News

Self-Advocates: Please Take this Survey

Self-advocates who live in Wisconsin are encouraged to take the2013 Self-Advocate Survey.

The survey is anonymous and only takes a few moments to complete. The survey is being conducted by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and the results will be used to create materials intended to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

If you'd like to, you can mention on the survey that the SD Network is where you get information.

The Disability Policy Partnership (DPP) wants to hear from you about transportation! What is working, what isnt working, and what can be done to improve transportation options for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

Please take a few moments to complete this brief online survey:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013trans.

Also, please feel free to forward this survey to self-advocates and families who are interested in improving transportation.

Responses to this survey will guide the DPP in working to improve transportation for people with disabilities.

In the coming weeks, the DPP will be sending out three additional surveys on topics that self-advocates and families have identified as being important to people with disabilities. Watch your e-mail inbox for other short surveys on employment, education, and long-term care.

The DPP includes Disability Rights Wisconsin, the Waisman Center, and the

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

There is going to be an increase in the SSI amounts people will receive in 2014:

With the increase, the maximum federal benefit for an individual receiving SSI will rise from $710 per month to $721. At the same time, the federal ceiling for a couple on SSI will grow from $1,066 per month to $1,082. Many states add to SSI benefits for their residents meaning that actual payments could exceed these caps.

~ fromDisability Scoop

Get more info from the Social Security Administrationand from Disabled World.

The US Senate is reconsidering ratification of the UN Disability Rights Treaty. It was originally voted on (and defeated largely along party lines) last December in spite of being based on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and supported by abroad coalition of over 700 disability, civil rights, faith, business and veterans organizations.

Learn more:

• Interview with Senator Robert Menendez on PBS.
• Article from Disability Scoop

Contact your senatorsto let them know how you feel about the UN Disability Rights Treaty

BACKGROUND AND SCOPE OF REPORT

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. For too long, people with disabilities have been in the shadows in exercising this basic civil right. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA), enacted in 2002, mandated improvements to the electoral process by establishing minimum standards for uniform and nondiscriminatory election technology and administration requirements, including, for the first time, requirements that citizens with disabilities be able to vote independently and privately. HAVA joins existing voting and disability rights laws to prohibit voter discrimination, suppression, intimidation, and denial of voting access for people with disabilities. Since 2002, HAVA has helped make voting an act of civic participation for people with disabilities; however much work remains to be done.

Using an open-ended questionnaire, the National Council on Disability (NCD) gathered the experiences of nearly 900 voters with disabilities across the nation during the 2012 election. On October 24, 2013, NCD released Experience of Voters with Disabilities in the 2012 Election Cycle. This report provides a snapshot of architectural, attitudinal, technological, legislative, and voting practice barriers that confronted voters with disabilities and provides an overview of the use of federal funds, activities, and outcomes under HAVA for people with disabilities over the past decade.

KEY FINDINGS

• People with disabilities continue to face barriers in exercising their voting rights because of architectural and physical barriers at registration and polling sites.
  • Nearly 40% of respondents to the NCDs questionnaire encountered physical barriers at their polling places.
• Voters with disabilities do not have equal access to voting systems because states and localities have not invested adequate resources, planning, and training to provide reliable, accessible voting technology.
  • 45% of respondents reported barriers inside the polling place involving voting machines.
  • Voters with disabilities face discrimination at voter registration and polling sites resulting from poorly trained election personnel and volunteers.
    • Nearly 54% of respondents encountered barriers, including attitudinal, inside the polling place.
    • 20% of respondents said they were prevented from exercising a private and independent vote.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

• State and local election officials must be held accountable for compliance with all accessibility provisions of HAVA, the ADA, and other relevant voting rights laws.
• States should upgrade their accessible voting equipment to assure universal access for people with disabilities.
• State and local election officials must invest in adequate training for all election personnel and volunteers.
• The Presidential Commission on Election Administration should adopt the recommendations made in the Experience of Voters with Disabilities report in their own report to the President later this year.

FULL REPORT
Download a free copy of the full report at: http://www.ncd.gov/publications/2013/10242013

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November 7, 2013

We Need to Hear Your Ideas!

Each month or so, the SDS Network holds a Coffee Break. We need to know what topics we should schedule. Is there a particular person you'd like us to invite as a special guest? Respond to the discussion forum with your ideas, questions, etc., or respond to a short surveyto tell us what you think.

Coffee Breaks are informal, livediscussions (chats) on the Network, open to all members. It is not a presentation.They are usually scheduled on the third Wednesday of the month, from 8:30-9:00 am (dates/times may vary - check the schedule).

Each Coffee Break has a different theme -participants will be asked to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and challenges on the subject. You are also welcome to ask questions or share information about anything that relates to SDS and self-determination..

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:

• Join the Conversation: Senator Schumer from New York is proposing that the Justice Dept. provide tracking devices for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities in case they go missing. Is that a good idea? Or does it infringe on their personal rights? What do you think?

• Share your ideas: Julie is still wondering about what questions you ask when hiring a support person or provider agency. Tell her what you think! Give her some ideas!!

• Get Involved: The US Senate is reconsidering ratification of the UN Disability Rights Treaty (it was defeated in December 2012). Find out more about the Treaty and how you can share you opinion with your senators.

• Learn about Resources:Howard Mandeville and Movin' Out recently won the Bridge-Builder Award from the Isthmus in Madison. Learn more about this fabulous resource.

