Roughly 13% of Americans have a disability. It's widely known that this puts them at a disadvantage in terms of employment. People have to decide whether or not to self identify as having a disability. This article discusses the pros and cons of self identification of the employment process.

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There's a presidential election coming up in 2024, and, while it seems a little early to think about, there are some key issues voters with disabilities will be raising. Topics such as long-term care, benefits, education, Covid policies, voting access, ADA enforcement, and institutions and mandated treatment will be some of the issues disability advocates will be watching closely.

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Family Careis designed to keep low-income disabled adults and the elderly out of nursing homes and enable them to live in their own homes. It provides the kind of care that many people will come to need at some point. Advocates are worried after two for-profit insurance companies are on track to take over the program. They worry that needed equipment and services will be denied.

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Meet Brandon. This camera enthusiast is a freelance content creator and also works as a communications assistant at a local television station. He’s determined not to let people tell him what he can and cannot do. He encourages people to think about how they can work around the challenges that they face and show others that there are many different ways of doing things. We’re so fortune to have him as a member of the Network.

What's your story?  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Brandon is a freelance content creator and a communications assistant from Watertown. He tells us that throughout his life, people keep assuming what he can and can't do. He always has/had to prove he can do it, but in his own way. “Having one leg and a speech impairment can be hard at times but I work around the challenges,” he says.

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

Brandon wants to encourage others that they can do stuff, but in their own ways. “I want to show that, even though we are “different” and have “different abilities,” it doesn’t mean we can do stuff as “normal” people do; we just do things in our own “different” way,” he explains.

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

Some exciting news for Brandon is that he applied for first apartment. He has always lived with his parents.  He shares that he needs to challenge himself even more by doing things on his own and living on his own. “Of course, I’m excited to move out, so I have more freedom to do my own stuff I’m my own way,” he enthusiastically replies when asked if he was looking forward to moving out.

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

Brandon encourages people to look at their challenges in life, and think it through how can they work around them--show people you can do it in your own way!

What are some of your hobbies?

For Brandon, his “hobbies” are also part of his jobs. He enjoys doing camera work and graphic design. He also occasionally enjoys playing wrestling video games.

***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.

Wisconsin is currently the only state that doesn't have an ABLE program, which provides a tax-free savings account for people with disabilities. Currently, Wisconsinites can open accounts in other states, but not many have. A bill in the legislature would allow people in Wisconsin to open accounts. 

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It's widely known that people with disabilities are significantly less likely to get a job than the general population. However, the new tight job market has created new opportunities for people with disabilities. The increase in remote work has also helped. Workers with disabilities are more likely to be employed in four industries versus workers without disabilities: retail, leisure and hospitality, agriculture, and public administration.

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A new bill would require most public buildings in Wisconsin to have at least one universal adult-sized changing station in its restrooms. It would increase personal hygiene access for people who have disabilities. 

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The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has published its 2023 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. There is a public comment period open through Wednesday, September 27 (approximately midnight, 11:59 a.m.). Your feedback is very important, and we hope you’ll take the time to participate in this opportunity. Visit http://www.wisconsindot.gov/ada to find the plan, along with an overview video presentation and options to comment using the web, email or standard U.S. Mail.