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.

Do you have a disability? Did you vote? What was your voter experience? The United States Election Project estimates that the turnout of eligible voters for the 2014 midterm election was the lowest, around 36.3%, since 1942.

For eligible voters with disabilities, simply getting to their polling place can be a struggle. As a result, voters with disabilities turnout at even lower rates. This results in less-representative elections - despite the fact that 16 percent of the population is considered to have a physical, developmental or learning disability, while the2010 U.S. Census puts the figure as high as 19 percent, or one in five Americans.

Read more about this discrepancy and efforts around polling place accessibility, getting out the vote efforts, and voter turnout.

• Huffington Post Article: It's 2014, But It's Still Difficult For People With Disabilities To Vote
• ADA.gov: Voting Polling Place Solutions
• ADA and Voting
• GoVoter.org: Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered Complete their voter experience survey

A great article inThe New York Timesby Paul Stenqust about how the idea of self-driving cars is very exciting for many people who have disabilities. While technology isn't quite there yet, the advancements in years to come could be life-changing for people with disabilities. He does a nice job of explaining the history and where things are at.

In Self-Driving Cars, a Potential Lifeline for the Disabled

By Paul Stenqust

The self-driving car, embraced as a stress-reducing convenience for harried drivers and a potential advance in road safety, could also prove to be a life-changing breakthrough for many people with disabilities, granting them a new measure of independence.

While much of the necessary technology is well along in development, those awaiting vehicles that can provide unassisted transportation will have to be patient.

Self-driving cars have been the stuff of science fiction and experimentation since the early days of the automobile. In 1925, Time magazine carried an article about a car that cruised New York City streets without a driver, guided by radio control. The General Motors Futurama exhibition at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair depicted a future of self-driving cars by the industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes.

The Bel Geddes vision, with its implications for the disabled, may be getting closer to reality. Automakers have demonstrated cars capable of self-driving operation, and in August the chief executive of Nissan,Carlos Ghosn, said the automaker would offer a car with autonomous drive technology by 2020.

Mr. Ghosn did not promise a vehicle that could be operated without a driver at the wheel, and a Nissan spokeswoman, Wendy Payne, said the company had not studied the disability issue.

Confirming that Nissans first self-driving car would require an able driver, she said that all automakers were taking that approach: At this point, the driver has to be able to operate the vehicle.

G.M. is among the makers demonstrating self-driving prototypes, and a driver-assistance technology that it calls Super Cruise, to be introduced in 2017 model Cadillacs, makes partly autonomous operation possible on the highway. Still, the company is reserved in its optimism.

We believe that one day there will be fully automated cars that drive themselves under all circumstances, a G.M. spokesman, Dan Flores, said about the potential of driverless vehicles for the handicapped. A lot of societal benefits are possible, but were years away from achieving those benefits.

Audi recently obtained a permit to test self-driving cars on California roads. But the cars are equipped with manual controls so a driver can take over if necessary.

Present-day tech developed by every automaker and accepted by state laws requires human ability to take over, a company spokesman, Brad Stertz, wrote in an email. Fully autonomous driving is mostly a human generation away, no matter who is making promises.

Google is making promises, or at least offering suggestions. The company, which declined to provide an interview for this article, has developed two prototypes. The first was a standard vehicle fitted with sensors, hardware and computers that enabled self-driving. Equipped with steering wheel and brakes, it could be operated by a backup driver in an emergency.

The second-generation Google car is entirely driverless and has no steering wheel or brake pedal. Driver intervention is impossible, even in an emergency, so its design would be appropriate for people physically unable to operate a vehicle.

In ablog postlast April, Chris Umson, director of Googles self-driving car project, said the company was growing more optimistic about reaching an achievable goal a vehicle that operates fully without human intervention.

In a statement provided to The Times, Google said that the potential of a self-driver to help those with disabilities could be realized only if the human operator were taken out of the equation. The company maintains that denying the driver an active role in vehicle control will also eliminate human error and improve driving safety.

Steve Mahan of Morgan Hill, Calif., executive director of the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center, has ridden in both of Googles prototypes. Mr. Mahon, 61, is legally blind. Google contacted him about three years ago to discuss how self-driving vehicles might benefit the disabled. He was offered a chance toexperience Googles retrofitted Toyota Priusand provide feedback. He has since ridden in thenew driverless prototype.

My read on Googles approach is, how do you create vehicles that are smart enough to drive on existing roadways, Mr. Mahan said in a phone interview. Theyre looking at a paradigm shift in transportation, where the vehicles assume all of the driving tasks for efficiency and safety.

He added: Ive been in the Google cars quite a bit in urban traffic and highway. The technology is incredibly capable. They drive like good drivers. I spoke to a programmer who helps define how the car behaves. I told him, So youre the person who made these cars drive like my wife.

