court sports.

The economic impact study, by Leib Advisors, estimated TAC could generate about $15 million in economic activity per year. That includes TAC expenses, spending by TAC visitors, and the secondary spending that occurs as a result of these visitors (like hotels buying more cleaning supplies to accommodate more guests).

Much of this impact depends on TAC being an international draw for big competitions like the Special Olympics, which is Buchman's goal. The facility plans include a track, fitness center, climbing wall, several pools, 12 volleyball courts, and six basketball courts. All sports would have accommodations for different disabilities, such as wheelchair basketball andgoal ball, a sport designed for people with blindness.

Leib Advisors estimated the average visitor to TAC would spend about $339 locally per 24 hours, including lodging, transportation, retail and entertainment. In the first year, the study estimates visitors to the facility will spend about $4.5 million in the area.

Buchman hopes these studies will help his case as he works to gain the support of the MRMC and Milwaukee County Board, as the land is owned by the county. His goal is to get a plot of land at the MRMC approved for TAC next June.

Bob Simi, recently hired as MRMC's new executive director, said he supported the Buchman's idea, but noted that land on the medical campus is highly competitive.

"It's extremely valuable property," Simi said. "We will have to give it thorough due diligence to see if it's the right location."

Collaboration key

Buchman said the MRMC location is ideal because of the potential collaborations with medical facilities, and the attractive location for both disabled and able-bodied members.

Buchman said TAC could be a living laboratory for students and professors who are studying and designing products for rehabilitation.

Braza, a SpineCare physician, said the facility could help many of her patients exercise who otherwise would struggle to stay fit.

"There's a real health concern about keeping people with disabilities active," she said. "Many of our patients would benefit from the accommodations, like an adaptive yoga program."

Buchman also hopes to build bridges with the able-bodied public. He's counting on them buying memberships to help fund scholarships on sliding scales for disabled members. Disabled people are more likely to live in poverty, and fitness options for them can be much more expensive.

"Your shoes are your wheelchair and that wheelchair is $2,500," Buchman said.

He envisions people with and without disabilities playing sports side-by-side, for once on equal playing fields in a place that's not just designed to accommodate disabilities, but created to welcome them.

"It's a pride and dignity thing," Buchman said. "Have a lot of them gotten used to not having that universal design? Sure. But is it right? Here, they will feel welcome, wanted and comfortable."

For more information on The Ability Center, visitwww.tacwi.org.

Source: http://www.wauwatosanow.com/news/wauwatosa-mans-dream-ability-center-could-have-15-million-annual-impact-study-finds-b99393042z1-283213501.html

The ABLE Act has had strong bipartisan support from Congress (which is very unusual), and we thought it would pass in September. Then we heard it would pass in November. Now we are hearing it is "hung up" by Congress because of its cost. This article inThe Hillwritten by Sara Weir and Stuart Spielman explains why it's critical that this gets passed!

Time to pass the ABLE Act and let families impacted by disability save for the future

By Sara Weir and Sturart Spielman

For the past eight years, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), Autism Speaks and dozens of other national disabilities groups have been at the forefront of the advocacy effort to pass the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. No other bill before this Congress has the ABLE Acts bipartisan and bicameral support - 74 US Senators, including Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and 381 US Representatives have offered their cosponsorship to the ABLE Act.

In addition to its vast bicameral, bipartisan support, the ABLE Act is being spearheaded by a dedicated set of Congressional champions - Sens. Robert Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) as well as their counterparts in the House, Reps. Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

Currently, people with disabilities cannot have more than $2,000 worth of assets before the government support that they need is cut off. In this day and age, $2,000 is not a lot of money. With the costs of employment supports, transportation and healthcare all rising,it is nearly impossible for families to save for the future,forcing a vicious cycle of poverty for millions of people with disabilities in this country.

Its organizations like NDSS and Autism Speaks that have come to the table and offered up solutions like the ABLE Act, that allow families and individuals with disabilities to save their own funds in an ABLE account rather than ask Congress for another new programfor the disability community. The ABLE Act is a hand up, not a handout for millions of people with disabilities.

