The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL is announcing a funding opportunity for a  new Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) project.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

The purpose of the RRTC program, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topic areas as specified by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders.

RRTC on Family Support: The purpose of this particular RRTC is to conduct research, training, technical assistance, and related activities to contribute to effective support of family caregivers of people with disabilities, and ultimately to improved community living, health and function, and employment outcomes of people with disabilities who are supported by family members.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on June 10, 2019.

A new television series chronicling the experiences of people with autism and other special needs as they search for meaningful employment is set to debut.  The eight-episode Series “The Employables” on A&E Network will feature two individuals with autism, Tourette Syndrome or other conditions in each episode.  The job seekers work with specialists to identify their talents and show employers what they can offer.

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Caring for loved ones with special needs is often very rewarding, but it can also take a physical, emotional and financial toll on families.  Many families rely on respite care as a reprieve.  A bipartisan bill introduced this month known as the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2019, would tag $200 million over the next five years to boost respite care services across the country.  

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Legislation that the President recently signed ensures that a program that moves people with disabilities from institutions to the community can stick around while advocates push for a longer-term solution. The President allocated an additional $20 million to Money Follows the Person. Through the program, states can access Medicaid funding to pay for employment supports, housing and other services so that people with disabilities can transition from nursing homes and other institutional facilities to homes in the community.   

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 Self-Determination Network News:

April 2019

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Advocacy Award Nominations

Do you know somebody who has gone to extraordinary lengths to advocate for people with disabilities? The Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities (CPD) is pleased to announce the Dan Johnson Advocacy Award. This award is in memory of Dan and his many accomplishments and was created to recognize people with physical disabilities who are outstanding advocates.

The Dan Johnson Advocacy Award is aimed at recognizing excellence in advocacy, and public policy change for people with physical disabilities, rather than disability advocacy. Individuals nominated should be people with physical disabilities who advocate for people with physical disabilities and have had a positive impact on federal or state legislation, public policy, or programs that affect people with disabilities in Wisconsin. The advocacy work conducted should exceed normal expectations of regular advocacy practice, and should be inclusive and respectful of the values and independence of those who are affected by it.  The nomination deadline is June 30th.  Learn more and nominate someone 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.

For April, we shine the spotlight on Don and Tyler.  For this dynamic father/son duo, life centers around sports.  Tyler, a Special Olympian, has traveled all around the world competing in many different sports. For dad, Don, volunteering with Special Olympics ultimately led to a career switch, so he could make an impact in the lives of people with disabilities. Although it isn't easy, he encourages parents with children with different abilities to push them to their fullest, so they can be productive members of society.    Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Don and Tyler.

 Stacy’s Journal

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Removal of "Derogatory Language":  Recently, Governor Evers issued an order to  remove "derogatory language" from the state administrative code.  Learn which  terms will be removed and what they will be replaced with.
• Marital Status Bill:  Under current law, when two people who rely on Supplemental Security Income marry, their benefits can be at risk because they must jointly report their income. Find out how, under a new proposed bill, that and other rules regarding SSI and marriage would change.
• "Community-Based" Clarification: Federal officials have released guidance to clarify what living arrangements for people with disabilities are considered to be "community-based."  Read about what the criteria is.
• Airlines Disclose Damages:  Thanks to a new law, for the first time ever, airlines had to publicly report how many wheelchairs or scooters they broke or lost.  Find out what was revealed.
• Grant Opportunity for Transition Age Youth: The Administration on Community Living announced a grant opportunity for research, training, technical assistance and related activities to improve employment outcomes of transition age youth with disabilities.  The grant application is due May 24th.
• Furniture Attachment Blueprints:  For people with disabilities, using regular furniture can often be challenging.   Learn about what one store is doing to furniture more accessible for everybody to use.
• Research Funding Grant Opportunity on Employment:  The Administration on Community Living announced a grant opportunity for research, training, technical assistance and related activities to improve employment outcomes of people wit developmental and intellectual disabilities.  This grant opportunity closes May 28th.
• Uproar Brings Attention to Other Program Cuts:  Recent uproar over a proposal to end federal funding for Special Olympics has brought attention to other potential harmful cuts to programs for people with disabilities.  Read about how advocates are using the situation as  a  great opportunity to inform lawmakers about other harmful cuts.
• Exhibitor Opportunity:  Do you create jewelry, candles, art, or knit goods? Do you teach piano or offer consulting for social media? If you have any services or products that you want to tell the Madison disability community about, the Disability Pride Madison festival is for you!  Learn more and sign up today! 
  

 Upcoming Events                                    

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• Webinar: Using An ABLE Account To Support Youth From Transition To Independent Living: April 25th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
• Self-Advocacy Spotlight : April 30th, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
• 2019 Circles Of Life Conference: May 2nd & 3rd, Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point WI
• Webinar: Accessible Sales And Service Counters: May 2nd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online 
• Dance Card: May 3rd, 7:30p.m. to 9p.m., Shattuck Music Center at Carroll University, Waukesha WI
• Long Term Care Advocacy Team: May 14th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): May 28th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Long Term Care Advocacy Team: June 11th, 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI
• Transportation Consumer Advocacy Team (TCAT): June 25th, 1p.m. to 3p.m., IndependenceFirst, Milwaukee WI

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.

Disability Pride Madison is delighted to offer the opportunity to exhibit your products and services! We've had so many incredible vendors in the past - from our friends at Wisconsin Talking Books to the Madison Children's Museum to the Community Living Alliance! If you provide a valuable service to the disability community, we would love for you to come and celebrate with us at the Disability Pride Festival 2019!

We also are offering a unique chance for people with disabilities who operate a microbusiness (a business with a total yearly profit of $20,000 or less) to exhibit with us for FREE! Do you create jewelry, candles, art, or knit goods? Do you teach piano or offer consulting for social media? If you have any services or products that you want to tell the Madison disability community about, this festival is for you! In the past, we've been so lucky to partner with small businesses like Cocoa Bean Skin Care and CLW Productions fiber art!  You will have a table underneath a canopy to show off whatever you have to sell or just display! If you have any questions, you can simply send us an email at disabilitypridemadison@gmail.com!

Please spread the word far and wide about this opportunity! We want to see you, your friends, and your family at the festival this summer!

Apply now!

Recent uproar over a proposal to end federal funding for Special Olympics has brought attention to other potential harmful cuts to programs for people with disabilities.  The President later recinded the proposal to cut funding for Special Olympics; however, the budget still calls for cuts to Medicaid and eliminating funding for autism training and research.  It also includes cuts for employment support for people with disabilities.  

While advocates are concerned about the proposals, they feel the uproar over the Special Olympics cut has given them a prime opportunity to inform lawmakers and the public while disability funding has been fresh in the news cycle and on social media.

Read more

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL is announcing a funding opportunity for a  new Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) project.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers

The purpose of the RRTC program, which are funded through the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, is to achieve the goals of, and improve the effectiveness of, services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act through well-designed research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities in important topic areas as specified by NIDILRR. These activities are designed to benefit rehabilitation service providers, individuals with disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders.

RRTC on Employment of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:The purpose of this particular RRTC is to conduct research, training, technical assistance, and related activities to contribute to improved employment outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on May 28, 2019.