Self-Determination Network News:

September 2018

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There is Still Time to Register!

Register today for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference!  The annual 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.  Registration closes October 12th.  Register today!

BPDD Releases State Budget and Policy Platform Recommendations

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) is preparing for the upcoming elections and state budget and legislative session!  They have finalized their 2019-2021 budget and policy platform, which focuses on seven priority issues that impact people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families in Wisconsin.

The Board has created a sheet for each issues: 

• Direct caregiver workforce
• Transportation
• Employment
• Education
• Medicaid & Long-Term Care
• Public Benefit Reform
• Improving self-direction and independent decision-making

We encourage you to read over these sheets and share your thoughts with your legislators.  We also encourage people for share this information with family and friends.  

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 September, we shine the spotlight on Dave.   As a Behavioral Consultant, he helps to develop an understanding of what people are trying to communicate or achieve through behavior.  He believes that interdependence should be the goal of a self-determined life.  Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Dave.

 Stacy’s Journal

“Life isn’t fair.” Most of us have heard that saying more than once in life. In this month's entry, Stacy opens up about the recent struggles she has had and how she tries to persevere through them.  How do you persevere through life's challenges? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.

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

• Self-Direction Questionnaire:  Citizen Network is working with the European SKILLS project to identify the extent to which self-directed support is being adopted in different countries around the world.  Take their questionnaire to help them track progress of self-directed supports.
• Special Olympics Exhibit:  With a new exhibit, the Smithsonian Institution is highlighting how athletics have helped to dramatically change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities over the last 50 years.  Learn about how the exhibit showcases the history of Special Olympics.
• Push for Doctors:   Federal lawmakers are pushing to make doctors and other health care services much more available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read about how a bipartisan bill would help.
• Airline Accessibility:  A lawsuit is seeking to force the nation's airlines to make major changes to better accommodate travelers with disabilities.  Find out about how a lawsuit may speed up airline accessibility.
• Google Accessibility:  In the past few years, Google has shifted the way that it thinks about accessibility, moving from grassroots advocacy to codified systems.   Learn about how it's  finding ways to help people with disabilities navigate the world.
• Disability Statistics:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new statistics for disability.  Read about the most common disabilities.
• Disability Policy:   Federal policy is often implemented with little consideration for how it will impact people with disabilities, but that could change under a new proposal.  Find out about how a new bill may change that.
• Lack of Disability in Film: According to a new report, people with disabilities still remain largely underrepresented in major movies. Learn just how few movies have characters with disabilities.
• Call for Artists:  Access to Independence is in the process of looking for artists as part of the commemorations for their 40^Th Anniversary.  Find out how to get involved.
• Call for Presenters:  The Circles of Life Conference invites you to submit a proposal for the 2019 conference.  Applications due September 30th.
• Disability Museum:  Thanks to a high school history class studying history of disability, a student believes that there needs to a National Museum of Disability.  Learn why.
• ADA Amendment Act: Ten  years ago this month, the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act was passed.  It expanded the numbers of Americans covered  by the ADA.  However, many feel that the Amendment Act  doesn't go far enough.  Find out why.
• Family Care Wavier Ideas:  The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is preparing their applications to renew the Family Care waivers, and they would like input about what to include in the renewals.
• Accessible Gaming:  Microsoft will soon sell a controller that offers touch controls, as well as connectors for each button on a standard controller.  Read about how this will help.

 Upcoming Events                                    

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

• BPDD Community Conversation: September 26th, 10:30a.m. to 1p.m., Independence First, Milwaukee WI
• Ability Fest:  October 14th, 7:30a.m. to 4p.m., Camelot Golf Course, Lomira WI
• 2018 Self-Determination Conference: October 29th-31st, 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.