Self-Determination Network News: March 2026
Self-Determination Network News:
March 2026
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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:
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- What's happening in the state legislature.
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Congress, mostly preoccupied, but already starting the 2027 federal budget process.
2026 federal budget passed, but it looks like the administration is ignoring what Congress said, and delaying appropriated funds from going out.
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Policy changes the administration is making:
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CMS Director leading the messaging on Medicaid fraud,
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CMS temporarily halts accepting new providers of durable medical equipment,
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CMS says it won’t pay $250 M worth of Medicaid reimbursements in Minnesota,
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CMS accuses California of fraud in Medicaid home health care,
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CMS sends states letters accusing state of Medicaid fraud.
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Continued coverage of impacts of HR 1.
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Families defend against Idaho Medicaid cuts,
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Dentistry services could be another target for Medicaid cuts,
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new analysis shows $648 B impact on state budgets from Medicaid cuts,
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9 Western states say how they think cuts will impact disability services,
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“prove you’re working/exempt” requirements will cost states, and
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HR1 will impose financial penalties for states with too many Medicaid mistakes.
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We encourage you to continue to contact your legislators and let them know how these things will impact you and your family.
Call for Presenter Proposals for the 2026 Self-Determination Conference
This year's Self-Determination Conference will be held October 19th-21st at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The theme will be The Power of Self-Determination: Technology, Community, and You. Proposals to present on October 20th and 21st are now being accepted. Proposals are due by noon on May 5th. Learn more and submit a proposal today!
Join the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition for a Lunch & Learn
Join the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition on Tuesday March 17th from 12p.m. to 1p.m. for a Lunch & Learn webinar about the April election. It will cover the role of the Wisconsin Supreme Court and how to find reliable information about the candidates. They will also talk about:
- important deadlines
- ways people can vote
- voting rights
- the latest election information
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 Julie. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Julie.
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:
- Benefits and Eligibility Guide: Currently, Medicaid covers things like home care, home-and-community-based services waivers, and community programs. Read about the fear that The One Big Beautiful Bill will affect these things.
- The Science of Belonging: It's estimated that 1 in 6 children in the US has a developmental disability. Learn about how supported decision-making leads to greater autonomy and satisfaction than other options.
- The Eugenics Project: The Project Eugenics report documents what it describes as a systemic and coordinated rollback of disability rights in the United State. Find out more about this project.
- Input Needed: The US Access Board is seeking public comment on its approach to developing technical standards for universal changing stations required to be provided by sponsors of medium and large hub airports seeking airport development project grants. Comments due April 20th.
- Mental Health Care Gaps: A new study reveals that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities face a significant mental health crisis, being over nine times more likely to report anxiety or depression than those without disabilities. Read about some of the barriers people are facing and what is being done about it.
- Concerns over IRIS Contractor Change: Wisconsin's IRIS program is transitioning to a single contractor to manage payroll and background checks for caregivers, a move that has sparked significant concern among enrolled adults with disabilities. Find out why participants are concerned.
- Caregivers are Sounding Alarms: Across the country, caregivers are sounding the alarm about what Medicaid cuts mean for the people they love. Learn about what their fears are.
- Take a Listen: This episode of The Advocacy Life Podcast, hosted by disability advocate Kevin Núñez, uses a pizza analogy to break down how government and politics work in an accessible, conversational way — covering topics like majority rule, representative democracy, and the Constitution. Listen to learn more.
- Figure Skating: Figure skaters with disabilities are pushing for figure skating to be added to Paralympics. Read about the reasons behind this.
- Report on Section 508: The third annual report has on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Learn about some of the strengthens and weaknesses it found as far as ensuring equal access for people with disabilities.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Future Planning Webinar Series: Lived Experience with Decision-Making: Young Adult Panel: March 11th, 12p.m to 1p.m., Virtual
- Lunch & Learn: What’s on the Ballot: Getting Ready for the WI Supreme Court Election: March 17th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Addressing Food Insecurity for People Living Alone With Dementia: March 17th, 1p.m. to 2p., Virtual
- Disability Advocacy Day: March 19th, Monona Terrace and the State Capitol, Madison WI
- Webinar: Accessible Tech: Artificial Intelligence: Problems and Possibilities for People with Disabilities: March 19th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Aging Network Innovation Conversation: March 24th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Virtual
- 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.
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