Self-Determination Network News: June 2023
Self-Determination Network News:
June 2023
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State Budget Advocacy: There is Still Time to Advocate!
This week, the legislative's Joint Finance Committee is making decisions on several budget items that can impact people with disabilities. Tomorrow, June 15th, the committee will be deciding on the Department of Health Services budget. This budget includes includes many disability programs and issues including Family Care, IRIS, caregiver wages, Guardianship Support Center, and Adult Protective Services. We encourage people to call or email your legislators and let them know what priorities you want in the state budget.
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 Jenny. After a tragic accident changed her life, this amazing lady made the decision to be a person who aspires to live life to the fullest. She has committed her life to raising awareness for people living with paralysis and neurological disorders. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jenny.
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:
- Wheelchair Elevation: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that Medicare will now cover seat elevation devices for power wheelchairs. Learn more about this decision.
- Health Data Report: Reliable health data is important to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Being counted is a health equity and civil rights issue. Although data collection about people with disabilities generally has improved in recent decades, there is still not enough information on how many people with I/DD live in the U.S., how healthy they are, and what things affect their health. Take a look at the report that the Administration for Community Living put together from a summit they put together in 2022 focused on health equity, remaining gaps, and priorities for the future.
- The Wait for Services: More than half a million Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities are currently waiting for government funding for long-term care in their homes. Find out what some states are doing to clear waitlists.
- Advocates Advocate for Significant Pay Increases for Caregivers: It's no secret that Wisconsin advocates for people with disabilities and the elderly have been tiredlessly advocating for better pay for caregivers. Learn what advocates are asking for in the state budget.
- Inclusive Stock Photos: Generally, stock photos often don't include people with disabilities. Read about how the Consumer Product Safety Commission is working to change that.
- Public Comment Needed on Diagnostic Equipment: Medical diagnostic care is essential to everyone, including people with disabilities, and often requires people to transfer onto diagnostic equipment. The U.S. Access Board has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment. Public comments are due July 24th.
- Project SEARCH: Project SEARCH provides vocational training for people with disabilities. Learn about how the program helps high school students transition into the workforce.
- Google Maps are More Accessible: With a minor change, Google is making it more obvious to users whether businesses and other public places are accessible to people with disabilities. Find out what small change made this possible.
- WisCaregiver Connection Workforce Platform: In partnership with UW-Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Heath Services have developed a training program to help 10,000 caregivers become certified direct care professionals. They also have developed a new workforce platform that will connect employers and job seekers. Find out more about these new programs.
- Protype of Wheelchair Seat on Planes: Delta has introduced a prototype of a new seat that would allow airlines to let passengers to stay in their wheelchairs in the cabin. Learn more about the design.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Addressing Sexual Assault Against People With Disabilities: June 14th, 2:30p.m. to 4p.m., Online
- Webinar: Adaptive Ballroom Dancing: June 15th, 1p.m. 2:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Peer & Family Support Program: June 15th, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Accessible Transient Lodging: July 6th, 1:30p.m. 3p.m., Online
- Webinar: Easy Read Icons: July 10th, 3p.m. to 4p.m., Online
- Webinar: Basic Formatting: July 31st, 3p.m. to 4p.m., p.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.
