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The report lists hundreds of actions that federal agencies, state and local governments, businesses, and communities that can be taken to improve caregivers' lives. The strategy includes five goals: increase awareness and outreach, build partnerships and engagement with family caregivers, strengthen services and supports, ensure financial and workplace security, and expand data, research, and evidence-based practices. 

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Member Spotlight: Katrina


By SD Network, 2024-11-25

IMG_1897.jpgMeet Katrina. This video game obsessed self-advocate is the coordinator of the Self Advocacy Action committee at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Institute on Community Integration. She recently finished a class and she’s looking forward to getting more involved with research work in the future. We’re so fortune to have her as a member of the Network!

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Katrina shares that she lives with Cerebral Palsy and uses a power wheelchair for primary community mobility. She works at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Institute on Community Integration. She lives independently in an apartment and utilizes Home and Community Based Services to do so.

Katrina is the coordinator of the Self Advocacy Action committee at ICI. She explains that the purpose of that committee is to make sure that all of the policy and research products produced at the institute are “vetted” by individuals who live with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. “We meet once per month and focus on a specific product. All are welcome at our meetings,” she tells us.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Katrina explains that their mission as a committee is to improve self-determination (and the knowledge base around it) for people living with I/DD and other disabilities. She joined this network to become more connected to similar efforts and to learn about best practices around self-determination.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?

Katrina is just now finishing a class that is focused on lived experience partnerships for research outcomes in Cerebral Palsy. “I am excited to hopefully become more involved in that work in the future,” she says.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

Katrina encourages people who want to be more self-determined to educate themselves about the choices available and the topic that they care about. Knowing what options are available is really important in self-determination.

What are some of your hobbies?

In her spare time, Katrina loves going to Target and playing video games. She also loves helping people. “One time I got to help someone pick out a video game at Target. It was a really great day,” she exclaims!

***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.

 

State legislatures passed over 3,000 health policy bills in 2024, focusing on healthcare workforce shortages, Medicaid changes, and youth mental health. Key actions included recruiting behavioral health workers, expanding Medicaid services, and addressing rising youth mental health concerns. AI in healthcare and drug affordability emerged as new priorities.

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Many people with disabilities prefer to self-direct their care. Yet, because overall enrollment and awareness remain relatively low. There are many misconceptions about self-direction. This is an interesting opinion article trying to debunk some of the myths about self-direction.

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Exhibitor and Sponsor Registration is Open!

Celebrating 40 years of supporting families, Circles of Life is Wisconsin’s annual statewide conference for families who have children with disabilities and the professionals who support them. As a financial supporter, you allow us to sustain this important event so participants can learn, grow and connect.

Supporter Benefits:

  • Reach over 500 families who have children with disabilities, providers and other related professionals. 

  • Get publicity on the conference website, social media and display signage.  

  • Each sponsor will be thanked and honored during our plenary sessions.

  • Receive an exhibit booth in a prime location and a free conference registration.

Past Supporters have Good Things to Say:

  • “Excellent traffic throughout the conference.”

  • “Great service and treatment.”

  • “Appreciated the support and check-ins from conference organizers!”

  • “What a great crowd! We have really enjoyed it.”

  • “Good traffic and lots of great conversations.”

  • “The entire experience was great, so well organized.”

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Sponsors receive an exhibitor booth, recognition on social media, our website and on conference signage.

Sponsorship Levels:

PLATINUM Level:  $5,500 | Early Bird* $5,000

GOLD Level:  $3,500 | Early Bird* $3,000

SILVER Level:  $1,500 | Early Bird* $1,300

*Early Bird pricing ends February 17, 2025

Starting at the Gold Level, sponsors will have the opportunity to gain visibility as a meal or activity sponsor. Your logo will be prominently displayed, along with your ad on the big screen. Contact Lynn at Family Voices for more information.

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Conference goers are encouraged to meet with each vendor at their display table on scheduled breaks throughout both days to learn about their valuable resources.

Exhibitor Levels:

Include 1 Conference Registration (meals and access to all sessions and activities)

Non-Profit Organization: $400

For-Profit Organization: $600

Additional Staff: $150 each

Getting Started Couldn’t Be Easier!

Information and Registration: familyvoiceswi.org/circles-of-life-conference

Your Contact: Lynn at Family Voices, lynn@fvofwi.org or 608.512.0217

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This analysis uses the 2022 American Community Survey to provide an overview of demographic characteristics, wages, and health insurance coverage of direct care workers, which include home health aides, personal care aides, nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).

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This issue brief presents findings from focus groups with direct care workers and unpaid caregivers who provide HCBS including caregiver characteristics; physical, emotional, and mental caregiving demands of caregiving; their wages, finances, and opportunities for advancement; and what caregivers would like policymakers to know about their work.

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American Airlines has agreed to a record $50 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportation for violating laws that protect airline passengers with disabilities.  They are also accused of damaging thousands of wheelchairs from 2019 to 2023. The airline came under fire after a video of crew members mishandling a passenger's wheelchair went virtual.

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