News
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Funding Opportunity from the National Paralysis Resource Center for Addressing Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By SD Network, 2020-10-02
ACL's National Paralysis Resource Center (managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation) is announcing a new funding opportunity for organizations and agencies that serve people living with any type of paralysis. A special $300,000 Quality of Life (QOL) grant program was just created to address social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we all continue to practice the COVID-19 safety guidelines, we must remember social distancing becomes harmful when it turns into social isolation. The goal of this opportunity is to enhance connectedness of people living with paralysis and their caregivers to their communities in combating social isolation.
They seek to support programs and projects to:
- Connect isolated individuals and foster engagement and connection (examples may be virtual support groups, online activities to support stress management, online adaptive physical activity and health promotion programs, art sessions, gaming, and more);
- Adapt services or create new services to support family caregivers;
- Facilitate connection through the use of technology (such as increasing Internet access, technology loan closets, and more);
- Provide opportunities for online volunteering;
- Strengthen or build social networks; and
- Provide access to tools and resources to help people remain connected and engaged.
Quality of Life (QOL) grants are federally funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL). Organizations that have previously been awarded a Quality of Life grant in any category may re-apply for funding one year following the close of their grant and notification of grant closure by the Reeve Foundation.
Submit Letters of Intent to QOL@ChristopherReeve.org with the subject line “LOI: COVID-19 Grants.” Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full application.
The National Paralysis Resource Center anticipates awarding six to 10 grants within the range of $25,000 - $50,000. Letters of Intent are due October 13 and full applications are due Wednesday, October 30.
Visit the website for more details on this funding opportunity.
The Foundation is no longer able to provide individual pre-award assistance either by telephone or email. However, they welcome questions about the application process to QOL@ChristopherReeve.org.
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AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: 2021 AAPD Summer Internship Program
By SD Network, 2020-10-02
In 2002, AAPD launched the Summer Internship Program to develop the next generation of leaders with disabilities. We place college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in paid summer internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations within the Washington, DC area. During the summer, each intern is matched with a mentor who provides them with career guidance. AAPD provides interns with a living stipend, transportation to and from Washington, DC, and fully accessible housing. We recruit a diverse cohort of interns. As a result, we connect our host employers to talented emerging leaders with disabilities.
Apply for the 2021 AAPD Summer Internship by Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 5:00pm ET.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards
By SD Network, 2020-10-02
Through the AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community. Two (2) individuals will each receive $2,500 in recognition of their outstanding contributions and $7,500 to further a new or existing project or initiative that increases opportunities for people with disabilities. The recipients of the 2021 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Awards will be honored among national disability leaders at the 2021 AAPD Leadership Awards Gala which will be held virtually in Spring of 2021.
Apply for the 2021 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award by Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 5:00pm ET.
AAPD will host a Zoom webinar on Thursday, October 15 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm ET for any interested applicants to review the information below and answer any questions you have. ASL and CART will be provided. Register here for the webinar.
PARENTS IN PARTNERSHIP: 2020-2021 Free Transition Training for Families of Youth with IEP’s
By SD Network, 2020-09-13
Transition Parents in Partnership trainings will take place virtually via Zoom beginning this fall. Now is a great time to take advantage of top-notch training without the stress of traveling or being away from home!
Transition Parents in Partnership (TPIP) will prepare families for the transition process for their youth with disabilities ages 14-21 in the areas of employment, education, living and health.
Why should I attend a Transition PIP?
• Begin your planning for life after high school
• Learn about valuable resources and adult services
• Become part of a network of parents who have youth with disabilities
• Explore ways to share the information you have learned
• Strengthen partnerships between the many professionals you interact with on behalf of your child
Choose 1 of 4 options:
1. Statewide Tuesday Evening Training (13 sessions)
2. Statewide Saturday Training (8 sessions)
3. Milwaukee Area Saturday Morning Training (8 sessions)
4. Green Bay Area Thursday Evening Training (13 sessions)
Attendance at all virtual PIP sessions per location you register for is required.
Register online at https://www.wspeidatasystem.com/pip/register/student/tpip
Si habla español llame a…Fatima Becerra 414-399-0236, fatimaabecerra@gmail.com
For training dates visit: https://www.wspei.org
For more information, contact: Martha DeYoung, PIP & YiPPE Training Coordinator 608-745-5435, deyoungm@cesa5.org or visit: https://wspei.org/families/pip.php
WBAY.COM: Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition preparing people for November election
By SD Network, 2020-09-13
The November Presidential election is fast approaching. People with disabilities have always had barriers to voting, but the pandemic has added additional challenges. The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition is working hard to help people with voting.. Through webinars, Facebook posts, and their website, they're providing education and assistance.
CNN: A paralyzed adventurer designed a mountain bike for people with disabilities to explore the outdoors
By SD Network, 2020-09-13
Decades after an accident left him paralyzed, this guy designed a modified mountain bike for himself, but soon realized these bikes would benefit others who have physical disabilities. He founded a company that designs specialized bikes for people with disabilities.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ON HEALTH & DISABILITY: COVID-19 & Survey of Adults with Disabilities: Health and Health Care Access
By SD Network, 2020-09-13
The American Association on Health & Disability recently released an analysis of the impact of COVID on people with disabilities. It breaks it down by disability as well as discusses several issues related to it.
