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Share your picture from Disability Advocacy Day!

Over 700 people attended this years Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Wed love to see photos you took from the event. Weve set up a photo album, so you canshare your photoson the Network!

Keep Informed on the Budget Proposal!

With new information coming out almost daily, weve been working hard to keep theBudget Proposal pageup to date. Keep up to date with thelatest informationabout how the budget proposal would affect people with disabilities.

There have been a couple of different discussions started about the budget. April started adiscussionabout her concern over how the budget would affect her sons life. Bubba shared aletterabout his opinion regarding the budget that he has sent to several different newspapers. We have also started adiscussionhighlighting several points discussed during the Coffee Break we had with Lynn Breedlove on March 3^rd. We strongly encourage you to get involved in these discussions or start your own.

The Results Are In!

According to the last poll, approximately 90% of members feel worried and/or angry about the budget proposal. About 6% of members dont know enough about the proposed changes and/or feel it doesnt affect them, and less than 3% of members feel the changes will be good. Now, we want to know what you are doing about the proposed budget. Take our newone-minute poll.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Join the discussion: An interesting new concept has surfaced on the Internet. Websites and apps are being created where people can rate places based on accessibility. What do you think of the idea? What are the pros and cons?
• Comparison: Mark posted a great comparison of how self-direction differs between Family Care and IRIS.
• Stacys Journal: This month Stacy shares about her journey to independent living.

• Get Involved: The Living a Self-Determined Conference is looking for exhibitors and sponsors for 2015.
• Learn: This is an interesting article about how the FCC has put together a disability advisory committee to provide expertise and recommendations on communications and video programming issues.
• Be Inspired: Read this inspiring story about an UW-Oshkosh alum who doesnt let his disability stop him from living his dream!
• Assistive Technology Survey: Take this survey about assistive technology.
• Read: The National Council on Disabilities released Home and Community-Based Services: Creating Systems for Success at Home, at Work and in the Community.
• Disabilities Act Complaint Form: Complaint forms are now available electronically.
• Rental Assistance: An article about how some states, including Wisconsin, will receive money to help people with disabilities access community-basedhousing.
• Gaming Accessibility: This is an interesting article about how the gaming industry is trying to be more accessible.
• ABLE Act: An article about how states are moving forward with the ABLE Act.
• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

New Members

Stop by to welcomeournewest members

• Shes aparentwho is interested in staying on top of all of the long-term care issues.
• Hes aparentwho wants to reach out to the disability community.
• Shes amotherwhos looking for resources to better advocate for her daughter.
• Self-determination is a core value for thisperson.
• Thismotheris on the board for HearthStone of Wisconsin.
• Thisparentof four has two daughters in IRIS.
• This person is aWork Incentives Benefits Specialist.
• She wants to help withdisability advocacy.
• This person doesnt let her disability stop her fromhelping others.
• Shes anadvocatefor her sister.
• Thisparentwants to learn more ways to advocate for her child.
• She directs asupported employment program.
• Shes aguardianfor an adult with special needs.
• Hes anadvocatefor his brother.
• Thisparentis very concerned about the budget proposal.
• He has been along term care providerfor 12 years.
• Thismotheris interested in self-determination.
• Shes a mother and she alsoworks with people with disabilities.
• Thisfatherhas a son who uses IRIS.
• Shes an advocate whohas worked in the field for 35 years.
• This father is anadvocatefor his son.
• Thismotherwants to be heard.
• This person enjoyslearning about issues important to people with disabilities.
• Shes aProvider Service Managerfor Family Care.
• Hes theCommunity Supported Living Program Managerwith Lutheran Social Services.
• Hes beeninvolved in self-directionfor many years.
• Shes aformer teacherwho has strong opinions about the proposed budget.
• Thismomwants to keep informed about changes that would hurt self-determination.
• This dad is aRegional Athletic Directorfor Special Olympics.
• This mother of three is anadvocatefor Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Do you know someone who should join the Self-Determination Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the Self-Determination Network:

• WI FACETS Spring Self-Advocacy Workshop: Employment Panel: March 24^th, 6pm to 8pm, WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• WI FACETS Spring Self-Advocacy Workshop: Healthy Relationships: April 14^th, 6pm to 8pm, WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• WI FACETS Spring Self-Advocacy Workshop: Self-Advocate Spotlight: April 28^th, 6pm to 8pm, WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• Circles of Life Conference 2015; April 30^thto May 1^st, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point WI
• The National ADA Symposium: May 10^thto 13^th, National Center for Civil & Human Rights, Atlanta GA
• ADA Free Pontoon Boat Rides on Madison lakes: June 14^thto August 16^th, Tenney Park, Madison WI
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour: June 25^th, 11am to 4pm, State Capitol, Madison WI
• State-wide Institute on Best Practices in Inclusive Education 2015:July 27^thto 29^th, Westwood Conference Center, Wausau WI
• 3rd Annual Disability Pride Festival: July 25^th, 12pm to 5pm, Brittingham Park, Madison WI
• Self-Determination Conference: November 9^thto 11^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI

Post your eventon the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? ContactStacy Ellingen.

The Self-Determination Network is powered by In Control Wisconsin and supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.