An interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about how many states are taking steps to move forward on the ABLE Act. Likely due to all of the budget stuff, there hasn't been much action taken in Wisconsin yet (that we know of), but it's interesting to read what other states have done so far.

States Moving Forward On ABLE Accounts

By Michelle Diament

Just months after federal lawmakers created a way for people with disabilities to save without risking their government benefits, most states are working to make the new accounts available.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act, which wassignedlate last year by President Barack Obama, paves the way for people with disabilities to open special accounts where they can save up to $100,000 without jeopardizing eligibility for Social Security and other government programs.

Before the accounts can become available, however, states must put regulations in place.

To date, lawmakers in more than half of states have taken steps to create the new savings vehicles, advocates say.

This week, legislatures in West Virginia and Utah sent ABLE bills to their governors for approval. Legislation is also before the governor in Virginia.

Whats more, active bills are under consideration in legislatures in 29 states and draft bills are in the works in an additional seven, according to Heather Sachs, director of state government affairs for the National Down Syndrome Society.

We are very, very pleasantly surprised at how quickly states are moving on this, Sachs said.

Despite the momentum across much of the country, however, lawmakers in some states have opted to wait on ABLE legislation until after federal officials issue regulations on the new accounts, a move expected by the end of the summer.

This week, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Treasury sought to urge those states along, with a notice assuring lawmakers that a transition period will be incorporated in any guidance to account for circumstances in which state rules do not fully comply with federal requirements.

The Treasury Department and the IRS do not want the lack of guidance to discourage states from enacting their enabling legislation and creating their ABLE programs, which could delay the ability of the families of disabled individuals or others to begin to fund ABLE accounts for those disabled individuals, the agencies said.

Even in states where legislation is enacted, Sachs said she expects it will be at least late this year, but more likely 2016 or 2017 before people with disabilities can open ABLE accounts. Thats because the process is highly state specific and will involve significant behind-the-scenes work for governments and the banking industry, she said.

To aid in that process, disability advocates are also at work on a National ABLE Resource Center, designed to serve as an information clearinghouse on the new accounts for families, government officials, financial professionals and other stakeholders. More than a dozen advocacy groups are collaborating on the center, which is being spearheaded by the National Disability Institute and is expected to launch in July.

Source:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/03/13/states-moving-forward-able/20131/

It was May 2009. I had just graduated from UW-Whitewater. As our van pulled out of Whitewater for the final time, I was overcome with emotion. UW-Whitewater gave me so much more than just a degree. It made me become so much more independent and self-confident. I proved to myself and others that if given the right supports, I could live independently. Like many college graduates, I moved back in with my parents.

When I moved back to Fond du Lac, I thought finding a care agency and an apartment would not be that difficult. I couldnt have been more wrong! It was a nightmare. Finding cares was not an easy task--especially in Fond du Lac! Before I could even really look for apartments, I had to get cares lined up first because I could not live on my own without assistance. For various reasons, agencies could not staff my shifts. In the year and a half I was at my parents, we tried two different agencies, and the most we ever got covered was two shifts per day (I need four care shifts per daygetup, lunch, dinner, and bed). This was unbelievably frustrating.

In summer 2010, I began researching different living options on the internet. I came across Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsins Independent Living website. My mom and I came to tour an apartment late that August. Its in Oshkosh--about 20 minutes away from Fondy. I admit, I was skeptical because I am not particularly fond of the idea of segregating people with disabilities. However, when I saw the setup of the Willo Apartments, I was very impressed! The Willos are actually three long buildings, with four apartments in each one. All of the apartments have two bedrooms. Some have two clients in them, but most have one person with a disability living there. The units are so accessible and, although all the residents have disabilities, its nothing like a group home. After we toured, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

Its very unique as Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin is a care agency. Residents of the Willos arent required to use their agency, but they can if they choose to. For me, this was key. Although, I could have hired my own workers because Im in IRIS, at the time, my family and I felt more comfortable going through an agency.

Its subsidized housing, so, of course, there was a wait list. Fortunately, one became available in December 2010, and I was next on the list. Some renovations needed to be done to the unit and cares needed to be setup, so I moved in in February 2011. After such a frustrating year and a half in Fond du Lac, I was thrilled to be on my own again.

Living here for over four years now, Im still pretty pleased most of the time. I have the independence I need. The fact that Im only about a half hour from my parents has been greatespecially since I had some serious health issues in the recent years. I love my apartment. However, Im not sure its my forever home. Although, I love my neighbors, at times I feel pretty segregated. I think Id like to be in a little bigger city that has more to offer. I dont plan to move anytime in the near future, but maybe someday. Once all this budget stuff gets settled, I plan to reevaluate my living situation from a few different angles and possibly make some changes. Well see what happens.

Living independently is so important to me. In my opinion, everyone should be able to choose where they live and who they live with. What are your thoughts on this?

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.

An interesting article in theHuffington Postwritten by Damon Beres about how PlayStation is making gaming more accessible for people with disabilities. It explains some of the accessibility features it's adding.

