Self-Determination Network News: April 2021
April 2021
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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:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers
- A Conversation with Micah Fialka-Feldman
- Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Information
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Volunteer Research Participants Wanted: Allison is looking for volunteers to help her in a research study about social isolation for people with disabilities. She is in search of community development practitioners/connecters/consultants/organizers or similar roles with communities who have experience working with people with disabilities. Learn more and contact her today!
- Executive Order Increases Voting Access: Recently, President Biden signed an executive order that will increase voting access. Find out what the order includes.
- Doctors Bias: A recent study found that many doctors have a bias against people with disabilities. Read about what exactly the study revealed.
- Vaccine Access: The Kaiser Family Foundation released a detailed report on COVID-19 and the disability community. Look at some of the interesting statistics and maps.
- Take a Survey: The Collaborative on Health Reform and Independent Living is doing a survey about health insurance, health care access, and the pandemic for people with disabilities. The survey is open until April 30th.
- Home Modifications Grant Program: HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes has announced $30 million in grant funds and training resources to non-federal entities to establish the Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program. The grant program will assist experienced nonprofits, state and local governments, and public housing authorities in programs that make home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income older adult homeowners. Applications due May 4th.
- Stimulus Checks: Many people with have received stimulus checks. Read about how some people are putting their money in an ABLE account.
- Waitlist Eliminated: At the end of February, Wisconsin achieved something highly anticipated for people with disabilities. Read about how the waitlist for long-term care services was eliminated for adults.
- Stimulus Bill Sends Funds to the Disability Community: Recently, President Biden signed a big pandemic relief bill that will send billions of dollars to special education and home-and-community-based services. Learn details about how this will help people.
- Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. Find out who is eligible.
- Vaccine Rollout Confusion: Vaccine rollout in Wisconsin is going study, but there has been a lot of confusion about who is eligible when. Read about how people were getting mixed messages.
- Self-Direction and COVID Study: Researchers at Brandeis University are conducting a study on the experiences of people with disabilities who self-direct Medicaid-funded HCBS during the pandemic. Find out how to participate.
- Feedback Wanted on Employment Policies and Programs: The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking input on ideas for ensuring equity in employment policies and programs for people with disabilities from historically underserved communities. Comments due April 26th.
- Feasibility of Internet Emergency Alerts: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently proposed rules to improve the way the public receives emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios. They are seeking comments on these proposed rules. Comments are due June 14th.
- Lifespan Respite Care Program Grant Opportunities: The Administration for Community Living has opened up two grant opportunities for the Lifespan Respite Care Programs. Find out more about these!
- Bringing The Long-Term Care Reform Debate to the Forefront: President Biden has announced that he plans to expand Medicaid's Home-and-Community-Based Services for people who receive long-term care and supports. Read about how this has already achieved one major goal.
- COVID-19 Guidance for Day Centers: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering up new guidance for day centers and the people with disabilities they’re serving during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Learn what this suggests.
- Accessible Airbnb Experiences: Airbnb is introducing a new slate of offerings specifically aimed at people with disabilities. Find out how they are catering to people with different abilities.
- Respite Program Survey: Do you know of a respite program that uses students as respite providers? Help create a toolkit for other respite programs by taking this survey. It closes June 1st.
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 Cynthia. Working to support people with disabilities for over four decades, she has seen many positive changes in the community. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Cynthia.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Strengths-Based Planning For Worst-Case Scenarios: Person-Centered Planning In Disaster Preparedness: April 26th, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: The Federal Response To COVID-19 - Addressing The Needs Of The Autism And Disability Communities: April 28th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Circles Of Life Virtual Conference 2021: May 6th-7th, Online
- Webinar: Play Areas: May 6th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.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.
