News
The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship managed by Rooted in Rights and AAPD provides the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling, and to connect with media professionals to prepare participants for advanced careers in media production, journalism, online advocacy, or digital design. The project combines hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies with a strong foundation in developing each individual’s voice and using story-driven videos in advocacy. Applications are due September 4th.
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Terry has been promoting the independent living cause since 1977, when he served as Assistant to the Director of the White House Conference on Individuals with Disabilities. He then managed a federal government disability rights program and had a key role in the establishment of the National Disability Rights Network. Terry returned to Wisconsin in 1985 to begin his consulting and speaking business. His writing and his work in the self-determination movement are founded on this illuminating personal experience, as well as his work with other families. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle appointed Terry to the state’s Board on Aging and Long-term Care in 2006 and to its Quality Home Care Authority Board in 2009. Terry is a Board member of a national advocacy organization dedicated to elevating the status and wages of direct care workers and is engaged in shaping policy advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin. He assists Connections with issues related to effective support for older adults participating in IRIS. He also is a founding member of InControl Wisconsin.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Terry shared that InControl Wisconsin recently held its fifth well-regarded conference on self-determination and aging. He explained that the conference was enriched by Simon Duffy, the founder of In Control in the United Kingdom, who traveled to Wisconsin to spend several days with a number of organizations, concluding with an inspirational keynote presentation at the conference-- and highlighting the pioneering aspect of Wisconsin's contribution to the advancement of empowered aging.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
A tip Terry would like to share is that "Dementia"-- a prominent medical issue among older adults-- is not a diagnosis. He explains that it refers to symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion. “Alzheimer's, of course, is a frequent cause, but dementia can be caused by other, treatable, medical problems, such as alcohol abuse, depression, vitamin deficiency and adverse reactions to medications,” he says.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Terry’s definition of self-determination is based on his experiences with his mother. He defines self-determination as, "the most control possible over the best possible life." He explains that this was their realistic "dream" and he believes it is what we all should be striving for in our support for people of all ages in Wisconsin's long-term care programs.
What are some of your hobbies?
Terry loves spending time in the greatest meeting place he has known: a popular Racine coffee shop which attracts people of all ages. He shares that it is a remarkable source of community support for older adults (such as himself he jokes) and others with difficulty living life without some additional assistance. “And its coffee and pastry are superb,” he adds.
***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.
People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance for two years become eligible for Medicare. Many of these people have mental illnesses. Over the past 12 years, Medicare has improved its coverage for people with mental illnesses by covering most antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicare's coverage to include important therapies to keep people with mental illnesses from needing in-patient treatment. However, there are many problems with Medicare's coverage for people with mental illnesses. In 2008, Congress passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This made insurance companies provide the same level of care for mental illnesses as all health issues, but Medicare does not have to follow this law. It limits in-patient psychiatric care to 190 days for an individual's lifetime but does not set this limit on other hospital stays. Plus, it does not cover most long-term treatments for people with mental illnesses.
Wisconsin lawmakers need to hear from real people about the impact the direct care workforce crisis is having on your life!
Aging and disability advocates are collecting stories about the direct care workforce crisis. We want to hear from everyone—people who need direct care workers, family caregivers and direct care workers—about why direct care workers are important and how the crisis is impacting people.
Please submit your story using the following form by August 1: https://goo.gl/forms/tER259RStNwNDBJJ3. If you are willing to share a picture to go along with your story, you can email photos to wiworkforcestories@gmail.com.
2018 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference
October 29-31
Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
The Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference works to empower people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. More than 600 people each year participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination and SDS so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. The conference participants include people with disabilities and their family members, direct care providers, and professionals from Wisconsin’s disability community.
Registration Now Open for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference!
To register or apply for a scholarship online, visit: HERE
To download a paper registration follow the link: HERE
To download a paper scholarship application visit: HERE
Registration deadline is October 12, 2018
Catch the Early Bird savings by August 30, 2018
Conference Scholarships will be available until September 7, 2018 or until funds run out. There are a limited number of scholarships available and they are determined on a first come, first serve basis. We will try to approve as many requests as possible, but we may run out before the deadline. If you are looking to apply for a scholarship, follow the link below to download the application.
If you have questions about scholarships or registration Please contact Michelle Roach at 920-723-5571 or email at selfdetermined@incontrolwisconsin.org.
Exhibitor Applications are now available for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference.
Calling all Wisconsin organizations that support self-determination and self-directed support in Wisconsin. We encourage you to submit an application. Space is limited and only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction in WI will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, variety and mission of the conference. We are particularly interested in having exhibitors with innovative approaches to services and supports for self- direction including health and wellness supports for people with disabilities. Exhibit tables are open Oct. 29-31, 2018.
Calling all Micro-business owners! If you are a person with a disability and own your own micro-business apply to share your gifts and talents with over 900 people this October? Be an exhibitor at the 2018 Self-Determination Conference!
Application Deadline: July 10, 2018
Sponsorship Applications are now available for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference.
We are accepting sponsorship to the 2018 Self-Determination Conference. Conference sponsorships are used to increase the number of scholarships we can provide to people with disabilities and their families and help to keep conference fees are low as possible.
Your contribution will help us continue to empower self-advocacy and self direction in Wisconsin.
For additional information please contact Fil Clissa at fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-5395.
Transportation is consistently identified as a top concern for older adults and people with disabilities. Survival Coalition wants to hear how your transportation options—or lack of options—impact your life.
Take our short survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018SurvivalCoalitionTransportationSurvey
The results of this survey will be used by Survival Coalition to inform policymakers on how Wisconsin can improve transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. Please share this survey with your family, friends, and others interested in improving transportation for older adults and people with disabilities, and encourage them to take this survey by July 30th, 2018.
According to a recent report, there has been a major increase in government spending on home and community based services. It has nearly doubted as funding for institutions has declined. The shift is believed to be largely due to changing expectations for people who have developmental disabilities.
Be a Superhero!
We are accepting sponsorship for the 2018 Self-Determination Conference. Conference sponsorship is used to increase the number of scholarships we can provide to people with disabilities and their families and help to keep conference fees are low as possible.
Your contribution will help us continue to empower self-advocacy and self direction in Wisconsin.
For additional information please contact Fil Clissa at fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-5395.
See you at the Conference: October 29-31, Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI.