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Thank You to Our New NetworkSponsors!

We would like to thank Innovative Services, Inc. and LinkEd for becoming our newest sponsors of the Self-Determination Network. The Network would not exist without its fabulous sponsors, who provide in-kind and financial support.To learn about how you can become a Network Sponsor, contactDeb Wisniewski.

Aging Empowerment Conference

Join InControl Wisconsin and other sponsors on June 1^stfor a one-day conference exploring self-determination and empowerment in aging at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. This statewide event will examine new approaches to providing support to older adults that encourage autonomy and choice.

The keynote address entitled, Self-Determination: Past, Present, & Future will be given by Dr. Kevin Manhoney. Dr. Mahoney, Professor of Social Work at Boston College and Founding Director of the National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services, will share a national perspective on the expansion of self-determination in long-term care. To prepare for the future, we need to understand the past and achievements that bring us here today. What can we learn from the evidence of success that supports this model of service delivery as we look toward the future? This keynote will help us understand the challenges and opportunities we may face in continuing to advance self-determination.

Stay tuned for registration information!

Check out this months Member Spotlight

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 shine the Spotlight on April Nutter. This great parent believes that self-directing your supports can make a world of difference. Stop by this monthsMember Spotlightand get to know April!

Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?

Stay informed about the latest on the Budget Proposal

We continue to keep theBudget Proposal pagewith the latest information. On theLearn pagewe just added links to informational hearings that were held at the capitol about Long-Term Care. Now is the critical time totake action! Let your voice be heard!

The Results are In!

We asked people what they are doing about the proposed changes to IRIS and Family Care. Nearly 50% of people said that theyre sharing their story/thoughts with the Governors office and/or their legislators. Over 20% of people attended Disability Advocacy Day, budget training workshops, and/or public hearings. Nearly 20% of people also reported that theyre talking to people about the changes and/or reading about them. About 9% of people said that they are talking to local media and/or writing letters to newspapers about the proposed changes. Now, we want to know which programs you use to self-direct. Take our newone-minute poll.

Join us for another Coffee Break!

• Coffee Break: An Update on Wisconsins State Budget Proposal: Thursday, May 6th, 2015, 9:00a.m. to 9:30a.m. CST

Family Care. IRIS. SeniorCare. ADRCs. Personal Care...

Wisconsin Governor's Budget Proposal is currently in the hands of the Joint Finance Committee. It includes major changes to the Long-Term Care system in Wisconsin.

So what's in the budget? What's not? How will it affect your life or the life of people you care about? What can you do about the changes being proposed?

Join our special guest,Lynn Breedlove, to ask questions, share your thoughts andlearn more about the budget proposal. Lynn is the board president for InControl Wisconsin and a outspoken advocate for self-determination.

The Coffee Break is a live discussion (chat) on the Network, open to all members. Each Coffee Break has a different theme - participants will be asked to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and challenges on the subject.

You can join the discussion (chat) any time during the Coffee Break. Just sign in on the SD Network during the time you want to participate on the Network and then go to the Chat Room.

There's no need to register - however, it would help if you would RSVP so we have some idea if you will be joining us.

Stacys Journal

Network Manager, Stacy Ellingen, continues to share some of her personal experiences with us. This month she shares herJourney to Employmentwith us. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.

It Only Takes "Five"

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

• Take a Survey about the ADA: The ADA Wisconsin Partnership posted a survey people can take about the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Neat Resource: The ADA Wisconsin Partnership posted a really neat resource about an online newsletter regarding the ADA. Check it out!
• Accessible City: This is a great article about how Madison is becoming more accessible for people with disabilities.
• ABLE Act: An article about how the ABLE Act is moving forward in some states.
• Questionable SSI Payments: This is an interesting article about how there were billions of dollars of questionable SSI payments in 2014.
• Call for Exhibitors: The Across the Lifespan Conference is looking for exhibitors for their 2015 conference. Find out how to get involved today!
• Call for Proposals: The Across the Lifespan Conference is looking for presenters for their 2015 conference. Find out how to get involved today!
• Caregiver Pay: An interesting article about the push to give in-home caregivers pay protections.
• Service Animal Fraud: This is a blog about how service animal fraud is on the rise and whats being done to prevent it.
• Free Bus Rides: Find out which Wisconsin county is offering free bus rides to people with disabilities.
• Youth Leadership Forum: The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is now accepting applications for 2015. The deadline is May 11^th.
• 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

• Sheworksfor a company whose mission revolves around self-determination.
• This person iscommitted to self-determination.
• Hes a smallbusiness ownerwho is very interested in advocacy.
• Thisguardianis very upset about what the government is trying to do with self-directed support programs.
• She is theDirector of Vocational Serviceswith Innovative Services, Inc.
• This person has a ton of experienceworking with people with disabilities.
• Hespassionate about self-determination.

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: 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
• Coffee Break: An Update on Wisconsins State Budget Proposal: May 6^th, 9am to 9:30am,SD Network Chat Room
• The National ADA Symposium: May 10^thto 13^th, National Center for Civil & Human Rights, Atlanta GA
• Living a Self-Determined Life Conference: June 1^stto 2^nd, Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• 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.