Join Us for a Coffee Break

Join us and share your questions, as well as your ideas and experiences.There is no registration fee to participate, but you do need to be a Network member and RSVPs are welcome!

Using Technology to Stay Safe & Independent: November 20, 2013, 8:30-9:00 CST

Technology can be a valuable tool when you are trying to live independently but have family & friends who are concerned about your safety. But you may not be aware of what options are available or how to access them. This is your opportunity to ask about what options are available, how to pay for them, how they work, etc.

If you already use technology to be independent, join the Coffee Break to share your story - how has technology helped you stay safe and independent in your own home.

Join our special guest, Chris Patterson from Night Owl Support Systems as we talk about technology.

Living in Your Own Home: December 18, 2013, 8:30-9:00 CST

Are you thinking about moving into your own home but aren't sure where to start? Maybe you already have your own place and have some ideas to share with Network members about what helped get there. Or you just want to hear about the possible options to explore for the person you support. Join special guest, Howard Mandeville, from Movin' Out, as we talk about a home of your own.

Welcome New Members

Stop by to welcome our newest members.

• She's an the director of IBA Resourcesin the Wausau area.
• He works with Night Owland will be our special guest for the Nov. 20th Coffee Break.
• She'sa parent and special ed teacher, with questions about Family Care.

Do you know someone who should join the SDS Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:

• Coffee Break: Using Technology to Stay Safe & Independent, Nov 20th, Online Chat
• SDS Network Coffee Break: Living in Your Own Home, Dec18th. Online Chat.
• And many more!

Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

I wanted to share this article with everyone. Movin' Out is a great organization and resource we have here in Wisconsin. So happy to see them recognized for the good work they do.

Take a peak!

See the article. Click here.

Connect | Share | Learn |http://sdsnetworkwi.org/

October 3, 2013

BadgerCare? Obamacare? Federal Shutdown? Oh My!

There's been a lot happening over the last couple weeks. First Wisconsin announced that 92,000 people would be taken off BadgerCare. Then the Health Insurance Marketplaces (through the Affordable Care Act - "Obamacare") opened up for enrollment. This happened at the same time that our US elected officials decided to "shutdown" the federal government. It's not surprising if you feel confused about how this all affects you. The SDS Network has added some resources and started a discussion to help you learn about what might help you, as well as how this is all affecting you. Please take some time to check these out and participate - Members are the best source of support for each other.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:

• Join the Conversation: With everything that's happening at once - Obamacare, BadgerCare, and the federal shutdown - how are you being affected?

• Check Out New Resources: We've posted some resources about Health Insurance and some about the shutdown of the federal government. Please add whatever has helped you.

• Share your ideas: Julie is wondering about what questions you ask when hiring a support person or provider agency. Tell her what you think!

• Stay Up-to-Date: Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) appoints a new director, DanIdzikowski. Find out who he is and how you can contact him.

• Tell Your Story: BPDD is sponsoring the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign. Find out how you can get involved.

Support the Network with "Five":

• We rely on contributions to keep the SDS Network in business. If you are finding it valuable to be a member,consider making a donation of five dollars or more, orbecoming a sponsor. For more information, contactDeb Wisniewski.

Join Us for a Coffee Break

Open Forum: October 16, 2013

The SDS Network Coffee Break this month will be an Open Forum. What questions do you have about self-directing your supports? How do you help other people self-direct? What are the biggest challenges for you or the people you support? We can also talk about BadgerCare, Obamacare, etc.... What do you want to talk about?

Join us and share your questions, as well as your ideas and experiences.There is no registration fee to participate, but you do need to be a Network member and RSVPs are welcome!

Welcome New Members

Stop by to welcome our newest members.

• She's an IRIS Outreach Specialist who adores her mom.
• She wants to help my family and other families to succeed with the freedoms that SDS provides.
  
• Sheis the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative at CESA #4.
  
• He's an educator who works with students who have disabilities.
• She's abig advocate of people taking charge of their own lives.
• She's an IRIS consultant.
• Sheworks at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County asan Assessment and Planning Coordinator.
• This person is interested in self-employment.
• She's a support brokerwho works with people all over Wisconsin.

Do you know someone who should join the SDS Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:

• SDS Network Coffee Break: Open Forum, Oct. 16. Online Chat.
• Health Care Reform: What You Need to Know, Oct. 9. Online webinar - register now!
• Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference, Oct. 29-31., Wisconsin Dells, WI. - register now!
• And many more!

Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

DRW Appoints Daniel Idzikowski as Executive Director

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), the states designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, has hired Daniel Idzikowski as its Executive Director.

He assumed this position on September 30th.

Dan has a long impressive track record of working for social justice. Throughout his career Dan has advocated for and with disadvantaged populations across Wisconsin. He has collaborated with numerous organizations and government agencies to create innovative partnerships that advance justice, social equity, and economic opportunity. I am thrilled to help steward Disability Rights Wisconsin an organization with a tremendously talented staff committed to community collaboration and the empowerment of the disability community, Dan stated upon appointment.

Learn more about Dan.

These are the resources we've found so far regarding the effects of the Federal Government Shutdown on the lives and services for people with disabilities. We'll add more as we learn of them. Share any other you know of in the comment area below.

Federal Government Shutdown and the effect on people with disabilities:

• What the Shutdown Means for Disability Services,Disability Scoop.
• How is IRIS affected?