News
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Funding Opportunity to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce
By SD Network, 2022-05-08
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Informational Teleconference for Interested Applicants:
Date: Tuesday, May 17 at 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
Number: 888-942-9712
Participant passcode: 5313288
Letters of intent (optional) due: 5/31/22 ACL is announcing a new funding opportunity entitled “Strengthening the Direct Care Workforce (DCW): A Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Initiative.” With approximately $1.3 million per year from a combination of the Older Americans Act, Rehabilitation Act, and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act program funding, this five-year project will result in the establishment of a new National Technical Assistance Center designed to strengthen the direct care workforce that provides home and community-based services (HCBS) to people with disabilities and older adults. This new initiative will become a central hub for state, private, and federal entities involved in the hiring, recruitment, training, and workforce development associated with the delivery of HCBS. This initiative builds off and will advance the collaboration between ACL, the Department of Labor, and other HHS agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The current shortage and frequent turnover of direct care workers not only compromises the ability of older adults and people with disabilities to live in the community, but it also compromises their health and safety. The need for DCWs is projected to grow significantly in the next decade as the number of older adults increases and more people with disabilities live in the community instead of in institutional settings. The recruitment, retention, and development of a competent workforce is critical to providing HCBS so that older adults and people with disabilities can live, work, and participate in the community. Focusing on strategies and practices at the systems and provider levels and with information dissemination and direct technical assistance as a key component of the project, the grantee will partner with a broad range of stakeholders and subject matter experts to broaden our national understanding of the challenges associated with the DCW while supporting cross-systems collaborations to strengthen it. The TA Center will offer access to a curated array of model policies, best practices, training materials, technical assistance, and learning collaboratives. Please contact Caroline Ryan (dcw@acl.hhs.gov) with questions about this funding opportunity. |
Ever have that feeling where you feel so selfish for feeling bad for yourself, but, yet, you also are so grateful for what you have? Those thoughts of what should/could/would have been; yet, you know you’re incredibly blessed despite the circumstances you have been given. At the beginning of each May, I have this inner conflict. No, not about whether to cheer for the Cubs or the Brewers, not about whether or not I should go for a stroll because it’s finally nice outside, or not about deciding on summer plans… I have a struggle within myself about Mother’s Day. I can’t say for sure, but I have an inkling I’m not the only woman who may struggle with this. On one hand, I know that I’m incredibly fortunate to have the amazing mom I do, but, yet, on the other hand, that selfish feeling of yearning to be a mother myself often creeps into my head.
In a previous entry I wrote a few years ago, I wrote about how I have the absolute best parents. Both my mom and dad are awesome and basically have dedicated their lives to make my life the best it possibly can be. My dad has modified countless things for me and does whatever he can to make my life better. He’s truly incredible. This is an article about Mother’s Day, but I couldn’t continue without mentioning him. He’s just incredible!
My mom and I have a very special relationship. Hands down, I’m honored to say she’s my best friend. As I’ve mentioned before, very ironically, she was in the special education field before I was even born. I don’t believe it was a coincidence. This has been such a blessing because she already knew about the laws and services available. She also had connections to various resources and people, and, even though she has been retired for a couple years now, she continues to. She knew the potential of what could become, and continues to push me and encourage me to be the best I can possibly be.
Unlike most daughters my age, I still rely on my mom for countless things. Everything from interviewing aides, to staying in the hospital with me, to bringing me to and being my assistant at various events… the list is truly endless. One thing sticks out to me, though. As I age, it’s no secret that I’ve struggled more with my mental and emotional health. My mom is my sounding board. I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve broke down to her crying or texted her venting about one thing or another. My mom gets the brunt of it. Mom always listens and tries to calm me down. She always reminds me of all that I’ve done and tells me she understands (I believe she’s one of the few people who does truly understand). She’s my rock!
Mother’s Day is a day to thank and celebrate moms. I certainly celebrate and thank my incredible mom, but it’s a day that has become harder and harder for me over the years. Selfishly, in my heart, it’s a day that emphasizes what I want most in life, but will likely never happen. In a past entries, I’ve explained that some people who have disabilities are fully capable and do have children. Due to the severeness of my physical limitations, realistically, it’d be nearly impossible to care for a child. Yes, I could have assistance, but it wouldn’t be fair to the child. In my brain, I’ve come terms with the fact that I’ll likely never become a mother, but, in my heart, it’ll always hurt.
Now that my sister has become a mother and my mom has become a grandmother, it adds another layer to it. I do my best to be happy for them, but, the “what if” thoughts sometimes take over my brain. What if those complications during birth didn’t happen? Would I be a mother? Would I have made my mom a grandma first? What kind of a mom would I be? What would have my kids been like? Thoughts such as those do no good, but I believe they are unavoidable. Sharing that I have those thoughts shows how “normal” I am. Social media also adds another layer. Years ago, I used to write a long post about my mom on Mother’s Day. She loved it as did friends and family. However, a few years ago, I realized that staying off social media during Mother’s Day weekend was better for my mental health. Seeing friends who are mothers post about how lucky they are to be moms to their kids selfishly triggered my emotions. As happy as I am for them, it was just too hard seeing that. I then explained that I wasn’t going to do a long post anymore to my mom and, of course, she said she understood. Is it selfish? Absolutely. Do I feel bad about it? Absolutely. However, it’s one less thing that reminds me of my situation. Again, thankfully, my mom “gets it.”
Women with disabilities aren’t the only ones that might have conflicting feelings about Mother’s Day. Women who struggle with infertility, people who lost their mothers, mothers who lost their child… There are many different scenarios. It’s a day of mixed emotions for many. I’m sure the same can be said about Father’s Day for men yearning to be fathers. While it may be a day of mixed feelings, it’s a time to recognize the mother figures in our life.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing moms out there—especially mine!
