News
April 2018
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Join the Discussion!
The Self-Determination Network posts a discussion question related to self-determination/self-direction every month in hopes that we can share experiences and learn from each other. Last month, we had to great discussion about housing for people with disabilities.
This month, we're discussing yet another major challenge for people with disabilities--employment. What are some interesting stories of people getting community jobs they like by using self-direction strategies? Join the Discussion!
Seeking Nominations for 2018 Empowerment Awards!
Do you know of an exciting Wisconsin agency, organization, program, practice or service that helps older people increase their independence or their control over their lives or services? InControl Wisconsin is seeking nominations for the 2018 Empowerment Awards! See this flyer for more information. Nominations, which can be made by filling out this online form, are due May 15th. Nominate someone today!
People try to stay healthy by doing things such as eating right and exercising, but, unless something feels wrong with our bodies, we normally don’t think about what could go wrong or what we would want done if something catastrophic were to happen. In April's journal entry, Stacy discusses how secondary effects of her disability have impacted her life and have made her have to make some tough decisions. 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:
- Airline Training: In recent months, many airlines have been under heat for how employees treatment people with disabilities. Find out which airline is training its employees to better understand the needs of people with disabilities.
- Doctors Focusing on Disabilities: A new program is making sure new doctors are much more prepared to treat people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read about this unique program.
- Updated ABLE Guidance: Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) published an updated version of its Program Operations Manual System (POMS) regarding the ABLE Act and ABLE accounts. Learn what the guidance is about.
- Grant Opportunities: Two new grant opportunities from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research have been announced: the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) on exercise interventions for people with disabilities, and the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on health & function for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn about these grants and apply today!
- Accessible Routes: Google Maps has a new accessibility feature that makes it easier for people with disabilities to get around. Read about how the "wheelchair route" feature works.
- Guardianship Alternatives: Recently, the National Council on Disability released a report that explains that guardianship is commonly seen as a “benevolent measure” and imposed based upon assumptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities without appropriate reason. Find out what steps the report recommends the government take to solve this.
- Disability Emojis: New emojis representing various disabilities will soon be released. Learn what the new emojis will include.
- Twitter Adds Reporting Option: Twitter recently added "disability” to a list of protected groups on its abuse and harassment reporting page. Find out what this is in response to.
- Ridesharing Lawsuit: Another lawsuit against a ridesharing company was filed for violations of accessibility laws. Read about how this suit doesn't ask for money damages, but rather accessibility through the company.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- WI FACETS Self-Advocacy Workshop: Self-Advocacy Spotlight: April 24th, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
- WEBINAR: Social Security’s Updated ABLE Guidance - A Deeper Dive: April 26th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- TIG Summit: Supporting Youth With Mental Health Needs In Transition Planning: May 8th, Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Madison WI
- 2018 Employment First Conference: May 22nd, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- 2018 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 14th-15th, Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, Madison 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.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Funding Opportunity for Research on Community Living and Participation of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
By SD Network, 2018-04-13
A new funding opportunity from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has been announced for an Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on community living and participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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.
The purpose of this particular RRTC is to conduct research, training, and related activities to contribute to optimal community living and participation outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. View more details and application directions.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on June 4, 2018.
To stay current on NIDILRR grant opportunities, please visit www.grants.gov and search: NIDILRR or 93.433.
Within ACL, NIDILRR works to generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community; and to expand society's capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities. NIDILRR conducts its work through grants that support research and development.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Justice Department Sued Over Rescinded Disability Guidance
By SD Network, 2018-04-09
A lawsuit is accusing the U.S. Department of Justice of acting illegally when it withdrew more than two-dozen guidance documents late last year, including several clarifying the ADA. The guidance documents describe the government’s interpretation of federal laws, providing information that can be important to state and local agencies, employers and recipients of federal funds. According to the lawsuit, the guideline helped people with disabilities “move away from ‘sheltered workshops,’ where they are often paid much less than the minimum wage and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse”.
Advocates filed suit against Lyft, a ridesharing technology company, for violations of the Unruh Civil Rights Act and California Disabled Persons Act. The class-action suit claims that Lyft does not operate enough wheelchair accessible cars. Lyft has a service called Access designed for customers with disabilities. However, the lawsuit alleges that this service is a sham, and calls it an "inadequate substitute for actual accessible transportation." When requesting a car in Access mode, Lyft only promises access for foldable wheelchairs and service animals. For people who need a ramp or motorized lift, the app sends a text message that links to a website listing phone numbers for other transit companies that may be able to provide accessible transportation. The suit does not ask for money damages, but instead only for accessibility through Lyft.
Twitter recently added "disability” to a list of protected groups on its abuse and harassment reporting page. This is in response to user requests to allow reporting of abusive or harassing tweets targeting people with disabilities.
Apple wants emojis that represent people with disabilities better. The company sent a proposal to the Unicode Consortium, the nonprofit organization that sets the global standard for emojis. Apple is asking for 13 new additions to the emoji family. They include an ear with a hearing aid, a person in a wheelchair, a prosthetic arm, a service dog and a person with a cane.
Recently, the National Council on Disability released a report that explains that guardianship is commonly seen as a “benevolent measure” and imposed based upon assumptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities without appropriate reason. Most states require courts to consider less restrictive alternatives before turning to guardianship, the National Council on Disability said, but that rarely happens. The report recommends that the federal government take several steps to help mitigate the overreliance on guardianship.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Request for Stakeholder Input on Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) Provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018
By SD Network, 2018-04-04
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requesting public input about Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans.
Section 50311(b) of the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law No. 115-123) creates a new Section 1859(f)(8) of the Social Security Act in order to increase integration of Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). In particular, the statute directs CMS to:
- develop unified grievance and appeals processes for D-SNPs; and
- establish new standards for integration of Medicare and Medicaid benefits for D-SNPs.
CMS’s Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office is soliciting comments to help inform its next steps related to unified D-SNP grievance and appeals processes and new benefit-integration standards. This request for comments is directed to stakeholders working on addressing the needs of dual eligibles, individuals who are served by both Medicaid and Medicare.
Through April 12, 2018, CMS is inviting written stakeholder input on these provisions.
Please see the request for stakeholder input at: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination/Medicare-and-Medicaid-Coordination/Medicare-Medicaid-Coordination-Office/DSNPBBA2018.html, which provides additional background information and outlines topics and questions for which the Medicaid-Medicaid Coordination office especially would benefit from YOURinput.
Please submit comments, using the subject line “Comments on Section 50311,”to MMCOCapsmodel@cms.hhs.gov.
Thank you for providing comments.