News
US GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE: Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services: Evaluating COVID-19 Response Could Help CMS Prepare for Future Emergencies
By SD Network, 2021-09-16
The US Government Accountability Office recently released a report about how the CMS response to COVID could help in future emergencies. Things such as providing more home-delivered meals and giving providers hazard pay were some of the simple suggestions.
September 2021
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Don't Forget to Register!
Don't forget to register for this year's Self-Determination Conference. It will be held virtually October 18-20.You'll be able to learn from self-advocates who are living their best and most creative lives and get the latest information about how to self-direct your supports: inspiring employment, health solutions, housing options, financial opportunities, and so much more! See the Conference Brochure for details. If you register by September 30, you'll receive a great conference kit. Registration is FREE! Register today!
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.
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Jordan. This recent high school graduate has found his love for advocacy, and he encourages people to get involved in any type of advocacy. He explains it's a good way to connect with people. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Jordan.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Check out the Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content. Videos are posted a couple times a month on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Hopes for SSI Overhaul: For the first time in year, there could be big changes to Supplemental Security Income. Find out what this could mean for the program.
- Input Needed: The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking input on 14 quality measures for home- and community-based services (HCBS). Comments can be submitted through September 17.
- CMS Vaccination Guidelines: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released guidelines for vaccination education, access and reporting for the residents and staff of nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual and development disabilities. Read about what the guidelines are.
- Take Survey: Each year, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) does an annual survey for self-advocates and family members who have participated in a BPDD project. Help them out by taking the survey!
- New Resource: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a toolkit to help people with disabilities understand more about COVID. Check it out.
- Watch: The Applied Self-Direction website recently released a great short video explaining what self-direction is.
- Climate Resilience Efforts Pose Risks: People with disabilities often face more challenges with the effects of climate change. Read about how some advocates feel that people are new risks from mitigation efforts.
- Summer Internship Program: The Association of People with Disabilities is accepting applications for their Summer Internship Program. Applications are due October 20. Learn more and apply today!
- Workforce Shortage Still Widespread: The home health care workforce has more than doubled in the past 10 years, but it'll need to do that and more to keep up with demand in the next decade. Learn what will be needed to keep up.
- Annual Direct Care Workforce Data: Check out the annual data on the Direct Care Workforce.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: ADA And COVID: September 22, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Social Isolation And Loneliness Among Caregivers During The COVID-19 Pandemic: October 6, 11a.m. to 12p.m., Online
- Webinar: Plumbed Elements: Lavatories And Sinks, Washers And Dryers, And Saunas And Steam Rooms: October 7, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
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Self-Determination Conference: October 18-20, Online
- Baylor Conference 2021: October 28-29, 8a.m. to 4p.m., Online
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.
Every year, PHI releases new data on the direct care workforce, which in 2020 included 4.6 million workers, including 2.4 million home care workers, 675,000 residential care aides, 527,000 nursing assistants in nursing homes, and about 1 million direct care workers employed in other settings.
HOME HEALTH CARE NEWS: Home Care Workforce Still Facing Widespread Economic Instability
By SD Network, 2021-09-10
The home health care workforce has more than doubled in the past 10 years, but it'll need to do that and more to keep up with demand in the next decade. According to a new report, serious funding will be needed to keep up. This article does a great job of explaining the day different types of care workers. Wages continue to be a constant challenge, but there's hope because more attention is being given to home-and-community-based services.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Apply Now for the 2022 Summer Internship Program!
By SD Network, 2021-09-10
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People with disabilities often face more challenges with the effects of climate change. Some advocates feel that people are new risks from mitigation efforts. As more and more extreme weather events happen due to climate change, the risk becomes greater. However, effects to combat climate change are often inaccessible or counterproductive for people with disabilities.
The Applied Self-Direction website recently released a great short video explaining what self-direction is. It uses plain language and great visuals.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Annual Self-Advocate Survey
By SD Network, 2021-09-04
Each year, the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) does an annual survey for self-advocates and family members who have participated in a BPDD project. They want to know what you think of our projects!
If you participated in a project this year, please take a couple of minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback helps us understand how their projects impact people’s lives, and they share this information directly with their funders.
Below is a list of projects, trainings, events and grants that you could have participated in over the last year. Please also fill out the survey if you participated in grassroots state or federal advocacy that was brought to your attention by BPDD, if you follow them on social media and have shared content or connected with other people around the state virtually through Living Well Wednesdays or the Self-Determination YouTube Channel.
- People First activities
- COVID-19 activities
- Living Well activities
- Partners in Policy Making
- Youth Leadership Forum
- Sparks Grants
- Employment First Partner Grants
- Building Full Lives
- Partners with Business
- Take Your Legislator to Work
- Supported Decision Making
- Family-Led or Family Navigator Project
- Self-Determination Conference
- Employment First Conference
- Voting Trainings
- Disability Advocacy Day