News
Federal data shows that the number of people with disabilities finding employment is increasing. Disability advocates credit the rise in remote work. Learn more about the different ways remote work supports workers with disabilities.
PHI: Competitive Disadvantage: Direct Care Wages Are Lagging Behind—2024 Update
By SD Network, 2024-10-18
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This factsheet presents an analysis of wage disparities between direct care workers and similar occupations across the United States in 2023, as well as trends in this wage gap from 2014 to 2023. |
AP NEWS: Voters with disabilities are feeling ignored by presidential candidates
By SD Network, 2024-10-18
A new report from Rutgers University estimates that about 40.2 million eligible voters in the quickly approaching U.S. presidential election are people with disabilities. The number of people with disabilities is growing as the U.S. population ages, but voters and advocates say the hurdles that make people feel excluded from the voting process aren’t being addressed.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: DHS Seeks Applicants for State Long-Term Care Advisory Councils Deadline to Apply: November 1
By SD Network, 2024-10-14
Deadline to apply: November 1, 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking qualified applicants to fill vacancies on two state long-term care advisory councils. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 1, 2024.
Wisconsin Long-Term Care Advisory Council (WLTCAC)
The WLTCAC serves as an advisory body to DHS on existing and emerging aging, disability, and long-term care systems issues. Members provide advice and make recommendations to the DHS secretary regarding long-term care policy, programs, and services. Learn more about WLTCAC.
IRIS Advisory Committee (IAC)
The IAC is a workgroup established to provide recommendations to the DHS program staff on issues related to administration of the IRIS program. IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is a self-directed program for adults with disabilities and elderly people. IAC members are individuals who have relevant knowledge, experience, expertise, and community relationships that allow them to present ideas, opinions, or facts for the betterment of the IRIS program. Learn more about the IAC.
We are accepting applications to fill one open seat to represent IRIS participants.
How to apply
Applications of interest to serve on these two councils can be found on the DHS website:
If you would like to request a paper application or need an accommodation or assistance with completing your application, please contact DHS Long-Term Care at 608-267-7286 or DHSDMSLTC@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Please include the name of the council to which you are applying.
WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, is starting to plan for the 2025 assistive technology (AT) trainings and your input is needed. These trainings are intended to provide high-quality content that supports and develops the skills of AT professionals and other service providers. The WisTech 2025 Training Survey is now open!
Please complete this survey by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, need this information in an accessible format, or need assistance completing this survey, please contact Laura Plummer by email at laura.plummer1@dhs.wisconsin.gov or phone at 608-514-2513. All trainings provide participants with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credits (CRCs) at no cost. Thank you in advance!
WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO: PBS Wisconsin: Medicaid and pay for workers with developmental disabilities
By SD Network, 2024-10-14
Fear of losing Medicaid benefits is a factor in debates over law allowing certain workers with disabilities to be paid lower than minimum wage — advocates urge Wisconsin lawmakers to pursue expansion. There are 49 employers in Wisconsin with a special certification known as a 14(c) which allows employers to pay workers with disabilities based on productivity, even if it is less than minimum wage. This has been a controversy for years. Many disability advocates feel that people with disabilities should be paid at market rates no matter what.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Advancing independence and community integration for all: Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities through high quality home and community-based services,
By SD Network, 2024-10-04
The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) has prioritized high-quality home and community-based services (HCBS) for their report to the president with a focus on four key areas: direct support professionals, employment, community living, and federal support. To adequately meet the growing demand for HCBS, the report suggests that HHS should offer guidance and technical assistance to support individuals in self-directing their care in Medicaid HCBS programs as part of the workforce solutions.
Self-Determination Network News:
October 2024
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org
Caring Across Cultures is a learning experience focused on helping people with disabilities and their direct care workers to develop stronger, more meaningful relationships. We believe that identifying the cultural differences that exist between two people is a critical step in the relationship building process.
The information covered by Caring Across Cultures includes materials for direct care workers and those considering direct care work, direct care agencies, disabled adults, and older adults.
Course Topics
- Overview of Direct Care Work
- Your Beliefs About Disability
- Understanding Our Differences
- Resolving Differences to Build Strong Relationships
Additional Resource Topics
- Worker Rights
- How I Interact With People
- Worker Responsibilities
- Employer Legal Responsibilities
- Employer Best Practices
- Tips For Writing Job Descriptions and Announcements
- Interview Tips For Employers
- Exploring My Identity
- Preparing For Challenging Conversations
- Is Direct Care Work Right For You
Check out the Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content. Videos are posted a couple times a month on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
- "Looking people in the eye doesn't come natural to me"
- "The 5 qualities help me be a successful self-advocate and employee"
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Updated Guidance on Housing Voucher: Recently, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has updated its guidance for the Mainstream Voucher program which creates new alternative requirements and waivers to allow public housing agencies to better utilize the vouchers by helping people with disabilities avoid institutional settings and live in the community. Learn more about the guidance.
- Guardrails to People on Medicaid: People who receive Medicaid are regularly evaluated to determine eligibility. Read about the new guidance outlining steps states should take to make sure that people with disabilities are not accidentally dropped from Medicaid home and community-based services.
- Voters with Disabilities Continue Battle for Electronic Ballots: Two months ago, many voters with disabilities in Wisconsin were looking forward to being able to receive and mark a ballot electronically. However, an appeals court disrupted the plan. Learn about how advocates continue to fight for access to electronic ballots.
- Right-of-Way Guidelines: The General Services Administration (GSA) recently published a final rule adopting the public right-of-way accessibility guidelines issued by the Access Board. Find out what the guidelines include.
- Input Needed on AI: The Access Board is seeking feedback on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) for people with disabilities. Comments due October 31st.
- The Autism CARES Act of 2024: The U.S. House of Representatives has taken a crucial step forward in supporting the autism community by passing the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024. Learn what this Act includes.
- Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality Strategy: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is seeking public comment on the 2025-2027 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality Strategy. Comments due October 25th.
- Free At-Home COVID Tests: The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and and the United States Postal Service is offering free at-home COVID tests. Find out how to get yours.
- Best Cities: The annual ranking for best cities for people with disabilities was recently released. Check out to see which cities ranked highest.
- Wisconsin Disability Policy Internship Program: The Wisconsin Disability Policy Internship Program is a 4-6 month, part-time paid internship designed to provide an early public policy career level experience in disability policy. Applications are due on October 28th. Learn more and apply today!
- Call for Presenters: The 2025 Circles of Life Conference is May 8th & 9th in Wisconsin Dells. Proposals to present are now being accepted. Applications are due October 25th.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Webinar: Ask an ADA Professional: Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD): October 9th, 1p.m. to 2p.m., Virtual
- Webinar: Bringing People to Golf - Creating Accessible and Inclusive Environments: October 10th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Virtual
- Lunch & Learn Webinar: Make Your Plan to Vote: October 15th, 12p.m. to 12:45p.m., Virtual
- FOCUS 2024 Conference: November 20th-21st, KI Center, Green Bay 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.