Self-Determination Network News: February 2020
February 2020
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Hurry! Disability Advocacy Day Registration Ends Soon!
Register now for Disability Advocacy Day! Join fellow advocates on Tuesday March 24th in Madison to let your voice be heard. Disability Advocacy Day is designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. The day starts with a briefing of issues you and your fellow constituents want to discuss with your legislators and after lunch the whole group heads to the capitol for their legislative meetings. Registration closes soon. Register today!
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.
The theme of the channel is: Self-Determination is Empowerment. It’s a place where self-advocates can be seen and heard, connect with others, and mentor each other. The hope is that the channel can be used as a teaching tool and show examples of what is possible.
Videos are posted weekly 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:
- Ginger Proves Doctors Wrong
- Disability Advocacy Day 2020
- Tuesday's Tips for Friendships
- National Caregivers/Governor's Task Force on Caregiving
- Don Teaches Himself How to Read and Write
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
If you want to be notified every time we post a new video, click on the bell that is next to the subscribe button on Channel homepage.
Then, click the "All" bell.
That's all there is to it. You will now get an email notification every time a video is posted.
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're shining the spotlight on Cindy. Her amazing self-determination and attitude have gotten her where she is today. From growing up in an institution to being an Executive Director, this very determined lady believes everyone should have a chance. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Cindy.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"Normalcy is something we all crave and strive for. That said, definitions of “normal” widely vary. Unless referring to something static like temperature, the word usually can be used pretty loosely. While we all have our own unique definitions, society has its own that many people continue to strive for!" In this month's entry, Stacy discusses the fantasy of being "normal." It can be a pretty controversial topic in the disability community. How do you feel about it?
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Proposed Bill for Standing Wheelchairs: Standing wheelchairs are pricey, but they are beneficial to people who use them in more than one way. Find out why a Wisconsin legislator proposed a bill that would force BadgerCare to pay for standing wheelchairs.
- Volunteer Program Proposals: Community Care Corps seeks proposals for innovative local models in which volunteers assist family caregivers or directly help older adults or adults with disabilities with non-medical assistance in order to maintain their independence. Proposals due April 3rd.
- The Power of Robots: Two schools have teamed up to create a light weight robot to help elderly people and people with disabilities be able to stand and walk unassisted. Read more about this amazing invention.
- New Technology: People with visual impairments can now see television programs thanks to new technology. Learn about how this works.
- Feedback Needed: Recent data shows many families don't know they're eligible for long-term care supports. Take this survey to help determine if Family Navigators world be helpful.
- Youth Leadership Forum: Do you know a high school student with a disability who is a leader or a budding advocate? If so, please refer them to the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)! Applications due April 1st.
- Grant Opportunities: The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened several funding opportunities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Community Living and Participation (both Research and Development), Health and Function (both Research and Development), and Projects for Translating the Findings and Products of Disability Rehabilitation Research and Development into Practice. Applications due March 23rd.
- 2020 Census: Responses to this year's census will shape our future. Read about how there are multiple accessibility options to help people participate in the Census.
- Facilities Accessibility App: Accessibility continue to be an issue at many commercial and institutional facilities across the country. Find out how students at UW Milwaukee are developing an app where people can rank businesses based on accessibility.
- Service Animal Report: A survey was done on the treatment and inquiries from businesses regarding the presence of service animals. Read what the surveys revealed.
- NBA Star Brings Awareness to Mental Health: A first-first-round draft pick is bringing awareness to mental health by sharing his story. Read about how he used his fame to educate others.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Using Family-Centered Approaches To Promote The Best Life For Young Children With Disabilities: February 26th, 2p.m., to 3:30p.m., Online
- AbilityMKE NOW!: February 26th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online
- Webinar: "Digital Accessibility Fundamentals For Websites, Documents And Videos": February 27th, 12p.m., Online
- Electronic Visit Verification Forum: March 11th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., West Allis WI or Online
- Advocacy For Change 2020: March 12th, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 24th, 9a.m. to 4p.m., Monona Terrace and State Capitol, Madison 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.
