The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy is seeking people of color with disabilities who self-direct to participate in a research study on self-direction outcomes.

The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy (at Brandeis University) is conducting a 5-year research study funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) on Self-Direction of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Self-directing means the person who needs services can decide how, when, and from whom their services and supports will be delivered.

Do you hire your own PCAs, coordinate your own services, or feel like you have choice and control over how your services are delivered? We are looking for 5 diverse persons with disabilities who have experience with HCBS to inform this study.

Self-Direction Workgroup Members will help inform the study design, recruitment strategies, co-creation of qualitative materials and interpretation of the study findings. In addition, Workgroup Members will gain experience with data collection, and qualitative data analysis and will be paid for their time. Members are expected to spend 10 hours per year in this role.

To apply, please submit a maximum one-page letter of interest describing
1. why you are interested in being a Self-Direction Workgroup Member for this research project and,
2. relevant experience that you have related to the research project

Please submit your letter and questions to Jennifer Lee-Rambharose at jllee@brandeis.edu.
The letter for submission is due by 12/20/22.

We are excited to announce that our 2023 Self-Direction Conference: Virtual Series will be offered this spring. More details will be coming soon, but for now, we are accepting proposals for conference sessions.

As you may know, we host an in-person conference every other year. The 2022 Self-Direction Conference took place in Baltimore last April and planning is already underway for our 2024 in-person conference.

With interest in self-direction at an all-time high, we have begun to offer a virtual conference series during the in-person “off-year” to reach a broader audience. Our 2021 virtual conference series included 15 sessions and attracted over 1,400 registrants, including many state employees, people with lived experience, and support brokers who are typically unable to attend our traditional conference. 

Sessions for the 2023 Self-Direction Conference: Virtual Series will be offered throughout the spring on Thursdays from 2-3 PM (EST). Sessions will be virtual, using a variety of different meeting platforms. Registration will be FREE to all attendees so that anyone interested in learning more about self-direction will be able to participate. 

You are invited to submit a session proposal for the conference series. Sessions should focus on best practices and innovations related to self-direction and include a range of perspectives including state program staff, people and families who self-direct, Financial Management Services providers, support brokers, and policymakers. Additionally, we seek proposals that provide tangible takeaways and stimulate discussion. Submit your proposal by Thursday, October 20th.

Applications to Exhibit at the 2022 Self-Determination Conference are now open
Turning Vision into Reality! October 17-19, 2022

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

RERC on Recreational, Sport, and Exercise Technologies for People with Disabilities: This particular opportunity is for an RERC to conduct research and development activities toward technologies that promote exercise and health among people with disabilities.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on June 13, 2022.

iPads to Try Out

WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, now has iPads available for short term loan for up to 30 days. The iPads can be pre-loaded with requested apps and used by an individual with a disability or family to decide if the device will meet their needs or not. 

To begin the process please visit Wisconsin AT4ALL. After you create a free account you can then search for an iPad under the Department of Health Services program. Once you add the iPad to your cart and click "check out," a request will be automatically sent to us. We will be in contact after receiving the request to gather a few more details and process the short term loan. 

Wisconsin AT4ALL is a great way to learn about what other devices are available for loan and demonstration. Assistive technology that is free or for sale is also listed from throughout the state. 

If you have specific questions please reach out to us via email. 

ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) has opened two new funding opportunities for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on on Reducing Social Isolation of People with Disabilities and National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities.

The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.

DRRP on Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among People with Disabilities: Under this particular DRRP priority, the grantee must conduct research to identify categories of people with disabilities who are most at risk of social isolation. The grantee must also conduct research that will inform the development of in-person, community-based solutions and approaches to reduce social isolation and loneliness among people with disabilities.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on May 7, 2021.

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunity for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program on Wireless Technologies and a Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) on Interventions to Promote Community Living Among People with Disabilities.

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

RERC on Wireless Technologies: This particular opportunity is for an RERC to conduct research and development activities to improve the ability of individuals with sensory, mobility, cognitive, or other disabilities to obtain, independently access and use wireless technologies in their schools, communities, workplaces, or for emergency response.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on April 26, 2021.

The purpose of the RRTC program, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topic areas as specified by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders. 

RRTC on Interventions to Promote Community Living Among People with Disabilities: This particular opportunity is for an RRTC to conduct research and related activities toward interventions to promote community living outcomes among people with disabilities.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on April 26, 2021.

Do you want to Present at the Self-Determination Conference in 2021?

Are you interested in presenting at the 2021 Self-Determination Conference?  We are seeking session proposals for Tuesday, October 19 & Wednesday, October 20, 2021.    

This year’s theme: Growing Stronger Together will help people with disabilities lead more Self-Determined lives by recognizing the valued role communities play in our lives!

Things to know when submitting a proposal:

• Proposals must include a self-advocate(s) as a lead or co-presenter.
• Panels should be limited to no more than 3 people. 
• Conference sessions must support Self-Determination and Self-Directed principles.

• Presentations will be in person and on video this year. Activity and tools must be available on both platforms. Presentations should focus on practical, take-home strategies that people can implement in their work and lives.
• Sessions should not promote specific agencies or products. 
• Repeat or similar sessions from previous conferences will not be considered.
• Sessions will be 1.5 hours in length.
• A typical session has an audience of 50-75 attendees. 

Download the Application:

All proposals are due by 12 p.m. on April 2, 2021.

Please submit your completed proposal form to:

Fil Clissa at Fil.Clissa@wisconsin.gov  or mail to BPDD, 101 E. Wilson St., Room 219, Madison, WI 53703

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunity for a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program on Blindness and Low Vision.

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

RERC on Blindness and Low Vision: This particular opportunity is for an RERC to conduct research and development activities toward technologies that will promote independence and community living among people with low vision and blindness.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on April 19, 2021.