News
What's your story? Tell us a little about yourself?
Olivia grew up in a tiny village called Brandon, but now lives in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. Currently, she works at Fleet Farm’s Fuel Center. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Theology. Right now, she’s looking into grad school for family and marital counseling. She’s also the current director of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum that is held every summer at Edgewood College in Madison, where they teach high school students with disabilities about leadership and self-advocacy skills.
How are you involved with self-determination?
Olivia is a great self-advocate. “Although sometimes I do rely on close friends and family for assistance, but hey, everyone needs a little help every now and then,” she tells us. She’s living independently in her own apartment and has a part-time job. She’s also working toward getting her driver's license.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Oliva is part of the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) and she’s really excited that to have started a #WednesdayWisdom and other live chats on Facebook through the Wisconsin YLF page. This gave her the opportunity to talk to previous YLF staff and delegate members about their experience through the program and what they are up to these days. “It's been really hard to see each other and sometimes people just kind of get lost in life with what they are doing and don't really have time to meet up. It was nice to reconnect with them and hear about their memories of the program,” she says. About eight years ago, she informed the previous director that when the time was right that she would like to try being the new director. Olivia spent a lot of time talking with the previous director, and she spent two years being her assistant and learning everything that she could. She finally became director in 2016.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Olivia would like to share two resources: The YLF Facebook page and the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities website. Both provide lots of great information.
She encourages people to never give up. “Everything that you want will come to you if you work hard,” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
In response to this question, Olivia says, “Oh, boy, this is a tough but fun question to answer.” She loves to read. She explains that it's a great escape from reality and to enter a world that can fill your head with so much imagination. Another good thing about reading is that you can learn about life, learn lessons and even read to learn something new. She enjoys watching TV and movies. A few of her favorites are “Heartland,” “Boy Meets World,” and definitely the Fall Hallmark movies! She also loves to run. She ran cross country and track all through middle, high school, and college—she enjoys the fact that it's your own pace and you can just run for fun! She enjoys connecting with friends--even though the last few years, it's mostly been through different apps or phone calls.
***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.
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: New federal funds spur expansion of home care services for the elderly and disabled
By SD Network, 2021-10-25
Older people and people with disabilities often need assistance with things like going shopping, getting dressed and other things. Solving these problems often is the difference between being able to stay at home or having to go to a nursing home. In recent years, Medicaid expanded coverage of home-based services, but it's optional in some states. Recently, the federal Department of Health and Human Services unveiled every state's plan for how they'll use the funds. An estimated $12.7 billion dollars in federal matching funds are available to "encourage states to expand home and community-based services and strengthen their programs."
HOME HEALTH CARE NEWS: OSHA Cracking Down on Workplace Violence Against Home-Based Care Workers
By SD Network, 2021-10-25
Due to the nature of the job, home care workers are at increased risk for experiencing workplace violence. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is cracking down on agencies that don't have protocols in-place for workers to report problems.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD; Technical Bulletins on Lavatories and Sinks, Washing Machines and Clothes Dryers, and Saunas and Steam Rooms
By SD Network, 2021-10-21
The U.S. Access Board has released technical bulletins on accessibility to lavatories and sinks, washing machines and clothes dryers, and saunas and steam rooms. This material addresses specifications for clear floor space, knee and toe space, forward and side reach, operable parts, height, turning space, benches, and doors in the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards. Each bulletin clarifies common sources of confusion, answers frequently asked questions, and offers recommendations for best practice. Examples of compliant lavatories, sinks, washing machines, clothes dryer, saunas, and steam rooms are included to illustrate how various requirements can be met.
