Weigh in on the Future of Managed Care
in Wisconsin: Submit Comments byJuly 27

Access to Independence is seeking a full-time Assistive Technology/Independent Living Specialist to provide assistive technology, and independent living services, for people with disabilities in a four-county region. Qualified applicants should have the necessary level of education or experience, or an acceptable combination of both. Relevant experience should include work with assistive technology devices and services, durable medical equipment, and have experience with disability. Applicants should have a commitment to the independent living philosophy, and strong communication, problem solving, and time management skills. Applicants must have access to transportation throughout the 4-county service region and beyond.

EOE: Persons with disabilities and minorities encouraged to apply.

Send resume and cover letter by 4:30pm, Wednesday, July 15th to:

Access to Independence

Dee Nash

3810 Milwaukee Street

Madison, WI 53714

Or by e-mail to deeb@accesstoind.org

Exhibit at the 2015 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference! Be part of this amazing conference that brings over 700 people together from all over Wisconsin!

Exhibit tables will be available onTuesday, Nov. 10 and Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Space is limited and only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, and mission of the conference.

Microenterprises run by people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!

Conference details:
2015 WI Self-Determination Conference
Kalahari Resort
Wisconsin Dells, WI
November 9-11, 2015

Applications can be downloaded from the website:http://wi-bpdd.org/sdc/2015/exhibit.cfm

If you have questions, contact Jenny Neugart atjennifer.neugart@wisconsin.govor(608) 261-7528.

Self-Determination Network News June 2015

Connect|Share|Learn|http://sdnetworkwi.org/

25^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This summer is the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Celebrations are taking place across the country including in Wisconsin. The ADA Legacy Bus Tour is making three stops across the state and there are many other events going on as well. Weve created a special page listing events that are going on in Wisconsin for the ADA 25^th. We encourage you to check out some of the events!

Budget Proposal Update

As many of you know, on Wednesday May 27th, the Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 on a motion that pulls the original proposed long-term care changes from the state budget, but includes significant changes to Wisconsin's Family Care/IRIS programs that would begin in 2017.

Changes in the motion include:

• Expands Family Care/IRIS statewide byJanuary 1, 2017.
• Changes the size of regions currently served by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) so there are no less than 5 regions.
• Requires multiple Integrated Health Agencies (IHAs) in each region that can be for-profit insurance companies.
• Lifts the limits on profits and administrative costs on all entities providing Family Care.
• Ends IRIS as a separate Medicaid program, and requires IHAs to have a consumer-directed option that allows developing plans and allows people to select their own providers, thus folding the existing IRIS program into managed care oversight.
• Directs the Department of Health Services (DHS) to consult with stakeholders before final waiver request development, with no details on who those stakeholders would be or how they would be consulted.
• Retains Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and require DHS to evaluate the functional screen and options counseling reliability and consistency across ADRCs and require DHS to study ADRC governing boards and provide a report on proposed changes to the requirements of boards to remove duplication.

The full Legislature still has to vote on the entire state budget. This vote is expected to take place on June 30^th, so now is the VERY critical time to take action!

Join us for another Coffee Break!

Coffee Break: Wisconsin's State Budget and the Future of Long-Term Care Programs: Wednesday July 1^st from 9am to 9:30am

Wisconsin's state legislature iscurrently developing our next state budget. Right now, we know that substantial changes to the long-term care system (including Family Care, IRIS and ADRCs) are being considered as part of that budget. By July 1st, we should have a pretty good idea about what will be included.

Join us for a Coffee Break withLynn Breedlove, board president of InControl Wisconsin outspoken advocate for self-determination, as we talk about what we know (and don't know) about the future of the long-term care system in Wisconsin. Bring your questions, comments, etc. as our Coffee Breaks are an opportunity to talk with each other about topics we care about.

The Coffee Break is a live discussion (written chat) on the Network, open to all members. Each Coffee Break has a different theme - participants will be asked to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and challenges on the subject.

You can join the discussion (chat) any time during the Coffee Break. Just sign in on the SD Network during the time you want to participate on the Network and then go to the Chat Room.

