Self-Determination Network News: January 2025
Self-Determination Network News:
January 2025
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org
Disability Advocacy Day 2025
Save the date for the 2025 Disability Advocacy Day on Wednesday March 12th in Madison. We'll be sending out information about details and registration in early February. We hope to see you there!
Register for a BPDD virtual workshop
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.
For January, we're shining the spotlight on Rose. This photography loving self-advocate is taking the Partners in Policymaking class right now and is eager to advocate for Medicaid expansion. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Rose.
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:
- Switzer Research Fellowship: The purpose of the Switzer Research Fellowships Program is to build research capacity by providing support to highly qualified individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to conduct research on rehabilitation, independent living, and other experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities. Applications due February 3rd.
- Disability Data Collection Practices: Read about some promising practices states can use to collect disability data to improve health equity.
- Self-Direction in Medicaid: This study’s aim was to examine how states across the United States implemented self-direction in their Medicaid home and community‐based services waiver programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in fiscal year 2021. Learn about some of the interesting statistics that it revealed.
- Workforce Challenges Continue: A new survey highlighted the challenges facing America’s direct support workforce, revealing a care system in crisis due to ongoing recruitment and retention issues. Find out why this is.
- New Air Travel Rules: New rules aimed to ease air travel for people with disabilities will go into effect on January 18th. Learn what they are.
- Mom On a Mission: Going to the grocery store is not a big ordeal for most people, but for adults with disabilities and their caregivers, it can be challenging. Read about one Wisconsin mom's mission to get adult changing stations in more common places.
- Universal Design Funding Opportunity: The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research announced a new funding opportunity on universal design. Applications are due March 6th. Learn more about this opportunity.
- Disability Providers Fear More Cuts: Disability service providers across the country are struggling to maintain their services, with many reporting that they are turning away new referrals and discontinuing programs and they’re concerned that it could get worse Learn why.
- Ending Subminimum Wage: As federal officials consider ending a program that allows employers to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage, a new study suggests that doing so has little downside. Learn the reasoning.
- Input Needed: The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking input on the impact of ageism in health care. Comments due March 15th.
- Inspiring Wrestler: For Anthony Robles, coming out of retirement from wrestling to make a about his life was exciting. Read about one Wisconsin wrestler's unique story.
- Think Differently Database Act: President Biden signed the Think Differently Database Act to create an online resource for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families. Find out what this law requires.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Federal Medicaid Updates: What's going on and how to tell your story to policymakers: January 21st, 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Highlights from the Fiscal Year 2024 Government-wide Section 508 Assessment: January 21st, 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., Virtual
- Federal Medicaid Updates: What's going on and how to tell your story to policymakers: January 23rd, 3p.m. to 4:30p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Innovation in the Direct Care Workforce: Unlocking Success Through Peer Learning: January 29th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Accessibility and Air Travel: February 6th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Virtual
- Disability Advocacy Day 2025: March 12th, Monona Terrace and State Capitol, Madison WI
- National Symposium on Quality Employment 2025: May 20th-22nd, Memorial Union, Madison 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.
