News
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.
The Self-Determination Network is powered by InControl Wisconsin and supported financially by our members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Department of Health Services (DHS) Announces the Organizations to Provide Family Care and IRIS Services in Dane County
By SD Network, 2017-07-10
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) 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. This expansion will end the wait list for more than 450 people in Dane County with long-term care needs.
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It's no secret that advances in technology have completely changed the world we live in. People can do anything from make doctor appointments to get groceries or prepared meals delivered with just a click of a button. While these services were primarily designed for people on the go, there are benefits for older people and people with disabilities. One of the biggest benefits is the potential to deliver important supports to people with mobility issues. However, these services often come with some limitations. This article discusses some of the benefits and risks of three services which include ride sharing, grocery delivery, and on-demand medical services.
DISABLED WORLD: Update to Building Accessibility Standard Provides Greater Accessibility for Persons with Physical Disabilities
By SD Network, 2017-07-07
The International Code Council recently released an update to 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard that provides greater accessibility to buildings for persons with physical disabilities and incorporates new elements of building design. The ICC A117.1 standard helps achieve uniformity in the technical design criteria in building codes that allow a person with a physical disability to independently get to, enter and use a facility. The standard is intended for adoption by government agencies and organizations.
THE GUARDIAN: Existing transport is failing disabled people, but new tech may help
By SD Network, 2017-07-07
Public transportation notoriously causes difficulty and stress for people with disabilities. However, modern technology firms are working to change this. Uber, for example, has introduced the UberWAV app that allows users in New York City to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle, such as a Caravan or a Ford minibus. Their UberASSIST app trains drivers to accommodate assistive technologies, including scooters and wheelchairs.
Another company, Wayfindr, helps people with visual impairments navigate subway stations through use of audio technology. The CEO of Wayfindr has stressed the goal of inclusiveness and collaboration in developing the app, and thus the company worked to develop an open standard for this type of technology, which they hope would increase the development of other similar products.
DISABLED WORLD: Disabled Americans in Big Cities Find Many Mobility Challenges
By SD Network, 2017-07-06
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. Oftentimes, things such as sidewalks, office buildings, and public transportation are inaccessible. There are many interesting examples and statistics in this article. Many people blame it on the lack of funding available.
Louisiana recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Louisiana, the program is known as "LA ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. LA ABLE is available to people with disabilities nationwide.