HearthStone of WI

Here's an opportunity to ask some of the candidates up for election in November to ask questions about their plans/ideas that affect people with disabilities and caregivers. Consider asking about plans for things such as employment, Social Security, SSI, accessible and affordable housing, Long Term Care funding and services (Family Care, IRIS), the difficulty finding and retaining support services and staff.

Please join us for a Candidate Forum on Friday, October 25 for the US Senate and US Congress District 6 races.

Invited Candidates include...

US Senate Candidates:
Eric Hovde - Invited & Will be Presenting at Event
Tammy Baldwin - Invited & Declined

US Congress 6th District Candidates:
Glenn Grothman - Invited & Declined
John Zarbano - Invited & Will Be Presenting at Event

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/ydc93c3e
*Registration is Required. Lunch will be served.

Disney Movie To Star Actress With Cerebral Palsy Disney is set to release a movie centering on the experience of a sixth grader with cerebral palsy who's nonverbal, uses a wheelchair and is pursuing an inclusive education.

Take some time this weekend to round up your unused or expired medications. Then schedule time next weekend to drop them off at one of 150+ sites around the state.
✔ Help keep drugs from getting into the wrong hands. And keep our environment clean too.
➡ Find a collection site near you: dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/drug-take-back-day.htm

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/sMw78pwHWyecbp5Q/

There are news reports that former President Trump referred to Vice President Harris as “retarded.” We at Special Olympics have no way of knowing if this is true.

If it isn’t true, we’re relieved. If it is true, we’re saddened.

Special Olympics athletes have led an effort to ask people to end the use of the R-word for a simple reason: It’s painful. It’s humiliating. It’s dehumanizing.

When they hear the R-word, our athletes often report feeling crushed. Some withdraw in shame. Others in tears. It’s as though the word reminds our athletes of all the ways our society sees them as worthless and insignificant. And nothing could be further from the truth.

For these reasons, if former President Trump did use the word, we’d invite him to meet with our athletes to understand their perspectives. They would surely ask him to end his use of the R-word and join them in building a future where treating each other with dignity is the goal for everyone in our great country.

Check out this free webinar about voting in the upcoming election as a person with a disability.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/qkDDwWB5cZMF4SYY/

Able in Action Club with the Sheboygan Community Recreation Department

Reasonable accommodations, what are they and why are they so important?

Some examples like flexible work hours, wheelchair ramps, an interpreter, improved accessibility in a work area, or assistive technologies can make a world of difference.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to the application or hiring process, to the job, to the way the job is done, or the work environment that allows a person with a disability who is qualified for the job to perform the essential functions of that job and enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Let's build a more equitable society for all and create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents.

Read more about how reasonable accommodations changes lives here:
https://adata.org/short-success-stories

If you need help with how to request reasonable accommodations or want to learn more call our Advocacy Coordinator, Autumn, at 920-393-1035.

In person absentee voting starts next week. Remember, if you require assistance to vote due to a disability, you are entitled to that assistance.

City of Plymouth In-Person Absentee Voting begins October 22 and Ends November 1 during our regular business hours. For a list of the dates and times please visit our City's Website: https://plymouthgov.com/community/page/voter-information

To view what is on your ballot please visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

🚨 late notice for people involved with Special education!

Public Forum: 2024-25 State Superintendent's Council on Special Education The Annual Public Forum The State Superintendent’s Council on Special Education wants to hear from you! They will hold their annual Public Forum this Wednesday to get your thoughts about special education in Wisconsin. They’d like to hear more about…

What does voting mean to you? Register to vote TODAY or make sure your registration is up to date at myvote.wi.gov

Have a voting related question?

The DRW Voter Hotline can help!

Call now: 844-347-8683 or email [email protected]

Hoping our banner holds up in the wind. One week from today folks… put it on your calendars. We have amazing raffle and silent auction items, as well as outstanding entertainment, food, and of course, delicious 3 Sheeps beverages.

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, the Autism Society of America is pleased to announce its new online training courses as part of its Employment Initiative.

