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

Feb. 4, 2013

Welcome to February!

Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, Black History Month, Presidents' Day, Mardi Gras... While many of us may be feeling a bit of cabin fever, it helps to know that there are reasons to celebrate February. So take time this month to connect with friends online and off-line. And stop by the SDS Network and see what's going on... We think you'll be glad you did!

It Only Takes "Five" to Support the SDS Network

The SDS Network is different from a typical website or email group/listserv. Those types of technology, while being valuable tools, rely on you sitting back and being the recipient of information. You might decide to do something with that information... or not...

The SDS Network is designed to be more. We want to tap into the ideas, connections, resources and questions of all members from the day they join the community. We believe that each of us has something to contribute - that each of us is an "owner" of the Network and responsible for giving whatever it is we have to give. That's why we say it only takes "Five" to support the SDS Network. Here's how you can be part of that support:

• Take five minutes. Check out some of the new discussions, resources, etc. on the Network. Then add something to the Network - a comment to discussion, a thumbs up or a thank you for a resource, a question that you've been wondering about, a greeting to a new member, or share your story. The possibilities are endless. Don't worry if you're doing it "right". There's no right or wrong about how to use the Network.

• Donate five dollars. The SDS Network was initially developed through the Wisconsin Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG). Now that grant has ended for Wisconsin. In order to continue to grow and develop this community (as well as pay the bills associated with sustaining the platform we use), we need to find ways to financially support the Network. We are inviting each of our members to make a financial contribution - $5 (or $10 or $20 or whatever you can afford) will help support the Network. We've added a new Donation buttonin the right hand column on each page of the Network - click on that button and you'll go straight to the PayPal account for In Control Wisconsin, our new "home". If you cannot donate at this time, PLEASE keep using the site. Your presence and participation is the only required payment. We want everyone to have full access to each other and the wisdom of the community.

In addition to donations from members, we are looking for organizations who may be interested in becoming a sponsor of the SDS Network. Please contact Deb Wisniewskiif you have questions or ideas about potential sponsors.

We hope you're ready to take the challenge to support the SDS Network. It's our community - Let's work together to help it grow and develop.

Join Us for a Coffee Break

Starting this month, the SDS Network will be hosting an occasional live chat (called "Coffee Break") open to all members of the Network. Each Coffee Break will have a different theme, but you are also welcome to ask questions or share information about anything that relates to self-directed supports and self-determination, or to the Network itself.

The first Coffee Break will be Wed. Feb. 13 from 8:30 am - 9:00 am. The theme will bethe SDS Network itself: Do you have questions about how to use features? How to add a profile photo? Ideas about how we can improve the site? Maybe you have suggestions for trainings or resources you'd like to see offered. Deb Wisniewski will be online to connect with you about whatever ideas and questions you have.

Registration is not required, but RSVPs are welcome. Find out more and RSVP.

Take Five Minutes

Here are some things you may want to check out on the SDS Network. Remember to take five minutes and respond to one of these... Or add your own question, resource, etc.!

• Deb wants to know if you're using IRIS or Family Careto self-direct your supports.
• Beth Mount talks about person-centered vs. system-centeredin a great new video that we've posted on the Network.
• Jack Pierpoint from Inclusion Press has shared information about upcoming PATH & MAPS trainings, as well as the 2013 Toronto Summer Institute.
• The ADA Wisconsin Partnership has posted some resources for Emergency Preparedness- something too many of don't think about.
• So what does "Olmstead" mean to you? Find out about this landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision from 1999 and how it continues to affect the lives of people with disabilities.

Welcome New Members

Stop by to welcome our newest members.

• She's a proud parent and a nursefrom New Auburn.
• He's an IRIS consultant with lots of great questionsand a great profile photo.
• This mother/grandmother keeps busywith crocheting, knitting, sewing, painting and writing, as well as working as an IRIS consultant.
• She joined the Employment Network and the SDS Network in order toexpand her resources and connect with others.
• She's also a nurse and a parent- this time from Milwaukee.
• He's the founder of Inclusion Press (great resources!!) and one of the lead organizers of the Toronto Summer Institute.

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:

• Community Living Event, Prairie du Chien, Feb. 14th - no fee!
• Coffee Break, online chat with the SDS Network, Feb. 13th. - no fee!
• And many more!

Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!