News
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: CMCS Releases CAHPS Data on Experiences of Medicaid Enrollees with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2017-11-28
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.
The survey interviewed a representative sample of adults ages 18 and older enrolled in Medicaid between October 2013 through December 2013. This first-of-its kind survey provides baseline information on the experiences of low-income adults prior to a state’s expansion of coverage to the new adult group that took effect on January 1, 2014. This data will be used to inform federal and state efforts to improve health care delivery for Medicaid enrollees.
Untrained service animals continue to be a problem across the country. In parts of Wisconsin, real guide dogs have been attacked by fake service animals. People who use service animals say it's frustrating and dangerous when people try to use their pets as guide dogs.. More education and awareness about service animals is needed to help prevent laws from being exploited.
GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY: Section 508 Gets an Update: New Web Accessibility Guidelines for Government Sites Take Effect in January
By SD Network, 2017-11-22
New accessibility guidelines for government websites will take effect in January. The guidelines mandate that federal government websites must be accessible for people with hearing and visual impairments who use screen readers and other assistive tech. The requirements also mandate that content needs to be accessible for cognitive, language, and learning disabilities as well.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY: Neglected for Too Long: Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
By SD Network, 2017-11-22
The National Council on Disability (NCD), a nonpartisan, independent federal agency, released an issue brief entitled, “Neglected for too Long: Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” The brief provides insight concerning the lack of dental care many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to experience due to a shortage of properly trained dental care providers. The brief also explores the neglect for the protection of people with disabilities found within the American Dental Association’s Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional Conduct. It also contains recommendations from the NCD about what actions need to be taken to improve dental care for people with disabilities.
More and more vacation accommodation websites are making efforts to be accessible for people with disabilities. Airbnb, a lodging rental company, recently announced it's coming out with a new website that will accommodate people with various types of disabilities. It's a platform for short-term rentals. It will have options beyond just the common "wheelchair accessible" choice.
November 2017
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Share your comments, questions, and ideas in this discussion!
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference. These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
David Pinno
Sue Urban
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Watch: Watch this excellent short video done by The Arc designed to speak directly to people with developmental disabilities about supported decision-making and getting help making decision.
- Caregiver Act: A bill that would address the needs of family caregivers is gaining support. Learn how this act would help families.
- Unique Fashion Line: More and more fashion designers are designing clothes for people with disabilities. Find out which popular designer recently launched an adaptive clothing line.
- Accessible Airport Kiosks: One airline has incorporated new technology into their self-service kiosks to ensure they are accessible to all travelers. Read about these new kiosks.
- States Tighten Leash on Service Animals: A growing number of states are enacting laws designed to keep people from passing off their pets as service animals. Learn what states are doing.
- Smart Home Products Increase Independence: Smart home products are often marketed for their convenience, but the technology also can help people with disabilities become more independent. Read about how thousands of technology products have opened up a world of possibilities for people with disabilities.
- Building Full Lives Grant:The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities in partnership with In Control Wisconsin is offering a great opportunity for organizations Interested in supporting individuals with disabilities to Build FULL LIVES in the community. Applications due November 17th.
- Interesting Court Case: This in an interesting case about glass-front vending machines not being accessible. Find out why the Supreme Court declined to review the case.
- Successful Aging: As people age, they may experience new and chronic health conditions that make it difficult to participate in activities at home, at work, and in the community. A study showed that there are four areas that people felt were important for successful aging with a physical disability. Learn what the areas are.
- ABLE Account Annual Contribution Limit: It was recently announced that the total annual contribution limit to an ABLE account will increase in 2018. Find out how much it will increase.
- Polling Place Accessibility: A new report found that less than 20% of polling places were fully accessible during the 2016 election. Read about what's being done to try to correct it.
- Hunting Bill: The State Assembly passed a bill that would allow people with disabilities to hunt from a car with a lift. Read about the bill.
When most people hear the word “segregation,” they automatically assume it’s a negative thing. However, at times, that’s not the case. It’s human nature for people to associate with others like them. In this month's entry, Stacy discusses how, as a person with a physical disability, she often struggles to fit in within the disability community. Have you had similar feelings? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Interdisciplinary Care Teams For Older Adults: December 7th, 11a.m. to 12:30p.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.
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference. These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- David Pinno
- Sue Urban
- Deb Wisniewski
- Abigail Tessmann
The State Assembly passed a bill that would allow people with disabilities to hunt from a car with a lift. Permits are available for hunters with disabilities, but people who can't climb a tree stand and aren't eligible for a permit, hunting options are limited. This new bill would allow hunters with limited mobility to enjoy the sport with use of a car lift. The bill now heads to the Senate.