***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.
FORBES: Why Home Parcel Deliveries Aren’t The Access Boon They Should Be For The Disabled
By SD Network, 2022-05-01
Many would think that people with disabilities use the parcel services more than most. Having various things delivered to your home eliminates the need for transportation and other barriers. However, this is not the case. Whether it's trying to get down stairs to answer the door, taking too long to get to the door and missing the delivery, or another barrier, surveys show that consumers with disabilities are having issues receiving deliveries.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Funding Opportunity for Increasing Capacity to Serve Individuals with Co-Occurring Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Disabilities
By SD Network, 2022-04-28
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Applications Due: June 21
View the funding opportunity details. Informational Call on Wednesday, May 18 | 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET ACL’s Administration on Disabilities (AoD) is announcing a new funding opportunity to create the National Resource and Technical Assistance Center: Increasing Capacity to Serve Individuals with Co-Occurring Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Disabilities. Under the Projects of National Significance (PNS) program one competitive, five-year cooperative agreement will be awarded to establish a national, person-centered, culturally competent training center for building capacity in state and local service systems to support individuals with co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and mental health disabilities living well. The Center will be guided by people with lived experience, including those from underserved communities, and will provide training, peer-to-peer learning, and resources to individuals, family members, and professionals working with people with ID/DD and mental health disabilities, including mental health professionals and direct support professionals. The Center will also support state agencies by providing resources related to policy development, service design, and service coordination across agencies. ACL's Projects of National Significance focus on the most pressing issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Through the projects, ACL supports the development of national and state policy and awards grants and contracts that enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and integration of people with developmental disabilities. Contact Dana Fink with questions about this funding opportunity. Informational Call
An informational call about this funding opportunity will be held Wednesday, May 18 at 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET.
Join using this information: Microsoft Teams meeting Or call in (audio only) +1 206-420-5032,,440325688# United States, Seattle Phone Conference ID: 440 325 688# Find a local number | Reset PIN Learn More |
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WISCONSIN DISABILITY VOTE COALITION: DRW Hiring: Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist
By SD Network, 2022-04-28
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Are you passionate about advancing the voting rights of people with disabilities? Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is now hiring a Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist. |
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The Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist will work with DRW and our disability partners to increase participation of voters with disabilities in the electoral process. They will provide non-partisan outreach, education, and advocacy assistance to people with disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders on voting rights. |
WISCONSIN DISABILITY VOTE COALITION: Make Your Plan for the 2022 Fall Elections
By SD Network, 2022-04-28
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2022 is an important election year. Wisconsin will be holding two statewide elections. The Partisan Primary is August 9th and the General Election is November 8th. |
| Offices to be elected include: Governor and Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, U.S. Senator, Congressional Representative, State Senator (odd numbered districts), Assembly Representatives, County Offices of Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court and Coroner (where applicable). |
| Make your plan now for the August and November Elections! |
- Are you registered to vote? Check your voter registration status at https://myvote.wi.gov/
- Do you want to vote by mail? Request absentee ballots for the year at Vote Absentee By Mail (wi.gov)
- Do you have a valid Wisconsin state ID or drivers license? Wisconsin requires photo ID to vote. For information, contact the DRW Voter Hotline or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Voter ID Hotline at 844-588-1069.
- Do you support people with disabilities? Provide information and support for voter registration and photo ID. The Disability Vote Coalition can provide you with free materials and assistance. Our website has great materials that you can order or print. Check out our 2022 Elections postcards and posters at : New DVC Materials for 2022 Elections - Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition. Questions? Contact the DRW Voter Hotline at 844-347-8683.
MSNBC NEWS: The legendary Republican we have to thank for the ADA. And future assaults on it.
By SD Network, 2022-04-27
Recently, Senator Orin Hatch of Utah passed away. He was the Republican Senator who sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act. He came to care about disability issues because his brother-in-law had polio and slept in an iron lung.
Speak Up!
Let us know what is important to you as a person who is blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin. What are the most important or urgent issues your community is facing right now? What strengths or assets does your community offer? We will be holding community conversations using Zoom on the following dates:
- Tuesday, May 17th 6:30PM-8:00PM
- Wednesday, May 18th 2:00PM-3:30PM
- Thursday, May 19th 10:00AM-11:30AM
- Tuesday, May 24th10:00AM-11:30AM
- Wednesday, May 25th 2:00PM-3:30PM
- Thursday, May 26th 6:30PM-8:00PM
Join by Zoom:
https://dhswi.zoomgov.com/j/1616709312
Join by Phone:
(669) 254 5252
Meeting ID: 161 670 9312
If you can’t attend, we still want to hear from you, click this survey link and complete a short survey.
Your Words Matter!
Hosted by: The Wisconsin Statutory Council on Blindness
Nine-person council appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health Services to make recommendations and advocate for Wisconsin residents who are blind and visually impaired.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Mask-Optional Public Transit Alarms Immunocompromised People, Disability Advocates
By SD Network, 2022-04-26
Many people with disabilities and health conditions are worried after a federal judge's decision lifted the mask mandate on public transportation. Against the CDC's recommendation, people no longer are required to wear masks in airports, on planes, trains and buses. Many people's people with who are immunocompromised are questioning whether to go on planed plane trips and worrying about how to navigate public transportation. It's particular concerning because people with disabilities (who are often immunocompromised) are a group of people who heavily rely on public transportation. The Department of Justice is appealing the ruling.
While far from a comprehensive inventory of the economic picture for people with disabilities in the United States, this report offers a current snapshot of the economic crisis facing the U.S. disability community—and highlights several of the major systemic barriers and policy failures standing in the way of economic justice for people with disabilities and their families today.