This is an interesting court case.  Buying a new car is both exciting and a big decision for most people.  The ability to choose the right vehicle for them can be especially meaningful for people with disabilities.  Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, ruled individuals who use hand controls to operate cars and trucks have equal right to test drive vehicles before purchasing them. 

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Meet Barb Wollner.  When she’s not traveling the world or reading mystery novels, she is busy helping people with self-direction.  She is a firm believer in using this Network as a resource to connect with others.  She encourages people not to be afraid to reach out for assistance and support.  We are so fortunate to have Barb as a member of the Self-Determination Network!

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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