News
Two Wisconsin senators are working on legislation to remove the term "mental retardation" and all its derivatives from state code and replace it with the words "intellectual disability." The bill mirrors legislation former Gov. Scott Walker signed in 2012 that removed "mental retardation" from state statute.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Government Shutdown Takes Toll On People With Disabilities
By SD Network, 2019-01-23
People with disabilities are feeling the effects of the country's longest government shutdown ever. Although some of the primary agencies that assist people with disabilities remain open, things such as subsidized housing and food stamps are affected. Since the federal government is one of the largest employers people with disabilities, many people are out of work as well. Things such as caregiver background checks are being put on hold also.
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: Older Adults Caring For Adult Children With Disabilities Find Connections Amid Uncertainty
By SD Network, 2019-01-23
Many parents who have adult children with disabilities often worry about the future. What's going to happen to the individual when they no longer care for him/her? A group of parents in Milwaukee meet monthly to discuss these fears and brainstorm solutions together.
- Is at least 18 years old
- Has a neurological diagnosis (such as but not limited to post-polio syndrome, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis) for at least 6 months.
- Use a wheelchair (manual or power) at least 75% of your mobility time inside your home and 100% of the time outside your home.
- Has a computer with internet access.
- Is able to read and understand English.
T-Mobile Survey regarding How People with Visual Disabilities access Television
By SD Network, 2019-01-16
T-Mobile is developing a new television service and has begun to implement accessibility features for the individuals with visual disabilities. They are interested in understanding how people with a visual impairment access television. The questions relate to finding out what this population likes and dislikes about currently available accessibility features. What features are most critical to them while accessing television? What improvements would they like to see? What features are perfect as is?
They are in search of respondents who are over 18 and have a visual disability such as low vision, or are blind, regardless of if they currently watch television or use accessibility features.
Those who complete the 15 min survey will receive an electronic $15 Amazon Gift Card for their time.
This is a test link to the survey. This link is the exact survey but you can play around on it all you like without the results being recorded as a true respondent.
https://layer3tv.getfeedback.com/preview/aYik1VlQ
If you would like your opinions on the matter recorded and become eligible for the Amazon Gift Card, this is the true survey link:
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Supplementary Report and Fact Sheet from the Evaluation of the National Family Caregiver Support Program
By SD Network, 2019-01-16
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) conducted a two-part evaluation of the Older Americans Act Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), and released the Process Evaluation Report in 2016 and the Outcome Evaluation Report in 2018.
ACL is now releasing a supplementary report based on a small, retrospective study of caregivers in the Outcome Evaluation: From Caregiver to Caregiver: The Wisdom and Insights of Former NFCSP Caregivers. The small group of caregivers in this retrospective study experienced a change in their caregiving experience during the evaluation because their care recipient passed away.
The report highlights caregivers’ experiences in providing care and accessing services, and it provides “advice from caregivers to caregivers.” A fact sheet is also available that summarizes key themes and insights from this group of caregivers.
SeaWorld in Orlando has put staff through training and added more resources for visitors to become an official certified autism center. Guests will be provided with specific information about attractions and experiences along with in-park accommodations to help them plan their day and make informed choices best suited to their individual needs. Visitors can also use a quiet room inside the park with adjustable lighting to take a break.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Report: Waiting Lists For Medicaid Waivers Up, Competitive Employment Down
By SD Network, 2019-01-14
According to a new report, more people are on waiting lists, fewer are competitively employed and access to services remains uneven. There are a wide range geographical disparities that exist when it comes to opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and work in their communities.