The National Park Service reports that nine parks across the U.S. have received more than $10 million in federal funding to design and build projects to make trails, buildings, waterways and camping more accessible to people with disabilities.  

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Remarks from a top official at the federal agency responsible for community living leaves lawmakers looking for answers.  Mary Lazare, who serves as principal deputy administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, allegedly made the controversial remarks about favoring "segregation" of  people with disabilities during a keynote address last week at the Autism Society’s national conference in Bethesda, Md.  The Administration for Community Living quickly released a statement on their Twitter page to backtrack her comments..  

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The Department of Health Services is holding multiple forums across the state about updates for Children's Long-Term Support.  Learn about the latest updates in the CLTS Waiver Program. DHS representatives will present information on the following important
topics:
• Draft CLTS service rates
• CLTS Provider Directory
• CLTS Wait List elimination initiative
This is an opportunity to receive information, ask questions and provide input.

See attached file for dates and locations

	CLTS Provider Forum Schedule
	CLTSCommunicationProviderForums_2018_0718.pdf, 51KB ∞

With primary elections less than a month away, many disability advocacy groups are coming together to get people with disabilities registered to vote.  More than 340,000 people in Wisconsin with disabilities are eligible to vote, but they face many issues in both registering and voting.  Advocacy groups are working to educate people with disabilities about the multiple accommodations available to assist with voting.  They are also helping people with disabilities register to vote.

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It's well known that the caregiver shortage is nationwide, but now some people are saying that the high housing costs are making it more difficult to find caregivers.  The pinch is affecting workers of all ages, across levels of management and specialities, making it harder for home care companies to recruit and retain people.  

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Partners in Policymaking is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program for people living with developmental disabilities, their siblings, and parents of children with disabilities ages birth to 21. It is designed to develop a group of seasoned leaders statewide who are able to work on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2018-2019 class of Partners in Policymaking. Follow the link below for more info and a copy of the application.

Application:LINK

The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to organize local grassroots groups to make changes in their communities that result in a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including individuals with diverse identities and/or individuals that are under-served.

Priority activities for 2018-19 SPARKS Grants are:

1.      Increasing transportation options for people with I/DD

2.      Increasing the number of people with I/DD voting

To download an application follow the link below:

SPARKS Grant Application