News
Nebraska launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Nebraska, the program is known as "ENABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Nebraska as well as across the country.
ABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: Tennessee Launches Country’s Second ABLE Program
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
On June 14th, Tennessee became the second state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Tennessee, the program is known as "ABLE TN." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Tennessee as well as across the country.
On June 1st, Ohio became the first state to offer ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Ohio, the accounts are known as "STABLE accounts." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. STABLE accounts are open to both residents in Ohio as well as across the country.
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Changes to Wisconsin Long-Term Care: What’s Next?
On Thursday June 9th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services contacted the co-chairs of Joint Finance to withdraw its Concept Plan on Family Care/IRIS 2.0. Participant input was said to be major reason for withdrawing the plan from consideration. Changes to Long-Term Care remain in law, so this does not mean there will be no changes; however, at this point, it is unclear what the changes and timeline will be. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest developments on our Long-Term Care Redesign page.
It's with deep sadness that we tell you that Wisconsin DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades recently passed away. InControl Wisconsin wants to express its deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and friends during this time.
You are Invited to Join the Conversation!
We all have questions that we’re looking for advice on. The Network is a great way to tap into the ideas and experiences of other people - the members of the network. So if you’d like to post a question, we can all share our thoughts with you. This month, Stacy is tackling the challenge of hiring her own staff and she’d like to hear from you. Join the conversation!
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better. This month, we shine the spotlight on Wanda Vielliex. Thanks to being able to self-direct her own supports, she's able to fulfill her passion of helping people. This volunteer extraordinaire is active in many clubs and organizations in her community. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to learn more about Wanda!
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Final Overtime Rule: Read about how the final overtime rule for caretakers may impact many people with disabilities.
- Travel App: Learn about a new app that helps people with disabilities find accessible hotels.
- Accessible Dollar Bills: Find out about how advocates are pushing the U.S. Department of Treasury to make the next dollar bill accessible.
- Community Living: Read about how a study found that many families of those with disabilities who had to transition from institutions to community living are happy with the results.
- Web-Captioning Survey: Learn and find out how you can voice your opinion about a proposal that assesses the monetary value of captioning web content for people with hearing impairments.
- Be Inspired: Read about a high school athlete who doesn't let having a disability hold him back.
- Transportation Survey: Here's an opportunity to participate in a survey about transportation for people with disabilities.
- Benefits Calculator: Learn about a neat tool you can use to estimate your Social Security benefits.
- Parent Support Needed: A support group is looking for parents of children with special needs to support other parents going through similar experiences.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses her recent care challenges and how she's tackling them. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Accessible Pontoon Boat Rides: June 1st-September 30th, Tenney Park, Madison WI
- 2016 Transformation Conference: June 28th-30th, Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria VA
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.
P2P Needs Support Parents Who Have a Child with Seizure Disorders, Autism, Mental Health Challenges or Down syndrome
By SD Network, 2016-06-14
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin - www.p2pwi.org - provides parent support to parents of children with special needs through a one-to-one connection with another parent who has similar experience and who knows firsthand about the feelings and realities that come with having a child with special needs.
P2P has had an increase in the number of calls looking for the support of another family who has the experience of a child who has seizures, a mental health condition, autism, families who have young children with Down syndrome as well as other conditions.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a support parent we would like to invite you to attend a support parent training.
For more information, please call Robin at 715.361.2934 or email: Get-Connected@p2pwi.org
WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL: Health Services Department withdraws request for changes to state Medicaid programs
By SD Network, 2016-06-10
On Thursday June 9th, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services contacted the co-chairs of Joint Finance to withdraw its Concept Plan on Family Care/IRIS 2.0 DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades cited participant input as a major reason for withdrawing the plan from consideration.
For many people who receive Social Security Disability Benefits, it's often a guessing game each month as to what the amount will be. While each person's situation will be different, this article talks about a tool that may help you approximate how much you could receive.
Meet Wanda Viellieux. After finding out she could make her better self-direct her supports and services through IRIS, she was better able to fulfill her passion of volunteering. She believes that everyone has the right to be involved in making decisions and is a firm believer in self-determination. We’re so fortunate to have as a member of the Network!
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Wanda decided to transfer from Family Care to IRIS because she was not getting what she needed. She wanted to make her own choices about who she wanted to hire for the services she needed. “I’ve been very happy as the decisions I have made; they have fulfilled what I absolutely needed,” Wanda said. She joined the Network because she wanted to keep updated on the latest news affecting Self-Determination. She has wanted to attend conferences, but barriers such as distance, transportation and finances have kept her from being able to do that. “The unfortunate part of self-determination is that I live in a more rural part of the state and some services I need are more scarce,” she pointed out.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Wanda looks to the Self-Determination Network to get the latest news about the programs and services that she uses. She has followed the 2017 Long-Term Care changes especially close. The Network “gave me the information I needed to contact state legislative people to advocate for myself and others who may be in my situation,” Wanda said.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Wanda encourages people to be determined and do not let other people tell you otherwise. Everyone has the right to be involved in their own care. She said, “if you believe you are not getting the care you should be getting, go ahead and make other appropriate contacts to get the care you need.” Wanda suggests that people get involved in learning how they can be his/her own “best advocate” and also knowing when they need to ask for someone they can trust to advocate on their behalf.
What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?
Wanda wants people to know that having disabilities or limitations in some areas of your life does not make you less dignified or less important than anyone else. She said, “we all have differing abilities which makes life much more interesting and fun. Sometimes it can get frustrating and depressing, keep believing in yourself and what your goals are."
What are some of your hobbies?
Self-directing my services helps Wanda remain an active part of her community. She doesn’t have much time for hobbies as she’s an avid volunteer. She has been a disaster volunteer for the American Red Cross since 1997, and her current focus is on disaster preparedness. She’s also a VFW Auxiliary lifetime member. She’s very active in supporting our veterans as patriotic instructor where she goes into schools and community youth groups to do flag programs, and to recognize how they support our veterans. In addition to all of that, she’s involved in her church and is a presenter to youth and adults. “These three areas of my volunteer work are also where my passion in life is. It is so fulfilling when you can find your passion in something you love to do. That’s what enriches my life so much more,” Wanda said.
***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.