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference. These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- Vicky Gunderson
- Maria Nogueron
- Kate Rinehart
- Maureen Ryan
- Delores Sallis
- Jordan Anderson
- Sydney Badeau
- Kathryn Burish
- Mike Hipple
PHI: Workforce Displacement and Re-Employment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By SD Network, 2021-10-18
A study was done about the workforce displacement and re-entry during the pandemic among direct care workers and workers other jobs. It was meant to understand whether and how new workers were recruited during the pandemic.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Social Security, SSI Benefits Will Increase By Largest Amount In Decades
By SD Network, 2021-10-15
The Social Security Administration recently announced a 5.9% increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income in 2022. This comes after the Cost of Living Adjustment, COLA, increased due to inflation. This will be the largest increase since 1982.
New legislation entitled, The Choose Home Care Act of 2021, was introduced to the House of Representatives. It would create an add-on payment to the traditional Medicare Home Health Benefit, allowing providers to mix in telehealth, transportation, personal care and other services. The main concept of this would be to give nursing home residents who are on Medicare more options how and where they recover following a hospital stay.
October 2021
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Registration Closes Wednesday October 13th!
There's still time to register for this year's Self-Determination Conference. It will be held virtually October 18-20.You'll be able to learn from self-advocates who are living their best and most creative lives and get the latest information about how to self-direct your supports: inspiring employment, health solutions, housing options, financial opportunities, and so much more! See the Conference Brochure for details. Registration is FREE, but you have to register by this Wednesday. Register today!
After the conference, we'll have a discussion on the Network about it. Continue conversation and chat with others about what you learned during the conference. Watch for an email with instructions on how to join the discussion!
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're shining the spotlight on Tyler. This Special Olympian and Paralympian has real determination, and he has a great support circle who help him. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Tyler.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
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:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Emergency Response Report: The US Government Accountability Office recently released a report about how the CMS response to COVID could help in future emergencies. Learn about what the suggestions are.
- Disability Activism: Often, people with disabilities don't have choice, but to advocate for what they need. Read about the whole notion of disability activism.
- Emerging Leader Award Nominations: The American Association of People with disabilities announced applications are available for the 2022 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award. Applications are due October 27. Find out more about this award and apply today!
- Feasibility of Wheelchairs on Aircrafts: The US Access Board recently studied the feasibility of wheelchair securement systems for passenger use in airplanes. Learn about what the study found.
- Call for Presenters: Proposals to present at the 2022 Circles of Life Conference are now being accepted. Proposals due October 20.
- Recommendations for Family Caregiver Support: The RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council recently gave their initial report to Congress. Read about what the recommendations are.
- Vaccine Mandates Cause Concern: President Biden mandated that nursing home workers get vaccinated or they risk losing funding. However, this doesn't apply to most home care workers. Find out why advocates aren't pushing for this.
- Staff Shortages Continue: The direct care worker has gone from a problem to a crisis. Read about what a recent study found.
- Booster Guidelines: Recently, the CDC approved booster vaccines for some people. Learn about who may qualify.
- New Vendor for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that beginning November 1, Medicaid members will be working with a new vendor for non-emergency medical transportation services. Read more about this change.
- The Future of Disability Advocacy and Politics: Recently, the Biden Administration has leveraged disability rights. This is a very interesting article about what this could mean for the future of advocacy and politics.
- The State of America's Direct Support Workforce: A new reveals just how much the pandemic has impacted the already depleted direct care workforce. Learn about what people think needs to happen.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Ask An ADA Professional- Hybrid Work, Face Coverings, And Vaccinations: October 13, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
- Webinar: Taking Care Of Yourself During COVID: October 13, 2p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Self-Determination Conference: October 18-20, Online
- Webinar: Workers With Long COVID-19 And The ADA: October 19, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Baylor Conference 2021: October 28-29, 8a.m. to 4p.m., Online
- Webinar: Accessible Means Of Egress: November 4, 1:30p.m. to 3p.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.
New research find that the just how much the pandemic has impacted the direct care workforce. Before the pandemic, for decades this workforce has been in despair due to low reimbursement rates. A survey of providers was recently done and the results were very revealing. People are struggling in all aspects of providing care to people. This report suggests that it's time for the federal government to make some major changes.