News
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Electronic Visit Verification Updates and Next Steps
By SD Network, 2020-07-27
ForwardHealth Updates
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released two new ForwardHealth Updates that explain Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) policy and training:
- ForwardHealth Update 2020-31, “Implementation of Electronic Visit Verification for Personal Care and Supportive Home Care Services”
- ForwardHealth Update 2020-32,“Electronic Visit Verification Training for Personal Care Services and Supportive Home Care Services”
Next Steps
Non-Medicaid-Enrolled Providers
The EVV soft launch starts November 2, 2020, in Wisconsin. To prepare, provider agencies that do not have a Medicaid ID will need to obtain a unique provider agency ID. This includes provider agencies that plan to use an alternate EVV system and those who operate a self-employed business.
- Learn how to obtain a unique provider agency ID.
- Start the process to obtain a unique provider agency ID.
The provider agency ID is generated in real time and will display once you have finished submitting your information.
Medicaid-Enrolled Providers
Review the email listed on the Mailing Address panel in the demographic maintenance tool in your secure ForwardHealth Portal account, and update the email address if necessary. DHS will use this provider agency email address for EVV communication with providers. DHS must have the correct email on file for the individual in your organization that is responsible for the administration of EVV.
Please complete the email verification by July 31, 2020, to ensure receipt of needed EVV information.
Training
For information about and to register for EVV training, go to the EVV Training webpage. Training begins mid-August and is required to access the DHS-provided EVV system.
Please send questions or comments to Wisconsin EVV Customer Care by emailing or calling 833-931-2035.
FEMA.GOV: 30 Ways FEMA Supports Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery for People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2020-07-27
FEMA is committed to making sure that people with disabilities have access to, and can benefit from, their programs and services. To celebrate the 30th ADA Anniversary, they came up with 30 ways the agency supports emergency preparedness, response and recovery for people with disabilities.
FORBES: Apple Once Again Tackles Disability Representation In Hollywood With New TV+ Drama Series ‘Little Voice’
By SD Network, 2020-07-27
Apple has always been known for their commitment to people with disabilities. From accessibility and assistive technologies, to hiring people with disabilities in all facets of the company, they've always been very inclusive. Recently, they've gone a step further by producing a New TV+ drama series. The series stars people with visual impairments and won Seal of Authentic Representation award.
TMJ4.COM: Lake Geneva's Inspired Coffee finds a way to open despite pandemic
By SD Network, 2020-07-27
A new coffee shop in Lake Geneva ran by people with disabilities found a way to open despite the pandemic. Inspired Coffee hopes to break stereotypes of people with different abilities. The training for employees was supposed to be in-person, but, due to COVID, they set up an online training classroom. They're taking precautions, such as wearing masks, to ensure safety. The hope is that the experience workers get will help them get jobs down the road.
July 2020
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Exhibit at the 2020 Self-Determination Conference
Applications are now being accepted for organizations who support self-determination and self-direction and for micro-business owners to exhibit at the 2020 Self-determination Conference. Applications are due by August 1st. Apply today!
Check Out The Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content. Videos are posted a couple times a month on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better.
In July, we're shining the spotlight on Duane. When he’s not biking, kayaking, or playing hockey, he strives to assist people with disabilities have choices through the help of technology. Stop this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Duane.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"With the ongoing pandemic colliding with the outbursts from the equity movement, 2020 will be read about in history books for years to come."
In this month's journal entry, Stacy shares some of her thoughts about what's going on in this country. Do you agree with her? What are some of your thoughts?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Innovative Assistive Technology Grants: The Administration for Community Living has opened up grant opportunities for to help state programs expand assistive technology through innovations. Applications are due September 15th.
- Social Security Disability Insurance Confusion: Recently, there has been some confusion about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Wisconsin. Read about where the situation stands.
- Be Inspired: It's becoming increasingly popular for parents to start businesses so that their son or daughter with a disability will be able to work. Learn about a neat father-son duo that has not one, but three businesses going.
