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

October 3, 2013

BadgerCare? Obamacare? Federal Shutdown? Oh My!

There's been a lot happening over the last couple weeks. First Wisconsin announced that 92,000 people would be taken off BadgerCare. Then the Health Insurance Marketplaces (through the Affordable Care Act - "Obamacare") opened up for enrollment. This happened at the same time that our US elected officials decided to "shutdown" the federal government. It's not surprising if you feel confused about how this all affects you. The SDS Network has added some resources and started a discussion to help you learn about what might help you, as well as how this is all affecting you. Please take some time to check these out and participate - Members are the best source of support for each other.

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:

• Join the Conversation: With everything that's happening at once - Obamacare, BadgerCare, and the federal shutdown - how are you being affected?

• Check Out New Resources: We've posted some resources about Health Insurance and some about the shutdown of the federal government. Please add whatever has helped you.

• Share your ideas: Julie is wondering about what questions you ask when hiring a support person or provider agency. Tell her what you think!

• Stay Up-to-Date: Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) appoints a new director, DanIdzikowski. Find out who he is and how you can contact him.

• Tell Your Story: BPDD is sponsoring the Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign. Find out how you can get involved.

Support the Network with "Five":

• We rely on contributions to keep the SDS Network in business. If you are finding it valuable to be a member,consider making a donation of five dollars or more, orbecoming a sponsor. For more information, contactDeb Wisniewski.

Join Us for a Coffee Break

Open Forum: October 16, 2013

The SDS Network Coffee Break this month will be an Open Forum. What questions do you have about self-directing your supports? How do you help other people self-direct? What are the biggest challenges for you or the people you support? We can also talk about BadgerCare, Obamacare, etc.... What do you want to talk about?

Join us and share your questions, as well as your ideas and experiences.There is no registration fee to participate, but you do need to be a Network member and RSVPs are welcome!

Welcome New Members

Stop by to welcome our newest members.

• She's an IRIS Outreach Specialist who adores her mom.
• She wants to help my family and other families to succeed with the freedoms that SDS provides.
  
• Sheis the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative at CESA #4.
  
• He's an educator who works with students who have disabilities.
• She's abig advocate of people taking charge of their own lives.
• She's an IRIS consultant.
• Sheworks at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Dane County asan Assessment and Planning Coordinator.
• This person is interested in self-employment.
• She's a support brokerwho works with people all over Wisconsin.

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

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:

• SDS Network Coffee Break: Open Forum, Oct. 16. Online Chat.
• Health Care Reform: What You Need to Know, Oct. 9. Online webinar - register now!
• Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference, Oct. 29-31., Wisconsin Dells, WI. - register now!
• And many more!

Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

DRW Appoints Daniel Idzikowski as Executive Director

Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), the states designated protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities, has hired Daniel Idzikowski as its Executive Director.

He assumed this position on September 30th.

Dan has a long impressive track record of working for social justice. Throughout his career Dan has advocated for and with disadvantaged populations across Wisconsin. He has collaborated with numerous organizations and government agencies to create innovative partnerships that advance justice, social equity, and economic opportunity. I am thrilled to help steward Disability Rights Wisconsin an organization with a tremendously talented staff committed to community collaboration and the empowerment of the disability community, Dan stated upon appointment.

Learn more about Dan.

Disability Rights Wisconsin is seeking an Executive Director who embodies a collaborative/ shared leadership style. A successful candidate will have the ability to make complex decisions swiftly, sometimes with limited information. He or she needs to inspire a culture where deep change brings opportunity and new approaches lead to systemic improvement. The Executive Directors primary responsibilities include providing visionary leadership for DRW, managing strategic planning and policy development, and supervising daily operations that include financial oversight, program development, staff supervision and fund development. The Executive Director provides information and counsel to the Board to facilitate its decision making processes, ensuring accountability to federal, state and local congressional mandates.

Deadline: July 26, 2013 To Learn More...

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

July 16, 2013

Show Your Pride!

Come celebrate Wisconsin's first Disability Pride Festival!Join us in Madison on July 27th to share our talents, skills, arts, energy, and pride in being who we are. This event builds on a long tradition of disability pride celebrations around the world. Our theme for this year is Forward to possibility.

Learn more about this exciting, upcoming event!

It Only Takes "Five"

Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the SDS Network:

• Advance Your Advocacy:Apply for Partners in Policymaking.Self-advocates and family members of a person with a developmental disability (DD) who want to improve their leadership skills are encouraged to apply.

• Member Spotlight: Meet Carrie Bublitz-Cardarella, a passionate and energetic advocate and friend, as well as one of the people who worked to make Elven Stedpossible. Also find out about an update for a member previously in the Spotlight, Kate Parizek, who was recently honored with an award for her community work.

• Make a Difference:If you are passionate about making a change that will improve the lives of people with disabilities in your community, apply for a SPARKS grant from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD).