PlayStation May Soon Transform Gaming For People With Disabilities

By Damon Beres

The PlayStation 4 may be poised to make gaming more accessible for people with disabilities.

An upcomingfirmware updatecouldadd new featurescatering to people with visual, auditory or other impairments. Twitter user Ahsan Rasheed (@IsAParrot) posted photos of a friend's beta version of the 2.50 firmware patch, including one that shows alist of new PS4 settingslike text-to-speech, color inversion, text enlargement, closed captions and button reassignment, among others.

Here's the photo of the accessibility feature list:

A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment America told The Huffington Post that the next PS4 update "will be released soon," but would not confirm whether these accessibility features will be included.

Rasheed, who told HuffPost he's a former medical student active on game industry forums likeNeoGAF, has beenwrongabout a gaming rumors before, which he admitted to. But he's also beenright.

An additional source who was familiar with the update but unauthorized to reveal details told HuffPost that the added features are the real deal.

Accessibility features in PS4 would be huge for the gaming community according to Steven Spohn, chief operations officer atTheAbleGamers Foundation, a nonprofit that works to eliminate barriers and help individuals with disabilities to enjoy gaming.

"We're talking millions of people who are suddenly going to have an easier time playing games," said Spohn.

Button assignments in particular, he said, would be a major addition to PS4. This feature would allow individuals to customize which controller buttons do what before jumping into a game. People with muscular diseases or disorders who have trouble pressing the "trigger" button, for example, could map it instead to the more accessible "triangle" button on the front of the controller, according to Spohn.

A big part of AbleGamers' work, Spohn said, is creating custom controllers or configurations for gamers who can't use the default device that comes with a system. Spohn tends to recommend the Xbox One for gamers with disabilities because it allows customized third-party controllers. These controllers, however, can cost hundreds of dollars.

What's more, the Xbox One doesn't offer built-in accessibility options like the ones that might be coming to PS4.

"This is a game-changer," Spohn said of the potential PS4 update. "Unless Xbox catches up now and does the same thing, we're going to have to change what we recommend to people."

Representatives for Xbox did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Of course, this potential PS4 update isn't a cure-all. Certain games present challenges regardless of how the controls are set up -- multiple buttons might need to be pressed in a specific way while moving a joystick, for example -- and players who can't move their fingers far enough to reach each button would still benefit from the ability to use a custom third-party controller, whichSony does not allowon the PlayStation 4.

Still, it's a start.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/11/playstation-4-accessibility-update_n_6842544.html

Washington, DC The National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency, in a cooperative agreement with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS), released Home and Community-Based Services: Creating Systems for Success at Home, at Work and in the Community online Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

The new report offers a number of recommendations for federal and state entities from a thorough review of the legal and regulatory home and community-based services framework outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the new Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations. The bearing of setting size and configuration on the quality of supports and services received by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and individuals with mental health disabilities in home and community-based arrangements is the focus of the findings.

The legal mandate shifting service delivery for people with disabilities away from institutions to home and community settings is unequivocal, said Joan Durocher, NCDs Director of Policy. Yet, transitioning from institutional to more individualized, person-centered settings integrating people with disabilities into the community continues to challenge policymakers, providers, and stakeholders alike. Ensuring that the size of, and type of, supports and services for people with disabilities are aligned with best practices is essential. Home and Community-Based Services: Creating Systems for Success at Home, at Work and in the Community details factors that can make a crucial difference between meaningful integration or segregation in the delivery of HCBS.

Key Findings:

--States have been offered federal financial incentives to shift away from institutional services and towards HCBS; --Many states continue to deliver services through HCBS funding authorities that are not meaningfully integrated into their communities and do not meet the new federal standards; --HCBS systems should provide clear incentives to providers to deliver residential, day and employment services within small or individual settings scattered throughout the community; --Under the new rule, states will need to shift funding away from settings currently funded as HCBS that are institutional in nature; and --Stakeholders, including state legislators and policy makers current need information about setting type and size for informed decisions and guidance impacting people with disabilities.

To read the full report, visit NCD online at:http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2015/02242015

Information above taken from the Great Lakes ADA Center listserv

The Department of Justice has announced that individuals wishing to file ADA complaints with the Department will be able to fill out the form and submit it completely electronically. Filers will also immediately receive a "reference number" that can be used whenever contacting the Department about that complaint. The new electronic form is available at:http://www.ada.gov/complaint/

EffectiveMarch 15, 2015DOJ will no longer accept email complaints. However, complaints will still be accepted by U.S. mail. Contact the Department's ADA Information Line at1-800-514-0301(V);1-800-514-0383(TTY) to receive a paper complaint form by mail.

Above information taken from the Great Lakes ADA Center listserv.

An interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Shaun Heasley about how over two dozen states--including Wisconsin--will receive money to help people with disabilities access community-based housing and support support services. It's made available through HUD.

