News


2022 Circles of Life Conference 
May 12-13, 2022
Holiday Inn, Stevens Point WI 

The Circles of Life Conference is Wisconsin’s annual, statewide conference for families who have children of any age with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

CALL FOR PRESENTERS

Apply NOW to present at the 2022 Circles of Life Conference! Parents, family members, providers or anyone who has experience and knowledge to share is encouraged to apply. The conference will be an in-person event, with virtual options for participants.
Never Presented Before? Ask about a mentor. 
(Remember your audience will be family members just like you.)

The deadline for proposals is October 20.
To Apply and Learn More   circlesoflifeconference.com/call-for-presenters/

We welcome all topics related to families. This year we're also looking for proposals that focus on topics for younger children and their families, like early intervention and the basics of programs and services. We welcome all topics related to families.
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In the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, Congress called on the U.S. Access Board to examine the feasibility of wheelchair securement systems for passenger use in airplane cabins. In response, the Access Board commissioned the Transportation Research Board (TRB), of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to conduct a study and issue a report. TRB organized a committee to conduct this assessment that included experts in aircraft interiors and safety engineering, accessibility, wheelchair design and crashworthiness, airline operations, and other disciplines. The committee’s findings are contained in the report "Technical Feasibility of a Wheelchair Securement Concept for Airline Travel: A Preliminary Assessment."

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The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the application for the 2022 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards is now open! We are seeking to recognize emerging leaders or groups with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. While the Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards have previously recognized only two individuals, we are expanding the eligibility status that groups of people working on an initiative can apply for the award. Everyone in the group applying for the award must identify as an emerging leader with a disability. Two (2) individuals or groups will each receive $7,500 to further a new or existing initiative that increases opportunities for people with disabilities and $2,500 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the disability community.

We encourage applicants who self-identify as an emerging leader with a disability to apply, regardless of U.S. citizenship, incarceration status, or age. We especially encourage people who have experienced intersecting forms of discrimination and from historically excluded backgrounds, rural areas, and U.S. territories to apply. An applicant’s status as an emerging leader is not necessarily tied to age, education status, employment, or specific experience or involvement in the disability community.

Apply for the 2022 Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award by Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 5:00pm ET.

AAPD will host a Zoom webinar on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm ET for any interested applicants to review the information and answer any questions you have. ASL and CART will be provided. Register here for the webinar. If you have any additional access needs, please email programs@aapd.com.

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Most people with disabilities become advocates at some point. Often, it's not by choice, but whether by necessity trying to get what they need to live a successful life. Some people find that advocacy is their calling and turn it into a career. Others find it best to advocate for issues that pertain just to their situation. This article discusses the notion of disability activism in depth. It talks about the different things that go into activism. 

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The US Government Accountability Office recently released a report about how the CMS response to COVID could help in future emergencies. Things such as providing more home-delivered meals and giving providers hazard pay were some of the simple suggestions. 

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96Self-Determination Network News:

September 2021

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

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Don't Forget to Register!

Don't forget 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. If you register by September 30, you'll receive a great conference kit. Registration is FREE! Register today!

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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 Jordan. This recent high school graduate has found his love for advocacy, and he encourages people to get involved in any type of advocacy. He explains it's a good way to connect with people.  Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jordan. 

Who should we shine the spotlight on next?

128 Stacy’s Journal






"When I see people “take advantage” of specialized equipment or say something irrational, it does affect me. I have to remind myself that they probably don’t realize what they’re doing or saying may be offensive. While I don’t see these situations changing anytime soon, educating people is important. Please take advantage of the abilities you do have."




In this month's journal entry, Stacy shares how it irritates her when capable people take advantage of specialized equipment or say something irrational about somebody's disability. Do these things bother you?






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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).

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

  • Hopes for SSI Overhaul: For the first time in year, there could be big changes to Supplemental Security Income. Find out what this could mean for the program. 
  • Input Needed: The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking input on 14 quality measures for home- and community-based services (HCBS).  Comments can be submitted through September 17.
  • CMS Vaccination Guidelines: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released guidelines for vaccination education,  access and reporting for the residents and staff of nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual and development disabilities. Read about what the guidelines are. 
  • Take Survey: Each year, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) does an annual survey for self-advocates and family members who have participated in a BPDD project. Help them out by taking the survey! 
  • New Resource: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a toolkit to help people with disabilities understand more about COVID. Check it out.
  • Watch: The Applied Self-Direction website recently released a great short video explaining what self-direction is.
  • Climate Resilience Efforts Pose Risks: People with disabilities often face more challenges with the effects of climate change. Read about how some advocates feel that people are new risks from mitigation efforts.  
  • Summer Internship Program: The Association of People with Disabilities is accepting applications for their Summer Internship Program. Applications are due October 20. Learn more and apply today! 
  • Workforce Shortage Still Widespread:  The home health care workforce has more than doubled in the past 10 years, but it'll need to do that and more to keep up with demand in the next decade. Learn what will be needed to keep up. 
  • Annual Direct Care Workforce Data: Check out the annual data on the Direct Care Workforce. 

128 Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

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. 

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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.


Every year, PHI releases new data on the direct care workforce, which in 2020 included 4.6 million workers, including 2.4 million home care workers, 675,000 residential care aides, 527,000 nursing assistants in nursing homes, and about 1 million direct care workers employed in other settings.

View data

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The home health care workforce has more than doubled in the past 10 years, but it'll need to do that and more to keep up with demand in the next decade. According to a new report, serious funding will be needed to keep up. This article does a great job of explaining the day different types of care workers. Wages continue to be a constant challenge, but there's hope because more attention is being given to home-and-community-based services. 

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The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the application for the 2022 AAPD Summer Internship Program is now open! We aim to build a diverse cohort of students and recent graduates with disabilities who are interested in a 10-week paid summer internship program that focuses on building their careers, developing their leadership and advocacy skills, and engaging with the broader disability community.
What the program entails:
  • Week-long orientation with AAPD staff, partners, and guest speakers
  • Prestigious internship placement in Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private companies
  • 1:1 Mentorship based on intern’s personal and career interests
  • Weekly leadership and advocacy classes in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program 
  • Professional development and community events 
  • Being a part of a supportive cohort community  
Eligible applicants are people who self-identify as having a disability and are a:
  • Current undergraduate, graduate, law students, participants in skills-based or apprenticeship program OR
  • Recent graduate (within the last 5 years)
What we cover:
  • Housing (if in person) OR Technology stipend (if remote)
  • Transportation to and from Washington, DC
  • Internship stipend equivalent to $15 an hour
The 2022 Summer Internship program will provide both in-person internships in Washington, DC as well as fully remote internships from across the country options based on the intern’s preference. 
Apply Now
Apply for the 2022 AAPD Summer Internship Program by Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 5 PM ET!
Check out the application and learn more details on our website.
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People with disabilities often face more challenges with the effects of climate change. Some advocates feel that people are new risks from mitigation efforts. As more and more extreme weather events happen due to climate change, the risk becomes greater. However, effects to combat climate change are often inaccessible or counterproductive for people with disabilities. 

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