Oftentimes, camping is thought of as an fun summertime activity in Wisconsin.  However, for many people with physical disabilities, tent camping is too difficult.  To try to accomodate people who have physical challenges, the Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources has 10 wheelchair-accessible log cabins around the state.  The cabins are equipt with things such as two hospital beds, a Hoyer lift, and a shower-commode chair.  

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Meet Chad Murphy-Price.  This man doesn’t know the meaning of the word “impossible”. As an avid waterskier and public speaker, he fully believes in the power of self-determination.   Being able to self-direct his personal care attendants has allowed him to go on many trips and speaking engagements that he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.   Chad has an incredible outlook on life which he uses to inspire others everyday.  We are so fortunate to have him as a member of the Network.

How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?

Chad joined the SD Network because he wanted to help others become more self-determined in their lives.  He finds it very rewarding to be able to self-direct his care attendants when he goes on trips and speaking engagements.  He says it makes him feel very self-determined.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?

Right now, Chad is really looking forward to being the keynote speaker at the Speak Up Speak Out Conference in Chicago at the end of October.  He presents about livin

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?

The tip Chad would like to share with others is “no matter how hard or how difficult things may seem, always remember to continue the very best you can, and that will in turn get you through the times."

What are some of your hobbies?

In his free time, Chad enjoys doing website design and adaptive waterskiing..  He skies with the Pewaukee Lake Waterski Club every Thursday in summer.

 ***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.

Medicaid officials want states to do more to make sure that people with disabilities have access to services to remain in the community.  Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released guidelines states and services can take to ensure a strong home care workforce is in place.  States are also being urged to create registries to help people find qualified home care workers.

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Vanderbilt University has designed a virtual reality simulator to help teens who have autism learn how to drive.   It's specifically designed to teach people the basic rules of the road, and it also collects information about ways they react to situations.  It then can alter the scenarios with varying degrees of difficulty to provide people with the training they need.  Overall, trials of this program have had positive results, but more research needs to be done.

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Circles of Life Conference - CALL FOR PRESENTERS!!

The Call for Presenter application and instructions are now available on the COL website! The conference will be held May 4-5, 2017 at the Holiday Inn, Stevens Point and draws 400 - 500 families who have children with special needs from around the state. The deadline is October 7th.

The Circles of Life Conference Planning Committee encourages you to submit an application!

http://www.circlesoflifeconference.com/call-for-presenters/

More and more television shows are bringing the notion of disability into storylines.  While there are still many  troublesome factors associated with this (such  as exploiting disabilities and characters are usually played by an actor without a disability), having disability in the storylines is helping society gain a new perspective on disability.  The show "Born This Way" (which is about seven young adults living with Down Syndrome) is gaining popularity. The show doesn't focus on Down Syndrome but rather by how the cast pursue their passions and dreams.  

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The most common characteristic  among people with disabilities in the US is living near or in poverty. Nearly, one in three Americans with disabilities currently lives in poverty.  There are many reasons contributing to this statistic.  Limited access to educational and employment opportunities are just two of  the many factors. Racial disparities also factor in.  The National Disability Institute has started a campaign called DISABLE POVERTY that aims to build awareness around disability, financial capability, and poverty.

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