Self-Determination Network Network: February 2021
February 2021
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Disability Advocacy Day of Action
Mark your calendar! Disability Day of Action is March 23rd. It's a virtual event focused on connecting Disability Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues that matter to them. Attendees are expected to participate in the morning briefing and call their legislators in the afternoon. Learn more and 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. 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.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
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.
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Lynndale. As a dedicated self-advocate, she encourages people to follow the path to look forward. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Lynndale.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Voter Challenges Continue: While some recent legislative changes and an increased emphasis on absentee voting helped some, Wisconsinites with disabilities continue to face multiple challenges when trying to exercise their right to vote. Find out how advocates are still working to get better access for voting.
- Plain Language Guide for Person-Centered Self-Assessment: Your state is trying to make services work better for people. They want people who use support services to be listened to. Take a look at this great resource.
- New Study Shows Prevalence of Intellectual Disability: According to a new study from the Center for Disease Control, there is an increase in children with intellectual disabilities. Read more about what the study found.
- Electronic Health Records: People with disabilities often face multiple challenges when accessing healthcare services. Learn about how Electronic Health Records may help with some of this.
- Voting Resources: There's a election coming up in April. Check out these great resources from the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition.
- The Future of the Direct Care Workforce: The direct care workforce shortage has continued across the country. Look at this detailed report which includes a current analysis of the workforce and recommendations to improve the jobs for this workforce.
- New Means of Emotional Support: Voice assistant devices, such as the Amazon Alexa, have made more things possible for people with disabilities. Learn about how a new study suggests that these devices also provide some emotional support for people.
- Employment Outcome Research Funding Opportunity: A new funding opportunity from the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Center Program hopes to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders. Grant applications are due March 22nd.
- Economy Recovery Agenda: National Disability Institute offers a 15-point agenda to advance economic recovery and resilience for people with disabilities who represent a most vulnerable population too often ignored in plans for the economic recovery for our nation. Learn about some of the suggestions.
- Opportunity to Provide Feedback on Web Accessibility Guidelines: The Accessibility Guidelines Working Group has published a working draft of the third version of the Web Accessibility Guidelines. Feed back is due February 26th.
- Employment for People with Disabilities Continues to Stall: According to the January Jobs Report, the pandemic continues to slow employment for people with disabilities. Find out why people are hopeful it will start to improve soon.
- New Administration Prioritizing Accessibility: The new president administration is making accessibility a priority. Learn about what steps are being made to ensure accessibility for everyone.
- Accessible COVID-19 Resources: The Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation, a part of the College of Design at Georgia Tech, has partnered with the CDC to ensure that important information about the virus is accessible for all people. Check out these great resources!
- "Nothing About Us Without Us" Call to Action: The saying, "Nothing About Us Without Us" has been used in the disability community for many years. It simply means that no decisions should be made regarding people with disabilities without their input. Read about a nationwide program that aims to increase participation of underrepresented communities in medical research.
- Television Representation: More and more entertainment companies are committing to consider actors/actresses with disabilities in their movies. Read about how a big tv network recently committed to auditions for actors/actresses with disabilities.
- Impact of the Pandemic: A recent survey done by the Wisconsin Survival Coalition revealed the impact of the pandemic is having on people with disabilities and their families. Learn what the survey found.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Financial Protection For Older Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic: February 23rd, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Webinar: Self-Advocacy For Women Living With Paralysis: February 23rd, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Medical Care And Long-Term Care Facilities: March 4th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Disability Advocacy Day Of Action: March 23rd, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Online
- Virtual Advocacy For Change: March 30th and 31st, 9a.m. to 12p.m., Online
- Virtual Employment First Conference: May 13th, 8:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
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.
