Self-Determination Network News: July 2023
Self-Determination Network News:
July 2023
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Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2023 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference which will be held October 16th-18th. Join us in-person at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells or virtually for this year’s conference. The theme is Be Curious: Explore the Possibilities. Check out the brochure and website for more information. Early bird registration ends August 15th. Register today!
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 Kevin. This music-loving father loves watching his son succeed. He not only advocates with his son, but, as the director of an IRIS Consultant Agency, he also works with others with disabilities to ensure they have the support to be able to live and work in the community. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Kevin.
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:
- Resources for Older Caregivers: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a collection of resources designed to support state Medicaid and partner agencies in developing the supports and services being delivered to adults with I/DD and their aging caregivers. Take a look at these and pass them on to others who may find them beneficial.
- Employment Funding Opportunity: The Social Security Administration has announced a new funding opportunity for conducting interventional research to support its programs. They are seeking applicants in five key areas related to barriers to employment. Applications are due July 31st.
- Concerns over Medicaid Disenrollment: According to data, more than a million Medicaid beneficiaries have been disenrolled. Learn about one of the main reasons this is.
- CrossFit Class: A gym in Waterford has started a CrossFit class for people with different abilities. Find out more about the class.
- Digital Health Technologies: A new survey shows that older adults plan to use more assistive health-related technologies as they age. Read about what else the survey revealed.
- Accessible Hiking Trails: Hiking is becoming a very popular summer activity. Take a look at this guide to accessible hiking trails in the U.S.
- Technology Accessibility in the Workplace: In today's world, technology plays a major role in almost every facet of every company. As we know, technology also enables people who have different abilities to be able to be productive in the workplace. Learn why it's crucial that employers make sure that technology equipment is accessible to all employees.
- Independent Living Program Pilot: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is initiating an Independent Living Supports Pilot program, aimed at providing resources to eligible residents, enabling them to live independently at home. Find out more about this program.
- Family Care and Partnership Renewal Survey: Wisconsin Department of Health Services is in the process of renewing the Family Care and Partnership waivers. They are seeking input about these programs. Please take this survey by August 1st.
- New Program at Green Bay Airport: Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay recently became the second airport in Wisconsin to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunshine Network which is a program that provides discreet assistance to people who have hidden disabilities. Read about how the program works.
- Listen Now: Wisconsin Public Radio recently did an interview with two disability service providers about how the community serves people with disabilities Listen to what they suggest would help communities better serve people with disabilities.
- Talk of Updating SSI Limits: The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for low-income elderly and disabled people has the strictest savings limits of any federal program. Eligibility is limited to people who have only $2,000 (or $3,000 for couples). Read about how most people feel this isn't enough for beneficiaries to weather an emergency or provide stability.
- Journey of a Lifetime: A young woman from Mazomanie who wasn't supposed survive through infancy is on a journey of a lifetime. Learn about her quest to compete in Miss Wheelchair America.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Family Care And Family Care Partnership Waiver Renewal Online Public Input Session: July 25th, 3p.m. to 5p.m., Online
- Family Care And Family Care Partnership Waiver Renewal Online Public Input Session: July 26th, 6p.m. to 8p.m., Online
- Webinar: Basic Formatting: July 31st, 3p.m. to 4p.m., p.m., Online
- Webinar: Designing For Children: August 3rd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
- Webinar: Building An Inclusive Museum From The Ground Up: August 10th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.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.
