WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, reminds everyone that we have iPads (including a mini and an iTouch) available for short-term loans for 30 days. The iPads can be pre-loaded and customized with applications that a person may want to try out, at no cost to the individual. 

The program provides the opportunity for people with disabilities, their family members, and/or support network the ability to decide if an iPad with apps will meet their goals related to living, working, or learning independently.

To begin the process of loaning out an iPad,  please visit Wisconsin AT4ALL. After you create a free account, you can search for an iPad under the Department of Health Services (DHS) program. Once you add the iPad to your cart and click "check out," a request will automatically be sent to DHS Staff. You will then be contacted after receiving the request to gather a few more details and process the short-term loan. 

Wisconsin AT4ALL is a great way to learn about what other devices are available for loan and demonstration. An assistive technology inventory list can also be accessed through the WIAT4ALL website. This statewide inventory list includes devices that are free or for sale.

If you have specific questions please reach out to us via email.

After a federal judge ruled that people with disabilities could receive assistance returning their ballot, the Wisconsin Elections Commission issued guidance about how people can assist.  The person returning the ballot has to identify themself as an "agent".  Agents can't be the voter's employer, an agent of the employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union.

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Wisconsin voters with disabilities recently breathed a sigh of relief when a US District Judge said that voters with disabilities can receive assistance returning their ballot despite a state Supreme Court ruling.  The judge said that the federal Voting Rights Act allows it.

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Meet Hannah. When this very determined lady isn’t working or volunteering in her community, you may find her doing a wide array of hobbies. Hannah has great family and friends who she loves spending time with. She’s even learning a new language in hopes of communicating better with her family in Iran. We’re so fortune to have her as a member of the Network!

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

Hannah is 25 years old and lives in Elm Grove. She shares that she has Down Syndrome.  “I am living my best life to the fullest,” she exclaims. She moved into her own apartment in January. She loves having her own space and doing the things she wants to do. She explains that her dad was from Iran in the Middle East and that she is Muslim. Unfortunately, her dad passed away in 2013, but she is managing her life the way she knows that he would have wanted her to. She has a mom and a sister whose name is Nahal. They have a dog named Millie. She explains that she loves her family because they are really close and have a lot of fun together. “We like to have fun and be silly sometimes,” she says.

Hannah works a Pick N Save in the floral and bakery departments. She works three days per week and loves it. She also enjoys volunteering. She has volunteered at the Milwaukee County Zoo where she fed the giraffes, and she has volunteered at the Humane Society as well. “I love volunteering,” she says. She is really active in her community and loves social outings. 

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

Hannah is very involved in the Down Syndrome Association in West Allis. She attends classes they offer virtually. One of her favorite classes was the Globe class where they learned about different countries. She tells us that they also went to theaters and helped with things like will call tickets and handed out programmed. She volunteers at the Association as well. “It’s my favorite place. Everyone is awesome,” she exclaims! 

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

Hannah shared a couple of exciting things with us. First, she wanted to tell us that she has a great group of friends that she loves spending time with. She’s been friends with her best friend since they were babies. They went to the same schools have a lot of fun together. One of the best memories she has is when she was prom queen her junior year of high school!

Another exciting thing happening for Hannah is that she is working with a tutor to learn a little bit of the Farsi language and the Iranian culture. By doing this, she is hoping to be able to communicate with her Persian family a little bit.  

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

Hannah suggests sharing your hopes and dreams with your family and friends so they can help you try to achieve them. She tells us that she has a lot of great family and friends who take time to learn about her dreams and help come up with ideas how to make them happen. She also does a vision board to help her sort them out. "Don't be nervous to share," she says. She's also in a family group that's made up of her friends who have disabilities and their families that talks about their goals and how to achieve them. She likes to plan, but she says that if you struggle with planning, find a good support person to help you. She encourages everyone not to get discouraged. " If I can do these things, so can you," she enthusiastically exclaims! 

What are some of your hobbies?

Hannah has a plethora of hobbies she enjoys doing. She likes to do all sorts of different crafts such as beading bracelets, looming baby hats with yarn and donating them, and diamond dotting (sticking diamond dots on pictures to make them sparkly) gifts for family and friends. She also likes to write - - especially poetry and affirmations. She writes newsletters for her family and friends. She also writes posts on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. It helps her stay connected she explains. She also loves getting pictures with family and friends. “My family and friends are super important,” she says. Singing is another hobby she enjoys doing. She has taken voice lessons and loves to sing for fun. Cooking is yet another thing she likes to do—grilled cheese is her favorite food. She surely stays busy!   

 ***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.

Because of a quirk in the calendar, people receiving Supplemental Security Income will receive two payments in September, but none in October. The average monthly benefit is  $624 per month, but many people feel it isn't enough. Many beneficiaries still struggle financially. Lawmakers are calling for reform of the program. SSI beneficiaries are currently subject to a $2,000 asset cap for individuals and $3,000 for couples. New legislation would allow the limit to be adjusted more frequently. Beneficiaries also have a limit on how much income they can earn from employment without the benefit being reduced or lost completely. Legislators are working on bills that would change this as well. 

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A new study found that representation among adults who have Autism and development disabilities is growing. More advocacy groups are monitoring and mentoring adults who have Autism. The study also found that more portrayals of adults with disabilities are being found in the media. It found a fourfold the increase in the use of photos of adults with autism on advocacy group websites since 2011. 

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Disability advocates continue to advocate for wheelchair accessible vehicles to be available in ride share companies such as Uber and Lyft. This has been an ongoing battle for years. Advocates have filed multiple lawsuits over this. Ride share companies argue that they're not required to follow regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act because they're a technology company, not a transportation business. 

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For many people with disabilities, marriage is a tricky topic. Those who receive Social Security benefits often have to make the tough decision to not get legally married because they would lose their benefits they rely on. Generally, the rule is if someone marries a person who doesn't receive benefits, you lose your benefits. If both people receive benefits, the amount is significantly decreased. Disability advocates continue to talk with legislators in hopes to make changes happen. 

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