- Transit Woes Continue: After 30 years of the ADA, transit problems continue for people with disabilities. Find out what challenges people still face.
- Housing Disparity Brief: Housing security is vital for the health, wellbeing, and community integration of people with—and without—disabilities. Learn about some of the disparities.
- Employment First Partner Grants: Does your program, school or organization want to increase employment for people with disabilities? Applications for Employment First Partner grants are now available. Apply today!
- SPARKS Grants: Do you have an idea to make your community a better place for people with disabilities? Our SPARKs grant applications are now being accepted. Learn more!
- Partners in Policymaking: This workshop will train you how to advocate for policies and initiatives that support full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Apply today!
- ADA Online Exhibit: Check out this online exhibit that showcases some of the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- ADA Timeline: This is an interesting timeline depicting the key steps of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn about some of the legislation that went into it.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- BPDD Conversation Cafe: July 23rd, 6p.m. to 7:30p.m., Online
- BPDD Conversation Cafe: July 28th, 11a.m. to 12:30p.m., Online
- Online Forum For Electronic Visit Verification: July 29th, 1:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
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Webinar: Using The ADA And ABA Standards-Communication Elements And Features: August 6th, 1:30 to 3p.m., Online
- BPDD Conversation Cafe: August 18th, 3p.m. to 4:30p.m., Online
Post your event on the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? Contact Stacy Ellingen.
The Self-Determination Network is powered by InControl Wisconsin and supported financially by our members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.
This historical timeline of the ADA from the ADA National Network starts in 1986 and ends in 2020. It highlights key steps of the legislative and regulatory process as well as significant court decisions such as the Olmstead decision of 1999. It notes the 2008 ADA Amendments Act and ends with the 30th anniversary of the law.
INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES: Ed Roberts, the Disability Rights Movement, and the ADA
By SD Network, 2020-07-08
This month is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This online “exhibit” from the American Association of People with Disabilities and Google Arts and Culture celebrates some of the many groups and people who made the ADA possible, explores how and why it was passed, and concludes by looking at some of the major challenges people with disabilities are facing now.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Partners in Policymaking 2019-2020: Applications Available
By SD Network, 2020-07-07
While this fall still looks uncertain with COVID-19, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities will still be running their Fall grants and programs. Some of these may look a little different, but their staff are getting creative to support projects around the state in the safest way possible.
Applications will be available on July 13th! This workshop will train you how to advocate for policies and initiatives that support full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. We are looking to be flexible with how we hold these training sessions as the Fall has so many unknowns. For now, we are planning to have a mix of virtual and in-person training sessions but we will adhere to public safety standards so we may hold all virtually. If you have always wanted to do Partners, but transportation has been a barrier, this may be your year! Apply by August 31st and our staff will keep you informed on how the sessions will look as Fall gets closer.
While this fall still looks uncertain with COVID-19, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities will still be running their Fall grants and programs. Some of these may look a little different, but their staff are getting creative to support projects around the state in the safest way possible.
Do you have an idea to make your community a better place for people with disabilities? Our SPARKs grant applications will be available on July 13th! Organize your grassroots group and apply for funding to help make it happen! Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members may apply. We are looking for projects with a focus on voting (for the 2020 election), COVID-19, create transportation ideas, and project ideas from under-served communities.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Employment First Partner Grants
By SD Network, 2020-07-07
While this fall still looks uncertain with COVID-19, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities will still be running their Fall grants and programs. Some of these may look a little different, but their staff are getting creative to support projects around the state in the safest way possible.
Does your program, school or organization want to increase employment for people with disabilities? Applications for Employment First Partner grants will open on July 13th! Spread the word to others in your community about the importance of employment for people with disabilities. Activities our grants support include presenting to service clubs and business groups, organizing community conversations, holding legislative events and town hall meetings, and educating people with disabilities and their families about having community jobs.