Recently, President Biden signed an Executive Order to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Federal workforce.The Order confirms that the country is at its strongest when public servants embrace the full diversity of all people. It will help develop Federal workforce where qualified people from all backgrounds have an equal opportunity to serve the country. 

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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has provided a range of programs to support individuals, families, and communities. While some of these programs are long-standing, others were formed in direct response to the challenges created or exacerbated by the public health emergency. As we continue to move forward towards a “new normal,” the following resources remain available for those in need:

• The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing discounts on service and devices.
• The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program from the Department of the Treasury assists families that are unable to pay rent or utilities so they can remain in their homes during the pandemic.
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) provides federally funded assistance to cover home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs to eligible households.
• The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) from ACF is a new emergency program that provides funds to low-income households for water and wastewater bills, helps avoid water shut offs, and supports water system reconnections caused by missed payments during the pandemic.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides monthly benefits that help families purchase healthy food from authorized retail food stores.

Request for Public Comment

Home and Community-Based Settings Rule: Statewide Transition Plan

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period on its updated statewide transition plan to be submitted for final approval to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This public comment period is in accordance with federal requirements.

The HCBS settings rule requires states to develop a transition plan for reaching and maintaining compliance with the rule. Wisconsin's current plan for meeting the rule's requirements was last posted for public comment in March 2017 and submitted to CMS for review and approval. CMS gave initial approval of the statewide transition plan in July 2017.

CMS then requested that updates and revisions be made and that DHS repost the updated plan for public comment. The updated draft of the statewide transition plan is now available for public comment and reflects the updates and revisions CMS requested. Following this public comment period, the updated statewide transition plan will be resubmitted to CMS for final approval.

Public comment is an opportunity to support or rebut Wisconsin’s statewide transition plan for compliance with the HCBS Settings Rule requirements of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Final Regulation (CMS 2249-F/2296-F). Submit your comments by July 26, 2021.

Find more information about the public comment period, along with the statewide transition plan, on the DHS website.

Many experts think that this summer's Paralympic Games are an opportunity for businesses to embrace an underrepresented segment of the workforce and help with the global coronavirus recovery. The Games have been very important in helping to remove stereotypes of the disability community. It has helped bring up conversations about how businesses and society can engage the 1.3 billion people living with disabilities. 

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The Wisconsin Assembly sent bills to Governor Evers' office that would add challenges for people with disabilities to vote. The bills would put more restrictions on absentee voting. The proposals have faced criticism from disability advocates. One of the would require indefinitely confined voters to show photo ID in order to vote  every time they vote. It also would require more paperwork. Another bill would prohibit election officials from filling out missing information on the absentee vote certificate, which also is the envelope that voters use to return ballots. Another bill would make it a felony for employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities to encourage residents to apply for , or not apply for, and absentee ballot. It would also require nursing homes to notify relatives when special voting for the deputies  to be on hand to help residents with filling out their ballots. Advocates hope that Governor Evers will veto these bills. 

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iPads to Try Out

WisTech, Wisconsin's Assistive Technology Act Program, now has iPads available for short term loan for up to 30 days. The iPads can be pre-loaded with requested apps and used by an individual with a disability or family to decide if the device will meet their needs or not. 

To begin the process please visit Wisconsin AT4ALL. After you create a free account you can then search for an iPad under the Department of Health Services program. Once you add the iPad to your cart and click "check out," a request will be automatically sent to us. We will be in contact 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. Assistive technology that is free or for sale is also listed from throughout the state. 

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

Recently, a famous Hollywood studio committed to putting more people with disabilities on screen. Amazon Studios will take new steps to increase inclusion of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups. The inclusion policy covers story development, hiring and production and includes expectations for documentation and meeting certain goals.

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We love our Marketplace! Microbusinesses run and created by people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Artists can sell their products and/or services.

You will also have the unique opportunity to join our marketplace and sell online, not only at the Self-Determination Conference but all year long! Support is available to help you through the process. For more information about the All Abilities Market, visit www.allAmarket.org.

Applications must be submitted by September 1, 2021

Microenterprise Application