Time is Running Out...Register Today!

There is still time to register for the 10th annual Self-Determination Conference. This conference ​works ​to ​empower ​people ​with ​disabilities ​in ​Wisconsin ​to ​have ​more ​control ​over ​their ​lives. ​More ​than ​600 ​people ​each ​year ​participate ​in ​the ​conference ​to ​learn ​more ​about ​self-determination ​and ​self ​directed ​supports ​so ​they ​can ​live ​independently, ​be ​members ​of ​their ​communities, ​and ​use ​public ​funds ​efficiently. ​The ​conference ​participants ​include ​people ​with ​disabilities ​and ​their ​family ​members, ​direct ​care ​providers, ​and ​professionals ​from ​Wisconsin’s ​disability ​community.  View this year's conference brochure and register today! 

Diehard Award Nominations

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities? Do they support self-determination? Nominate them for a Diehard Award! A Diehard is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advocacy work here in Wisconsin. A diehard is someone with a steadfast commitment to the principles of community integration and self-determination. Diehards go above and beyond to make sure everyone is counted. Awards will be presented at the Self-Determination Conference on November 3rd at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells. Nominations are due on Friday, October 6th. Nominate someone today!

Stacy’s Journal

Lately, it seems like all of the news coverage has been about the catastrophic storms that are happening around the world. Back to back major hurricanes in the south, wildfires in the west, earthquakes in Mexico… it seems endless. This month, Stacy discusses what extra steps people with disabilities have to take when Mother Nature throws curve balls.  We encourage you to share your experiences as well.

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

• Care Homes of the Future: As populations around the world begin to live for longer than they ever have, their individual needs related to their health become even more complex which means is that care homes need to use greater amounts of, and more intelligent, assistive technologies.  Learn what else research suggests.
• Special Needs Trust Flexibility:  Thanks to a new law, people with disabilities can establish special needs trusts for themselves.  Read how this will help people save money.
• Self-Driving Wheelchairs:  Researchers and robotics experts say they have developed cost-effective technology that would allow power wheelchairs to drive themselves. Find out what these chairs are expected to cost.
• The Eclipse in Real Time:  The solar eclipse that happened last month was viewed by millions of Americans.  Learn how thanks to technology people with visual impairments wee able to experience the eclipse.
• Automated Home:  Although initially developed by engineers to recreate sci-fi fantasies, smart homes in modern times are important tools for increasing agency and accessibility for elderly people and people with disabilities.  Read about how new technology is helping people live more independent.
• Call for Proposals:  Proposals to present at the 2018 National ADA Symposium are now being accepted.  The submission deadline is September 30th.
• Emergency Preparedness:  For older people and people with disabilities, emergency preparation is a must. The Administration for Community Living has put together resources for how to prepare for an emergency.
•  Voters with Disabilities: New data has been released on voting experiences for people with disabilities.  Learn what the data showed.
• Housing Barriers:  As people with developmental disabilities increasingly live in community-based settings, a new report finds that they face a multitude of barriers in obtaining housing.  Read about what's being done to try to resolve these.

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• Sibshop Kickoff: September 17th, 3p.m. to 5p.m., The Building for Kids, Appleton WI
• Webinar: Section 504 Workshop: September 19th, 12p.m., Online
• Red Roskopf Day AbilityFest Celebrating Communities And Families:  October 1st, The Golf Club at Camelot, Lomira WI
• The Riot 2017 National Conversation:  October 5th, Teleconference
• 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.