Archive for the ‘Disability News’ Category

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Series educates on Long Term Care

Friday, May 10th, 2013

By Julie Alexander, Lead Independent Living Services Coordinator

 

During the month of April and into May, the IndependenceFirst Long Term Care Advocacy Team presented the last two sessions in our Long Term Care Brown Bag Lunch Series.

 

On April 26, Hope Lloyd and Elizabeth Mamerow from Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) spoke about the DRW Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. They described the assistance DRW can provide in appealing denials or mediating issues with Family Care providers, as well as how to work with the Include, Respect, I Self Direct (IRIS) program and the assistance DRW can provide when people are having difficulties. Twenty-nine community members with and without disabilities joined us to learn about options for navigating these programs to get their needs met and maintain their independence.

 

 Attendee in group asking question of presenter

 

On May 3, Sue Gadacz from the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division gave a presentation on “Wisconsin’s Perspective on Health Care Reform.” About 30 people with and without disabilities heard this excellent presentation and gained many insights on how Wisconsin and the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division in particular will be affected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) when some of the pieces of this legislation are implemented in January 2014. The audience also learned how Governor Walker’s proposed budget would impact services and options for people with disabilities in our state.

 

All in all people enjoyed attending and learned a lot from our Long Term Care Brown Bag Lunch Series. We were privileged to offer CEUs for this series. The Long Term Care Advocacy Team will work on future Brown Bag Lunch offerings in the coming months. Stay tuned.

 

 

Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, Health Care, Independent Living, Integration, Medicaid, Mental Health | No Comments »

Be part of a wonderful evening at Night for Independence

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013

 

Invite Image - see text below

 

To highlight and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and to support our work as an advocate and resource, IndependenceFirst will hold our annual Night for Independence, formerly known as the POWER DINNER, at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee, on May 22.

 

Josh George, a three-time Paralympian who has also won the Chicago Marathon three times, will be our keynote speaker this year. In between training, traveling and competing, George has also blogged for the New York Times, helped launch IntelliWheels, Inc., advocated for causes and been impacted by people he’s met all over the world.

 

This year’s Night for Independence is a not-to-be-missed evening including a silent auction prior to the evening’s dinner and program. Our silent auction this year will feature a wide variety of experiences and items—there will be something for everyone!

 

Night for Independence Schedule of Events:

5 p.m.  Registration and Silent Auction

7 p.m.  Dinner and Keynote

 

Tickets are $100 each or $1250 for a corporate table of 8. For more information, please call 414-291-7520 V/TTY, email Events@IndependenceFirst.org or visit independencefirst.org. We hope you will join us for this insightful and celebratory evening in support of IndependenceFirst.

 

 

Posted in Disability News, Independent Living | No Comments »

April is National Fair Housing Month

Friday, April 26th, 2013

 By Brian Peters, Housing Policy Advocate

 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has kicked off April’s National Fair Housing Month with an announcement and a video (that is captioned).

 

The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968, and amended in 1988 to, among other things, add people with disabilities as a protected class. Being part of a protected class means that you cannot be discriminated against because you are a member of that group. For example, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because you have a disability. However the landlord can refuse to rent to you for other reasons, such as a bad rental history. The amendment also added minimum accessibility requirements for new construction multi-family housing. 

 

 hseequal

 

Wisconsin also has an Open Housing Law, which adds some protected classes and certain accessibility requirements for buildings being rehabilitated or renovated.

 

If you have a housing discrimination complaint, it can be directed to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council, the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (online forms in English and Spanish) and HUD.

 

Please note that you can also file landlord-tenant complaints through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

 

Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, housing | No Comments »

Proposed legislation could cut drug costs

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

By Julie Alexander, Lead Coordinator of Independent Living Services

 

Yesterday U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and 18 other U.S. Senators introduced legislation that would significantly reduce the deficit, protect health care for seniors and people with disabilities and reduce Medicare Part D drug costs. It is estimated that this bill would save $141.2 billion by eliminating a special deal that has allowed brand name prescription drug manufacturers to charge Medicare higher costs for prescription drugs.

 

 

MH900337294 

 

 

Experts indicate that this bill will require drug companies to provide rebates to the federal government for prescription drugs used by people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. This would assist individuals of all ages with disabilities by lowering the cost of their medicines. More details will follow as additional information is disseminated about this proposed legislation.

