News
Applications are being accepted for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking. Partners is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state, who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Apply now!
Download the application here: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/projects/partnersinpolicymaking/partnersadvocacytraining.cfm
People with disabilities often struggle to stay physically active. Apple recently announced that the Apple Watch will soon allow people who use wheelchairs to track their activity level much like the fitness trackers allow for people running and walking. The software update coming in fall will apply wheelchair pushes to all-day calorie goals. It will also be to offer things such as wheelchair-specific workouts.
On June 1st, Ohio became the first state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Ohio, the accounts are known as "STABLE accounts." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. STABLE accounts are open to both residents in Ohio as well as across the country.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Tennessee Launches Country’s Second ABLE Program
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
On June 14th, Tennessee became the second state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Tennessee, the program is known as "ABLE TN." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Tennessee as well as across the country.
Nebraska launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Nebraska, the program is known as "ENABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Nebraska as well as across the country.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about Summer Fun & Safety
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
Summertime is usually thought of as a time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. Families often take vacations to theme parks and waterparks, people play sports, etc... For many people with disabilities, though, the summer season can present a host of challenge. Are parks accessible? How can I stay safe in the heat? The list goes on and on.
Here is a great list of things to keep in mind about summer fun and safety. There are a bunch of links to helpful resources included in the list.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 26 at the end of July. The ADA improves lives of people with disabilities in many ways. This blog talks about some of them and discusses briefly how the Act was formed.
SPARKS Grants are designed to organize local grassroots groups that identify and make changes in their communities resulting in a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Grassroots community organizing means groups working for positive community change for individuals with disabilities on issues that are important to them. SPARKS Grants are available to people with developmental disabilities and family members in Wisconsin.
Activities funded by SPARKS Grants include organizing a local People First chapter; forming a local social justice or civic group that includes people with and without disabilities (this could be a school group); providing for local community advocacy (e.g., developing an inclusive park or accessible garden, expanding community employment opportunities for people with disabilities)
Apply for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI-BPDD) SPARKS Grants. These Grants provide you with funding up to $3,000, technical assistance, and tools/resources to support your outreach activities.
If you are interested you need to complete an SPARKS Application (if link does not work, cut and paste this URL into browser: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/docs/2016/2016-17-SPARKS-Grant-Application.pdf
Send completed application to:
SPARKS Grant c/o WI-BPDD 101 East Wilson Street Room 219 Madison, WI 53703
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, July 29th, 2016. Individuals (or groups) with I/DD who have diverse identities and /or individuals that are underserved are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions contact: John Shaw at 608-266-7707 or john1.shaw@wisconsin.gov
You can also contact Deb Wisniewski (Sparks Grants Coordinator) at scgwis@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
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Changes to Wisconsin Long-Term Care: What’s Next?
On Thursday June 9th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services contacted the co-chairs of Joint Finance to withdraw its Concept Plan on Family Care/IRIS 2.0. Participant input was said to be major reason for withdrawing the plan from consideration. Changes to Long-Term Care remain in law, so this does not mean there will be no changes; however, at this point, it is unclear what the changes and timeline will be. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest developments on our Long-Term Care Redesign page.
It's with deep sadness that we tell you that Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades recently passed away. InControl Wisconsin wants to express its deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and friends during this time.
You are Invited to Join the Conversation!
We all have questions that we’re looking for advice on. The Network is a great way to tap into the ideas and experiences of other people - the members of the network. So if you’d like to post a question, we can all share our thoughts with you. This month, Stacy is tackling the challenge of hiring her own staff and she’d like to hear from you. Join the conversation!
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. This month, we shine the spotlight on Wanda Vielliex. Thanks to being able to self-direct her own supports, she's able to fulfill her passion of helping people. This volunteer extraordinaire is active in many clubs and organizations in her community. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to learn more about Wanda!
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Final Overtime Rule: Read about how the final overtime rule for caretakers may impact many people with disabilities.
- Travel App: Learn about a new app that helps people with disabilities find accessible hotels.
- Accessible Dollar Bills: Find out about how advocates are pushing the U.S. Department of Treasury to make the next dollar bill accessible.
- Community Living: Read about how a study found that many families of those with disabilities who had to transition from institutions to community living are happy with the results.
- Web-Captioning Survey: Learn and find out how you can voice your opinion about a proposal that assesses the monetary value of captioning web content for people with hearing impairments.
- Be Inspired: Read about a high school athlete who doesn't let having a disability hold him back.
- Transportation Survey: Here's an opportunity to participate in a survey about transportation for people with disabilities.
- Benefits Calculator: Learn about a neat tool you can use to estimate your Social Security benefits.
- Parent Support Needed: A support group is looking for parents of children with special needs to support other parents going through similar experiences.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses her recent care challenges and how she's tackling them. 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:
- Accessible Pontoon Boat Rides: June 1st-September 30th, Tenney Park, Madison WI
- 2016 Transformation Conference: June 28th-30th, Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria VA
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.
P2P Needs Support Parents Who Have a Child with Seizure Disorders, Autism, Mental Health Challenges or Down syndrome
By SD Network, 2016-06-14
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin - www.p2pwi.org - provides parent support to parents of children with special needs through a one-to-one connection with another parent who has similar experience and who knows firsthand about the feelings and realities that come with having a child with special needs.
P2P has had an increase in the number of calls looking for the support of another family who has the experience of a child who has seizures, a mental health condition, autism, families who have young children with Down syndrome as well as other conditions.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a support parent we would like to invite you to attend a support parent training.
For more information, please call Robin at 715.361.2934 or email: Get-Connected@p2pwi.org