Self-Determination Network News: April 2022
April 2022
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Join the Conversation: The Caregiver Crisis
For many people with disabilities and their families, the caregiver crisis has become front and center in their lives.
There are thousands of hours of needed care are going unmet. People are not receiving the care they need. Whether you work for an agency trying to find caregivers for clients or a person who is trying to hire workers yourself, finding caregivers is almost impossible.
Lots of advocacy groups are trying to come up with a solution to this. When you need to find direct care workers, individually or with an agency, what are some unique ways it can be done? Do you have an idea of how to help improve the current situation we are in? What are some ways we can start to mitigate this issue?
If you could ask for one thing right now to fix the problem, what would it be?
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 shined the spotlight on Emily. When this determined self-advocate isn’t working with the Living Well Grant, she’s probably busy doing one of her several hobbies. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Emily.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
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 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:
- Hidden Costs: Two years into the pandemic, and many people with disabilities are facing hidden costs that most people don't even think about. Learn what some of these are.
- National Guard Assisting in Nursing Homes and Hospitals: Over 150 National Guard members recently completed CNA training and are assisting staff in hospitals and nursing homes. Read more about why this is.
- New Innovations Often Inaccessible: Through the pandemic, many new innovations have been created in the medical field. While great for most people, some of them aren't accessible to people with disabilities. Find out more about why some are inaccessible.
- A Vision of a Great Self-Direction Program: A recent paper was published by former InControl board member and forever friend, Lynn Breedlove, entitled, " What Would a Great Self-Direction Program Look Like?" He lays out the information framework for what an ideal self-direction program would look like. This is meant to be conversation starter. What do you think? Do you have other ideas?
- Web Accessibility Guidance: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has published guidance on web accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to inform state and local governments and businesses open to the public on how to ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities. Learn about what the guidance explains.
- Real Pay for Real Jobs Initiative: The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) invites applications for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) demonstration project, aimed at increasing access for people with disabilities to jobs that pay good wages. Submissions are due June 21.
- Voting Worries: Due to recent court rulings, many people with disabilities in Wisconsin are concerned about their ability to vote. Read about what the rulings could mean.
- States Efforts to Address Workforce Shortage: This brief looks at state Medicaid efforts to address the Home-and-Community-Based Services workforce shortage. Learn about what states are doing.
- Inclusive Coffee Shop: A new coffee shop in Waukesha, focused on inclusiveness, recently opened. Find out what makes this shop unique.
- Robots in the Classroom: The use of artificial intelligence has skyrocketed in recent years. People with disabilities often can increase their independence with the use of it. Read about how robots are helping students with disabilities in the classroom.
- Proposed Rule to Improve Accessibility on Laboratories on Single-Aisle Aircraft: The Department of Transportation is seeking public comment a rule that would improve accessibility of laboratories on new single-aisle airplanes. Comments can be submitted until May 21.
- History Made at the Oscars: A movie featuring predominately people with disabilities made history at this year's Oscars. Find out what film it was.
- Boost to Money Follows the Person Program: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid recently announced a $110 million boost to the Money Follows the Person program. Learn about what this will help with.
- Voter Experience Survey: The League of Women Voters is conducting a Voter Experience survey to hear from voters about their experience in the April 5th election. Take the survey now.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Circles Of Life Conference: May 12-13, Virtual or the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point Wisconsin
- Employment First Conference: May 24, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin
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.