 

 

Posted in Disability News, Health Care, Medicaid | No Comments »

Reminder: speak up for transit on Thursday

Monday, April 1st, 2013

By Autumn Misko, Resource Specialist

 

Currently, the state budget is being worked on and there are many parts of the budget that will impact people with disabilities’ abilities to be independent.

 

Below, please find an action alert to inform people of the important actions they can take to ensure that there are reliable and affordable transportation options for people with disabilities in Wisconsin.

 

This week Thursday, April 4, is the Joint Committee on Finance Hearing at Greendale High School (details below). This meeting is an important time for the public to weigh in on the proposed budget. Please attend! If you have questions, please contact me, Autumn Misko, at amisko@independencefirst.org or at (414) 291-7520 (Voice/TTY). 

 

Woman sharing story at Dec. Transit Listening Session

 

Wisconsin Transit Crisis

Call to Action

 

The Governor’s proposed state budget will lead to significant cuts in public transit statewide. It is crucial to let your state legislators know the significance of transit to you, others who rely on public transit and to Wisconsin as a whole.

 

How can you help?

 

Share Your Story

Please print out and complete the story form – http://midwestadvocates.org/assets/resources/TELL_YOUR_TRANSIT_STORY_jan_13.pdf – and share why public transit is important to you. Then return the form to Community Response to the Transit Crisis c/o Midwest Environmental Advocates: advocate@midwestadvocates.org (preferable) or 612 W. Main St., #312 Madison, WI 53703.

 

Attend and Provide Testimony at the Joint Committee on Finance Hearings

Thursday, April 4th 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Greendale High School Auditorium

6801 Southway

Greendale, WI 53129

 

Monday, April 8th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Lambeau Field

Legends Club Room – 4th Level

Lambeau Field Atrium

1285 Lombardi Avenue

Green Bay, WI 54304

 

Wednesday, April 10th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Crystal Grand Music Theatre

430 West Munroe Avenue (HWY 23)

Lake Delton, WI 53940

 

Thursday, April 18th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Baldwin-Woodville High School Auditorium

1000 13th Avenue

Baldwin, WI 54002

 

Contact the Governor and Your State Representatives

Contact Governor Walker at govgeneral@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1212 V/Relay.

 

Go to http://legis.wisconsin.gov/Pages/waml.aspx to locate your representatives.

 

Talking Points

Keep public transit in the segregated transportation fund

Public transit has been facing funding challenges and moving public transit out of the Transportation Fund would drastically complicate and worsen this situation. The segregated transportation fund provides a more stable funding stream for this vital service. Many people with disabilities, older adults and individuals with low incomes depend on public transit to get to work, medical appointments, school, etc. Moving public transit to the General Fund would make funding public transit even more difficult and unpredictable. 

 

Restore the cut made to public transit state operating assistance

Public transit in Wisconsin will face further cuts to service if funding is not restored. Both fixed route and paratransit services will be impacted, which could result in people being unable to access transportation. Restoring this cut from the 2011-2013 State Budget would help to maintain current transit.  

 

Stay in Touch

Like “Community Response to the Transit Crisis” on Facebook to post and receive important information.

 

Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, Independent Living, Integration, Transportation | No Comments »

Input critical to public transit

Wednesday, March 27th, 2013

 

Wisconsin Transit Crisis

Call to Action

 

The Governor’s proposed state budget will lead to significant cuts in public transit statewide.  It is crucial to let your state legislators know the significance of transit to you, others who rely on public transit, and to Wisconsin as a whole.

 

How can you help?

 

Share Your Story

 

Please print out and complete the story form – http://midwestadvocates.org/assets/resources/TELL_YOUR_TRANSIT_STORY_jan_13.pdf - to share why public transit is important to you.  Then return the form to Community Response to the Transit Crisis c/o Midwest Environmental Advocates: advocate@midwestadvocates.org (preferable) or 612 W. Main St., #312 Madison, WI 53703.

 

Speakers at transit listening session

Speakers at transit listening session in Dec.

 

 

Attend and Provide Testimony at the Joint Committee on Finance Hearings

 

Thursday, April 4 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Greendale High School Auditorium

6801 Southway

Greendale, WI 53129

 

Monday, April 8  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Lambeau Field

Legends Club Room – 4th Level

Lambeau Field Atrium

1285 Lombardi Avenue

Green Bay, WI 54304

 

Wednesday, April 10 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Crystal Grand Music Theatre

430 West Munroe Avenue (HWY 23)

Lake Delton, WI 53940

 

Thursday, April 18 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Baldwin-Woodville High School Auditorium

1000 13th Avenue

Baldwin, WI 54002

 

 

Contact the Governor and Your State Representatives

 

Contact Governor Walker at govgeneral@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1212 V/Relay.