There's no need to register - however, it would help if you would RSVP so we have some idea if you will be joining us.

Take our One-Minute Poll

In our last one-minute poll, we asked people what they thought of the Joint Finance Committee's announcement regarding long-term care. About 26% of people were glad they acknowledged the concerns, but thought more work needed to be done. Over 60% of people were disappointed by the announcement and felt the Joint Finance Committee ignored the concerns. Roughly 7% of people reported that they were confused by the announcement.

To lighten things up a bit, this month were asking what your favorite summer activity is. Take our one-minute poll now!

Check out this months Member Spotlight

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.

For this month, we shine the Spotlight on Mary Sykes. As a strong advocate for people with disabilities, she is very passionate about person-centered planning. Stop by this monthsMember Spotlightand get to know Mary!

Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Impact of the ADA: Read this great story about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has impacted one Wisconsin mans life.
• Learn: This is an interesting article about how statistics show people with disabilities are more likely to be victims of violent crime.
• Google Initiative: Read about how Google is putting up millions for a disability initiative.
• Be Inspired: This is a great storyabout a man who has learned to look beyond his physical disability.
• Rise in Providers: An interesting article about the rise in providers serving people with disabilities.
• Changes in Managed Care: This is a very interesting article about the proposed changes to Medicaid.
• Financial Effort Program: Read about a new program federalofficials are launching in effort to help people with disabilities become more financially independent.
• SPARK Grants: The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to help local groups work on identified changes in their communities through grassroots community organizing. Application deadline is July 31^st.
• Become a Partner in Policymaking: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities' Partners in Policymaking is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state. Applications due September 1^st.
• Family Grants: Family Voices of Wisconsin is offering funding and technical assistance will be provided to family-led projects designed to improve Wisconsins systems of support for family members who have children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs. Application deadline is July 3^rd.
• Housing Costs: This is an interesting article about how a new study finds housing too expensive for with disabilities living on SSI.
• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

Stacys Journal

This month Stacy discusses the importance of time management for people with disabilities. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.

New Members

Stop by to welcomeour newest members

• This person is an advocate for her adult children.
• Shes a caregiver who believes in self-direction.
• As a caregiver for people with disabilities, shes very concerned with the budget proposal.
• This self-advocate wants to help enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• This parent and advocate wants to become more familiar with self-determination.
• Shes the Executive Service Manager for a company that supports self-direction.

Do you know someone who should join the Self-Determination Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the Self-Determination Network:

• ADA Free Pontoon Boat Rides on Madison Lakes: June 14^th to August 16^th, Tenney Park, Madison WI
• From Self Advocacy to Self Determination: June 23^rd to the 24^th, Radison Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay WI
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Madison Stop: June 25^th, 11am to 4pm, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison WI
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Milwaukee Stop: June 26^th, 10am to 4pm, Harley-Davidson Museum and Curative Rehabilitation Lot at Milwaukee County Medical Complex, Milwaukee WI
• Guardianship and Power of Attorney Seminar: June 26^th, 5pm, Racine County Public Works Building Auditorium, Sturtevant WI
• Coffee Break: Wisconsin's State Budget and the Future of Long-Term Care Programs: July 1^st, 9am to 9:30am, SD Network Chat Room
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Superior Stop: July 7^th, 12:30pm to 3pm, Mariner Mall, Superior WI
• MILC's 15th and the ADA's 25th Celebration: July 15^th, 3pm to 7pm, Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc., Stevens Point WI
• Wheels & Heels: July 17^th, 5pm to 9pm, Festa
• Itailana, Milwaukee WI
• Story Slam: July 20^th, 7pm to 9pm, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee WI
• Milwaukee Brewers vs Cleveland: July 22^nd, 1pm, Miller Park, Milwaukee WI
• Adaptive Sports and Recreation Expo: July 25^th, 9am to 2pm, Nathan Hale High School, West Allis WI
• 3rd Annual Disability Pride Festival: July 25^th, 12pm to 5pm, Brittingham Park, Madison WI
• State-wide Institute on Best Practices in Inclusive Education 2015: July 27^th to 29^th, Westwood Conference Center, Wausau WI
• Self-Determination Conference: November 9^thto 11^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
  

Post your eventon 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 In Control Wisconsin and supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.

