Forum Activity for @stacy-ellingen

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

What Are Your Hot Topics or Challenges?

Hot Topics and Challenges for Self-Determination

That's  a very good point.  i've dealt with the therapy issue too. Until i was 26, i had therapy on a regular basis all of my  life.  When i had to  straight Medicaid, it wasn't covered anymore. Crazy.  I'm afraid coverage is only going to get worse  unfortunately..... 

Feature Discussion: What’s the best way to find your own personal care staff?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

That's interesting!  I primarily need personal care and IRIS  doesn't allow us to hire third-party vendors for that.   I've been hiring my own staff for about eight months now.  Just within the last few weeks, I'm finally to the point where I feel like i have a solid group of staff--at least for awhile!  It has definitely been a learning experience though!

How will the proposed "40-hour" rule for IRIS affect you?

Wisconsin Long Term Care Redesign: Questions & Comments

I was fortunate in that this rule came into effect just as I was starting to hire my own staff, so I planned for it accordingly when I began hiring/scheduling. I can surely see where it'd cause major issues for others though.

Feature Discussion: What’s the best way to find your own personal care staff?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

Totally agree!  And, now, nobody will be approved until after  the 10th because the background check system is being updated..

Feature Discussion: What’s the best way to find your own personal care staff?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

That's interesting, Wanda.  Did you hire the girl through IRIS SDPC?  I posted an ad on Facebook as well.  I  also posted on  the local colleges job  sites and indeed.com.   I was amazed how many responses i received.   My issue now is that IRIS is taking so long to process the paperwork..   I already lost  three potential workers due  to the process taking so long.  It's very frustrating!  

Feature Discussion: What’s the best way to find your own personal care staff?

Questions about Self-Directed Supports or Self-Determination

What’s the best way to find your own personal care staff?

Due to IRIS no longer allowing agencies to do Self-Directed Personal Care, I had to switch care agencies back in October.  Long story short, things didn’t work out.  I recently switched back to Self-Directed Personal Care (SDPC) through IRIS and am hiring my own staff.   It’s a lot of work, but many of my friends have found it very successful.

I’m wondering what criteria people use when hiring their own staff.  Do you create specific guidelines?  Where’s the best place to post ads?  What do people use as a backup plan?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Disability Advocacy Day 2016

Open Discussion

Disability Advocacy Day is coming up in Madison on March 15th. It’s a day where advocates have an opportunity to connect with their legislators and tell them what issues are important to people with disabilities in Wisconsin. People who participate in Disability Advocacy Day have an opportunity to:

• attend a briefing about current disability issues,
• meet with their legislators to discuss the issues that are important to them, and
• meet with Survival Coalition staff about their visits and discuss next steps to stay in touch with their legislators.

Last year, it was a great success hundreds of people came out to talk with their legislators.

Will you be going this year?  What do you want to talk to your legislators about this year?

updated by @stacy-ellingen: 02/24/16 09:43:37AM

My discussion for today is things I have been up to

Just for fun

Please let me know if you have any questions about posting.

My discussion for today is things I have been up to

Just for fun

That's so cool, Marie! You may want to consider writing a blog (in the News section) about People First and explain how people can get involved. I'd be happy to help you if you'd like.