Self-Determination Network News: December 2023
Self-Determination Network News:
December 2023
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Resources for Employing Caregivers
It's no secret that there has been a caregiver shortage for many years. This crisis affects almost everyone in one way or another. Hiring and retaining workers is challenging--especially for people who hiring their own workers. Applied Self-Directed published a report entitled, Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Insights Into Strengthening the Self-Directed Workforce. Included in the report were a few great appendices about finding and keeping workers.
Appendix l gives many great examples of where people can try to find workers. It lists different websites that people can post ads on, and it also includes examples of places where people can post ads and flyers in their community. It also gives examples of how people could use word of mouth to recruit caregivers.
In Appendix lll, it talks about many easy ways that people can show appreciation for their workers. It lists many examples of acts of gratitude that don't take a lot of work and don't cost very much. Giving gratitude and having small perks for employees often helps keep them longer.
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 Randi. This advocate extraordinaire believes that everyone has a right to make choices and encourages people to keep asking questions. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Randi.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Stacy’s Journal
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).
Recordings from the 2023 Self-Determination Conference
Video recordings of all the sessions from the 2023 Self-Determination Conference are now available on the Self-Determination Channel on YouTube. The pre-conference sessions as well as the Diehard award presentations are also available. Check out the presentations that you may have missed at the conference!
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Impact of Climate Change: As the planet warms scientists say natural disasters are becoming more destructive and more frequent, and the data shows certain communities are hit harder than others Watch an interview about how it's affecting people with disabilities.
- Voting Barriers: A recent survey found that people with disabilities continue to face challenges voting. Learn about what some of the barriers are.
- Unique Duo: Neighbors in Greenfield don't let having Down Syndrome stop them from living successful lives. Read about these inspiring young women.
- The CARE Act: Organizations advocating for older adults and people with disabilities are hoping to build new support for a bill that would require Wisconsin hospitals to communicate with a patient's family caregivers. Find out more about this bill.
- Take Survey: The University of Kansas is seeking participants to take the 2023 National Survey on Health and Disability. Take the survey today!
- Actress Calls for Sub-Minimum Wage to End: Actress Selma Blair recently said sub-minimum wage is "out of touch and wrong." Listen to the interview.
- Updated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: Updated Web Content Accessibility Guidelines were recently released. Find out what is new.
- America's Long-Term Care Crisis: Long-term care systems are in crisis. Learn about steps that could be taken to improve the systems and ease the strain on the federal budget.
- Proclamation: December 1st was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Read the proclamation from the White House to learn about what this day is meant to celebrate.
- Request for Public Comment: The Department of Health Services (DHS) has revised the Wisconsin Medicaid Standards for Certified 1-2 Bed Adult Family Homes The public comment period is open until January 31st.
- New Version of Disaster Course: FEMA released an updated version of its training course on Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations. Learn more about this course.
Upcoming Events
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- ADA Year In Review With Q&A: December 21st, 9a.m. to 10a.m., Virtual
- 2024 National Self-Direction Conference: March 14th-15th, Marriot Waterfront, Baltimore MD
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.