News
As Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to an end, we know that most people with disabilities want to work, but there are numerous factors that play into it. Everything from scheduling, to getting appropriate accommodations , to having to about losing needed benefits. These are all major things that people with disabilities have to consider when looking for employment.
PARAMOUNT: CBS Announces Expansion of Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative with Paramount Global’s Annual Summit on Disability
By SD Network, 2023-10-29
CBS announced the continued expansion of "The CBS Performers with Disabilities Talent Initiative." Since its launch in September last year, CBS has made significant strides, hosting 3 audition workshops, conducting a casting 101 panel, and facilitating internal disability training for network executives. This initiative coincides with Paramount's second edition of its annual day-long Summit on Disability, dedicated to championing greater disability inclusion in the media and entertainment industry.
In addition, Paramount is proud to introduce Adapt, its ninth Employee Resource Group. Adapt is formed to enhance inclusion, visibility, belonging, and to drive positive change for people with disabilities, both in the workplace and in content, by educating, engaging, and empowering while removing barriers of exclusion for all Paramount employees.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: DHS Marks 25 Years of Aging and Disability Resource Centers Serving Wisconsin Communities
By SD Network, 2023-10-27
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs) helping older adults and people with disabilities in our state to thrive. ADRCs were first piloted in 1998 in nine counties and have since expanded to cover all 72 Wisconsin counties and 11 federally recognized Tribal Nations in the state, providing connections to resources like adaptive equipment, dementia care services, meal delivery, and more.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Aging and Disability Business Institute Launches Fifth CBO-Health Care Contracting Survey
By SD Network, 2023-10-27
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Survey closes Friday, December 1, 2023
The Aging and Disability Business Institute is seeking participation in the latest Community-Based Organization and Health Care Contracting Survey. They hope to hear about your health care contracting experiences.
If you have not received a unique link for your organization, use the link below to take the survey. The survey is open to all types of aging and disability community-based organizations (CBOs) and networks regardless of whether they are currently contracting with a health care entity. Your responses will be vitally important in understanding how CBOs and networks are contracting with health care entities to provide services to older adults and people with disabilities in a rapidly evolving market. The Business Institute will use the feedback from the survey to develop targeted resources that help raise the visibility of CBO-health care contracting and educate policymakers and health care professionals on the growing capacity of CBOs for this work. Organizations that complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary registration to a conference of their choice, valued at up to $900. If you have questions about completing the survey or are experiencing technical issues, contact the Survey Helpline at (855) 359-3033 or RFI5survey@MiamiOH.edu. Learn more about the CBO-Health Care Contracting Survey on the Business Institute’s website. |
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ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Call for Presentations: 2024 Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
By SD Network, 2023-10-27
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ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Request for Applications: Community Care Hub National Learning Community
By SD Network, 2023-10-27
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Self-Determination Network News:
October 2023
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org
It was another great Self-Determination Conference this year. We enjoyed seeing many of you in-person, and we're glad that people who couldn't make it could join virtually. What was your favorite part about it? Let's keep the conversation going! Share your comments, questions, and ideas. Join the conversation!
Congratulations to the 2023 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:
- Martha Chambers
- Rosie Bartel
- Ed Kastern
- Elsa Diaz Bautista
- John Shaw
- Susan Borri
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.
This month, we shined the spotlight on Melanie. This young lady is determined not to let her limitations stop her from living a successful life. She has many goals and she’s determined to meet them. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Melanie.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
Check out the Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content. Videos are posted a couple times a month on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
- "I want to inspire others."
- 2023 Self-Determination Conference Kick-Off Exhibits and Activities
- 2023 Self-Determination Conference Wrap Up Video
- Check out my new eye gaze system
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do so by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- New Home Care Program: Some patients can now get the same care at home as they would at the hospital. The Home-Based Hospital Care program, which began in July, allows patients to stay in a more comfortable place. Learn more about this program.
- Push for More Services and Supports in the Community: Every year, Medicaid spends more than $200 billion on long-term services and supports (LTSS) for people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Historically, over 80% of these funds were spent on institutional care in long-term care facilities. But, over the past thirty-plus years, in response to escalating LTSS expenditures and consumer preferences, both the federal and state governments have pushed to deliver more LTSS in the home and community. Read more about the efforts being done to make more services available.
- Input Needed: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting feedback on a proposed update to its mission statement. Comments due November 24th.
- Advocating for Marriage Equality: Disability advocates are staging a mass commitment ceremony on the National Mall in an effort to raise awareness about marriage penalties. Find out what advocates want.
- Annual Direct Care Workforce Report: Review a new annual snapshot of the direct care workforce, including its demographics, occupational roles, job quality challenges, and projected job openings.
- Inclusive Farm: A farm in Fredonia hires people with disabilities. Find out what "farm fellows" do.
- Inclusive Outdoors Recreation: People with disabilities often face obstacles or unwelcoming environments when they try to use outdoor spaces. Read about the growing movement that is actively working to challenge the barriers and promote inclusivity in outdoor recreation.
- Disability as a Health Disparity: The National Institutes of Health recently designated people with disabilities as a population with health disparities. Find out what this means.
- Self-driving Vehicles: Driverless vehicles are becoming more and more popular. Read about some of the pros and cons of these vehicles for people with disabilities.
- 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act: The 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act was in late September. Learn what this Act is responsible for.
- Family Care Concerns Continue: Wisconsin disability advocates continue to worry as for-profit companies buy two of the four nonprofit organizations that run Family Care. Find out why advocates are concerned.
- Airline Making Improvements: Following an investigation by the federal government after a complaint by a disability advocate, United Airlines has agreed to improve the experience for passengers who use wheelchairs. Read about what they're doing.
- Resource Line: The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is an easy way to get connected to the services you need. Learn about this resource,
- Proclamation: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Find out what this month recognizes.
- Aging Caregiver Resources: CMS released a set of resources addressing the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living with, and receiving care from, aging parents or guardians. Check them out.
- Watch: Actor and disability rights advocate Selma Blair and President Biden recently celebrated the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Watch their remarks.
- Effort to Update Limits: People who receive SSI are forced to live in poverty. However, read about how that may be changing.
- EVV for Home Health Care Services: Beginning January 1, 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services will require electronic visit verification (EVV) for home health care services and nurse supervisory visits. Learn what this means.
- Hotel Struggles: Staying in hotels can be a harrowing experience for people with disabilities. Find out about some of the hurdles people encounter.
- Enhancing Support for Immigrant Caregivers: A new report discusses the crucial role that immigrant direct care workers play in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities. Find out what it revealed.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Conference On Employment Of Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities: November 1st-2nd, Virtual
- Webinar: Accessible Bathing Rooms: November 2nd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Virtual
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.
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.
PHI: Bridging the Gap – Enhancing Support for Immigrant Direct Care Workers
By SD Network, 2023-10-13
Bridging the Gap discusses the crucial role that immigrant direct care workers play in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities. The report includes detailed overviews of immigrants in this workforce and offers federal-level policy recommendations, including providing work authorizations and pathways to citizenship, to better support these workers and improve the long-term care sector.