September 2020
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Hurry! Time is Running Out! Register Today!
Registration for the 2020 Self-Determination Conference closes on October 1st. We look forward to seeing you at one of the biggest events for people with disabilities and the people who support them. The 2020 Self-Determination Conference will be held virtually October 26th-28th. Learn how to live more independently, participate more in your community, and direct your public funds efficiently. Registration is free! Register now!
Diehard Award Nominations
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities? A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. They are someone who is committed to integration and self-determination. Nominate someone for the Diehard Award to be presented at this year’s conference. Nominations are due September 15th.
Input Needed on Wisconsin's Long-Term Transportation Plan
Many people with disabilities, older adults, low income workers, and people who do not have access to a vehicle or choose not to drive cannot get where they need to go on their schedule. Survival Coalition’s Transportation survey identified many barriers that limit and impact people’s ability to live where they want, pursue job opportunities, get medical care, take care of routine business, be involved in their communities, and stay connected with family and friends.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public comments as it shapes its long-term transportation plan—Connect 2050. This plan is a 30-year blueprint for how Wisconsin will invest to create the transportation system of the future. We encourage you to share how your transportation options and challenges affect your life and the changes you would like to see!
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:
- Carol Anne Says, "Nobody is going to tell me what to do"
- DO YOU KNOW: You have the right to take risks!!
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
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.
In September, we're shining the spotlight on Jane. When this fun-loving grandma isn't busy spoiling her grandchildren, she's busy working to provide various supports to assist people with disabilities. Stop this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jane.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"Privacy is one of the few things that’s hard to modify. It’s something that we, as people with disabilities, have to try to figure out how to persevere on an individual basis."
In this month's entry, Stacy talks about the lack of privacy people with disabilities often have. Have we found this to be true?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Person-Centered Planning: The Person-Centered Planning and Practice (PCP) Project final report is now available. This report documents the effort to address long-term services and supports that are predicated on a person’s needs, preferences, goals, and desires. Learn what the recommendations are.
- Technology Accessibility: In today's world, in one way or another, technology is part of our daily lives. Find out what one technology company is doing to ensure accessibility in their products as well as their workplace.
- Face Mask Clarification: Thanks to COVID-19,face coverings have become part of our daily lives. This Frequently Asked Question sheet clarifies some confusion about the mandate. Take a look.
- Outbreaks in Institutions: It's well-known that COVID-19 spreads quickly in congregate settings. Nursing homes are required to report cases to the government; however, despite outbreaks, institutions aren't. Learn about why advocates are trying to get this changed.
- Assistive Technology Grant Opportunity: There's a new assistive technology grant available to state programs. Applications are due September 15th.
- Watch: Watch this neat story about a man from Wisconsin not letting his limitations stop him from doing the things he loves.
- Outside Dining Areas Create Barriers: As the pandemic continues, many restaurants are creating outdoor eating areas so people can socially distance and eat outside. This is a popular option for many; however, these areas often create barriers for people with disabilities. Read about some of the issues.
- Virtual Accommodations: When the world shutdown in March and almost everything went virtual, it opened up new doors for many people with disabilities. Find out what many are wondering about when the pandemic is over.
- Silver Linings: As devastating as this pandemic has been, more and more silver linings are being found. Learn how some nurses who have disabilities are finally getting hired.
- Pandemic Guidance for People with Disabilities: As we all know, this pandemic has been hard on people with disabilities. Learn about some evolving guidance on safe care and support of people with disabilities.
- Voting Resources: The November Presidential election is quickly approaching. Check out these great voting resources from Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition.
- Concerns over the Census: After making adjustments earlier this year due to the pandemic, the US Census Bureau was expected to collect responses through the end of October. However, it was recently announced that they would stop at the end of September. Find out why this worries disability advocates.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- AbilityMKE Now: September 10th, 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., Online
- The World Of Ability Podcast: September 12th, 2p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- CitizenFest: September 14th to September 19th, Online
- ADA Audio Conference Session: Moving The Needle On Disability Employment: September 15th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- ADA Legal Series Session: Criminal Justice And The ADA: September 16th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Virtual Summit Series: Governor's Task Force On Caregiving Overview: September 16th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- “Health Care Transition: Transition Stories About Challenges Faced By Generation Z”: September 17th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Virtual Summit Series: Employer Perspectives And Changes During COVID-19: September 23rd, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- AbilityFestUSA: October 26th to November 1st, Sheraton Hotel, Brookefield WI
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.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Ending Census Early Could Impact Disability Programs For Years
By SD Network, 2020-09-04
After making adjustments earlier this year due to the pandemic, the US Census Bureau was expected to collect responses through the end of October. However, it was recently announced that they would stop at the end of September. This worries disability advocates. The Census determines funding for programs people rely on such as Medicaid and housing vouchers. The concern is that crucial data won't be collected. Advocates are urging Congress to adjust the deadline. Meanwhile, they're encouraging people with disabilities and their families to complete the Census online.