Perseverance and self-determination can make all the difference.  For Ben Page, that couldn't be more true.  Due  to an injury at birth, this 22 year old has an intellectual disability,  but he  hasn't let that stop him from leading a successful life. Doctors warned his  parents not to expect much from Ben's development, but they started to view his progress through the lens of his own abilities.  He has exceeded everyone's expectations!

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Are you interested in presenting at the 2019 Self-Determination Conference? We are seeking session proposals for Tuesday, October 15 & Wednesday, October 16. You can download the application here

All proposals are due by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

Please submit your completed proposal form to:
Fil Clissa at Fil.Clissa@wisconsin.gov or mail to BPDD, 101 E. Wilson St., Room 219, Madison, WI 53703

Microsoft PowerPoint is adding live captions of voice translation to millions of Office 365 subscribers. The feature launched in 2017 as an add-on. It is now standard. Microsoft partnered with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology to pilot the automatic captioning program.  They  added 30 new accessibility features to Office 365 since launching a $25 million, five-year program to fund artificial intelligence-based tools for people with disabilities. The program began in May 2018. One of the goals for the Microsoft team was to make captioning more available for Deaf and hard of hearing members of the workforce. Technology can help make communication more accessible, but the article notes that increasing employment for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals also requires cultural change to reduce discrimination.

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For many adults with disabilities, it's often a struggle determining whether or not it's worth it to work.  Many would like to, but if they exact too much money, they not only their Supplement Security Income (SSI), but, more importantly, they also lose Medicaid coverage.  Thankful to the Affordable Care Act, some states are now required to  offer Medicaid to everyone under age 65 with incomes below 138 percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of disability or employment status.  This opinion article explains how even though  some states are enacting new barriers for eligibility, the Medicaid expansion still works for people with disabilities.

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Meet Hunter.  When this author isn’t busy blogging on his website, he loves watching sports and going on adventures.  He attended the Self-determination Conference for the first time and loved connecting with others his age.  He believes self-determination is a process and he encourages people to never ever give up.  We’re so fortunate to have Hunter as a member of the Network! 

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hunter is 26 years old.  He was born three months premature in Milwaukee, WI.  He has Cerebral Palsy and is considered a quadriplegic.  He uses a wheelchair to get around and has a visual perception deficit.  He has a brother adopted from Vietnam who has a hearing impairment and an intellectual disability.

Currently, Hunter lives in Wausau, WI in his own apartment with his cat, Sully.  He lives independently with the help of a team of caregivers, including his mom.  He uses an emergency alert system for added safety.

Hunter is the owner and author of www.comerollwithme.com.  He has been working hard to become a professional blogger and advocate for individuals with disabilities.  He would like to expand, becoming a public speaker soon. 

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Hunter explains that his IRIS consultant, Jennifer, told him about the Self-Determination Conference in Wisconsin Dells this past October.  He went as a vendor, promoting his blog and selling “Super Power” T-shirts.  He wanted to also learn about others with disabilities to make him a better advocate.  

Hunter lives in a building with other individuals with disabilities, but they are all much older than I am.  He says the conference opened the door for him to meet others his age with disabilities.  “It reminded me that I am not alone. I connected with some incredible people,” he explained.  He joined the SD Network to continue connecting with other individuals with disabilities.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Becoming a member of the SD Network is exciting for Hunter!  “I am hoping to meet new people and develop friendships,” he says.

Professionally, Hunter excited to have Virginia and Scott Steuck join the Come Roll With Me team.  They will be helping him with marketing and expanding his reach.  He’s excited for the growth and expansion of his blog and website. 

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Hunter explains that even though it may take a while, continue to look ahead.  Being independent takes self-determination.  However, it is a process.  If you are working toward a goal, you are a success!  Slow and steady wins the race. Obstacles are a part of living with a disability.  Don’t let frustration cloud your view.  Take a step back and figure out a strategy to make things fall into place.  “Most importantly, never EVER give up,” he exclaims!

What are some of your hobbies?  

In his free time, Hunter can be found on his computer or in front of his PS4.  He also loves watching sports, including football, baseball, and wrestling.  In the summer, he can be found at Athletic Field cheering on the Woodchucks. He also loves exploring new places and pushing his comfort zone with new adventures.  Last year, he went water skiing and also rode on the back of a motorcycle!  

***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.

A group of parents who have adult children with disabilities is teaming up to develop housing for their children.  The parents of Home of Our Own have spent the past six years developing a 40-unit apartment complex in New Glarus, where their children can live on their own among friends and neighbors.  A quarter of the apartments will be designed with special accommodations to meet the disability needs of their children. The rest will be offered for those in need of affordable, workforce housing.

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The U.S. Access Board seeks Accessibility Specialists (GS 9/11/12) to serve in its Office of Technical and Information Services as indicated in vacancy announcements on the USAJobs.gov website. Chosen candidates will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to the public on accessibility standards for buildings and facilities issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and new Access Board standards for medical diagnostic equipment. They also will assist in preparing published guidance on these standards and in the periodic review and update of the standards. Several candidates may be selected.

Current or former federal employees who qualify as status candidates, candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act, the Career Transition Assistance Plan, or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan, and candidates eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities, or covered by an Interchange Agreement) or who are eligible for Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (GS-9 and GS-11 only), should respond to Vacancy Announcement 19-AB-1. All other candidates should respond to Vacancy Announcement 19-AB-2-P. Applications are due February 19, 2019.

For further information, contact the Applicant Call Center at (304) 480-7300 or by email at ACCESSBOARDINQUIRIES@fiscal.treasury.gov.