News
Florida launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Florida, the program is known as "United ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. United ABLE is only available to Florida residents.
Applications are being accepted for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking. Partners is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state, who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Apply now!
Download the application here: http://www.wi-bpdd.org/projects/partnersinpolicymaking/partnersadvocacytraining.cfm
A new app with VoiceOver technology allows people who have visual impairments to enjoy their favorite newspapers. The free app doesn't need any special formats. It works directly from the newspaper website and uses the computer version algorithms to interpret the newspaper layout. The app supports English, Spanish, French, and German.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Family Care and IRIS Programs Expand to Rock County
By SD Network, 2016-07-06
On July 1st, Family Care and IRIS expanded to Rock County. This will put an end to a waiting list for over 400 people who have been waiting for long-term care service. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock County has been counseling people, helping them decide which program best meets their needs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 26 at the end of July. The ADA improves lives of people with disabilities in many ways. This blog talks about some of them and discusses briefly how the Act was formed.
DISABILITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER: 10 Things to Know about Summer Fun & Safety
By SD Network, 2016-07-05
Summertime is usually thought of as a time to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. Families often take vacations to theme parks and waterparks, people play sports, etc... For many people with disabilities, though, the summer season can present a host of challenge. Are parks accessible? How can I stay safe in the heat? The list goes on and on.
Here is a great list of things to keep in mind about summer fun and safety. There are a bunch of links to helpful resources included in the list.
People with disabilities often struggle to stay physically active. Apple recently announced that the Apple Watch will soon allow people who use wheelchairs to track their activity level much like the fitness trackers allow for people running and walking. The software update coming in fall will apply wheelchair pushes to all-day calorie goals. It will also be to offer things such as wheelchair-specific workouts.
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.