News
The Justice Department has rescinded many guidance documents which clarify implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The documents offered guidance on everything from service animals to accessible building practices. According to the Attorney General, the documents were "improper or unnecessary." Revoking the guidance doesn't change any of the ADA's mandates, but advocate worry that taking away interpretation of the law will cause uncertainty.
There has been a rise in the number of lawsuits alleging that companies with inaccessible websites are violating the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specifically, the websites are not accessible to people with visual impairments and therefore are denying access to businesses and government services. This past fall several class-action cases were settled against a number of large businesses, including KMart and GrubHub. The Department of Justice (DOJ) had planned to provide guidance on what the ADA required of businesses to be compliant. However, those proposed regulations have been put on hold, with no indication they will be pursued anytime soon. In the absence of DOJ guidance, and with courts increasingly recognizing the need for web accessibility, it is likely that companies will continue to reach settlements in web accessibility cases, rather than take cases to trial which may be unsuccessful.
TAC: Priced Out in the United States – SSI and Housing Affordability & Availability
By SD Network, 2018-01-03
The Priced Out report, written by Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force, explains the nationwide housing affordability crisis experienced by people with disabilities. In 2016, millions of adults with disabilities living solely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) found that renting even a modest unit in their community would require nearly all of their monthly income. In hundreds of higher-cost housing markets, the average rent for such basic units is actually much greater than the entirety of an SSI monthly payment. TAC has solutions/recommendations to end this crisis.
According to a recent report, thousands of people with disabilities have opened ABLE accounts, but experts point out that millions more could benefit from them. ABLE accounts, which made their debut just over a year ago, allow people with disabilities to save a large amount of money without risking eligibility for Social Security and other government benefits. As more states launch ABLE programs, the number of accounts continue to increase, but its been slower than anticipated. There have been a few road bumps which have prevented people from getting one.
December 2017
Connect | Share | Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
InControl Wisconsin wants to take a minute to wish everyone Happy Holidays! We really appreciate all of our Network members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you!
This is the season of giving! Our sponsors help us out in so many ways. Learn about how you can support the Network.
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 December, we shine the spotlight on Carrie. Between being the mother to five children and her job organizing events for IRIS participants, free time is rare for this busy lady. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Carrie.
"Dreams energize our imagination. They give us a glimpse of what in some cases is the possible. It’s nice to dream, but we have to remember it’s truly just a dream!" In this month's entry, Stacy shares how while dreams can be fun to have, they can also sometimes be a reality check. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Vacation Rental Accommodations: More and more vacation accommodation websites are making efforts to be accessible for people with disabilities. Learn about how one lodging rental company is coming out with a new website that will accommodate people with various types of disabilities.
- Dental Care Struggles: The National Council on Disability has put out a brief about the concerning lack of dental care for people with disabilities. Read what recommendations the Council suggests.
- Website Accessibility: New accessibility guidelines for government websites will take effect in January. Find out what the new guidelines will mandate.
- Problems with Fake Service Animals Continue: Untrained service animals continue to be a problem across the country. Learn what service animal owners feel is needed to prevent these laws from being exploited.
- Medicaid Summary: In the Fall of 2014, the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) conducted a Nationwide Adult Medicaid Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey of Medicaid enrollees to attain national and state-by-state measures of access, barriers to care, and experiences with care across delivery systems and major population subgroups. Find out what the survey found.
- Check it Out: The Minnesota Department of Human Services created an awesome video series about supported decision making. Check it out!
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Implementing Person-Centered Principles In TBI Service Systems: December 12th, 12p.m. to 1p.m., Online
- Webinar: Disability-Competent Care Self-Assessment Tool: December 13th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Online
- WisconsinSibs: Journey Forward : February 17th, 8:30a.m. to 1p.m., Easterseals, Waukesha, 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.
Are you interested in building strong family-led networks in Wisconsin?
A Family- led group is a network of families with children transitioning from high school or young adults with I /DD that are committed to work together to educate themselves on various aspects of adult life for their children with disabilities in their community.
A Family-Led Network Coordinator will assist two current and three new family-led groups around the state of Wisconsin. A coordinator will provide technical support, facilitation and training to these groups to support their education on various aspects of developing an integrated life for their sons and daughters with I/DD (ages 14- to 24) in their communities. Coordinator must be able to travel throughout the state.
Apply to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI BPDD) for a Family-led Network Coordinator Grant. The Family-led Network Coordinator Grant will provide funding up to $27,000 (Total for coordinator and 5 family-led groups). Coordinator will provide technical assistance, and tools/resources to support Family-led activities. Contract may be renewed for additional years, up to three years subject to performance and need.
Previous Family-led coordinators have: assisted family groups to secure training on various topics including: self-determination, self-direction, person-centered planning, and supported decision-making. A coordinator will arrange speakers, visits to other communities, facilitate meetings and communication among members.
If you are interested, complete a brief application
DEADLINE EXTENDED to Tuesday, December 12th at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Send completed application to:
Family-Led Network Coordinator Grant
c/o WI-BPDD
101 East Wilson Street
Room 219
Madison, WI 53703
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Carrie is the Community Partnership Specialist in Northeast WI with TMG (IRIS Consultant Agency), she felt it was very important to be a part of this Network and absorb as much information as possible to be able to provide assistance to the participants we serve, as well as her community. After her manager suggested she look into the SD Network, she reviewed the website and all the great things that the Network was doing, and she wholeheartedly joined.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Carrie received the opportunity to become the Community Partnership Specialist at TMG, which is a newly created position. Her role is to partner with the community, schools, job development agencies and organization that are dedicated to helping individuals that are part of the IRIS program. She has been able to organize a vendor event that allowed her to have over 20 vendors that were able to help over 150 participants and their families get the resources and services that they needed, all while having a fun time. “Making a difference in people’s lives is what it’s all about,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Carrie encourages everyone to take baby steps when it comes to trying something new. She says, “you might be out of your comfort zone, but try your best.” She explains that taking two steps forward and one step back might take a bit longer to get to your goal, but eventually, you’ll reach it. She also reminds people not to be afraid to ask a lot of questions—others probably have the same questions.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Carrie often encourages people to put himself/herself in another person’s shoes to really understand the struggles someone might have every day. “Be kind and compassionate when working with others” she says.
What are some of your hobbies?
Carrie enjoys spending time with her family which consists of her husband and five wonderful children. When she finds time, she also enjoys reading and playing word games.
***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 Minnesota Department of Human Services created an awesome video series entitled, "Introduction and Guide to Supported Decision Making," that discusses the right of individuals to be integrated into their communities including the right to make their own choices, regardless of a disability. The introduction is done by Johnathan Martinis, a well-known guru in supported decision making and disability law.