Googles driverless vehicle is in testing. Because California law requires that self-driving vehicles be fitted with backup manual systems, the company has installed a temporary steering wheel and controls. On a website devoted to the car, Google said, Well remove these manual controls after the prototypes have finished being tested and permitted, because our vehicles are ultimately designed to operate without a human driver.

The marketplace together with regulators could have the final say as to what type of autonomous car is ultimately offered for sale and whether the vehicle could accommodate those incapable of controlling the car manually.

Research doesnt suggest that a clear majority of drivers are eager to turn the wheel over to a robotic driver. Asurveyby the Pew Research Center and Smithsonian magazine, for example, found that 48 percent of Americans would be interested in a self-driving car; 50 percent would not. The survey did not attempt to determine whether those who were accepting of self-driving technology would be willing to relinquish all control to a vehicle without a steering wheel or brake pedal.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has not issued regulations for self-driving vehicles, and it would not comment for the record in regard to potential rules. But it has issuedguidelinesfor on-road testing and advised the states in regard to on-road operation

Not everyone who lacks the mobility needed to drive a conventional car wants a driverless car. Bruce Chargo, a 55-year-old financial planner from Clio, Mich., who is paralyzed below his chest and has no control of his hands, feet or back muscles, drivesspecially equipped vehicleswith his upper arms and head.

A self-driving car isnt for me, he said in a telephone interview. There are very few things I can do independently, but I can drive. If self-driving cars reach dealer showrooms, funding for vehicles like mine might not be available. That concerns me.

But Mr. Mahan, the director of the center for blind people, wants to be mobile as well, and alternative-control systems cant enable a vision-impaired driver.

I miss driving, he said. My experience with Google has been terrific, and I want it to happen. Everyone in the blind community wants it to happen."

Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/automobiles/in-self-driving-cars-a-potential-lifeline-for-the-disabled.html?_r=0

An article inDisability Scoop written by Michelle Diament about a famous comedian/actor who thinks he's on the autism spectrum. I think this will be a great awareness builder for autism.

Jerry Seinfeld: I Think Im On The Spectrum

By Michelle Diament

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld says he believes he may be on the autism spectrum.

Seinfeld tellsNBC Newsthat he sees traits of autism in himself, indicating that he isnt the best socially and does not always follow what others are saying.

I think on a very drawn-out scale, I think Im on the spectrum, said Seinfeld, 60. Youre never paying attention to the right things. Basic social engagement is really a struggle. Im very literal, when people talk to me and they use expressions, sometimes I dont know what theyre saying.

The revelation came in an interview to promote a new season of Seinfelds web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Each episode finds the comedian cruising in a different classic car alongside a celebrity pal. Guests have included Chris Rock, Jay Leno, Sarah Jessica Parker and Larry David.

Seinfeld said fellow comedians are the only kind of people that I feel completely relaxed around.

Nonetheless, he doesnt see his autism tendencies negatively.

I dont see it as as dysfunctional. I just think of it as an alternate mindset, he said.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/11/07/jerry-seinfeld-spectrum/19831/

An article inDisability Scoopby Michelle Diament about how the US Justice Department had people monitoring disability access at polling centers across the US during yesterday's election. The statistic that 1 in 5 voters with disabilities were prevented from voting independently in the 2012 election is ridiculous. It will be interesting to hear feedback on how this election went.

Justice Department Monitoring Disability Access At Polls

By Michelle Diament

Federal officials are fanning out across the country on Election Day to ensure that voters including those with disabilities dont encounter barriers to casting their ballots.

The U.S. Department of Justice is sending election monitors to polling places in 18 states Tuesday.

These officials will gather information on numerous aspects of local election procedures, including whether voters are treated differently depending on their race or color; whether jurisdictions are adequately serving individuals with disabilities; whether jurisdictions are complying with the provisional ballot requirements of the Help America Vote Act; and whether jurisdictions are complying with the Voting Rights Acts requirement to provide bilingual election materials and assistance in areas of need, Attorney General Eric Holder said in a video message.

Among their tasks will be assessing whether jurisdictions allow voters with disabilities to cast a private and independent ballot, the Justice Department said. Specifically, monitors will be looking to see if accessible voting machines are available and if people with disabilities who need assistance at the polls are able to obtain it from the person of their choice.

Despite federal protections, a report from the National Council on Disabilityfoundthat 1 in 5 voters with disabilities were prevented from casting their ballot independently during the 2012 election. Whats more, more than half said they faced barriers including rude or condescending attitudes from election workers at their polling place.

Individuals who believe that their voting rights have been violated can file a complaint with the Justice Departments Civil Rights Divisiononlineor by calling 800-253-3931.

For Tuesdays election, federal monitors are expected to be on the ground in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/11/04/justice-access-polls/19813/