 

Go to http://legis.wisconsin.gov/Pages/waml.aspx to locate your representatives.

 

 

Talking Points

 

Keep public transit in the segregated transportation fund

Public transit has been facing funding challenges and moving public transit out of the Transportation Fund would drastically complicate and worsen this situation.  The segregated transportation fund provides a more stable funding stream for this vital service. Many people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with low incomes depend on public transit to get to work, medical appointments, school, etc.  Moving public transit to the General Fund would make funding public transit even more difficult and unpredictable. 

 

Restore the cut made to public transit state operating assistance

Public transit in Wisconsin will face further cuts to service if funding is not restored.  Both fixed route and paratransit services will be impacted which could result in people being unable to access transportation.  Restoring this cut from the 2011-2013 State Budget would help to maintain current transit.  

 

 

Stay in Touch

 

Like “Community Response to the Transit Crisis” on Facebook to post and receive important information!

 

 

Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, Independent Living, Integration, Transportation | No Comments »

Deaf History Month a chance to celebrate and learn

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

By Denise Johnson, Project Coordinator AODA Services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind

 

March 13 through April 15 is National Deaf History Month. Let’s celebrate by learning more about Deaf Arts, Deaf Culture and Deaf information and resources. Take a moment to learn about individuals who are Deaf who have striven through difficult journeys. There are many individuals who are Deaf who are still fighting for our rights.

 

Learn more about Deaf history 

http://www.deafwebsites.com/people/deaf-history.html

http://deafpeople.com/history/index.html

 

Some basics of Deaf culture

http://www.start-american-sign-language.com/deaf-culture.html

 

Learn more to limit faux pas when communicating with people who are Deaf

http://becomingdeaf.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/10-things-you-should-never-say-to-a-deaf-person/

 

 Man communicating with sign language

 

For additional information, you can check my website: www.deafaodawi.org.

 

 

Posted in Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Disability News, Independent Living, Integration | No Comments »

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the FMLA

Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

 

By Kim Nerone, Fund Development/Special Events Coordinator, National Spinal Cord Injury Association – SE Wisconsin


Today family members of all ages express their heartfelt gratitude for the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).


The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with the continuation of group health insurance coverage. It protects employees’ jobs so they cannot be fired for needing to take care of their family. 25 years ago, Wisconsin became one of the first states to pass FMLA at the state level. Today we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the passage of the federal law.


The following is a letter from Kim, a mother from Stevens Point, Wis. Excerpts from her letter will be read by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin on the Congressional Floor as part of the FMLA Anniversary this week. 


“Our family’s challenges began when our son began school. He entered school excited, inquisitive, and eager to learn; however, within the first year, he began to shows signs of anxiety, depression, and unwillingness to learn. My husband and I began seeking specialized treatment for him. Despite various medications and numerous therapies, our son’s condition worsened.


Finally, our son was diagnosed with Asperger’s, ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, and Severe Sensory Processing Disorder. As overwhelming as it was to hear the diagnosis, it was a huge relief to know there were therapies and supports available to help him. We were given the option to continue with his current school and medications, or keep him home and work on eliminating medications and focus on incorporating supports helping him to be successful.


 I applied for FMLA and began my 12-week leave. Without FMLA, I would have been forced to continue sending him to a school where he experienced extreme stress and fueled his desire to quit on life.


Parenting a child is hard enough, but parenting a child with disabilities has its own unique set of challenges. I had to fight and advocate to help him. FMLA gave me that opportunity. Because of FMLA, my son is now happy, stable, successful, and eager to achieve his goals in life.”


Kim and her son


Unfortunately, there are lobbyists who are proposing changes to the state law that would make it harder for Wisconsin families to care for their loved ones during health emergencies like Kim’s and after childbirth. 


Here’s what lobbyists are trying to do:


  • Under current Wisconsin FMLA, employees can substitute any accrued paid leave they’ve earned, like paid sick or vacation time, for unpaid leave. Proposed changes could deny workers the right to use their earned sick time. Workers could be forced to use all their vacation as part of FMLA.


  •  Under current Wisconsin law, workers are eligible for leave after working 1,000 hours in the preceding year. Lobbyists want to increase that total to 1250 hours. This means that some part-time workers who are eligible under the current law would lose job protection. 


