Self-Determination Network News: February 2026
Self-Determination Network News:
February 2026
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org
Federal Fallout Update
Here are the recording and slides from the latest webinar that the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities puts on regarding the federal fallout. Here are the topics discussed in this webinar:
- Counting down to the end of the state legislative session. What’s moving, stalling, and being discussed.
-
Congress focused on impending shutdown of Dept of Homeland Security; House passes bill that would change what people need to do to be able to vote, changes to IDEA being considered. The ACA subsidies extension are no longer being discussed even as impacts of ACA subsidy expiration are starting to become clearer.
-
Policy changes the administration is making: agencies rescinding funding for certain states, how insurers are making coverage harder to use for people with pre-existing conditions, new appointments on autism panel, administrative rule changes target fair housing laws and ACA exchanges, claims of fraud being used as reason to cut programs, and more.
-
Continued coverage of impacts of HR1.
We encourage you to continue to contact your legislators and let them know how these things will impact you and your family.
Disability Advocacy Day 2026
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 this month, we're shining the Spotlight on Tanya. This music-loving auntie is just starting to get involved in disability advocacy. She’s looking forward to moving out and becoming more independent. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Tanya.
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:
- Who Are Family Caregivers?: The National Alliance for Caregiving's 2025 survey found 59 million Americans provide care to adult family members, a 40% increase over a decade. Learn about some of the statistics this study revealed.
- Home Care in 2025: The Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed Medicaid officials in the middle of last year and the results are interesting. Read about some of the facts this shows.
- Comfortable Wisconsin Towns: From healthcare to transportation, these Wisconsin towns are some of the most comfortable for seniors. For out which towns made the list.
- Ableism Research Study: The American Association of People with Disabilities is seeking input from people with disabilities and advocates to better understand how ableism shows up in everyday life and how it can be addressed. Learn more about this study and find out to participate.
- Work Requirements: Work requirements for Medicaid are coming in 2027. Read about some of the exemptions coming out that broaden previous "serious and complex" language to give states more flexibility.
- Immigration Changes Impact Long-Term Care: Wisconsin people who rely on personal care attendants are feeling the effects of the changes to immigration policies. Learn why.
- Listen: The executive director of the National Council on Independent Living discusses the current threats to disability rights. Take a listen.
- Older Americans Policy Recommendations: The Bipartisan Policy Center interviewed older adults through The People Say initiative to identify health care challenges. Find out what they recommended.
- Mother Fights for Caregiver Rights: A mother in Cottage Grove is advocating for caregiver rights. Read about her efforts.
- Autism Campus Inclusion Leadership Academy: Autism Campus Inclusion helps autistic students make their colleges better for people with disabilities. Applications due March 8th.
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Join the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities for a 4-part webinar series on future planning for people with disabilities, family members, and professionals.
- Watch: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to cut more than a trillion dollars in Medicaid and the the Children's Health Insurance Program by 2034. Watch this interview about what the cuts could mean for adults with disabilities.
- Black Disability Activists: February is Black History month. Read about seven activists who advanced disability rights.
- Airline Accessibility Reforms Indefinitely Stalled: The updated regulations from the Air Carrier Access Act in 2024 have been stalled. Find out what disability advocates are saying.
- Self-Direction Study: Brandeis University is conducting a study to explore the experiences of self-direction for disabled people of color and their families. The purpose is to learn about the challenges, supports, and benefits of self-direction for people of color. Learn how to participate.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Understanding New Medicaid Requirements: February 18th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Virtual
- Survival Coalition Community Organizing Training Part 3: February 25th, 10a.m. to 1p.m., Virtual
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Supported Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship: March 4th, 12p.m to 1p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Ocean air, boardwalk memories—let’s go to the beach!: March 5th, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Virtual
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Lived Experience with Decision-Making: Young Adult Panel: March 11th, 12p.m to 1p.m., Virtual
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 19th, Monona Terrace and the State Capitol, Madison WI
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Financial Planning for People with disabilities and Family Members: March 25th, 12p.m to 1p.m., Virtual
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Understanding Work and Benefits: April 1st, 12p.m to 1p.m., Virtual
- 2026 Family Voices Leadership Conference: April 15th & 16th, Virtual
- National Self-Direction Conference: May 27th-29th, Minneapolis, MN
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.
