Self-Determination Network News: January 2017
January 2017
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The 4th annual Aging Empowerment Conference: Living a Self-Determined Life will be held June 6th (full conference) and June 7th (Self-Determination Summit) at the Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Sponsored by InControl Wisconsin, this unique event gathers older adults, their families, and the professionals who support them and explores self-determination and empowerment in aging. Presentation proposals and exhibitor applications are now being accepted. Submission are due February 15th. Apply today!
Medicaid Block Grants
The future of Medicaid will be a big issue in 2017. Federal efforts are underway to change Medicaid to a block grant program that states would administer. This could have a major impact on programs such as Family Care, IRIS, BadgerCare, SeniorCare, and many other programs that older adults and people with disabilities rely on. The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities/The Arc have put together this presentation that explains in detail what block grants are and how this would effect people with disabilities. Additionally, the Wisconsin Long-Term Care Coalition has launched a survey for adults and children with disabilities, older adults, their families, care providers, and low income adults to take about how these changes would effect them. They have also created a document to help people talk to policymakers about how block grants would effect them. We encourage you to take a few minutes to learn about Medicaid block grants and to share your thoughts and opinions with your legislators.
ABLE Accounts
The second anniversary of the signing of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act is approaching. It allows people with disabilities to setup tax-free saving accounts for disability related expenses which won't jeopardize their government benefits. Wisconsin legislation repealed the law, so we won't have an ABLE program. However, several other states have enacted the law and have setup programs for ABLE accounts. Many of the programs allow people who reside in other states to setup accounts as well. In our ABLE account section on the Network, we're posting information about states creating new programs as they become available. Additionally, the ABLE National Resource Center recently released an Accomplishments and Outcomes Report. It includes lots of interesting statistics and success stories about how ABLE accounts have helped people so far. Learn more about how these accounts could help you or people you know lead a better life!
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Top ADA Cases of 2016: January 18th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Dating Workshop: January 20th, 5p.m. to 8p.m., ADRC of Sheboygan County, Sheboygan WI
- Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Quarterly Meeting: January 26th, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Skype, Telephone, or Crowne Plaza, Madison WI
- Advocacy for Change: March 2nd, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
- 2017 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 6th-7th, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
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.
For this month's entry, Stacy discusses how the New Year brings different types of new hope and opportunities for people with disabilities. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Wisconsin AAC Network: Mike is looking for people to join the Wisconsin Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) Network. Find out what this Network is about.
- TellMe TV: The first online movie service for people who have visual impairments is now available. Learn about how it works.
- Airplane Accessibility: The Department of Transportation is trying to improve accessibility of airplanes for those with disabilities. Read about the rule proposal.
- Updated ADA Guidelines for Buses and Vans: The US Access Board recently updated accessibility guidelines for transportation vehicles covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn what the guidelines address.
- Hotel Accessibility: A report reveals that hotel accessibility is right on track. Find out what's improving.
- Special Needs Trusts: A new law makes it possible for people with disabilities to create their own special needs trust. Read about this law.
- Home Health Care Worker Shortage: It's pretty well known that Wisconsin has a shortage of direct care workers. Learn about how some high schools in southwest Wisconsin are trying to help.
- Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment: New accessibility standards were recently released for medical diagnostic equipment. Find out what these standards mean.
- Information and Technology Accessibility: A new rule was recently released updating accessibility requirements for information and technology in the federal sector. Read about how the new requirements will help people with disabilities.
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.