  •  Under Wisconsin’s current law, employees can spread out their leave to care for a new baby as well as for a personal or family illness, but proposed rollbacks could force workers take their leave all at one time with no flexibility.


  •  Current Wisconsin law covers employers with 50 workers anywhere in the state. Proposed rollbacks would cut coverage if there aren’t 50 employees within 75 miles of their workplace–denying job protection to rural workers.


These are important issues. Here’s a link to find your legislators. Feel free to let them know where you stand. You just never know when YOU may need to take advantage of FMLA!


For more information about the FMLA, visit http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/.


Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, Health Care, Independent Living, Money Management, Parenting | No Comments »

Accessible van user outlines winter parking problems

Friday, January 25th, 2013

By Harvey Ross, Independent Living Skills Coordinator

 

During the winter time, parking for people with disabilities becomes even more of a hassle. As a person who uses a wheelchair, I encounter a number of additional parking-related challenges when there is snow on the ground.

 

Where do I start? When parking next to the sidewalk, there seems to always be snow pushed towards the curb, which does not allow an accessible vehicle to deploy its ramp properly.

 

When there is accessible parking for vans, some businesses forget to clear the access aisle (the space next to the van space that is there so the ramp can deploy), which only makes things more difficult. Sometimes snow removal crews pile snow onto accessible parking spaces and/or access aisles. When an accessible space is not properly cleared and a person tries to deploy his or her ramp into the snow, there is a chance of the ramp getting stuck or the person him- or herself getting stuck trying to exit the vehicle. 

 

Parking on the city streets overnight can also be a task for a person with a disability, due to parking restrictions designed to facilitate snow removal. It’s not easy for me to leave my house in the winter to move my car from one side of the street to another. 

 

 snow flake

 

One of the biggest problems in winter is a year-round problem that is even worse in cold, snowy weather. This problem occurs when people without a disability park in accessible parking spots, leaving a person with a disability without an accessible place to park. It makes it almost impossible for that person to complete his/her errands. I don’t know if it’s ignorance or a lack of common sense or respect that causes people to totally disregard the accessible parking regulations.

 

In addition to the fact that non-accessible parking spaces do not include space for me to deploy my ramp, during the winter months, it is that much more important for people like me to be able to park as close as we can to a facility instead of trying to push our way through cold and wintery conditions. 

 

My experience with snow has proven to me that people with physical disabilities have a hard time maneuvering in such weather. I wish that everyone in the community would become more mindful of each other and show more consideration for others in their everyday lives.

 

For more information about what you as a home or business owner are required to do related to snow removal, read “Winter wonderland can be an accessibility nightmare,” by Diana Sullivan, our ADA/Access Specialist.  

 

 

Posted in Accessibility, Advocacy, Disability News, Independent Living, Transportation | No Comments »

Update on Non-Emergency Medical Transportation in Wisconsin

Thursday, January 24th, 2013

By Autumn Misko, Resource Specialist

 

Currently, LogistiCare is the statewide transportation manager for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) in Wisconsin. Although LogistiCare has terminated its contract for NEMT services in Wisconsin, they will continue to manage NEMT transportation until a new contract is awarded. They have decided to terminate their contract due to a miscalculation of the costs for providing NEMT in Wisconsin due to a lack of information.   

 

In the meantime, those who are qualified for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation should continue to contact LogistiCare at (866) 907-1493 V/Relay. LogistiCare is continually working to improve service and address any issues until a new contract is awarded. One way they have attempted to do so is by adding the ability to schedule rides online. To schedule a ride online, please go to https://memberinfo.logisticare.com/wimember/Home.aspx.

 

 Van

 

If you have a complaint about LogistiCare or a LogistiCare provider, please call the Where’s My Ride Line at (866) 907-1494 V/Relay. We are also requesting that consumers contact us as well so that we can ensure that people with disabilities who are qualified for NEMT are getting these services (see contact information below).       

 

The state has issued a new Request for Proposal for a medical transportation manager. The state will notify members when a new contract is awarded.    

 

For more information visit LogistiCare’s website at

https://facilityinfo.logisticare.com/wifacility/Home.aspx or contact Autumn Misko at (414) 226-8387 V/Relay or amisko@independencefirst.org. 

 
 

Posted in Advocacy, Disability News, Independent Living, Transportation | No Comments »

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