News
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.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Most Polling Places Inaccessible During 2016 Election, Report Finds
By SD Network, 2017-11-08
A new report found that less than 20% of polling places were fully accessible during the 2016 election. Issues with parking, accessible entrances, and problems with the actual voting area itself were reported. Under the Help America Vote Act, all polling stations are supposed to have at least one accessible voting system for federal elections. The Government Accountability Office recommends that the Justice Department study how existing polling place accessibility requirements are being implemented.
NATIONAL ABLE RESOURCE CENTER: Annual Contributions to ABLE Accounts Increased to $15,000 in 2018
By SD Network, 2017-11-08
ABLE accounts are accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits. Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. It was recently announced that the total annual contribution limit to an ABLE account will be increased from $14,000 per tax year to $15,000 per tax year beginning in 2018.
NATIONAL REHABILITATION INFORMATION CENTER: People with Long-Term Physical Disability Have a Lot to Share About Successful Aging
By SD Network, 2017-11-08
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. Thanks in part to improved medical care, people with physical disabilities are living longer. A study showed that there are four areas that people felt were important for successful aging with a physical disability. Those include:
- Resilience and adaptability
- Autonomy and choice
- Social connectedness
- Physical health and access to health care
This is an interesting court case. In October, the Supreme Court declined to review Magee v. Coca-Cola, a decision in which the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held that vending machines were not public accommodations under the ADA. Magee is blind and sued Coca-Cola over their glass-front vending machines. Magee said that these types of vending machines were inaccessible to him, because he was unable to know what item he was selecting or its price. The Fifth Circuit rejected his claim, stating the vending machines were not public accommodations under the ADA, because they were not physical places open to the public. On appeal, Magee argued that Coca-Cola has many options, such as an audio interface with a tactile keyboard, to make their vending machines accessible. Coca-Cola, on the other hand, argued that Congress did not intend to cover vending machines with the ADA. The administration submitted a brief supporting Coca-Cola's argument. By rejecting the appeal, the Supreme Court kept the Fifth Circuit's decision in place.