The ABLE Act is a moving vehicle in July, the Senate Finance Committee (Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS) held a hearing on the bill, then a week later the House Ways & Means Committeeunanimously approved the ABLE Act. Now, its time for both the House and Senate to bring the ABLE Act up for a vote in this Lame Duck session.

People with disabilities cant wait any longer for the ABLE Act. The time is now.

Weir, MS, is the vice president of the National Down Syndrome Society in Washington, DC; andSpielman is the senior policy adviser and counsel of Autism Speaks in Washington, DC.

Source: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/223886-time-to-pass-the-able-act-and-let-families-impacted-by#.VGf7UAwWS-w.facebook

APPLY TO BE A WHITE HOUSE FELLOW!

We are pleased to support the White House Fellows program in announcing that the 2015-2016 White House Fellows application officially launched online on November 1, 2014! Open season is fromNovember 1, 2014 to January 15, 2015. Fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the President's Commission on White House Fellowships and over the course of nine presidential administrations - four Democrat and five Republican - the nonpartisan White House Fellows program has become the nation's premier fellowship for public service and leadership. The program's mission is to expose Fellows to first-hand, high-level experience in the Federal government.

The program consists of a full-time work placement in the offices of Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, and other high-ranking Administration officials. During a year in Washington, DC, Fellows also participate in a robust education program designed to provide a behind-the-scenes look into the inner workings of the Federal government. It is an extraordinary year that yields a lifetime of rewards. Learn more about the White House Fellows programhttp://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.

Please feel free to share this message widely with your networks and contact the White House Fellows program atwhitehousefellows@whf.eop.govor202-395-4522with any questions.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows/application" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apply onlinebetweenNovember 1, 2014 and January 15, 2015.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/fellows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn moreabout the White House Fellowship #WHFellows #BecomeaWHF #WHFellowsatFifty

http://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USED/2014/11/06/file_attachments/338715/WHF%2BOutreach%2BPacket%2B--%2B11-1-14.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHF Outreach Packet -- 11-1-14.pdf

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Share Resources!

Everyone has those key resources that we couldnt live without. Why not share them with others? We encourage you to post resources that you have found helpful in our Resource section. Its also a great place to announce a new resource. We all can benefit by sharing.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Election Poll Accessibility: Theresa posted some information about how voter turnout was really low among people with disabilities in the recent election.

• Stay Informed: Read about how Supplemental Security Income will increase next year.

• Be Inspired: Read this inspiring story about how self-determination led a young man to achieve things others thought impossible.

• A Bit of History: Learn about The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other Acts that have been passed to help people with disabilities.

• Read: This article in The Guardian brings up some interesting points about giving people with disabilities choices and control in their lives.

• Free Transportation: Find out which county in Wisconsin will start allowing people with disabilities to ride the bus system free of charge starting in April.

• Difference Maker: Read about this Stevens Point man who was recognized for looking beyond his disability and who gives back by encouraging others.

• Star Revelation: Find out which famous comedian thinks he may have Autism.

• Technology Advancements: Read about how advancements in technology could be life-changing for people with disabilities.

• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

New Members

Stop by to welcomeour newest members

• Shes a Pupil Services Director who has classes about self determination in her school system.

• Shes a coordinator for the Transition Improvement Grant.

• This person is an independent living coordinator/social worker for an independent living center.

• Shes a coordinator of a Supported Employment Program in New York.

• Shes a Disability Benefit Specialist.

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:

• ADA Audio Conference Series Session: Accommodating Persons with Environmental Sensitivities: December 16^th, 1:00pm to 2:30pm, Online

• Across The Lifespan: Bringing the Best Together: November 13^thto 14^th, Glacier Canyon Lodge and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells WI

• Wisconsin Transition Conference: November 18^th-20^th, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells WI

• The Survival Coalition Disability Advocacy Day: March 17^th, Monona Terrace and Convention Center, Madison 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.

We are in the process of reevaluating and possibly revamping how Coffee Breaks are done. Were hoping to start them up again soon. If you have thoughts or ideas regarding Coffee Breaks, please contact Stacy Ellingen. We certainly welcome any input.

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.