News
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Wants Your Input!
Are you an individual with a disability or family member that has participated in a BPDD activity (e.g., conference, training, community conversation) during the past year?
If yes, please take a few moments to complete this brief survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N3PYBRH.
Your feedback is very important to BPDD. To thank you for completing the survey byFriday, September 16th , your name will be entered into a pool for a chance to receive a $50.00 gift card to Amazon!
Ann Sievert
WI-BPDD
State Plan Project Manager
608-267-9897
Email: ann.sievert@wisconsin.gov
The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance is looking for some help! Please visit the Alliance Facebook Page to Like, Comment and Share their post on nominations for the 2016 Caregiver Awards. Here's the Link:
https://www.facebook.com/Alliancewisconsinlongtermcareworkforcealliance/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
According to the Dept. of Justice, having people with disabilities on waiting lists for community-based services may violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. It may put people at risk of being institutionalized. Under the ADA, individuals with disabilities are entitled to access services in the most integrated setting possible.
Countdown to the Self-Determination Conference! Earlybird Registration Extended!
By SD Network, 2016-09-02
Register Now!
2016 Self-Determination Conference
November 8-10, 2016
THE COUNTDOWN TO THE 9TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE BEGINS!
9. THIS WEEK: Don’t miss out on this Early Bird opportunity! Register by Thursday, September 15, 2016, and save on your registration fee.
8. BEFORE YOU COME IN NOVEMBER: Vote on Nov 8! Be sure to stop by your local voting place on November 8 to cast your ballot before heading to the conference. Be sure to allow for plenty of time, because it is a national election and there may be lines at the polls.
7. COME TO THE PRE-CONFERENCE: Head to the Self-Determination
Pre-Conference in the Wisconsin Dells. Sessions start at 3 pm.
Choose from the following topics: (Don’t forget to pre-register)
-
Creating a Meaningful Life Learn about ways you can have a full life.
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Before 18 Learn about some new interactive tools to support youth successfully transition to adult life.
- Apps and Extensions for Everyone! Explore free apps to make information accessible and life easier. (We encourage you to bring your laptop or smart device.)
6. ELECTION NIGHT NOV. 8: Join us for the kick-off event: IT’S YOUR PARTY! Watch the election results with us! Enjoy a meal with friends and learn more about the issues facing the disability community in 2017.
5. AT THE CONFERENCE NOV. 9-10: Meet our special Keynote speaker, Keith Jones. As a black man with a disability, Keith has many experiences and insights to share with us on disability, diversity and inclusion.
4. Count me in! We have a lot we can learn from others of diverse backgrounds about the challenges they see in their communities and how they are working to overcome the barriers. Many stories! Many learning opportunities!
3. Work, Community, Support, Transition, Money and More! So much to learn!
2. Just for fun and Enrichment: Parks and Recreation, Paralympics, Drumming and Improv; just to name a few topics to enrich your community involvement.
1. Well we can’t tell you everything! As always you can COUNT ON some surprises along the way! So don’t miss out on being a part of this very special community!
The Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference empowers people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives.
This year's theme is Count Me In! Join us as we explore ways you can and do make a difference.
To register or apply for a scholarship, visit Register Online
More than 600 people each year participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. The conference participants include people with disabilities and their family members, direct care providers, and professionals from Wisconsin's disability community. #SDCountMeIn
Recently, the Dept. of Justice announced its issuing new regulations to expand who's covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will cover those with everything from cancer to diabetes, epilepsy, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and other conditions. The new regulations will take effect October 11th.
According to a new report, the number of potential voters with disabilities is increasing. About 35.4 million Americans with disabilities will be eligible to vote in November's election. It's a 7% increase from the 2012 election. As this number increases, voters with disabilities will surpass other demographic groups that normally receive more attention.
Many disability providers are looking to Congress for a boost in funding to help with new mandates that many worry will cut services. A new bill, known as the Disability Community Act, would offer a temporary increase in Medicaid funds for programs for people with developmental disabilities. Providers are preparing for the federal rule that will require many more workers to be paid overtime.
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Changes to Wisconsin Long-Term Care:
What’s Next?
On July 28th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced plans to expand Family Care and IRIS programs statewide by beginning of 2018. This will eliminate the wait list for hundreds of people seeking long-term care services. This means the final seven counties in Wisconsin will finally have access to services. Learn more about the plan.
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 August, we shine the spotlight on Chad Murphy-Price. As an avid waterskier and public speaker, he fully believes in the power of self-determination. He has an incredible outlook on life which he uses to inspire others everyday. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Chad.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Take our One-Minute Poll!
InControl Wisconsin is always trying to come up with ways to improve our Networks for people. Occasionally, we're going to start asking for simple feedback from our members. Using the data that's collected, we will better be able to serve our members.
To start with, we simply want to know who you are. We'd greatly appreciate it if you would take a minute to take our poll.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Watch: This is an excellent webinar recording about the new ABLE programs.
- ADA 26th Anniversary: Late in July, America celebrated the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Check out these great links about the ADA.
- Caregiver Wage Rule: The US Supreme Court recently threw out a case disputing a 2013 Department of Labor regulation that requires in-home care workers to receive minimum wage and overtime pay. Learn why many care agencies sued over this change.
- Community Living on the Rise: A new report reveals that more Medicaid dollars are going toward community-based services than institutional care. Read more about how community living seems to be trending.
- Register Now: The Across the Lifespan Conference is coming up in November. Register today!
- Disability in America: The most common characteristic among people with disabilities in this country is living near or in poverty. Find out how many people think that can be changed.
- Bringing Disability into Entertainment: More and more television shows are bringing the notion of disability into storylines. Learn how this helps people gain a new perspective on disability.
- Call for Presenters: Presenter applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Circle of Life Conference. Applications are due October 7th. Apply today!
- Virtual Reality Simulator: Learn about how a new virtual reality simulator is helping teens with autism learn how to drive.
- More Community-Based Options: Read about how states are being urged to strengthen community based options so that people with disabilities can remain in their communities.
- Accessible Cabins: In Wisconsin, camping is often thought to be a fun summer activity. Learn about how accessible cabins in some state parks make it possible for people with physical disabilities to experience camping.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses her opinion about disability in the world of sports. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Sibling Summit: September 17th, 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., American Family World Headquarters, Madison WI
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Across the Lifespan Conference: November 3rd-4th, Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wisconsin Dells WI
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.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: State park cabins make camping accessible for all
By SD Network, 2016-08-16
Oftentimes, camping is thought of as an fun summertime activity in Wisconsin. However, for many people with physical disabilities, tent camping is too difficult. To try to accomodate people who have physical challenges, the Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources has 10 wheelchair-accessible log cabins around the state. The cabins are equipt with things such as two hospital beds, a Hoyer lift, and a shower-commode chair.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Chad joined the SD Network because he wanted to help others become more self-determined in their lives. He finds it very rewarding to be able to self-direct his care attendants when he goes on trips and speaking engagements. He says it makes him feel very self-determined.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Right now, Chad is really looking forward to being the keynote speaker at the Speak Up Speak Out Conference in Chicago at the end of October. He presents about livin
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
The tip Chad would like to share with others is “no matter how hard or how difficult things may seem, always remember to continue the very best you can, and that will in turn get you through the times."
What are some of your hobbies?
In his free time, Chad enjoys doing website design and adaptive waterskiing.. He skies with the Pewaukee Lake Waterski Club every Thursday in summer.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.