Self-Determination Network News: June 2020
June 2020
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2020 Self-Determination Conference
The Wisconsin Board for People with Development Disabilities (WBPDD) announced that the 2020 Self-Determination Conference will be virtual in October. There still will be opportunities to participate in the things we all enjoy such as attend sessions led by self-advocates, have chances to obtain get information from exhibitors, shop at a virtual micro-business store, have time to chat with friends, and much more. In this time of uncertainty, the WBPDD and its sponsors understand people maybe struggling. In hopes of easing the burden, registration for the conference will be free for everyone this year! Stay tuned for more information about registration in the coming weeks, but, until then, we invite you to listen to the popular self-determination song that's played at the conference every year. Peter Leddy changed the words a little bit. We hope you enjoy it!
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. This month, we're introducing something a little different. One of the hosts on the Channel, Stacy, is going to do a vlog (which is a video blog) about her experiences living with a disability. We hope that you may be able to relate to some of the things she shares. We encourage you to share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments below the video.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
- Thank You #EssentialWorkers
- Don't Tell Marie What She Can't Do, She'll Prove You Wrong
- Stewing with Stacy: Let Me Introduce Myself
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 June, we're shining the spotlight on Julie. This awesome mother strives to help her daughter have control over her life and encourages other parents to do the same. Stop this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Julie.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"I find it incredibly sad that there isn’t a better option for people like me. I don’t have all the answers, but, until the day I die, I continue to advocate to make things better."
In this month's journal entry, Stacy opens up her continual care struggles. She discusses her experience with trying another program. Have you had a similar experience? 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:
- Coronavirus Heightens Caregiver Shortage: For people with disabilities who are reliant on other people to assist them with all of their basic needs, the virus has brought some additional challenges. Read about some of the issues people are facing.
- House Approves Payment for People with Disabilities: A new round of stimulus checks for people with disabilities and billions for home- and community-based services are part of a $3 trillion relief bill that faces an uncertain future.Learn more about this bill.
- Guidelines for Voc Rehab Services: New guidance from the feds suggest that Vocational Rehabilitation agencies can continue providing services during the pandemic, but adjustments will be needed. Find out what is being done to keep people safe.
- Wheelchair Accessibility Feature: Google Maps now has a feature that indicates whether or not a place is wheelchair accessible.Learn how it works.
- Be Inspired: Two self-advocates are on an unique mission to raise awareness for people with disabilities. Read about what they're doing.
- Self-direction Model Becoming More Popular: With the pandemic, living in a facility setting has become much more dangerous. Read about why people are choosing the Self-direction model more and more these days.
- Website Accessibility Not a Priority: According to a recent study, most organizations don't do accessibility testing on their website. Learn what else the study found.
- Increase the Affordable Care Act: The Coronavirus has resulted in job loses or income changes, which has had an effect on health care. Learn why many people feel that Congress should pass a law--or laws--that would increase access to health insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.
- Online Disability History Exhibit: The Smithsonian put together an online exhibit about the history of disability in the United States. Find out what it includes.
- Resource for Job Seekers: Finding employment is hard for everyone right now. Learn about a helpful resource for job seekers with disabilities.
- Positives During a Pandemic: The pandemic has caused havoc across the world, but it has also brought out some positives for people with disabilities. Learn about going virtual has been a huge positive for students with disabilities at one Milwaukee theater.
- Hospital Visitor Policies: When the pandemic hit, hospitals quickly no visitors policies into effect. Often, people with disabilities rely on support from family and friends to effectively communicate with medical staff. Read about what laws allow people with disabilities to have attendants in the hospital to assist them.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Virtual Wellness: June 18th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
- Webinar: Partners With Business: Building Capacity With Employers And Service Providers: June 25th, 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m., Online
- Webinar: Partners With Business: Building Capacity With Employers And Service Providers: June 30th, 9a.m. to 10a.m., Online
- Webinar: Using The ADA And ABA Standards - Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements And Facilities: July 2nd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- 2020 Janesville Adaptive Water Ski Clinic: July 10th, 9a.m. to 3p.m., Traxler Park on the Rock River, Janesville 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.
