Self-Determination Network News: April 2016
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
2016 Aging Empowerment Conference
The 2016 Aging Empowerment Conference which is hosted by InControl Wisconsin will be held June 6th and 7th at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The conference focuses on the interconnected relationship between older adults, their caregivers, and the professionals who support them. It's an opportunity to explore ways to advance self-determination as the foundation for providing support while empowering older people to retain control of their lives. Learn more information and find out how to register today!
Changes to Wisconsin Long-Term Care: What’s Next?
On March 31st, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) submitted their Concept Paper for the Long-Term Care Redesign (Family Care/IRIS 2.0) to the Joint Finance Committee of the state legislature. Soon after, they also released a summary of the changes made to the Concept Paper based on feedback received from public hearings, testimony, and stakeholder meetings regarding the draft of the Paper. Joint Finance now must consider the paper and vote to accept the redesign proposed by DHS or reject the proposal for continued changes. Joint Finance cannot alter the plan themselves.
Be sure to stay up to date on the latest developments on our Long-Term Care Redesign page.
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 InControl Wisconsin board member Laura Hanson. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors with her family, she is very involved in supporting and advocating for Self-Directed Supports (SDS) and Integrated Employment. She has a wealth of knowledge in both of these areas. In fact, she recently started a group on the Network for people who are involved in SDS to share their experiences and ideas with others. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight and learn more about Laura!
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- New National Core Indicators: DHS is beginning to use a new system to get information on the quality of life for people with disabilities who are in the Long-Term Care system. Find out how you can let your voice be heard about this!
- Youth Leadership Forum: The deadline to apply for the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (a week long leadership training and awareness program for high school students with disabilities) is May 1st.
- ABLE Account Tweaks: Read about how lawmakers continue to make tweaks to try to improve ABLE Accounts.
- Neat Technology: Learn about a new device that's being developed to help people who have visual impairments.
- Caregiver Tax Credit: Here is an interesting article about a new proposed bill that would allow caregivers to receive a tax credit.
- 2015 Best and Worst Cities Rankings: Find out which cities in Wisconsin made the list of the best cities for people with disabilities.
- Social Security Payee Approach: Learn why Social Security is being urged to redo its representative payee approach.
- Caregiver Benefit: Read about a proposed bill which would ensure that family members who take time off work to care for loved ones with disabilities wouldn't lose Social Security retirement benefits for doing so.
- Video Description Access: Here's an interesting article about how the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing changes to expand the availability of video described programming for people who have visual impairments.
- Overtime Rule Impact: Learn about how a proposed overtime rule for people who work with disabilities would likely force cuts in services.
This month, Stacy opens up about how she handles some of life's hard questions related to having a disability. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- State Of The Science Conference On The Americans With Disabilities Act: May 4th, Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria VA
- Public Hearing on Independent Living: May 10th, 1:30 to 3:00p.m., Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc., Stevens Point, WI
- Public Hearing on Independent Living: May 11th, 4:30 to 6:00p.m. Access to Independence/Independent Living Council of Wisconsin, Madison WI
- Art, Ability, Access & Enterprise Summit: May 17th, 8:30a.m. to 3:15p.m., Madison Public Library, Madison WI
- 2016 Aging Empowerment Conference: Living A Self-Determined Life: June 6th & 7th, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- 2016 Transformation Conference: June 28th-30th, Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria VA
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.
