News
The most common characteristic among people with disabilities in the US is living near or in poverty. Nearly, one in three Americans with disabilities currently lives in poverty. There are many reasons contributing to this statistic. Limited access to educational and employment opportunities are just two of the many factors. Racial disparities also factor in. The National Disability Institute has started a campaign called DISABLE POVERTY that aims to build awareness around disability, financial capability, and poverty.
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http://files.ctctcdn.com/04efdbb9001/c16370bc-1a5d-4f14-b707-ca92d515fbf4.pngAccording to a new report, more Medicaid dollars are going toward community-based services than institutional care. In 2014, 53% was directed to community-based services. That's a 51% increase from the previous year. This suggests that ideas about how to best serve people with developmental disabilities are trending toward community living. However, most of funds to care for older adults and those with physical disabilities went to institutional settings.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about the ADA and Beyond
By SD Network, 2016-08-02
The 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was July 26th. The ADA improved the lives of people with disabilities in many ways. Here is an excellent list of things to know and understand about the ADA. It has lots of great links and resources.
Late in June, the US Supreme Court decided it wouldn't hear a case disputing a 2013 Dept. of Labor regulation that requires in-home care workers to receive minimum wage and overtime pay. Before this rule took effect, caregivers weren't entitled to the same rights as other types of employees. Many care agencies sued over this change stating that it would make care unaffordable to their clients, but the Supreme Court found otherwise.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Family Care and IRIS Programs to Expand Statewide
By SD Network, 2016-07-28
Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced plans to expand Family Care and IRIS programs statewide by beginning of 2018. This will eliminate the wait list for hundreds of people seeking long-term care services. This means the final seven counties in Wisconsin will finally have access to services.
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with this great information about the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Hard to believe that just 1 year ago today the country was celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the ADA and all that has been accomplished while recognizing that there is still more to be done. The tag line "Disability Rights are Civil Rights" continues to ring true today as we mark the 26th Anniversary of the ADA.
Below is a compilation of the statements and activities marking the 26th Anniversary:
Presidential Proclamation - https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/07/25/presidential-proclamation-anniversary-americans-disabilities-act-2016
ADA National Network ADA Anniversary Took Kit: www.adaanniversary.org
Disability.gov blog titled "The ADA in 2016" -
https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2016/06/29/the-ada-in-2016/
Blog by Andy Imparato titled: The ADA And Claiming Disability https://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2015/07/02/the-ada-and-claiming-disability/#.Vajevb_lffQ.facebook
Family-Led Network Coordinator
Are you interested in building strong family-led networks in Wisconsin?
A Family- led group is a network of families with children transitioning from high school or young adults with I /DD that are committed to work together to educate themselves on various aspects of adult life for their children with disabilities in their community.
A Family-Led Network Coordinator will assist 3 new family-led groups around the state of Wisconsin. A coordinator will provide technical support, facilitation and training to these groups to support their education on various aspects of developing an integrated life for their sons and daughters with I/DD (ages 14- to 24) in their communities.
Apply to the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (W BPDD) Family-led Network Coordinator Grant. Family-led Network Coordinator Grant will provide funding up to $36,000 (Total for coordinator and 3 family-led groups). Coordinator will provide technical assistance, and tools/resources to support Family-led activities.
Previous Family-led coordinators have: assisted family groups to secure training on various topics including: self-determination, self-direction, person-centered planning, and supported decision-making. A coordinator will arrange speakers, visits to other communities, facilitate meetings and communication among members.
If you are interested you need to complete a brief application http://www.wi-bpdd.org/docs/2016/Family-Led-Network-Coordinator-Application.docx
Send completed application to:
Family-Led Network Coordinator Grant
c/o WI-BPDD
101 East Wilson Street
Room 219
Madison, WI 53703