Forum Activity for @stacy-ellingen

2018 Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

I thought the conference was excellent this year.  I really enjoined seeing friends and networking with people.  Because I worked a booth, i only attended one session, but I thought it was very informative.  It was the one about ABLE accounts, and, although the presenter didn't have answers for many of the questions people had, she was able to direct them where to get the answers.  I know my family and I plan to look into ABLE accounts more.

One suggestion or thought I had was maybe next year there could be a session on the caregiver shortage.  I know many people, including myself, are trying to figure out what we, as clients, can do to help solve this problem.  i know nobody has the exact answer, but maybe there could be a session where people could brainstorm ideas.  Just a suggestion.

I'm interested to hear what thoughts and ideas other people have!  

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 11/01/18 07:53:14AM

May 2018 Featured Discussion Question: How has self-direction impacted your life?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

For me, self-direction was never really  a second thought.  From early on, my parents always gave me choices.  Everything from choosing what I was going to wear everyday to choosing to take a big leap and go to UW-Whitewater, I have always self-directed my life.  After college, when I learned about the care/support options that were available, there wasn't really much consideration about what was best for me.  I wanted to have control over as much of my life as possible.  It's so important to me to have choice of service providers and how  funds are spent.  Obviously, now that i'm organizing all of my cares myself, self-direction has been taken to a whole new level.  I can truly say I feel I'm independent as I possibly can be!

For those just starting to use self-direction, I would say don't be afraid to ask questions.  Self-directing doesn't necessarily mean you have to handle everything by yourself.  Take advantage of the resources available.  I believe everyone can self-direct!

I am anxious  to  see what others say..

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 04/30/18 12:59:16PM

April 2018 Featured Discussion Question: What are some interesting stories of people getting community jobs they like by using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

For me, personally, finding employment in the community was a struggle which is why I became self-employed.  My team (DVR, Customized Employment Services, Vocational Futures Planning, etc...) and I tried at great lengths to find employment in the community, but, in the end, it just wasn't feasible in my situation.  There were too many factors (cares, transportation, equipment, etc...) to deal with.  Even with being self-employed, though, self-direction was key to getting to where I am.   

I'm interested to hear stories from others.  

March 2018 Featured Discussion Question: How can people use self-direction strategies to obtain affordable, accessible housing?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Thanks for the great resource,  Laurine!

March 2018 Featured Discussion Question: How can people use self-direction strategies to obtain affordable, accessible housing?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

For me, I've really moved into my own place once and that's where I currently live..  I lived in the dorms and at my parents before moving here.  I live  in subsidized housing complex specifically meant for people with disabilities.  For now it's the best option for me. I'm on the waiting list for accessible subsidized housing in Madison, but it's like a three year wait.  I wish there were more options for people with disabilities.  I'm interested to hear what resources or thoughts others might have.  

February 2018 Featured Discussion: What are some promising ways to obtain affordable, accessible transportation using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

I totally agree, Mary.  I've been following the evolution of self-driving vehicles for myself.  I too wish I had a connection to Google.  In my situation, unfortunately I think it'll be many years before we see a wheelchair accessible self-driving vehicle, but I know down the road it will be a reality!  

February 2018 Featured Discussion: What are some promising ways to obtain affordable, accessible transportation using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Thanks so much for sharing, Kurt!  This is great info..  Could you put this on a blog (news) on your page so we can make sure everyone sees it?  

February 2018 Featured Discussion: What are some promising ways to obtain affordable, accessible transportation using self-direction strategies?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

I'll start it again.  As I've discussed in a past  journal entry, transportation is indeed one of my biggest barriers.  Honestly, normally, I get out of that my apartment one afternoon per week.  I grocery shop on Thursday afternoons.  I schedule staff and an  accessible cab..  It's a standing appointment so I don't have to have somebody call every week.  The  cab fares are reasonable as long as you go during "normal" hours.  However, if I wanted to go anywhere "after" hours or outside city limits, the rates skyrocket.  Scheduling staff and other logistics also factor into transportation for me.  I'd love to get out and about more, but currently that just isn't possible.  I'm wondering how others do it.  

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 02/01/18 11:44:27AM

2017 Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

I totally understand what you're saying, Kurt.  It'd be neat if they'd have sessions on other adaptive sports people with all abilities can partake in--such as waterskiing and power soccer.  I wish I would have gotten to the emergency preparedness session-- it sounds very interesting. 

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 11/09/17 12:18:10PM

2017 Self-Determination Conference

Open Discussion

I wasn't able to attend sessions because I was working the exhibit table, but I loved  seeing friends and talking to lots of people.  A couple things I would suggest.  It was apparent in many ways that  a lot  of the events were geared toward people who have intellectual disabilities.  It'd be cool to see  some more  events for those with physical disabilities.   Sections or events on different adaptive sports perhaps?

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 11/09/17 11:58:55AM