This is an interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Shaun Heasley about how a new study finds housing too expensive for with disabilities living on SSI. He lists some interesting stats and figures.

Housing Unaffordable For Many With Disabilities, Report Finds

By Shaun Heasley

Housing is too costly for people with disabilities living on Supplemental Security Income in nearly every place across the country, with apartment rents often exceeding an individuals entire monthly income.

Nationally, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 2014 totaled 104 percent of the monthly SSI payment for a person with a disability, according to areportout this week.

From Bethel, Alaska to Boston, Mass., to Tallahassee, Fla., we have an affordable housing crisis in our nations local communities, and it is particularly acute for people with disabilities on SSI, said Kevin Martone, executive director of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, which produced the report along with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.

To assess the housing situation for those with disabilities, the organizations compared monthly SSI payments in 2014 to the fair market rents for studio and one-bedroom apartments in communities across the country, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

They found that the average monthly SSI payment for a single person was $750. At the same time, the national average for a one-bedroom apartment was $780 while a studio apartment cost $674 per month.

Both options far exceed whats considered affordable under federal recommendations, which indicate that housing costs should account for no more than 30 percent of a persons income.

The findings suggest that not much has changed since2013when the groups last issued their biannual report dubbed Priced Out. At that time, renting even the smallest apartments in each state cost at least 60 percent of what SSI paid.

As this report makes clear, rental housing is out of reach for people living on SSI without an ongoing rent subsidy, said Andrew Sperling, co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/11/housing-unaffordable-report/20375/

Family Voices of WisconsinFamily Impact!Grant Initiative

APPLICATIONSNOW AVAILABLE!

DueJuly 3, 2015

Are you a parent, sibling or other family member of a child or youth with special health care needs or a disability (CYSHCN), age birth to 21? Do you have an idea that would make Wisconsins systems of supports and resources more accessible and responsive to the needs of your family, and other CYSHCN families like yours?

Family Voices of Wisconsin is pleased to announce the launch of its newFamily Impact!Grant initiative. Through this grant program, funding and technical assistance will be provided to family-led projects designed to improve Wisconsins systems of support for family members who have children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs.

Projects may focus on improving local, regional or statewide policies, practices, systems or programs designed to support the health, well-being and community connections of children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs and their families.

Where can I learn more and apply for a grant?

Additional information and grant applications can now be found athttp://fvofwi.org/family-impact-grant/

Partners in Policymaking

Meet Mary Sykes. As a strong advocate for people with disabilities, Mary is very passionate about person-centered planning. She has been involved in numerous disability organizations over the years, and full-heartedly believes in self-determination for all people. Learn more about Mary in this months Member Spotlight.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?

Ive been connected to people with developmental disabilities and the disability rights movement in one way or another since my high school days (which were many years ago!) as a member of Youth-ARC; as a citizen advocate; as a program coordinator for Citizen Advocacy; as a member of and volunteer with the Arc in Dane County; and as a PATH facilitator since 1997. (PATH is one of many person centered planning tools.) Currently, a colleague and I are developing a consulting business that would offer training and support in relationship and community building with and for people with disabilities. Since March of 2014, Ive also worked for Disability Rights Wisconsin, part time, as a training coordinator for the Disability Benefit Specialists program there.

The principles of self-determination have always made sense to me. I remember hearing Tom Nerney speak about self-determination this was many years ago but I still remember the goose bumps elicited by his stirring words, his call for justice, dignity and freedom. Self-determination, for me, is inextricably linked to relationship and belonging independence, for any of us, is not possible without interdependence. None of us can be our best and most powerful selves without love and support and help.

