News

Self-Determination Network News:

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:

• Check Out This Cool Art Studio
• Virtual Services: Have Fun and Just be You

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?

Stacy’s Journal

"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.   

Upcoming Events

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
• 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.

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.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Application Requests are now available for the 2020 Self-Determination Conference

Turning Vision into Reality! October 26-28, 2020

Calling all Wisconsin organizations that support self-determination and self-directed support in Wisconsin. We encourage you to submit an exhibitor’s application. This Year’s Conference will be held virtually.

Only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction in WI will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, variety and mission of the conference. We are particularly interested in having exhibitors with innovative approaches to services and supports for self- direction including the use of technology to help people with disabilities live full and inclusive lives.  Exhibit (Zoom) rooms will be live during Conference Networking Breaks on  October 27-28, 2020. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2020

https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Exhibitor-Application-Request-2020.docx

Calling all Micro-business owners!

There is a new way to exhibit at the Self-Determination Conference this year! The All Abilities Market is an online marketplace where microenterprises and artists can sell their products and/or services. You have the unique opportunity to join this marketplace and sell online, not only at the Self-Determination Conference but all year long!. Support is available to help you through the process. For more information about the All Abilities Market, visit www.allAmarket.org.
Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2020

https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/All-Abilities-MicroEntreprise-Market-and-Exhibit-Application-2020.docx 

SPONSOR

Do you Support Self-Determination in Wisconsin? We need your Support!
We are accepting sponsorship to the 2020 Self-Determination Conference. This year conference sponsorships will enable individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals to attend the conference FREE of Charge. Learning together has always been an important tenet of our conference. Scholarships will help to ensure we provide the best virtual experience possible. Your contribution will help us continue to empower self-advocacy and self-direction in Wisconsin.

 https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-SD-Conference-Sponsorship.docx

For additional information please contact Fil Clissa at fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov .

See you at the Conference: October 26-28, Virtually Everywhere! 

Housing security is vital for the health, wellbeing,  and community integration of people with—and without—disabilities. The Community Living Policy Center released a brief about the housing disparities for people with disabilities. It has many interesting stats and information. 

Read brief

The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) is this month. One of the many things it is to require public transportation to be accessible. While there have been giant improvements made in this area, there are still many things that need to change. 

Read more

How far is too far? That’s a loaded question in this day and age. With the ongoing pandemic colliding with the outbursts from the equity movement, 2020 will be read about in history books for years to come. Many people feel like the country is in shambles. People have different opinions about the two situations which creates tension everywhere. Different beliefs even among families are causing more unease during this unprecedented time in the world.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a pretty conservative person—I always have been. On most things, I listen to the experts and follow the advice of professionals. My immediate family is the same way, but I also think living with a disability has made me extra strict on some things. That’s why it was unusual that I wasn’t worried when COVID was first talked about back in late February. My parents were worried about it, but I didn’t think it was going to amount to anything. It wasn’t until everything starting shutting down in early March that I began to worry. States began implementing stay-at-home orders, and the number of cases began to skyrocket. News stories about hospitals prioritizing ventilators and refusing to treat people with disabilities began popping up in my Facebook groups.  What would happen if I would get it? It’s a question that still lingers in my mind today.

I’ve noticed that many people have eased up on the guidelines such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and attending large group gatherings. While I understand we all are sick and tired of living in a bubble for so long, the virus is still very prevalent across the country. It’s very hard to understand this when people are asymptomatic, but yet, are carriers of the virus. This is where the concept of being accountable for one’s own actions is so important. A person may not be overly concerned about contracting the virus herself/himself, but the thing that the person needs to remember is that she/he can spread it to others without even realizing it.

Obviously, nobody intentionally means to spread the virus to other people, but when people choose not to follow the guidelines, it often seems like people don’t care about others. This can be very frustrating and cause tension among friends and family. To those of us who are concerned about getting the virus, it’s hard to understand why some people aren’t taking the recommended precautions. The saying, “if you don’t feel the need to do it for yourself, do it for others” comes to mind during times like this.

Taking responsibility for one’s own actions carries into the equity movement as well. I personally believe that every single person on earth is racist. Most of the time it’s unintentional and we don’t even realize it. As a society, I feel we need to do a better job of understanding different cultures. Regardless of what culture it is--ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, or something else—we need to do a better job of understanding people.

There have been many posts on social media about comparing ethnicity inequality to disability inequality--some agreeing; others disagreeing. While I agree that there are some similarities, I don’t think now is the time to compare. I don’t think it’s right to draw attention away from the ethnicity inequality crisis. Yes, even though the 30^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is this month, there are still many inequalities for people with disabilities; however, we need to remember that we’re not the only culture still facing barriers.

Both of these issues boil down to having respect for one another. Yes, people have the right to have their opinions of what’s wrong and right and what people should and shouldn’t do, but we need to be respectful. How far is too far? That’s a rhetorical question. How far should the government go to enforce the pandemic guidelines? How far should law enforcement go to ensure equality?  How far does society have to go to have equality for all people?  Those are some questions that we may be pondering for years. Unfortunately, I don’t believe either situation will be resolved anytime in the near future. It’s my belief that both situations may take many years to resolve. My hope is that people will be more respectful of others as we create this new normal. Not only will it help to resolve the issues at hand, it will bring us closer together! 

***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.