News

The 2017 Aging and Disability Network Conference is calling for Proposals for Workshop Presentations. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, through the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, is sponsoring the first Aging and Disability Network Conference: Together Towards Tomorrow.
This statewide training opportunity is September 6-8, 2017, at the Madison Marriott West, 1313 John. Q. Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI 53562.

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Nevada, North Carolina, and Kansas recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits).  Nevada's program is called "ABLE Nevada," North Carolina's program is called "NC ABLE," and the Kansas program is called "Kansas ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  All three programs are open to residents nationwide.

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Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits). Iowa's program is called "IAble," Minnesota's is called "Minnesota ABLE Plan," and it's known as "Illinois ABLE" in Illinois.  Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  All three programs are open to residents nationwide.

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Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum Accepting Applications

The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities.  It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness to approximately 25 students with disabilities from throughout the state of Wisconsin. YLF is a project of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Recently, the  Department of Health Services (DHS) announced  the expansion of Family Care services in six northern Wisconsin counties including Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Taylor and Adams. This  will provide many people access to long-term care  services for the first time.  DHS plans to expand Family Care ad IRIS statewide in the first quarter of 2018.

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Recently,  the Food and Nutrition Service published a final rule regarding various aspects related to, among other things, eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families (including those with disabilities) and provides economic benefits to communities.  Since SNAP is federally funded, this rule confirms that ABLE funds won't compromise eligible people from accessing benefits under the SNAP program.

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The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technologies (Wireless RERC) did a study of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) test that was done in September 2016. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established the EAS in 1997 for an easy way to alert the public of local and national emergencies. Wireless RERC's study finds that there is inconsistent implementation of the EAS nationwide, which results in inaccessibility to people with disabilities. The Wireless RERC made recommendations that would improve accessibility, like slower scrolling announcement text, uniformity of presentation, and muting of the regularly scheduled television program.

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Google developers have spent time gathering information regarding accessibility for public places like restaurants in order to add the information to Google Maps. When you search for a restaurant on Google Maps, general information like the hours of operation, reviews, and the restaurant's website are included in the entry. Now, the entries will also show information on accessibility, such as whether the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

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Several disability rights scholars have joined together to form The Tangata Group, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting disability rights. The group's name is from the Maori language; "tangata"  means "the essence of being human." The founders hope to consult on domestic and international human and disability rights issues, including matters involving the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Americans with Disabilities Act, and accessibility issues.

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After receiving the largest number of complaints in the area of disability air travel, the US Department of Transportation recently released new training material for airlines and passengers.  The DOT worked with disability organizations, airlines, and airports to develop the material.  The material reinforces implementation of the Air Carrier Access Act which prohibits airlines from discriminating against people with disabilities.  It addresses four main areas which include:

1. Wheelchair and guide assistance
2. Stowage, loss, delay, and damage of wheelchairs and other equipment
3. Aircraft seating accommodations
4. Travel with service animals

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