• Job Opening: Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is now accepting applications for Executive Director. Deadline: July 23, 2013.

• Tell Your Story: BPDD is sponsoring a public awareness campaign, called Better Together. The goal is to raise awareness about the many important roles that individuals with disabilities play in our lives and communities.

Support the Network with "Five":

• We rely on contributions to keep the SDS Network in business. If you are finding it valuable to be a member,consider making a donation of five dollars or more, orbecoming a sponsor. For more information, contactDeb Wisniewski.

Join Us for a Coffee Break

Many people don't realize that they can use Self-Directed Supports (SDS) regardless of whether they use Family Care or IRIS for their supports. Join us at one or both of these upcoming Coffee Breaksto share your ideas and questions, to get more connected, andto learn how these two programs enable people to use SDS,. Remember that Network Coffee Breaks are not presentations - they areinformal, livediscussions (chats) on the Network, open to all members.

SDS and Family Care, July 24, 2013:

Do you use Family Care for your supports? How do you self-direct within Family Care? What questions do you have about how Family Care can support your efforts to be self-directed? Join our special guest, Cathy Derezinski, from Community Cares of Central Wisconsin (a Family Care Managed Care Organization).

SDS and IRIS, August 21, 2013:

Do you self-direct your supports through IRIS? Or are you wondering how IRIS can work for you or someone you care about? Maybe you're just not sure what IRIS is. Join our special guest for this Coffee Break,Brenda Bauer, from The Management Group (the IRIS Consultant Agency).

Welcome New Members

Stop by to welcome our newest member.

• She's an IRIS consultant, amom, daughter, sister, wife and friend.
• She'd like to see things that work come to her community.
• She's thethecoordinator for the grassroots group ActionNet.
  
• She's the Assistant Director at Options for Independent Livingin Northeast Wisconsin.
• She's a parent fromNew Glarus, WI.
• Her work currently focuses on transition and employment, school inclusion and teacher preparation.
• She's got a "sassy" mom and will be our guest at the Network Coffee Break in August.
• She has a son who uses SDS.
  
  
  

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

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the SDS Network:

• SDS Network Coffee Break: SDS and Family Care, July 24.Online
• Disability Pride Festival, July 27. Madison, WI
• SDS Network Coffee Break: SDS and IRIS, August 21. Online
• Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference, Oct. 29-31., Wisconsin Dells, WI.
• And many more!

Post your event on the SDS Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Contact Deb Wisniewski at scgwis@gmail.com

Thanks to the sponsors of the SDS Network!

This month's issue ofThe Riot!is called "What's in Your Cookbook? Tips & Tricks to Spice Up Self-Advocacy". If you haven't read The Riot! before, it's time you checked out this great resource.

Here's what the writers of The Riot! have to say about themselves and their publication:

Self-advocates are people with disabilities who speak up for themselves and others. Self-advocates speak up with spoken words, sign language, letter boards or in ways unique to each person.

The Riot is about self-advocacy. We offer a newsletter, a blog where self-advocates can share opinions, an online art gallery, toolkits, games and services to help individuals become stronger self-advocates. We cover topics that are important to self-advocates. And we really dont like silly rules that just keep people down.

We are serious about self-advocacy issues, but we also want to make you laugh and feel good about life. Join us to celebrate the strengths of self-advocates. Help take on the barriers that stand in the way. Most of all, lets work together to help people live the life they want with the support they need.

How are you involved with self-directed supports and self-determination? Why did you join the SDNetwork?

I have been involved with adults who have developmental disabilities and focusing on their life in the community for 33 years. I have known since I was in high school that I was not someone destined for corporate life, but rather that my work was meant to be working side by side with individuals who have a disability. To my good fortune that often has come with family, friends and community who surround those individuals. Working with people to identify the possibilities their lives hold and working toward the realization of hopes and dreams for their futures has been my lifes work and passion. I have met wonderful people and have been part of people's community-based homes and lives for many years. Being part of this ever-growing and transforming movement of life in the community and self-determination has been a blessing in my life. I was asked to help host the SDSnetworkand my hope is that through conversation and connectedness, that we together can find a sense of common purpose and sharing through this on line community.

The most exciting thing for me personally, at this juncture in my life, is that I amnetworkingwith people from around Wisconsin and the United Stated and finding that this movement is BIG! I moved to Madison in 1982 because it was where things were happening- creative, innovative and ground breaking. Today, widening my scope, outside of the world of residential supports in Dane County, I see this movement is BIG around the world! I have met people in the past several years from England, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Canada, Michigan, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, my dear home town of Madison, etcand am so excited to be living and learning in a widenetworkof passionate and energetic people who get-it! I guess I shouldnt be surprised. While I was working hard on a micro level, the world just kept charging forward around this on a macro level! Its awesome!

My tip is, be sure to tell your story. There is wisdom to be drawn on and information deep in your life stories that tell others, in a special way, who you are, whats important to you and what makes you tick. If people are listening well and looking to discover and realize what you are all about, your stories will go a great way in identifying those things. Personally, I believe that telling your life story through conversation goes much farther than answering a lot of questions about yourself on a piece of paper.

