News
Survival Coalition conducted a survey about the direct care workforce crisis and received over 500 responses. Overwhelmingly, the results showed that people are not getting the help they need to live safe, healthy and independent lives in the community.
With service dogs becoming seemingly more and more popular these, there are lots of misconceptions out there about service animals. A service dog trainer complied a list of common misconceptions people have about service dogs. She does a nice job of explaining why the misconceptions are wrong.
A new free app helps people with hearing impairments detect dangerous sounds, communicate with people, make emergency calls and dance to music. One of the app's founders is deaf and has been essential in developing it. The app, BeWarned, has four main features:
- Sound Monitor-- it detects possible dangerous sounds and alerts the user with flashing lights and vibration signals
- Connect--this allows users to communicate with others by using a special chat feature
- Dance-- this feature allows users to enjoy music which is converted into vibration signals or flashing lights
- Emergency Call-- allows users to inform family and friends about an emergency situation he/she is in
BeWarned is free and is currently available for Android and iOS.
November 2016
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Proposed 40 Hour Work Week Rule
The Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS) has proposed a new 40-hour rule for IRIS, limiting the amount of time that a staff person may work for you. At this point, DHS is putting it on hold while they work on revisions of this rule. The Survival Coalition, a cross-disability advocacy coalition, has made recommendations about the proposed rule. After you read more about the proposed rule and recommendations, share your thoughts about it in this discussion.
Diehard Award Winners
We want to congratulate this year's Diehard Award winners who were recognized at the Self-Determination Conference.These individuals received a Diehard Award for going above and beyond in supporting the lives of people with disabilities. Please help us congratulate and thank these people for their outstanding advocacy efforts:
- Beth Wroblewski
- Olivia Quigley
- Nikki Vander Meulen
- Sherry Gundlach
- Kristy Bridenhagen
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Public Transit-Human Services Coordination: November 29th, 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m., Milwaukee County Zoo Zoofari Conference Center, Milwaukee WI
- AbilityWI Now: November 30th, 9p.m. to 10p.m., Online Radio Broadcast
- Transportation and Equality Summit: December 3rd, 9a.m. to 5p.m., Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee WI
- Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities Quarterly Meeting: January 26th, 9a.m. to 4:30p.m., Skype, Telephone, or Crowne Plaza, Madison WI
- 2017 Multiple Perspectives Conference: April 13th to 17th, Ohio State's Columbus Campus, Columbus OH
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.
In this month's entry, Stacy discusses misconceptions many have about people with disabilities and how she handles them. Have you been in similar situations? We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Person-Centered Planning: Person-Centered Planning is becoming more and more popular. Learn about a new approach to help people evaluate risk and the power of having choices.
- ABLE Act Changes Draw Backlash: Many disability advocacy groups are opposing changes to the ABLE Act. Find out why.
- Event Accessibility: Whether it's a large convention or a small meeting, event planners often struggle to make sure that events are accessible to all people. Read about a document that has been created to help event planners ensure events are accessible to all people.
- Benefits Increase: Find out how much Social Security benefits will increase next year.
- Communications Technology Accessibility Report: The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission released its report on the state of accessibility of communications technology under the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. Learn what the report entails.
- Voting Rights: Even though the election is over, this is an interesting blog about problems voters with disabilities had in the 2012 election. Did you or someone you know experience problems while voting this year?
- MiABLE: Michigan recently launched its program for ABLE accounts. Learn about the program.
- Service Dog Case: A very interesting case about the right to have a service dog in school is making national headlines. Read about this historic case.
- Air Travel Rule: Thanks to a final rule by the Department of Transportation, some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved. Find out how this rule will help.
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.
DISABLED WORLD: New Rule Requires US Airlines to Report Wheelchair and Scooter Transport and Damage
By SD Network, 2016-11-08
Some air travel challenges for people with disabilities may be relieved thanks to a final ruling by the Department of Transportation. The ruling requires large domestic airlines to track and report information about wheelchairs and scooters. Beginning in 2017, airlines will report how many wheelchairs and scooters that are put in cargo on a monthly basis. They will be also required to report how many wheelchairs and scooters are lost, damaged, etc... The hope is that this data will show what specific areas training needs to happen to reduce damages and meet the requirements of the Air Carrier Access Act.
A very interesting case about the right to have a service dog in school is making national headlines. The case is about a school district in Michigan who banned a student from bringing her service dog to school. The dog was specially trained to do such things as open doors, pick up items, and provide the girl with some independence. However, the school said an adult assistant could provide all the assistance she needed. There was question whether or not the family could directly sue the school or if they had to go through aadministrative proceedings first to try to settle it. The girl ended up transferring to another school district where the dog was welcomed, but the family is suing the school district under the ADA because they refused to accommodate the dog for over two years. They're seeking emotional damages. The ruling is expected in June
In the 2012 election, 30% of voters reported problems while voting. Various problems ranged from different physical barriers, to the subject of mental competency. This blog discusses some of the issues and what needs to be done to ensure voting is accessible for everyone.
Michigan recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Michigan, the program is known as "MiABLE." 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 Michigan as well as across the country.