The Department of Justice has published a new 9-page ADA technical assistance document,http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA|http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDF, to further assist covered entities and people with disabilities to understand how the ADAs service animal provisions apply to them. The document answers questions that continue to be asked since the publication of the Departments 2011 document,http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals.

***Thanks to the Great Lakes ADA Center for this information.

Another interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about the new rules the IRS is proposing for the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act. She explains some of the proposed guidelines and implications.

IRS Proposes Rules For New ABLE Accounts

By Michelle Diament

Six months after a federal lawpavedthe way for tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities, officials are providing details on how they expect the new program to operate.

In aproposed ruleissued Monday, the Internal Revenue Service unveiled guidelines for the Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act. The federal law is designed to allow people with disabilities to save money without risking their government benefits.

The proposal offers specifics for the first time on how the new accounts should function and clarifies what types of expenses money saved in an ABLE account could be used for.

Advocates say theyre pleased that the IRS took a lenient view in determining what counts as qualified disability expenses under the law. Though the ABLE Act mandates that money can be used for specific purposes including transportation, housing and education, the law also allows for other expenses and it is up to regulators to determine what should qualify.

The Treasury Department and the IRS conclude that the term qualified disability expenses should be broadly construed to permit the inclusion of basic living expenses and should not be limited to expenses for items for which there is a medical necessity or which provide no benefits to others in addition to the benefit to the eligible individual, the proposal states.

The view that expenses must merely offer a quality of life benefit for a person with a disability rather than be of medical merit is significant, said Heather Sachs, vice president of advocacy and public policy at the National Down Syndrome Society.

Were glad to see that a person with a disability would not have to justify the purchase of an iPhone or something similar as a medical expense, Sachs said.

Other details within the proposal are causing concern, however. The reporting and oversight requirements outlined go beyond those governing 529 college savings plans that the ABLE accounts were modeled on and could make the disability savings vehicles onerous to administer or utilize, advocates and state officials say.

As I read the proposed regulations, every time individuals with disabilities want to spend even a single dollar of their money, from their own ABLE accounts, they have to file paperwork with the state demonstrating that each is a qualified disability expense,' said Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg. This is a slap in the face of Americans with disabilities, is an unreasonable and unnecessary burden on them, and will create administrative burdens that will increase the costs qualified individuals will need to pay to use the program.

The proposed rules will be up for public comment for 90 days before the IRS issues final regulations.

In the meantime, several states are working to make the ABLE Act a reality for their residents. Despite the federal law, each state must put their own regulations in place before making the accounts available.

Currently, the ABLE Act has been enacted in 22 states, according to the National Down Syndrome Society. Each of these states, however, is still working out details related to administering the program.

Sachs said she expects that states will likely wait for the final IRS rules to be issued before allowing financial institutions to begin offering ABLE accounts.

Source:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/23/irs-proposes-rules-able/20401/

This is an interesting article inDisability Scoopwritten by Michelle Diament about how a bipartisan group of senators who are proposing a bill which wouldprovide financial incentives to states for helping people with disabilities live and work in the community. Under the bill, a five-year program would be established in 10 states. It will be interesting to see what comes of this.

Under Bill, Medicaid Would Incentivize Community-Based Options

By Michelle Diament

A bipartisan group of senators is looking to provide financial incentives to states for helping people with disabilities live and work in the community.

The lawmakers want to establish a new Medicaid demonstration program that would offer financial bonuses to states for encouraging community-based outcomes. Under a bill introduced this week, a five-year program would be established in 10 states.

States have financial disincentives to do more under the current system. This bill would try something different, said the measures chief sponsor, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. For participating states, it would change the incentives and help states do what theyd really like to do to better serve individuals with disabilities.

Specifically, the legislation known as the Transition to Independence Act would offer bonus payments to participating states for meeting certain benchmarks. Payments would be tied to increasing integrated employment and decreasing jobs paying subminimum wage, those located in segregated settings and day habilitation placements for individuals with disabilities receiving Medicaid-funded home or community-based services.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

It has support from a wide range of disability advocacy groups including the American Association of People with Disabilities, the American Network of Community Options and Resources, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, the National Down Syndrome Congress and Autism Speaks.

Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/06/19/under-bill-incentivize/20397/

Register Now for the WI Self-Determination Conference!

Register Online

The Monday evening Kick-Off event In All FAIRness is set in a State Fair atmosphere and will feature interactive games, Fair food and fun all focused on learning more about disability rights, advocacy, and the ADA.

Keynotes/General Sessions

Join us inMoving Self-Determination Forward!
#SDMovingForward

BPDD is developing a new five year state plan. We need your input!

Weigh in on the Future of Managed Care
in Wisconsin: Submit Comments byJuly 27

Exhibit at the 2015 Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference! Be part of this amazing conference that brings over 700 people together from all over Wisconsin!

Exhibit tables will be available onTuesday, Nov. 10 and Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Space is limited and only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, and mission of the conference.

Microenterprises run by people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!

Conference details:
2015 WI Self-Determination Conference
Kalahari Resort
Wisconsin Dells, WI
November 9-11, 2015

Applications can be downloaded from the website:http://wi-bpdd.org/sdc/2015/exhibit.cfm

If you have questions, contact Jenny Neugart atjennifer.neugart@wisconsin.govor(608) 261-7528.

Self-Determination Network News June 2015

Connect|Share|Learn|http://sdnetworkwi.org/

25^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

This summer is the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Celebrations are taking place across the country including in Wisconsin. The ADA Legacy Bus Tour is making three stops across the state and there are many other events going on as well. Weve created a special page listing events that are going on in Wisconsin for the ADA 25^th. We encourage you to check out some of the events!

Budget Proposal Update

As many of you know, on Wednesday May 27th, the Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 on a motion that pulls the original proposed long-term care changes from the state budget, but includes significant changes to Wisconsin's Family Care/IRIS programs that would begin in 2017.

Changes in the motion include:

• Expands Family Care/IRIS statewide byJanuary 1, 2017.
• Changes the size of regions currently served by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) so there are no less than 5 regions.
• Requires multiple Integrated Health Agencies (IHAs) in each region that can be for-profit insurance companies.
• Lifts the limits on profits and administrative costs on all entities providing Family Care.
• Ends IRIS as a separate Medicaid program, and requires IHAs to have a consumer-directed option that allows developing plans and allows people to select their own providers, thus folding the existing IRIS program into managed care oversight.
• Directs the Department of Health Services (DHS) to consult with stakeholders before final waiver request development, with no details on who those stakeholders would be or how they would be consulted.
• Retains Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) and require DHS to evaluate the functional screen and options counseling reliability and consistency across ADRCs and require DHS to study ADRC governing boards and provide a report on proposed changes to the requirements of boards to remove duplication.

The full Legislature still has to vote on the entire state budget. This vote is expected to take place on June 30^th, so now is the VERY critical time to take action!

Join us for another Coffee Break!

Coffee Break: Wisconsin's State Budget and the Future of Long-Term Care Programs: Wednesday July 1^st from 9am to 9:30am

Wisconsin's state legislature iscurrently developing our next state budget. Right now, we know that substantial changes to the long-term care system (including Family Care, IRIS and ADRCs) are being considered as part of that budget. By July 1st, we should have a pretty good idea about what will be included.

Join us for a Coffee Break withLynn Breedlove, board president of InControl Wisconsin outspoken advocate for self-determination, as we talk about what we know (and don't know) about the future of the long-term care system in Wisconsin. Bring your questions, comments, etc. as our Coffee Breaks are an opportunity to talk with each other about topics we care about.

The Coffee Break is a live discussion (written chat) on the Network, open to all members. Each Coffee Break has a different theme - participants will be asked to share their thoughts, questions, ideas and challenges on the subject.

You can join the discussion (chat) any time during the Coffee Break. Just sign in on the SD Network during the time you want to participate on the Network and then go to the Chat Room.

There's no need to register - however, it would help if you would RSVP so we have some idea if you will be joining us.

Take our One-Minute Poll

In our last one-minute poll, we asked people what they thought of the Joint Finance Committee's announcement regarding long-term care. About 26% of people were glad they acknowledged the concerns, but thought more work needed to be done. Over 60% of people were disappointed by the announcement and felt the Joint Finance Committee ignored the concerns. Roughly 7% of people reported that they were confused by the announcement.

