News
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Barb is one of the Self-Directed (SDS) coordinators for Community Care, Inc. She joined the Network to take advantage of the pool of experience of the members of the Network. “There’s always up-to-date information coming out of the Network,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Barb explains that the good news is the fact that we have moved beyond just talking about self-determination. There are so many resources now to assist people along the way. “Whether it’s needing an advocate, information on housing options or some practical advice on hiring employees, there are people who are knowledgeable and willing to make changes happen. That’s happening on an individual person to person level as well as impacting the system as a whole,” she says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
“Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance, brain storming, or just for support,” Barb says. There are people within the Network who may have run into the same issue at some time.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Barb would like to share that she values the diversity and knowledge the different members bring to the Network. “Especially in this time of political uneasiness, the determination and thoughtful way roadblocks are tackled is appreciated,” she explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Barb is an avid traveler; she has been to 16 different countries. She also enjoys reading and says that mystery novels are her favorite.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
PCWORLD: AbleGamers' Player Panels could make future games more disability-friendly
By SD Network, 2017-08-08
AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization that aims to make video games accessible for people with disabilities, is creating Player Panels to connect gamers with disabilities with video game developers. The panels would test games that companies are developing and offer advice on how to make them more accessible. To keep the panel members safe, AbleGamers will liaison between them and the companies. They will vet incoming requests for advice as well as make sure the panel members are paid for their work. AbleGamers is aware that many people with disabilities are on Social Security and cannot receive extra money without it affecting their benefits and is working with companies to offer alternative compensation. One idea is to give the panelists gift cards to popular stores.
Uber was recently sued by the Equal Rights Center, a civil rights nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The suit is based on Uber's Washington, D.C., area services, and alleges that Uber is incapable of adequately providing services to customers with nonfoldable wheelchairs. And even though some cars are wheelchair accessible, there is no way for drivers to indicate that their vehicles are accessible or for riders to request it. Although Uber has introduced the UberWAV app for riders with disabilities, an investigation by the Equal Rights Center showed that riders using the app paid up to twice as much and waited on average eight times longer for rides than people who use Uber's nonaccessible service. The lawsuit alleges that Uber's vehicle requirements actively discourage Uber drivers from operating accessible vehicles.
HUFFPOST: The International Symbol of Access and Its Redesign: One Perspective
By SD Network, 2017-08-04
This is an interesting article about the redesigned symbol of access. It explains that original the sign everyone is familiar with is a stationary figure that is sitting down. The redesigned image is moving, looks active and more capable. Some people think this new image is giving into the ableist school of thought--discrimination in favor of people who aren’t disabled. On the contrary, this is a direct result of various efforts of activism within the disability community.
The Circles of Life Conference invites interested presenters to submit a proposal (or two) for the 2018 annual Circles of Life Conference scheduled for May 3-4, 2018 at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI. Between 400-500 individuals with disabilities or special health care needs, their families, and professionals from across Wisconsin attend the Circles of Life Conference each year. We are looking for presenters including parents, family members, youth and adults with disabilities or special health care needs, professionals, providers, volunteers, or other potential presenters with information or expertise in a broad range of topics that affect families and individuals with disabilities. Please consider submitting a proposal for the 2018 conference or share this information with other individuals who would be excellent presenters. Visit the Circles of Life web site at: www.circlesoflifeconference.com for application materials. The deadline for proposals is: October 5, 2017.
On July 26th, 2017, the Department of Justice published "27 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act," a document that provides brief case highlights about the Department's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enforcement efforts this year. The document recognizes the ADA's 27th anniversary and notes the Department's role in advancing the ADA's goals of ensuring equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Wisconsin faces critical shortage of care workers for disabled and elderly
By SD Network, 2017-08-01
Here's another article about the direct care worker shortage in Wisconsin. It reiterates that it has reached a crisis level and that advocates feel that there needs to be more than a 2% increase for long-term care and home care organizations, which is what Governor Walker recommended. Due to this shortage, people aren't getting the crucial care they need to survive. Although, grateful for any increase at all, advocates feel a rate increase of around 15% is needed to make a real impact.
July 2017
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Registration is now open for the 10th annual Self-Determination Conference. This conference works to empower people with disabilities in Wisconsin to have more control over their lives. More than 600 people each year participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination and self directed supports so they can live independently, be members of their communities, and use public funds efficiently. The conference participants include people with disabilities and their family members, direct care providers, and professionals from Wisconsin’s disability community. Register today!
