Self-Determination Network News: January 2024
Self-Determination Network News:
January 2024
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Disability Advocacy Day 2024
Save the date for the 2024 Disability Advocacy Day on Wednesday March 20th in Madison. It's on a Wednesday this year instead of the usual Tuesday. We'll be sending out information about details and registration in a few weeks. We hope to see you there!
Voting Lunch and Learns
2024 is a huge election year, and the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition has you covered! They will be holding virtual Lunch and Learns throughout the year about various voting topics. The first one (register here) is going to be Tuesday January 23rd from 12p.m. to 12:45p.m. It will be about registration and absentee voting. Another Lunch and Learn (register here) will be held on Tuesday February 6th from 12p.m. to 12:45p.m., and the topic will be voting rights and local elections matter. Make sure to keep up to date on voting issues by attending these events.
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 Brett. This fun-loving guy is determined to make the best of life regardless of the circumstances. He is determined to make an impact on as many lives as possible. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Brett.
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:
- Tools to Help Strengthen HCBS: Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released new tools that will help improve access for millions who receive home and community-based services through Medicaid. Learn about what these tools will help.
- Concerns over the the Census Questioning: The U.S. Census Bureau is considering changing the way it asks people about disabilities and advocates are concerned. Find out why advocates are concerned.
- Investment in Services: Recently, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions and new data that will help expand home-and-community-based services. Read about what actions are being taken.
- Guide to Accessible Travel: Traveling is generally fun and exciting, but it also can be stressful. This is especially true for many people who have disabilities. Check out this guide to accessible travel.
- Request for Comment: The Administration for Community Living is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the data collection requirements for the ACL Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program Information Collection. Comments are due February 12th.
- Be your Best Self-Advocate: You are your own best advocate. Take a look at some great tips for being an advocate.
- Youth Leadership Forum: YLF is a week-long forum for high school with disabilities who want to learn more about leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness. Share this opportunity with students who would benefit!
- What's Behind the Shortage: The nearly five million direct care workers who support older adults and people with disabilities are the largest workforce in the U.S. Watch this news clip about what are the causes of the caregiver shortage.
- ABLE Limit Increase: Starting January 1st, people with disabilities are able to save more money in ABLE accounts which are accounts that allow them to save without jeopardizing their government benefits. Find out how much it increased.
- Digital Accessibility Guidelines: The Office of Management and Budget recently released updated guidance requiring federal agencies to improve their digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Learn about what the guidelines are.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Registration And Absentee Voting: January 23rd, 12p.m. to 12:45p.m., Virtual
- Transition To Adulthood: Healthcare And Advocacy: January 25th, 6:30p.m. to 8p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
- HSRC Webinar - Expanding Access To Service Coordination: Two Models Of Braiding Funding: January 31st, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Designing Accessible Crosswalks: February 1st, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Voting Rights And Local Elections Matter: February 6th, 12p.m. to 12:45p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: How To Begin And Grow An Adaptive Sports Program And The Resources Needed: February 8th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Virtual
- 2024 National Self-Direction Conference: March 14th-15th, Marriot Waterfront, Baltimore MD
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 20th, 10a.m. to 3p.m., Monona Terrance and the State Capitol, Madison WI
- Circles Of Life Conference 2024: May 16th-17th, Holiday Inn, Stevens Point WI
- Employment First Conference: May 21st, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
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.
