News
The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law almost 32 years ago, but, yet, there are several public places that still aren't accessible--especially streets and sidewalks. A study found that pedestrian wheelchair users are 30% more likely to be killed in crashes than non-wheelchair users. Their research found that 65% of curb ramps and 48% of sidewalks across the country are not accessible. The team looked at over 400 government entities, and only 13% had ADA plans readily available; only seven of them met the minimum criteria. Advocates want the new infrastructure bill, which includes $11 billion for transportation safety programs, should be spent on curb ramps, sidewalks and roads designed to slow traffic to make crossing streets safer.
WISCONSIN EYE: Newsmakers: Wisconsin's Workforce Shortage and Support for Working Caregivers
By SD Network, 2022-06-21
Newsmakers Host Lisa Pugh will sat down with Patti Jo Becker, Community Living Alliance – Director of Operations, and Lynn Gall, WI Department of Health Services – Family Caregiver Support Programs Manager, to discuss workforce shortage and support for working caregivers. The Wisconsin workforce shortage is worsening in part due to a group of employees who are often overlooked: family caregivers. As baby boomers age out of their jobs and begin requiring care, it is often their grown children and spouses who are stepping in, balancing work and new responsibilities at home. A recent statewide survey shows more than eight in ten employed caregivers are reducing work hours or quitting work entirely. On this Newsmakers episode experts discuss survey results, tell us what employers are saying and share recommendations for improvement.
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The National Council on Independent Living released its 2022 Advocacy Priorities Guide. This document contains specific information on the national legislative and policy priorities identified biannually by the NCIL membership, including funding for the Independent Living Program, healthcare and long-term care, housing, transportation, education, and more.
SOUTHEAST ADA CENTER: Southwest ADA Center Seeks Participants for Employment Wellness Program Survey
By SD Network, 2022-06-17
Are you a person with a disability, ages 18 and up, working for an employer in the United States? If so, the Southwest ADA Center would like to hear from you. Many employers today offer programs and activities designed to improve the health and wellness of their employees. We would like to learn about the wellness programs that your employer offers and your experiences with them. Participant information will be kept anonymous. For more information or to participate in this survey please contact us at 832-708-869 or email: Megan.Gillespie@memorialhermann.org to schedule a brief interview via Zoom.
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: Disability and the Digital Divide: Internet Subscriptions, Internet Use and Employment Outcomes
By SD Network, 2022-06-15
The Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor has released a paper on the digital divide and disability. It discusses details in three main categories: employment outcomes, home internet subscriptions, and internet use. It entails data on each. Overall, people with disabilities use the Internet less than the average person. This could be due to many factors.
THE WASHINGTON POST: How long covid could change the way we think about disability
By SD Network, 2022-06-13
The coronavirus pandemic has created a mass-disabling event that experts liken to HIV, polio or World War II, with millions suffering the long-term effects of infection with the virus. Many have found their lives dramatically changed and are grappling with what it means to be disabled.
HOME HEALTH CARE NEWS: HHS Extends States’ Deadline to Utilize American Rescue Plan’s HCBS Funding
By SD Network, 2022-06-13
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – through the U.S Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – announced that states would have an additional year to use funding from the American Rescue Plan to both enhance and expand home- and community-based services. This is huge news as the federal government is committing to to further and prolonged support for Home-and-community-based services in general.
ONBOARD.ORG: Electronic Visit Verification Surveils Homecare Workers and Clients
By SD Network, 2022-06-13
Since 2016, when Congress passed the CURES Act which included a provision that requires all Medicaid-funded Personal Care Services and Home Health Care Services to implement Electronic Visit Verification, states have been working on getting a system set up. However, as more and more people are required to use it, several issues have arisen. Issues such as responsibilities shifting to workers, privacy concerns, tension between clients and workers have been some of the problems. A impact study in 2021 found that the system tends to reduce the quality and quantity of care by making caregivers spend care time logging their activity, and by preventing them from attending to time-sensitive needs.
Self-Determination Network News:
June 2022
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Family Caregiver Survey
Are you a family caregiver who provides care to a loved one?
Have you been unable to find direct care workers to hire? Are you picking up the pieces and filling in the gaps yourself?
Are you employed full or part time, or not working to make sure your loved one had the care they need?
Have you worried what would happen if you suddenly became unable to do your caregiving duties because of physical injury or illness?
You are not alone.
We need your stories to show the policy makers the reality of many people’s day to day lives.
Please take the Survival Coalition Family Caregiver Survey before June 17, 2022.
Survey results will be used to educate policy makers, shared with media outlets and advocates.
The 2022 Self-Determination Conference will be held October 17-19 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Applications for exhibitors and microbusinesses are now being accepted. Microbusinesses have the unique opportunity to sell not only at the conference, but all year long. Visit www.allAmarket.org to sign up to sell merchandise year around. Click here to fill out the application to exhibit at the conference. Applications are due by July 20.
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 shined the spotlight on Kai. This resilient lady has recently learned that, through self-determination, she can build a support circle who will support and encourage her to be successful. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Kai.
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:
- Augmentative Alternative Communication Newsletter: Mike shared the newsletter from the Augmentative Alternative Communication Amplify program with us. Check it out and see what it's about.
- Artificial Intelligence Guidance: Recently, two government agencies issued guidance on artificial intelligence. Learn about what the guidance explains.
- EVV Reconsideration: The electronic visit verification process is using intense reconsideration. Read about why it's becoming a topic of heated debate.
- Impact of COVID on People with Disabilities: When COVID hit, nearly every project funded by the Administration for Community Living's Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research experienced delays and pivoted. Learn what grantees found.
- Assistive Technology State Plan: The Wisconsin Assistive Technology Advisory Council is looking for feedback on the 2021-2023 State AT Plan. Written feedback can be submitted until June 30.
- Accessibility Gains From the Pandemic: As the pandemic whines don't (or at least as things return to a new normal), many people with disabilities hope accessibility gains made during the last few years won't be forgotten. Find out what accommodations people hope will continue.
- Watch: Many adults with disabilities often feel left hanging when they turn 18.A new documentary follows a young man with multiple physical disabilities as he navigates adulthood. Learn more and watch the film.
- Digital Access Video Series: The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a 20-part video series covering a variety of topics on digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology, applicable federal regulations, and identifying and remediating barriers to access. Check them out!
- New Medicaid Waiver Rule: Federal officials say they are moving forward with implementing a Medicaid rules that standardizes what counts as home-and-community-based services for people with disabilities. Read about what the rule entails.
- Public Health Emergency Unwinding Resource: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a new resource to help states understand and meet legal requirements for Medicaid and other programs when the public health emergency ends. Check it out!
- Vaccine Information Website Accessibility: After many complaints about vaccine information websites being inaccessible for many people with disabilities, the Department of Justice came out with a fact sheet highlighting the guidance on website accessibility requirements and describes some of the actions taken to address inaccessibility of COVID vaccine websites. Learn what the fact sheet entails.
- Core Standards for Information and Assistance in Self-Direction: A new resource has been developed to provide information to states regarding competencies and skills for professionals providing Information and Assistance in support of self-direction. Find out what this resource suggests.
- Partners in Business: The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities is looking for businesses to partner with who are interested in hiring people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Grantees are awarded up to $25,000 and technical support from the Board. Applications due June 17.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: ADA Coordinator: Getting The Job Done: June 21, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Pathways To Person-Centered Decision-Making And Alternatives To Guardianship: June 21, 2p.m. to 3:30p.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.