Changes to Medicaid and the AHCA
The Senate has delayed its vote on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) until after its summer recess. There is a lot at stake for Wisconsin in this vote. The AHCA cuts federal Medicaid funding by 25% over 10 years and eliminates key health care protections for children and adults with disabilities. Estimates indicate Wisconsin could lose $1 billion in funding and put many essential programs and supports for children/adults with disabilities and seniors at risk. These significant cuts to Medicaid mean cuts to Wisconsin programs like Family Care, IRIS, the Children’s waiver, BadgerCare, mental health programs like CCS, Katie Beckett, SeniorCare, autism services, therapies like OT, PT and Speech, personal care, supports provided in schools and even Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Many of these are “optional services” in Medicaid and are at significant risk of being cut or eliminated. We encourage people to continue to contact the Wisconsin Senators to ask questions and share their thoughts about this bill.
Whether it’s going to the store to get milk, going to work, going to a doctor apportionment, or meeting friends for dinner, most people get out of their house on a daily basis. For many people with disabilities, going out isn’t always easy. In this month's entry, Stacy discusses how transportation is often one of the biggest barriers she faces. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Guardianship Survey: The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities is conducting a survey in hopes of gathering information from a variety of stakeholders about their knowledge of and experience(s) with Wisconsin's adult guardianship system and children transitioning into adulthood to assist the Board in better understanding which issues should be prioritized for short-term and long-term planning and action. The survey closes August 1st.
- Caregiver Awards: Do you know a caregiver or team that deserves to be honored for the great work they do? The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance’s Annual Caregiver Awards are the only statewide recognition of these outstanding individuals and teams working tirelessly in all service locations. Nominations are due August 1st.
- Big City Challenges: Even with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal legislation to protect the people with disabilities, studies find that too many American citizens are restricted in where they can go or live due to lack of handicap-accessible accommodations. Find out what many people feel is causing this.
- New Technology Eases Transportation Issues: Public transportation often causes difficulty and stress for people with disabilities. Read about how modern technology firms are working to change this.
- Update to Building Accessibility Standards: The International Code Council recently released an update to 2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standards that provide greater accessibility to buildings for persons with physical disabilities and incorporates new elements of building design. Learn what the new standards include.
- Pros and Cons of On-Demand Services: These days, people can do anything from make doctor appointments to get groceries or prepared meals delivered with just a click of a button. While these on-demand services are often very for people with disabilities, they often come with some limitations. Read about the benefits and risks of three common on-demand services.
- MCOs and Consultant Agencies Selected for Dane County: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently announced the managed care organizations selected to serve Family Care members and the IRIS consultant agencies that intend to serve participants in the IRIS program in Dane County. Find out which care organizations and consultant agencies were selected.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 22nd, 5p.m. to 8p.m., South Wood County Park, Wisconsin Rapids WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 26th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- 2017 ADRC Open House: Focus On ABiLiTY: July 26th, 1p.m. to 4p.m, Health & Human Services Building, Waukesha WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: July 26th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- The Green Room With Dawn Green: July 26th, 6p.m. to 8:30p.m., Fuel Cafe, Milwaukee WI
- AbilityWI Now!: July 26th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online
- Disability Pride Festival: July 29th, 12p.m. to 5p.m., Tenney Park, Madison WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing Picnic: July 30th, 10a.m. to 8:30p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing - Veterans Clinic: August 9th, 9a.m. to 3p.m., Lance Park, Twin Lakes WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 9th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- US Wake Sports Festival: August 15th to 16th, Traxler Park, Janesville WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 16th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: August 23rd, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Fishing Has No Boundaries: August 26th, 4:30a.m. to 1:30p.m., Lakeshore State Park Inlet Grounds & Docks, Milwaukee WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: September 6th, 2p.m. to 6p.m., Fischer Park, Burlington, WI
- Red Roskopf Day AbilityFest Celebrating Communities And Families: October 1st, The Golf Club at Camelot, Lomira WI
- Veterans' Resource Fair: October 16th-17th, Waukesha County Expo Center Arena, Waukesha WI
- 2017 Self-Determination Conference: November 1st to 3rd, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells 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.
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