Self-Determination Network News:August2015

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Theres still Time to Speak up about IRIS and Self-Direction!

The state budget eliminates IRIS as a separate Medicaid Waiver program, and folds self-direction under the umbrella of managed care. However, the Department of Health Services (DHS) must renew the current IRIS waiverset to expire at the end of 2015 so the IRIS program can continue to run until (and if) it is replaced by the new system.

Every chance to tell DHS what self-direction should look like is important. Submitting public comments on the current IRIS programeven though the state budget calls for self-direction to be folded under managed care in the new systemcan clearly communicate the elements of self-direction that people with disabilities and their families feel are important to retain in a new system.

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities has provided us with information about how to submit comments to DHS about this. Comments are due by September 11^th. Find out how tolet your voice be heard!

Take our One-Minute Poll

In our last one-minute poll, we asked how you felt about the future of Long-Term Care in Wisconsin now that the State budget is passed. An overwhelming 75% of people reported that they are very concerned that the changes will harm the quality of life of the elderly and people with disabilities. 3% of people also commented about how they feel that legislature ignored advocates and about how its all about dollars instead of people. About 20% of people said that they are concerned, but think we need learn more about the changes before jumping to conclusions.

This month were asking if youre attending this years Self-Determination Conference. Take ourone-minute pollnow!

It Only Takes "Five"

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

• Join the Discussion: We had an excellent discussion about the State Budget and the future of Long-Term Care during the Coffee Break that we had in late July.We encourage you to take a look at the summary and add your questions and thoughts.
• Watch: Watch this video of President Obama speaking about the 25^thanniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Self-Determination Webinar: This will be a great webinar about self-determination. One of the presenters, Jonathan Martinis, will be a keynote speaker at this year's Self-Determination Conference in Wisconsin Dells. You can register for the conference by clickinghere.
• Call for Exhibitors: Exhibitor applications are now being accepted for the Across the Lifespan Conference.
• ADA Fight Is Not Over:This is a great article about the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the White House.
• Globalize the ADA: This is an interesting article about how we need to globalize the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Behind the ADA: This is a terrific article by Robert L. Burgdorf Jr. about why he wrote the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Breaking Barriers with the ADA: An interesting article about how the Americans with Disabilities Act improving lives for Americans with Disabilities.
• Community Living Record: This is a great article about how for the first time ever Medicaid is spending more on community-based services than on institutional care.
• Service Animal Rule Clarification: This is an informative article about how the Justice Department has issued a document that clarifies the service animal rules that were issued four years ago.
• ABLE Account Implementation Plan: An article about how state officials from across the country are meeting to develop a plan on how to implement the new ABLE accounts.
• ABLE Act Promotes Independence: This is a terrific article about how the ABLE Act will help Wisconsin families.
• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

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 Tricia Thompson. As a former special education teacher and a current IRIS consultant, she full-heartedly believes in self-determination and the power of making ones own choices. Stop by this monthsMember Spotlightand get to know Tricia!

Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?

Stacys Journal

This month Stacy shares about herspecial relationship with her parents. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.

New Members

Stop by to welcomeour newest members:

• Shes anIRIS Consultantwho wants to meet others who are interested in self-direction.
• This personworks on the ADA.
• Hes theCommunications Directorat the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
• Sheprovides technical assistance on self-determination and advocacyto teachers.
• Shes anIRIS Consultant Supervisor.
• He joined the SD Networkto learn.
• Thismotherwants to stay informed about services for her daughter.
• She works for an organization thatsupports individual to self-direct their services.
• Shes aBenefits Specialist.
• Shes aBenefit Specialistfor a county.
• Shes amotherof a young adult with special needs.
• Thismotherworks to assist families in navigating the school system.
• Hes theDirectorof Workforce Development at Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin.
• Shes aSocial Workerwith Family Care.
• Shes anExecutive Director.
• Thisparentwants to keep informed.
• ThisBenefits Specialistparticipated in the Coffee Break.
• Thisoutreach coordinatorwants to keep up-to-date with the budget.
• Thissisterwants to stay up-to-date on legislative changes.
• She wants tolearn more about self-determination.
• She has ason enrolled in IRIS.
• She wants to stayinformed about happenings in the disability community.

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:

• Medicaid Managed Care Forum: August 31^st, 9am to 4pm, State Capitol, Madison WI
• Webinar: Inclusive Sports, Recreation and Exercise for Individuals with Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design: August 26^th, 2pm to 3:30pm, Online
• The Fine Art of Balancing Protection with Self-Determination Webinar: September 22^nd, 1pm, Online
• Bringing Innovation to Light: What We Hold Dear in Dane County: September 30^th, 10am to 6:30pm, Madison Public Library, Madison WI
• Parents in Partnership (PIP): October 2^ndto 3^rd, Holiday Inn Express, St. Croix Falls WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9^thto 10^th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 9^thto 10^th, Tundra Lodge Resort and Conference Center, Green Bay WI
• Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment (YiPPE): October 23^rdto 24^th, Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center, Eau Claire WI
• Self-Determination Conference: November 9^thto 11^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Across the Lifespan Conference: December 3^rdto 4^th, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
• Wisconsin Transition Conference: February 18^th to 19^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.