Access to Independence is in the process of looking for artists as part of the commemorations for our 40^Th Anniversary, Access to Independence Inc. is planning a celebration of artists with disabilities at the Concourse Hotel on Thursday evening, October 25. Attached you will find more information on our call for artists, and an application for artists who may wish to participate in the exhibition in October. In addition, we will be choosing twelve artist’s works for a 2019 calendar. Artists whose works are chosen to be included in the calendar will receive an award of $200 and special recognition at the October 25 event, and in the calendar. Please share the attached information with anyone who may be interested in participating, or may know of artists with disabilities whose talents we can help to showcase. Thank you.

	Call For Artists Application
	Call For Artists Application.pdf, 939KB ∞

ARCH 2019 National Lifespan Respite Conference's Call for Presentations Open through September 1, 2018

The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center and its co-hosts, the New York State Caregiving & Respite Coalition and the New York State Office for the Aging, invite you to submit a proposal to participate in their conference on innovation and quality in respite services for family caregivers of children and adults.

The Call for Presentations is now open for the 2019 National Lifespan Respite Conference to be held in Buffalo, New York, April 30-May 2, 2019. Proposals for breakout sessions are being accepted until the deadline, September 1, 2018.

Conference coordinators welcome proposals for breakout sessions on any aspect of planned or emergency respite service delivery, streamlined access, research, evaluation, policy, best practices or innovation.

Learn more about the Conference, view/download application information, and submit a proposal on the Call for Presentations webpage.

Partners in Policymaking is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program for people living with developmental disabilities, their siblings, and parents of children with disabilities ages birth to 21. It is designed to develop a group of seasoned leaders statewide who are able to work on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2018-2019 class of Partners in Policymaking. Follow the link below for more info and a copy of the application.

Application:LINK

The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to organize local grassroots groups to make changes in their communities that result in a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including individuals with diverse identities and/or individuals that are under-served.

Priority activities for 2018-19 SPARKS Grants are:

1.      Increasing transportation options for people with I/DD

2.      Increasing the number of people with I/DD voting

To download an application follow the link below:

SPARKS Grant Application

The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship managed by Rooted in Rights and AAPD provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling, and to connect with media professionals to prepare participants for advanced careers in media production, journalism, online advocacy, or digital design. The project combines hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies with a strong foundation in developing each individual’s voice and using story-driven videos in advocacy.   Applications are due September  4th.

Learn more

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a notice of funding availability for Mainstream (Section 811) Vouchers. HUD will award up to $100 million in funding to public housing agencies, with remaining funding reserved for future awards.

This opportunity provides funding to assist non-elderly people with disabilities who are:

• Transitioning from institutional or other segregated settings to community living;
• At serious risk of institutionalization;
• Homeless; or
• At risk of becoming homeless.

Applications for this funding opportunity will be reviewed for capacity and experience; leveraging resources; and achieving results and program evaluation. This opportunity is reserved for public housing agencies. Extra points will be rewarded to applying agencies that partner with health and human services agencies and community-based disability organizations.

Vouchers must be used to assist non-elderly people with disabilities (ages 18 up to 62) and their families. The eligible household member does not have to be head of the household. Eligibility is determined at the time the voucher is first issued.

This funding opportunity advances community living for people with disabilities. It also encourages partnerships with health and human service agencies and community-based organizations with a demonstrated capacity to coordinate services and supports that enable people with disabilities to live independently in the community.

Applications for this funding opportunity are due by 11:59 PM ET on June 18, 2018. View the details and application instructions.

Learn more about the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program. Email mainstreamvouchers@hud.gov with questions.

Call for 2018 SD Conference Presentations!

Are you interested in presenting at the 2018 Self-Determination Conference? We are seeking session presentations for Tuesday, October 30 &Wednesday, October 31.

• 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 must include an activity and tools that can be used at the session and as a takeaway.
• 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.

If your session is accepted, presenters will be provided with a one day pass on the day of your presentation. If you would like to attend the entire conference, you must register. Self-advocate presenters can apply for a scholarship.

Download the Proposal Form (If you would like the form in other formats, contact Fil Clissa fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov)

The Circles of Life Conference invites interested presenters to submit a proposal (or two) for the 2018 annual Circles of Life Conference scheduled for May 3-4, 2018 at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI.  Between 400-500 individuals with disabilities or special health care needs, their families, and professionals from across Wisconsin attend the Circles of Life Conference each year.  We are looking for presenters including parents, family members, youth and adults with disabilities or special health care needs, professionals, providers, volunteers, or other potential presenters with information or expertise in a broad range of topics that affect families and individuals with disabilities.  Please consider submitting a proposal for the 2018 conference or share this information with other individuals who would be excellent presenters. Visit the Circles of Life web site at: www.circlesoflifeconference.com for application materials. The deadline for proposals is: October 5, 2017.

Do you know a caregiver or team that deserves to be honored for the great work they do?

The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance’s Annual Caregiver Awards are the only statewide recognition of these outstanding individuals and teams working tirelessly in all service locations.

 This is your chance to honor a dedicated individual or team. You can nominate caregivers in the following categories:

• Spotlight Individual Caregiver Awards (four awards)
• Caring Together Team Award (one team award)
• Heart of Family/Friend Caregiving Award (one award)

 (Please read the attached Alliance Caregiver Awards Brochure for criteria for each Award or visit us online at http://wiworkforcealliance.com)

How to Nominate a Caregiver
To nominate a caregiver, prepare the Nomination Form and an Essay of 200 words or less, sharing why you believe the person or team deserves the award in the selected category. You can submit the nomination in two ways:

1. Online Submission: You can complete the Nomination Form and Essay online at https://gwaar.wufoo.com/forms/q1cccgno018aain/
2. Mail/Email Submission: You can print and complete the Nomination Form in the Caregiver Awards Brochure, prepare the Essay in a Word document, and then email, mail or fax both to the contacts in the brochure. 

You must submit your nomination by August 18, 2016.

Announcement and Recognition of Caregiver Award Winners
Each award winner will receive a certificate, a monetary prize and an invitation to be our guest at the Alliance Caregiver Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Thursday, September 22, 2017, at the Wintergreen Resort in the WI Dells. The event is co-hosted by the WI Personal Services Association. 

Thank You to the Sponsors of the 2017 Alliance Caregiver Awards!
We appreciate the support of our Sponsors around the state, who make it possible to recognize the Caregiver Award recipients.  There’s still time to become a sponsor for the 2017 Caregiver Awards – just complete the attached Sponsorship Form or contact us for more information.

 Hosting Sponsor

Wisconsin Personal Services Association

Sugar Maple Tree Sponsors

Kenosha County LTC Workforce Alliance

Society's Assets

Wisconsin Assisted Living Association

 Robin Sponsors

Consumer Direct Wisconsin

Dungarvin Wisconsin

 Wood Violet Sponsors

Community Living Alliance

Shared Purchasing Solutions

Caregiver Award Brochure 2017

Caregiver Award Sponsorship Form 2017