Self-Determination Network January 2022
January 2022
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Disability Advocacy Day of Change
Disability Advocacy Day of Change will be held virtually on March 15, 2022. It's a event focused on connecting Disability Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues important to them. Attendees are expected to participate in the morning briefing and call their legislators in the afternoon.
Watch for registration information coming soon!
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 December, we shined the spotlight on Stefanie. Growing up with a sibling with a disability shaped her outlook and passion in life. She enjoys making self-determination the center of peoples lives. Stop by and get to know Stefanie in the December Member Spotlight.
This month, we shined the spotlight on Jen This outgoing self-advocate does everything she can to change the world’s perception of Down Syndrome. She encourages everyone to advocate to achieve their girls and to set high expectations. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jen.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
In December's journal entry, Stacy talked about how we are now sending tourists to space, but, yet, people who use wheelchairs can't fly in an airplane without worrying about our chairs being wrecked. Something doesn't add up - - she discussed how we need to make everything inclusive. Do you agree with her?
Stacy discusses how the direct caregiver shortage has become dire in this month's journal entry. Have you struggled to find caregivers?
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:
- Job Coaching and Fading
- Advocacy and Goal Setting
- A Look Back at 2021 at the Self-Determination Channel
- "Treat me like everyone else"
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Join us to Film a Video
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Assistive Technology Brief: The National Assistive Technology Act Technical Assistance and Training Center released a new issue brief that describes how AT Act programs are supporting people who are experiencing long-term effects of COVID. Learn what these programs offer.
- EVV Study: A research firm recently did a study on the affects Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) has on care. Find what what the study revealed.
- Video Games Open Doors: Advancements in video game technology have made it possible for people with disabilities and health conditions to be able to experience outdoor environments without having to leave their house. Read about video games have become an unusual assistive technology tool.
- "Silent Majority": Why doesn't the disability community have more political power? There are over 61 million people living with a disability and yet they still have little involvement in the political arena. Read more about how the disability community continues to lack in politics.
- Largest Home-and-Community-Based Services Increase Moves Forward: A $1.9 trillion bill that includes many different supports for home-and-community-based care and senior services was passed by the House of Representatives recently. Read about what this bill would include.
- Take Survey: The Southwest ADA Center is conducting a study on video game accessibility for people with disabilities. The survey closes February 28.
- Airport Program: Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee recently launched a program to assist adult travelers who have disabilities. Find out how the program works.
- Accessible Routes at Historical Museum: Recently, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of new sloped walkways for accessible entry on the National Mall side of the 111-year-old building. Read more about the accessibility change.
- State Transition Plan Submitted: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted the updated statewide transition plan for final approval to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn what changes were made.
- Cracking Down on Caregiver Mistreat: Federal officials are working to make sure that paid caregivers aren't being taken advantage of. Learn about what the Department of Labor is doing to try to prevent some of the mistreatment.
- Rate Increase: The Wisconsin Medicaid reimbursement rates for home-and-community-based services went up 5%. Learn what programs this applies to.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program: The Federal Communications Commissions launched a longer-term program to replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Read about what the program would help ensure.
- Accessibility Awareness: In recent years, accessibility awareness has become more and more prevalent in conversation, but those conversations haven't necessarily turned into action. Read about how some people feel that accessibility should be part of the culture.
- Vaccine Information: The Administration for Community Living recently released a good informational sheet about COVID vaccines and boosters. Check it out!
- Doctors Unclear about Obligations to People with Disabilities: A new study finds that many doctors don't know their obligations to people with disabilities. Learn about what some of requirements are.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Accessible Signage: February 3, 1:30p.m. To 3p.m., Online
- Disability Advocacy Day Of Change: March 15, Online
- 2022 National Self-Direction Conference: April 11-12, Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor, Baltimore Maryland
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.
