News
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: The pandemic forced a Milwaukee theater company to go virtual. Now its students with disabilities are thriving.
By SD Network, 2020-06-09
The pandemic has caused havoc across the world, but it has also brought out some positives for people with disabilities. For this Milwaukee theater, going virtual has been a huge positive for students with disabilities. The Students who have sensory issues love being able to do classes in their own homes where they're more comfortable. Transportation isn't an issue for students with physical disabilities.
Finding a job for anyone is difficult right now. It's no different for people with disabilities. The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation is often a good place to start. On their website, people can do things such as search for jobs and participate in career counseling and training.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself. How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Julie is the mother and legal guardian of Emily who has different abilities. She joined the Self-Determination Network to see if she could get ideas for Emily to be more self-determined. “Given that she is quite challenged in terms of using her mind and body, I wanted to learn whatever I could to work around limitations,” she explains. When she obtained guardianship, she felt a strong obligation to help Emily have control of her life. This weighed heavily on her, and she tried to find more ways to help Emily make her own choices. One way that she does this is considering Emily’s response to an activity. If she doesn’t want to do something, Julie will give her five minutes and then try again. She says, “many times, she just doesn’t like change and is comfortable where she is.” Julie explains they don’t always have a way to communicate the new activity to Emily, so she doesn’t know that it will be fun (or necessary). Julie shares that Emily is deaf and blind. They use some hand-under-hand signing with her. “If she doesn’t want to “hear” what we are telling her, she puts her hands behind her back and emphatically shakes her head no” Julie adds.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Julie is excited that the weather is finally warming up. This allows Emily the opportunity to do what she loves best—go for walks in her wheelchair and sit in the screened porch and enjoy the outside.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
To help other parents help young adult children with self-determination, Julie suggests to offer options and wait times when possible. She encourages parents not to just “do things for them” without explaining what you’re going to do and why. “When Emily doesn’t want to put her coat on, I sign “It’s cold outside. Coat on.” Instead of just pushing her arms through the sleeves. Sometimes, that’s all she needs to decide that she will wear her coat,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
When we are not quarantined, Julie shares that Emily goes to an adult day program. There, they offer opportunities to socialize, practice skills and be in the community. Emily joins activities like a trampoline park, swimming, shopping, and outdoor walks. She is well-loved there, and we have found awesome caregivers who can provide respite for parents. They take her to restaurants, clay class, and other activities. Julie adds that Emily loves to be outdoors, when it is nice out. She enjoys the sun and breeze on her body. She has a hot-tub (from MakeAWish) that she really loves. “She has special water wings that help her float independently and I can tell that makes her happy,” Julie says.
***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.
THE WASHINGTON POST: Commonplace photos, tools, documents, other objects tell the story of disability
By SD Network, 2020-06-02
EveryBody, an online exhibit put together by the Smithsonian, is meant to tell the history of what it has been like to have a disability in the United States. It looks at objects that people with disabilities have used, including a sewing machine, utensils with chunky handles, and past objects used to raise money for people with disabilities. Twenty-five percent of American adults have a disability, and this exhibit shows how they have been a part of American history.
CENTER ON BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITIES: Congress Should Bolster ACA Marketplace Coverage Amid COVID-19
By SD Network, 2020-06-02
The coronavirus has resulted in job loses or income changes, which has had an effect on health care. Many people feel that Congress should pass a law--or laws--that would increase access to health insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. This is especially important during a pandemic and severe recession. Congress could make the marketplace plans more accessible and affordable. States that run their own marketplaces did this, and it allowed more people access coverage.
FORBES: New Report Says Most Organizations Don’t Involve Disabled People In Website Testing
By SD Network, 2020-05-29
Although most say they deem product testing by people with disabilities a priority, according to a recent study, most organizations still don't do accessibility testing on their website. There were many notable points that came from this study.
THE BOSTON GLOBE: After COVID-19, a better way to support the elderly and people with disabilities
By SD Network, 2020-05-29
As we've heard about, this pandemic has posed additional challenges for the elderly and those with disabilities. For people in long-term facilities, it would be much safer to live in their own home. People who are fortunate enough to be able to stay at home and have in-home care are finding workers to be less available during COVID. There is an alternative to institutional care that's available under Medicaid and the Veterans Directed Care programs. The self-direction model allows people with disabilities to enjoy living in their own home rather than a facility. Given the scope of this pandemic, many people feel that Congress should step up funding for self-direction programs.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: 2 men are canoeing all 2,300 miles of the Mississippi River to inspire others with disabilities
By SD Network, 2020-05-27
Self-advocates Nate Denofre and Don Jokinen are currently paddling the entire length of the Mississippi (over 2,300 miles) to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities. The pair love the outdoors, and are looking forward to the challenge. They want to show others that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to!