The National Alliance for Caregiving has published a 2021 national report, "Caregiving in a Diverse America: Beginning to Understand the Systemic Challenges Facing Family Caregivers," which was based on results of the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 study. The report analyzes the experience of over 800 caregiver respondents of different socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and gender. The report also includes additional literature on diverse caregiving and research recommendations.

View report

• a US map with information about alternatives to guardianship in different states;
• photos and bios of our Youth Ambassadors and a Youth Ambassador Training Curriculum;
• resources for many different audiences including ones written in plain language; 
• stories about youth; and
• information on State Teams that are part of a national Community of Practice.

• How civil rights laws prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in accessing scarce healthcare during emergencies, including Crisis Standards of Care (CSCs).
• Our networks filed complaints with OCR about CSCs, including several that were resolved by OCR.
• Reasonable modifications to visitation policies, including in hospitals and long-term care settings.
• Our networks also filed complaints with OCR about visitation policies, including at least one that was resolved by OCR.
• Accessibility of vaccination, testing and contact-tracing programs.

Along with vaccinations and sensible individual measures such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and hand-washing, at-home COVID-19 tests are an important tool for stopping the spread of the virus. There now are several no-cost ways to get tested and to obtain at-home test kits to have on hand in case they’re needed. For people who need to purchase additional tests, health insurance may cover the cost (and assistance may be available for those who do not have insurance).The Administration for Community Living  pulled together the basic details in this fact sheet.

• Implement Organizational Practices to Center and Prioritize DEIA in the Workforce
• Grow and Sustain DEIA through Structural and Cultural Change
• Advance DEIA Through Research

Self-Determination Network
February 2022

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Register Now for Disability Advocacy Day of Change 

Registration is now open for Disability Advocacy Day of Change which will be held virtually on March 16, 2022. It's a event focused on connecting Disability Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues important to them. Attendees are expected to participate in the morning briefing and call their legislators in the afternoon. Registration deadline is March 8. Register today! 

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 Krystal. This writer has overcome a challenging childhood and has learned writing helps her express her feelings. Check out this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Krystal.   

Who should we shine the spotlight on next?

Stacy’s Journal

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:

• Voting in Local Elections

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:

• Vaccine Mandates: Despite the Supreme Court blocking wider mandates, some support workers working with people with disabilities will still be required to be vaccinated. Read about what the Court decided. 
• High Hopes for Legislation: Disability advocates have high hopes that the Build Back Better Act will bring some much needed increases for Home-and-community-based services. Learn about what advocates are hoping. 
• Input Needed: The Office of Science and Technology is looking for input on how technologies are used, or could be used, to better community health, individual wellness, and health equity. Comments are due by February 28. 
• Workforce Strategies: As we all know, for years there has been a national shortage of direct care workers. In a recent report done by the Center for Health Care Strategies, four key recommended. Learn what they are. 
• 2020 Caregiving Study: The National Alliance for Caregiving released its report with the results of the Caregiving in the US 2020 study. Find out what the study found.
• Lack of Candidates: Despite over a million people with disabilities wanting to work, new research shows that a key barrier to hiring people with disabilities is the lack of candidates.  Read about other factors that contribute the lack of disability representation in the work place. 
• Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum: The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long, overnight leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities. Applications due April 1.
•  Helpful Resource: The National Center for Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems compiled a list of helpful resources for person-centered practices and related activities to enhance work supporting people with disabilities and older adults with long-term services needs. Check it out! 
• Medical Diagnostic Equipment: A final rule has been issued related to standards for medical diagnostic equipment. Learn about what the rule requires.
• Input Needed: The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comments on an action to improve the clarity and accessible of visual Emergency Alert System messages to the public, particularly to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Comments due on March 28.  
  

Upcoming Events

Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:

• The Intersection Of Race And Disability: February 15, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online 
• Webinar: Accessible Swimming Pools And Spas: March 3, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online 
• Disability Advocacy Day Of Change: March 16, 10a.m. to 12p.m., Online 
• 2022 National Self-Direction Conference: April 11-12, Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor, Baltimore Maryland 
• Circles Of Life Conference: May 12-13, Virtual or the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point Wisconsin 
• Employment First Conference: May 24th, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin 

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.

• Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the internet by accessing the ECFS: https://apps.fcc.gov/​ecfs/​.

• Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.