News
This is an interesting opinion article about the value people with disabilities bring to the economy. It's written by a teacher who witnessed first-hand some of the values of people with disabilities. Several different topics related to disability equality are discussed and she brings up many interesting points.
The 2020 Election was like no other. Between happening in the middle of a pandemic, the controversy counting votes, the increased notion of voter fraud, and the delayed Presidential transition process, it's likely that this election will be talked about for years to come. Despite all of the challenges, voters with disabilities may have turned out more than people anticipated. It will be awhile before all of the statistics are available, but so far, it appears likely that more people with disabilities participated than ever before. It also appears that fewer barriers were reported than in a "normal" election.
STREETINSIDER: Wisconsin First State in US to Offer Free Online Courses for Family Caregivers
By SD Network, 2020-11-20
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) recently announced a partnership with Trualta, a new free online educational tool for family caregivers across the state. It helps caregivers learn about health issues, care techniques, and managing care for clients during the flu season. The modules provide caregivers information about how to safely provide clients hands-on care, how to connect families with support agencies, and other resources in an easy to use format.
What’s your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself
Emily is originally from Darlington, WI. Her family moved to Stevens Point, WI her junior year of high school. She graduated from Mid-State Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in 2010. She shares that around that time, she was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (a form of autism).She worked in assisted living facilities and then moved to Madison in 2017. She has been recently working in an office doing clerical work.
How are you involved with Self-Determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Since moving to Madison, Emily has been involved with the Autism Society of South Central WI. She is the Administrative Assistant for the Autism Adult Support Group. She is also on the planning committee for INTEGRAL Autism Conference. “INTEGRAL means Interactive Networking, Talks & Education for Growing Autism Legitimacy. This conference is geared toward young adults on the autism spectrum. However, everyone is welcome to participate,” she explains.
Emily worked at and now volunteers for Prosperity Pathways and Onward and Upward. She shares that Prosperity Pathways is the ultimate work-at-home source with guaranteed employment positions for remote and onsite jobs. They share the tips, tricks, and techniques to be successful in getting hired. We are growing and getting more job-ready training programs underwritten by sponsors leading to immediate employment in different industries. Onward and Upward helps people who do not have a home and do not have access to a computer.
Tell us some good news: What’s the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of Self-Determination?
Emily is excited that they were able to hold the INTEGRAL conference virtually on October 24th, 2020. She’s also excited that she recently moved into her own apartment.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Emily encourages people to be confident and to stick up for themselves. She says, “use available resources and know who you really are."
What are some of your hobbies?
Emily enjoys doing such things as reading, biking and hiking. She also loves to read, color, do puzzles, and play cards and board games.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
CNN: Cybathlon tournament showcases life-changing tech for people with disabilities
By SD Network, 2020-11-18
Most people don't think twice about completing simple tasks such as slicing bread or doing laundry, but for people with disabilities, technology equipment often help them do these basic tasks. Cybathlon is a global competition for people with physical disabilities to compete in performing everyday tasks using state-of-the-art technologies. It isn't a competition, it's used to showcase new technologies available.
WISCONSINSTATE JOURNAL: Direct-care workers, at risk during COVID-19, need raise, benefits, groups say
By SD Network, 2020-11-18
A recent survey found that nearly half of Wisconsin's direct care workers work a second job to support themselves. Advocacy groups behind the survey are urging the state Legislature to implement the recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Caregiving which includes rate increases and possible providing benefits such as paid time off and health insurance.
HEALTH TRANSITION WISCONSIN: WINGS Briefing Paper: Advancing Guardianship Reform and Promoting Less Restrictive Options
By SD Network, 2020-11-13
The briefing paper linked below is a summary of the work done by national Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders or WINGS. The Administration on Community Living (ACL) provided funding to the American Bar Association (ABA) to administer grants to states. WI did not receive a grant, but under the leadership of Judge Shirley Abrahamson, formed a workgroup and received technical assistance from the (ABA). The WI WINGS group played an instrumental role in passing the WI Supported Decision-Making legislation Wis.Stats.Ch 52. (2017 Wisconsin Act 345), resulting in a Supported Decision-Making Agreement in state statute.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: 2018-2020 Biennial Report
By SD Network, 2020-11-12
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) shares its biennial report with you, highlighting the programs it created and policies it impacted to create opportunities and break down barriers for Wisconsinites living with disabilities. This report highlights how BPDD quickly pivoted this year to address the added health and safety risks and social isolation that the COVID pandemic created, as well as program and policy impacts we had that affected employment, voting, transportation, supported decision-making, self-determination and many other issues important to people with developmental disabilities and their families.