News
DISABILITY SCOOP: With Talk Of Medicaid Changes, Waiver Services May Be At Risk
By SD Network, 2017-02-06
Talk of major changes to Medicaid have many people with disabilities worried. Right now, Medicaid programs must meet certain federal requirements, but they are administered by the states. Indicators point toward the Trump administration moving to a block grant system for Medicaid. Details are sketchy, but there's fear that this would mean significantly less funding for Medicaid.
The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship managed by Rooted in Rights and AAPD provides the opportunity for an individual with a disability to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling, and to connect with media professionals to prepare participants for advanced careers in media production, journalism, online advocacy, or digital design. The project combines hands-on training on cutting edge technologies with a strong foundation in developing the individual’s voice and using story-driven videos in advocacy. Applications are due March 15th.
The 2017 Aging and Disability Network Conference is calling for Proposals for Workshop Presentations. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, through the Division of Public Health, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, is sponsoring the first Aging and Disability Network Conference: Together Towards Tomorrow.
This statewide training opportunity is September 6-8, 2017, at the Madison Marriott West, 1313 John. Q. Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI 53562.
Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum Accepting Applications
The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities. It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness to approximately 25 students with disabilities from throughout the state of Wisconsin. YLF is a project of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum is for:
- Students who show leadership potential by being active in their school and community
- Students who have a disability (physical, learning, cognitive, emotional, sensory, etc.)
- Wisconsin residents
- Students who are currently sophomores, juniors or seniors
Why Attend the Youth Leadership Forum?
- To give you a place to meet other students your age who are experiencing similar issues and concerns,
- help you increase your leadership skills so you can further your future goals and reach them,
- assist you in becoming a leader in your school and community.
WHERE: Edgewood College, Madison, WI
WHEN: July 9 - July 14, 2017
To apply: go to the website download the application and submit it by April 1, 2017.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota Launch ABLE Programs
By SD Network, 2017-02-02
Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). Iowa's program is called "IAble," Minnesota's is called "Minnesota ABLE Plan," and it's known as "Illinois ABLE" in Illinois. Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. All three programs are open to residents nationwide.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Nevada, North Carolina, and Kansas Launch ABLE Programs
By SD Network, 2017-02-02
Nevada, North Carolina, and Kansas recently launched programs for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). Nevada's program is called "ABLE Nevada," North Carolina's program is called "NC ABLE," and the Kansas program is called "Kansas ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. All three programs are open to residents nationwide.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Department of Health Services (DHS) Announces the Managed Care Organizations to Provide Family Care Services in Northern Wisconsin Expansion Counties
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Recently, the Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the expansion of Family Care services in six northern Wisconsin counties including Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Taylor and Adams. This will provide many people access to long-term care services for the first time. DHS plans to expand Family Care ad IRIS statewide in the first quarter of 2018.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: New USDA Regulation Confirms ABLE Funds Protection
By SD Network, 2017-02-01
Recently, the Food and Nutrition Service published a final rule regarding various aspects related to, among other things, eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families (including those with disabilities) and provides economic benefits to communities. Since SNAP is federally funded, this rule confirms that ABLE funds won't compromise eligible people from accessing benefits under the SNAP program.