Thousands With Disabilities To Get Rental Assistance

By Shaun Heasley

Millions of dollars are heading to over two dozen states to help people with disabilities access community-based housing and support services.

Federal officials said this week that housing agencies in 25 states will each get a share of $150 million to provide rental assistance to those with disabilities.

The funding is expected to support nearly 4,600 households, including many people transitioning out of institutional settings, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said.

The money is being made available through HUDs Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program, which provides housing assistance so people with disabilities can live independently in the community.

To qualify, state housing agencies must partner with local Medicaid and health and human services agencies to identify participants and ensure that long-term services and supports are in place so that they can live as independently as possible.

Those with disabilities who earn less than 30 percent of their areas median income are eligible to take part.

Advocates with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on promoting housing and community support services for those with disabilities, said 35 states applied for the housing funds, suggesting that there is great demand.

States receiving rental assistance through the program include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/03/04/thousands-rental-assistance/20107/

33796598fb75979817e08e9b80fd281f.pdf

A 1 page Matrix comparing important IRIS services , and information on Family Care Services.

Mark G

An inspiring story inUW Oshkosh Todaywritten by Kaitlyn Knox about a Wisconsin native and an UW Oshkosh alum who has made it big in Nashville. He has been hired by Discover WisconsinTV to write, compose, and perform a new theme song for the show. Tony doesn't let his disability stop him from living his dream!

Alumnus creates theme song for Discover Wisconsin

By Kaitlyn Knox

A Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus is hitting it big in the music industry as he performs music for live audiences and local television.

Discover WisconsinTV hired Tony Memmel 08, of Nashville, Tenn., to write, compose and perform a new theme song for the show, which aired on Feb. 21 and 22 for the first time.

The new theme song, called The Good Land, was part of the 400th episode celebration withDiscover Wisconsin.

Memmel, a native of Milwaukee, is an award-winning singer-songwriter, speaker and composer. He started his music career as a child, not letting his disability take away his dream of learning to play guitar. Memmel was born without his left forearm, but has constructed a self-made cast that can hold a guitar pick.

The Good Landis an upbeat song that portrays whatDiscover WisconsinTV is about; traveling to towns across Wisconsin to show what they have to offer. Memmel said he found inspiration from growing up in Wisconsin.

When writingThe Good Land, I focused on what I thought a modern anthem about the state might sound like and what it should say, he said.

The 400th episode featured St. Germain, Sayner and Star Lake, all small, northern towns in Wisconsin.

Memmel uses folk, Americana, pop and other genres when hes writing music. He also is known to sing with a subtle, yet powerful voice, according to his website.

At UW Oshkosh, Memmel was active in music. He was part of the chamber choir, sang in opera productions, became president of the chamber choir, majored in music business and even met his wife in the choir.

Music was my life at UWO, and remains that way to this day, he said.

Previously, Memmel has received recognition as the Wisconsin Area Music Industry singer-songwriter of the year and has been a finalist with his wife, Lesleigh, on VH1/Republic RecordsMake a Band Famous.

Along with singing and writing songs, Memmel works with schools and organizations to create clinical programs that are customized to focus on overcoming adversity, and creating vocational craftsmanship, artistic integrity and an ambitious spirit.

His hit,Lucky Fin Song, focuses on overcoming the adversity children with disabilities face. Memmel works as the Lucky Fin Project ambassador.

The lyrics are about my mission to emphasize ability over disability, and to show children, as well as adults, that all things are possible, if you set your mind to them and dont give up, Memmel said.

He also teaches music master-classes to grade schools, high schools and colleges.

As a musician, Memmel has organized 11 national tours and performed in 44 states. He has performed at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan, and has performed in the Superdome in New Orleans, both in front of large audiences.

Memmel is considered a bright and upcoming artist, sponsored by Gorilla Glue Co., Heid Music, Kyser Musical Products and Kopf Percussion. He partners with the Lucky Fin Project, MS run in the U.S. and a fundraiser called Owens Song."

Source:http://www.uwosh.edu/today/38184/alumnus-creates-theme-song-for-discover-wisconsin/

An interesting article inDisability Scoopby Michelle Diament about how the Federal Communications Commission has put together a disability advisory committee to provide expertise and recommendations on communications and video programming issues.

FCC To Put New Focus On Disabilities

By Michelle Diament

The federal agency tasked with regulating telephones, television and other communications technology is looking for advice on how to better serve people with disabilities.

The Federal Communications Commission is convening a disability advisory committee for the first time.

The 40-member panel, which will hold its first meeting in March, will advise and provide recommendations to regulators on topics ranging from the accessibility of 911 services to closed captioning and telecommunications relay services.

Members include executives from major players like Yahoo, Verizon, AT&T and Comcast in addition to advocates from disability organizations, consumers and government officials.

This new committee will provide sorely needed expertise and recommendations from consumer and industry stakeholders on communications and video programming issues, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said. We look forward to using this expertise to improve our ability to meet the needs of consumers with disabilities.

Source:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/02/17/fcc-focus-disabilities/20065/