I joined the SD Network because I want to connect with like-minded people! I love that Network members hail from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances, and from all parts of Wisconsin. I was particularly drawn to the Person-Centered Facilitators group because of my work as a PATH and inclusion facilitator.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

The strong and passionate response to the threats to IRIS and other resources posed by the Governors budget proposal has been inspiring and the fact that its had a positive impact gives me hope.

I am privileged to witness individuals and groups articulating their dreams and creating action plans in the service of a bright and shining future and I know this is happening all across this state! I see people continuing to learn about person centered planning and striving to use those tools in a meaningful way. I am inspired by people thinking outside the box, being creative in their thinking and action, coming together to support someones vision for a better life. I am inspired by people with disabilities sharing their dreams and gifts and talents. Truly, we are better together!

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

Dont give up if something doesnt work, look for another way. Our best resource is one another think outside the box in terms of whos in your corner, who your people are. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected sources!

These words come to mind please substitute for God whomever/whatever has meaning for you (this has been attributed to Nelson Mandela but may actually be the words of Marianne Williamson):

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are younotto be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

What message would you like to share with themembersof the SDNetwork?

It would be the same as above dont lose hope. Dont hold back. And take care of yourself do what you need to do to feed your mind, body and spirit.

What's your dream vacation?

I recently returned from one of my most favorite spots on earth the North Shore of Lake Superior. Being there with my sweetheart, my spouse. Just sitting on the rocks by those big, expansive, wild, beautiful waters. Hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail. Having dinner at The Angry Trout caf in Grand Marais. We are already scheming about when we can go back!

***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.

For many adults, being spontaneous is a part of life. Most people dont even think about what time they're going to bed that night let alone what they're going to have for breakfast the next morning. For people with significant disabilities, being spontaneous often isn't an option.

I've always been an organized and on-time person. If I'm late for something, people know something is likely wrong. Some people think Im overly punctual, but time management is crucial for me. Since almost everything takes me a little longer to accomplish, I have to be a planner. Fortunately, I always have been pretty good at this.

Since I depend on people for all of my basic needs, I have to plan out almost everything I do. From the times I roll out of bed each morning, to the times I use the restroom during the day, to the times I eat lunch and dinner, to the times I go to bed each night, everything has to be done at a scheduled time because people have to come help me. I also need to make sure that during each shift I have the aide do whatever I need until the next shift. I always have to think ahead to make sure Im prepared. Since I'm primarily non-verbal, each night, I prepare three or four Word documents for the next day explaining what I want done on each shift. I type out what I want staff to prepare for each meal and what I need them to do.

In college, most students could do a five page paper an hour before class and do ok on it or pull an all-nighter when a big project was due. For me, it wasn't that easy. Before each semester, I had to look at my class schedule and make a schedule of the shifts accordingly. Most of the time I didn't mind it because it forced me to keep a strict time schedule, but, sometimes, it was a pain if I had to meet for a group project or just wanted to go to bed earlier or later one night. Since most coursework took me at least twice as long to do then the normal student, I had to plan out enough time to complete assignments. If I needed physical assistance with homework, I had homework aides who would come help me. That also took some coordinating. Unlike many college students, I tended not to procrastinate. When I got an assignment, I got it started as soon as possible. Usually, if I had something due and if it wasn't done at least a day before hand, something is wrong. Even if I had a couple of weeks to do it, I got it started right away. My friends thought I was crazy for doing things so far in advanced, but I had to be on top of things.

Now that I'm working as an independent contractor, I set my own hours that I work. Although I'm getting better at pacing myself, I still tend to do all the work I can as soon as I can. Maybe it's my personality, but if I know there's work I need to complete, I have a hard time relaxing. Its just the way I am.

Living on a rigid schedule has become the norm for me. My friends and family understand that if they want to do something with me, I need to know well ahead of time so I can let my staff know. Although, I enjoy getting a break from my routine when I go away for a weekend or go on vacation and have family take care of me, it often throws my body out of whack. Living a scheduled life isn't always convenient, but, for me, it's the only way I can live independently!

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.

Ignite Your Grassroots Efforts: Apply for BPDD SPARKS Grant!