News
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: U.S. Access Board Launches New Site for the ICT Testing Baseline for Web Accessibility
By SD Network, 2021-08-06
Website accessibility is becoming more and more important. Sites are often tested using a combination of tools. It can be done manually or there are many different automated tools the do it. Recently, a baseline for testing accessibility of web content was developed. The criteria sets a minimum for testing accessibility of websites.
WISCONSIN DISABILITY VOTE COALITION: Voting Rights are Human Rights: In Our Own Voices
By SD Network, 2021-07-31
Recently, the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition released a document of stories about how the new voting bills that were passed will impact those with disabilities. These bills will limit voter access even more than it already is.
Meet Sydney. This animal–loving self-advocate keeps busy by participating in various advocacy organizations. She thinks it’s so important to have a voice and speak up for what’s right. She encourages others to get involved in some sort of advocacy. We’re so fortunate to have her as a member of the Self-Determination Network!
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Sydney is a disability self-advocate in Southern Wisconsin who lives on a farm out in the country. She serves on multiple disability advocacy boards including the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum Inc Board, and the National Council of Self-Advocates. She’s also a Crisis Counselor for Crisis TextLine.
How are you involved with self-determination?
Sydney involved with self-determination by participating in activities with different disability advocacy organizations and making her own choices in life. She tells us that the best part of being an advocate is having a voice and being able to speak up for what’s not right. She also enjoys doing policy work.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
The most exciting thing happening for Sydney is that she’s starting her own vlog on the Self-Determination YouTube Channel. She also recently became one of the hosts on the channel.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Sydney encourages people who want to be more self-determined to be aware of the different advocacy organizations. “If you aren’t already involved with them, to reach out to them,” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Sydney enjoys doing photography. She likes to photograph things like flowers and animals. She also loves taking care of her pets. She has 18 chickens, two cats, and a dog!
***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.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Transit Training/TA Opportunities: Reducing Isolation and One-Call/One-Click Systems
By Stacy Ellingen, 2021-07-31
The National Center for Mobility Management is a national technical assistance center funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration and operated through a consortium of three national organizations—the American Public Transportation Association, the Community Transportation Association of America, and Easterseals Inc.
NCMM recently announced two new training/technical assistance opportunities.
Collaborations to Reduce Social Isolation for Older Adults
NCMM is seeking Letters of Interest from State and Tribal Agencies for a technical assistance opportunity to reduce social isolation for older adults. NCMM will facilitate collaborations among state-level agencies within a single state or tribal nation who are interested in working together to address the positive role of transportation in reducing social isolation among older adults. Eligible agencies include state or tribal departments of transportation, public health, aging, and similar agencies that have a role relevant to the issue.
Learn more about the opportunity
Training on One-Call/One-Click Systems
NCMM is seeking Letters of Interest from State, Regional, or Tribal agencies for a two part virtual training on One-Call/One-Click systems. The two-part initiative, requires state/regional/tribal applicants to assist in disseminating information to local communities within their boundaries. NCMM will provide free trainings to local communities selected within selected states, regions, or tribal nations, intending to increase relationships between state, regional, or tribal leaders and local communities implementing One-Call/One-Click systems. Eligible organizations include state departments of transportation, tribal nations, or other state- or regional-level organizations that can fund, provide guidance, and otherwise support local communities in setting up OC/OC systems.
One-Call/One-Click systems inform the public about most, if not all, available transportation options for all populations in a given geographic area. In their full deployment, One-Call/One-Click systems enable users to access trip information; where required, confirm eligibility for and book trips; and pay for trips. This allows community members to plan and implement travel within a single system or seamlessly across multiple systems.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: Summary Report on AV Forum Public Forum on Inclusive Design of AVs
By SD Network, 2021-07-27
The U.S. Access Board has released a summary report on its four-part series of virtual meetings on making autonomous vehicles (AVs) accessible to passengers with disabilities. The sessions featured presentations by invited speakers who shared information and research results on design considerations and solutions for making AVs accessible to passengers with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. They also provided an opportunity for members of the public to pose questions and to share information and ideas during the session or through an online discussion platform.
CNBC: The internet is far from being accessible for all people with disabilities, advocate says
By SD Network, 2021-07-27
The Internet has opened up a whole new world for society, but it's far from being fully accessible to all people. Accessible websites allow users to absorb digital content by senses like sound and sight. They also have keyboard-based and voice-based navigation abilities. One of the challenges of improving website accessibility is that hundreds of new websites are created each minute.
THE WHITE HOUSE: FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Marks Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act and Announces Resources to Support Individuals with Long COVID
By SD Network, 2021-07-27
Late in July, we celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Biden-Harris administration released a fact sheet about what they've done to ensure people with disabilities receive resources and are included in key administration proposals.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services Release Guidance on When “Long COVID” May Be a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557
By SD Network, 2021-07-27
Recently, the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Health and Human Services released guidance that explains that explains when “long COVID” may be a disability under the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Many people are experiencing long-term effects of COVID and the government is committed to ensuring that people understand their rights under federal nondiscrimmination laws.