To lighten things up a bit, this month were asking what your favorite summer activity is. Take our one-minute poll now!

Check out this months Member Spotlight

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.

For this month, we shine the Spotlight on Mary Sykes. As a strong advocate for people with disabilities, she is very passionate about person-centered planning. Stop by this monthsMember Spotlightand get to know Mary!

Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:

• Impact of the ADA: Read this great story about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has impacted one Wisconsin mans life.
• Learn: This is an interesting article about how statistics show people with disabilities are more likely to be victims of violent crime.
• Google Initiative: Read about how Google is putting up millions for a disability initiative.
• Be Inspired: This is a great storyabout a man who has learned to look beyond his physical disability.
• Rise in Providers: An interesting article about the rise in providers serving people with disabilities.
• Changes in Managed Care: This is a very interesting article about the proposed changes to Medicaid.
• Financial Effort Program: Read about a new program federalofficials are launching in effort to help people with disabilities become more financially independent.
• SPARK Grants: The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to help local groups work on identified changes in their communities through grassroots community organizing. Application deadline is July 31^st.
• Become a Partner in Policymaking: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities' Partners in Policymaking is a six-session advocacy and systems change training program designed to develop a group of future leaders across the state. Applications due September 1^st.
• Family Grants: Family Voices of Wisconsin is offering funding and technical assistance will be provided to family-led projects designed to improve Wisconsins systems of support for family members who have children and youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs. Application deadline is July 3^rd.
• Housing Costs: This is an interesting article about how a new study finds housing too expensive for with disabilities living on SSI.
• Post news or start a discussion: It's easy to do and a great way to share information and network with others!

Stacys Journal

This month Stacy discusses the importance of time management for people with disabilities. We encourage you to ask her questions and/or share your experiences as well.

New Members

Stop by to welcomeour newest members

• This person is an advocate for her adult children.
• Shes a caregiver who believes in self-direction.
• As a caregiver for people with disabilities, shes very concerned with the budget proposal.
• This self-advocate wants to help enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• This parent and advocate wants to become more familiar with self-determination.
• Shes the Executive Service Manager for a company that supports self-direction.

Do you know someone who should join the Self-Determination Network? Spread the word and invite friends, families and other interested folks!

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample ofupcoming eventslisted on the Self-Determination Network:

• ADA Free Pontoon Boat Rides on Madison Lakes: June 14^th to August 16^th, Tenney Park, Madison WI
• From Self Advocacy to Self Determination: June 23^rd to the 24^th, Radison Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay WI
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Madison Stop: June 25^th, 11am to 4pm, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison WI
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Milwaukee Stop: June 26^th, 10am to 4pm, Harley-Davidson Museum and Curative Rehabilitation Lot at Milwaukee County Medical Complex, Milwaukee WI
• Guardianship and Power of Attorney Seminar: June 26^th, 5pm, Racine County Public Works Building Auditorium, Sturtevant WI
• Coffee Break: Wisconsin's State Budget and the Future of Long-Term Care Programs: July 1^st, 9am to 9:30am, SD Network Chat Room
• ADA Legacy Bus Tour Superior Stop: July 7^th, 12:30pm to 3pm, Mariner Mall, Superior WI
• MILC's 15th and the ADA's 25th Celebration: July 15^th, 3pm to 7pm, Midstate Independent Living Consultants, Inc., Stevens Point WI
• Wheels & Heels: July 17^th, 5pm to 9pm, Festa
• Itailana, Milwaukee WI
• Story Slam: July 20^th, 7pm to 9pm, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee WI
• Milwaukee Brewers vs Cleveland: July 22^nd, 1pm, Miller Park, Milwaukee WI
• Adaptive Sports and Recreation Expo: July 25^th, 9am to 2pm, Nathan Hale High School, West Allis WI
• 3rd Annual Disability Pride Festival: July 25^th, 12pm to 5pm, Brittingham Park, Madison WI
• State-wide Institute on Best Practices in Inclusive Education 2015: July 27^th to 29^th, Westwood Conference Center, Wausau WI
• Self-Determination Conference: November 9^thto 11^th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
  

Post your eventon 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 In Control Wisconsin and supported financially by ourmembersandSponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.