Also, identify your gifts; if you dont know what they are, just think about what you have to offer with your head, your hands and your heart. If you cant come up with it on your own, ask those who surround you in your life. You will be surprised with how the list grows once you start asking. Examine and think about what others say your gifts are. Gifts, talents, strengths, what you bring to others lives will be the beginning of your own discovery process and your journey of sharing and building on your lifes dreams.

Identify and grow yournetwork; these are your friends, family, acquaintances, fellow workers, neighbors etc,.., its amazing when people know your stories and dreams where that will lead. People will often reach out to help you discover your lifes goals once they know you value and acknowledge them as important in your life.

Thisnetworkis our common ground, were united by the thread of self-determination and self direction, lets make the most of it. The SDSnetworkis our community so lets engage. We can connect, have conversation, learn, or just run things by one another. The sky is the limit, but it takes each of us to extend ourselves out just a little bit. I know, I myself have wondered about what to post, wondered if it was the appropriate forum, thought about how to word things etc. My commitment is to no longer let that questioning voice get in the way of putting myself out there andnetworkingwith you all. I ask you to do the same. One thing I did do, which you too may find helpful, is make the SDSNetworkone of my home pages. Everyday when I log on to the internet, the SDSnetworkopens up and I have the opportunity to see whats new or better yet to comment and share.

I actually have had a dream vacation that I want to relive. How about that? I went to Grand Cayman Island about 20 years ago on a fluke. It was one of those last minute unbelievable deals that my husband and I could not pass up. To tell you the truth I didnt even know the first thing about the Cayman islands when I got on the plane. The 7-day vacation was such a beautiful experience that I want to go back. The land, the water, the people, were all amazing and beautiful. My favorite experience while on Grand Cayman was snorkeling. I took a sailboat out to a reef and swam with stingrays! I also snorkeled in a beautiful cove where schools of fish came and surrounded me and I swam with them. I could feel their little bodies swimming all around me. It was surreal.

My immediate community is Windsor/DeForest Wisconsin. I have lived here for about 19 years. Its a suburb about 5 minutes north of Madison. Its very green and country-like, but close to all the amenities of Madison. Perfect! The first thing I noticed out here is the country wave. Everybody waves when you drive by. Its heartwarming! I have great neighbors who have come to be good friends over the years. I love country walks and all the natural beauty I live near. As far as Madison; I love the openness, the people, the creativity, the lakes, the neighborhood festivals and the community as a whole. I couldnt think of a better place to live.

Meet Martha Oie, Northwoods gal and Community Connector Extraordinaire. She can't help herself... When she meets you, Martha immediately begins to look for connections, for places where you can share your talents and gifts. Learn more about Martha as we shine the Member Spotlight on her.

Why did you join the SD Network?

I joined the Network to share stories. People learn from each other and I try to do anything I can to widen my network of people. I use the social media that works for me, depending on what Im working on.

Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening in terms of self-determination or Self-Directed Supports?

There are a lot of cool connections happening for folks. People are starting to focus on their skills and assets to find ways of helping each other. A couple of people I know who cant read or write are providing cares to some other people. It works for everyone theyre employed and the people theyre supporting are getting great care. Another couple has a farm and are worrying that they wont be able to pay the mortgage. So were getting them connected to some folks who might want to rent out some of their land to focus on sustainable agriculture. Everyone wins that way!

Were also working to make our local timebank (http://www.timetradersnorth.org) more effective. Were learning how help it grow & develop, connecting to more networks. Were learning to ask people, What do you have to offer? Its about the person I can do this, see me for who I am, take the time to know me.

What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to direct their own supports, or who would want to be more self-determined?

Get connected to the Internet. Look for special programs to get Internet in your home or use the computers at the public library. The Internet provides access to education, whats happening in the world, whats happening in your community.

What message would you like to share with the members of the SD Network?

Focus on what you have (not what you dont have). Join groups youre interested in local book clubs, etc. Start small and get started. Access whats local bring what you have.

What famous person have you met or would like to meet?

I know Rudi Stajduhar, whos originally from Croatia. He was spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General, Kurt Waldheim. I spend time with him every year and learn so much from him. Hes 93 yrs old and still reads a lot. He inspires me in so many ways.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both! I dont know which Id pick. We have 2 dogs & 4 cats. The cats tend to hide out.

Thanks to Theresa Kulow for sharing the following information with us.

Check out this informative article about how the series of automatic, across-the-board cuts to federal government spending totaling $1.2 trillion over the course of 10 years are set to take effect this Friday, March 1. Dubbed sequestration these cuts, if implemented, will be split between defense and domestic discretionary spending.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) outlines how these cuts wouldimpact people with disabilities and their families. Read more aboutwhat sequestration would mean for people with disabilities.