New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.Every five years, the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD), a non-profit organization with a mission to make Wisconsin a place where people with disabilities can have control over their own lives and be fully included in the community, writes a plan with goals and activities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Wisconsin. In order to choose the best goals for the State Plan, they are seeking ideas from people with disabilities, families, advocates, providers and others who believe in their mission. To share your comments, print out and complete the WCDD Public Input Survey and return it by November 23rd.
The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities (WCDD) has begun accepting applications for their 2005-06 Project Teen Grants, through which they award grants of between $250 and $500 to student leaders who want their school to be more welcoming and inclusive to people with disabilities. In order to apply for a grant, a team needs to be formed to include at least one student leader with a disability and one faculty support person. The application deadline is Friday, October 14, 2005. For more information or to request a grant application, contact Kathryn Mazack via phone at (608) 266-5395 or via e-mail at mazackl@dhfs.state.wi.us.
RiCH Vocational Services, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, is offering SSDI beneficiaries the opportunity to participate in a study to test out a new policy for the Social Security Administration. Currently, if you receive SSDI and want to work substantially you face the “cash cliff” (i.e. you can work and earn up to $830 (in 2005) and keep your entire SSDI cash benefit, however if you earn one dollar over this amount you risk losing your entire SSDI cash payment).
They are testing an alternative that involves introducing a “benefit offset” to the SSDI program. Rather than losing access to your entire SSDI cash payment, you will experience a gradual decrease in this payment as your earnings increase. This decrease allows you to gradually work towards independence and guarantees you will be better off financially during the pilot. To be eligible, you must:
For more information, please contact RiCH Vocational Services at (888) 348-6182 ext. 3.
Have you been longing to enter the workforce? Are you concerned about how your disability benefits would be impacted?
Don't let another day pass by. Take advantage of free Comprehensive Benefits Counseling Services. This service is designed to provide individuals who receive disability benefits information on work incentives, benefits rules, work programs, and an outline of how your earnings will impact your state and federal benefits. If you would like to work, but are worried that you might lose essential benefits, call today to see if you qualify. (888) 348-6182 or (414) 828-029
The Spina Bifida Association of Wisconsin is seeking individuals with Spina Bifida to showcase their talents during the the Spinabilities Talent Showcase at Ebert’s Greenhouse Village on Sunday, October 9, 2005. All talents are welcome and can include everything from singing and dancing to poems and painting. If you would like to participate or know someone that would, contact SBAWI by August 31st at (414) 607-9061 or sbawi@sbawi.org.
The Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities has recently launched an online Recreation Calendar which features events and activities for Milwaukee County residents with disabilities. The calendar lists events hosted by disability related agencies throughout the county. Get out and enjoy life! Visit the Rec Room Calendar to see all there is to do! The calendar can be viewed at www.county.milwaukee.gov/recreationcalendar.
Milwaukee County SSI adult beneficiaries will soon be offered a new choice for health care benefits through a managed care organization. This program covers all of the health care services as regular Medicaid. Some benefits of being in a managed care organization include:
During the week of February 7, 2005, Governor Doyle introduced Wisconsin's 2005-07 Biennial Budget (Assembly Bill 100) to the state legislature. The budget, as reported by DAWN, includes the following concerning Wisconsinites with disabilities:
Health and Family Services:
Property Taxes:
Transportation:
The Joint Committee on Finance will be holding public hearings around the state throughout March, as follows:
Society's Assets is now accepting applications for their 2005 Scholarship Awards Program available to students with disabilities who are currently or plan to pursue a post-secondary degree in 2004. The program awards five scholarships ranging from $500 to $5000. Applicants must reside in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Rock or Jefferson county. Judging is based on academic record, extracurricular activities, awards, a personal essay and recommendations. Applications must be postmarked by February 1, 2004. For more information, call (262) 637-9128.
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