Self-Determination Network News: June 2017
June 2017
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
2017 Disability Pride Fest
The 5th annual Disability Pride Festival will be held on Saturday July 29th from 12p.m. to 5p.m. at Tenney Park in Madison, near where the Yahara River empties into Lake Mendota. Each year, the festival brings together artists, performers, advocates, and organizations to celebrate the contributions made by people with disabilities to the local community. Well-known local talent such as Tara Ayres, Tani Diakite and the Afrofunkstars, First Wave performers Lewis Elder, and others have graced the stage in previous years. This year, Gaelynn Lea, winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Competition, is coming back. New groups of performers will be joining the fun as well. Visit the website for more information!
Changes to Medicaid and the AHCA
Members of the U.S. Senate are working behind closed doors on their own version of American Health Care Act (AHCA). The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on the AHCA within the next two weeks. There is a lot at stake for Wisconsin in this vote. The AHCA cuts federal Medicaid funding by 25% over 10 years and eliminates key health care protections for children and adults with disabilities. Estimates indicate Wisconsin could lose $1 billion in funding and put many essential programs and supports for children/adults with disabilities and seniors at risk.
There have been no public hearings held on these major proposed changes. These significant cuts to Medicaid mean cuts to Wisconsin programs like Family Care, IRIS, the Children’s waiver, BadgerCare, mental health programs like CCS, Katie Beckett, SeniorCare, autism services, therapies like OT, PT and Speech, personal care, supports provided in schools and even Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Many of these are “optional services” in Medicaid and are at significant risk of being cut or eliminated.
In addition, the Senate is also debating things such as even larger cuts to Medicaid, weakening protections for people with disabilities and other pre-existing conditions by allowing states to charge them more for health care, and allowing states to stop providing Essential Health Benefits (rehabilitative services and devices, mental health services, prescription drug coverage, etc...).
There is going to be a Community Conversation About Changes to Medicaid in Wisconsin held in Oshkosh on Thursday evening of this week. We encourage people to attend and/or contact the Wisconsin Senators to ask questions and share their thoughts about this bill.
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 June, we shine the spotlight on Ann. This enthusiastic IRIS Consultant just won an award for Customer Experience/Living the Brand. She encourages people to be creative and to dare to dream. She enjoys watching people light up when they start discovering life’s possibilities. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Ann.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Ever want just one day where everything goes right? In this month's entry, Stacy shares how she was bound and determined to make that day happen, but, sometimes, life throws you unexpected curves. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Inclusive Design: Making sure that websites and apps are accessible to people with disabilities has become a big emphasis. Learn the difference between "accessibility" and "usability" when it comes to websites and apps, and what things developers have to think about when creating them.
- Long-Term Care Survey: The Waisman Center is conducting a WI Adult Long Term Care Survey. Take the survey now.
- Accessibility of Fitness Centers: A recent study found that people with physical disabilities have limited opportunities to participate in physical activity. Read about the factors causing this.
- Health Care Kit: The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities has developed a Self-directed Health Care Kit designed to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities advocate for their own health care. Check it out.
- Disability Statistics: A report recently came out about disability statistics in the US. Take a look at the statistics for Wisconsin.
- SPARKS Grants: Applications are now being accepted for SPARKS Grants which are mini-grants of $500 to $3,000 are designed to help community groups of people with disabilities and family members make a change in their community. Apply today!
- Partners in Policymaking: Partners in Policymaking is a leadership program for self-advocates, siblings, and parents of children birth to 21 meets six times in the coming year from Friday at noon to Saturday afternoon in Madison. Learn more and apply today!
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Adaptive Bike Station Launch: June 21st, 4p.m. to 5p.m., Hart Park, Wauwatosa WI
- Community Conversation About Changes to Medicaid in Wisconsin: June 22nd, 6p.m. to 7:30p.m., Oshkosh West High School, Oshkosh WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: June 28th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum: July 9th to 14th, Edgewood College, Madison, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 12th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 26th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- 2017 ADRC Open House: Focus On ABiLiTY: July 26th, 1p.m. to 4p.m, Health & Human Services Building, Waukesha WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 26th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Disability Pride Festival: July 29th, 12p.m. to 5p.m., Tenney Park, Madison WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing Picnic: July 30th, 10a.m. to 8:30p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 9th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- US Wake Sports Festival: August 15th to 16th, Traxler Park, Janesville WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 16th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 23rd, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: September 6th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Red Roskopf Day AbilityFest Celebrating Communities And Families: October 1st, The Golf Club at Camelot, Lomira WI
- Veterans' Resource Fair: October 16th-17th, Waukesha County Expo Center Arena, Waukesha WI
- 2017 Self-Determination Conference: November 1st to 3rd, Kalahari 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.
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.