Launched through the Autism Society’s Training and Resource Center, the employment courses

provide employers with foundational concepts of Autism and neurodiversity, explore common barriers and recognize the importance of accommodation and natural supports in the workplace.

https://www.sheboygansun.com/news/autism-society-launches-course-for-employers-to-be-autism-informed/article_32e4777e-7f73-11ef-bd65-3f6417548f27.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwY2xjawFpV31leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXH1Y6reKnqq_aYOXiKZCiz6SPaP4WHWHnGombdIL6_AXJaHQ6jubVmRRA_aem_Po9M0LCSgMrKBrFg5P8kEA

Use of the "R-word" as slur is on the rise particularly on social media and people occupying positions of influence. It must end.

Don't forget! The Sheboygan County Transition Fair is Thursday 10/3/24. Learn all about topics of interest to older teens and young adults with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.

Stop and see us on Thursday at the Sheboygan County Transition Fair on October 3rd from 4-8 pm.

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💙 💛 October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 💛 💙

Let's celebrate our loved ones during the month of October! Their joy, resilience, and love inspire us all. Join us in spreading awareness and celebrating the beauty of diversity.

"⁤⁤People with disabilities have made it clear: this term is hurtful and unacceptable," our CEO Katy Neas shares with Mashable. ⁤⁤She goes on to say, "Yet, [the] persistence of this slur shows we still have work to do. The resurgence of the r-word, particularly online, is more than just concerningᅳit's a painful reminder of our society's gut-wrenching history of discrimination against people with disabilities. ⁤⁤This word isn't just offensive; it's a demeaning relic of a past we've worked tirelessly to overcome. ⁤⁤This slur has long been weaponized to demean and marginalize people with disabilities. ⁤⁤Its increasing use stands in the face of decades of progress. ⁤⁤⁤⁤All of us need to be vigilant and push back against this trend to ensure our communities are inclusive and respectful to all."

Read the full article: https://mashable.com/article/r-word-social-media

“The reality is we have a growing number of people who need care and a shrinking pool of available workers, period,” said Janet Zander, advocacy and public policy coordinator for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources. “These are some of the lowest wages, and some of the most challenging work for those low wages and little or no benefits.”

This is great news and will hopefully alleviate some of the caregiving crisis in Wisconsin for those who have Medicaid or Medicaid Waiver (Family Care, IRIS) funding.

Using ARPA funds, state gives long-term care agencies a bonus to raise wages • Wisconsin Examiner A new fee schedule will raise payments by 15% for in-home long-term care services and up to 40.5% for services in group facilities.

Check out this guide regarding specific health concerns for women with Down Syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society recently published a women's health guide for primary care providers. The lead author was Hannah Graham, MD, a physician at our clinic! People with Down syndrome, families, and caregivers are encouraged to share this free resource with their health care providers.

🔗 https://ndss.org/resources/primary-care-providers-guide-womens-health-and-down-syndrome?fbclid=IwY2xjawFGojFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcBKO_LdYKEqJjBpX_2DvzuTpG5YPJHlwzRnaHqj6u0cdTymcx9IGnF-SA_aem_VRM6ylc_cZ_vXj7JN1hcpg

Introducing the Primary Care Provider's Guide to Women's Health and Down Syndrome

WHAT'S IN THE GUIDE
✔Specific health concerns,related to women's health and Down syndrome
✔Resources for PCPs to enhance their care for this population
✔Available as a written guide and an eLearning course
✔Self-advocate perspectives outlined throughout the guide

10/3/2024
Transition Fair for all Sheboygan County residents living with a disability who are soon to be 18 years old, or PWD up through age 21 who are looking for information and resources.

Transition Fair ~ Join us to learn about what supports & resources are available for individuals with disabilities in Sheboygan County.

THURSDAY, October 3, 2024
4 - 8 pm

UW-Green Bay Sheboygan Campus
1 University Dr. Sheboygan, WI 53081

Light Refreshments & Raffle Prizes Available.

Details below.

If something is available to the public, it needs to be accessible to ALL of the public.

Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are in desperate need of updates to ensure people with disabilities can live independently and with dignity. People on SSI are limited to $2000 in assets and $3,000 if married. These amounts have not changed in more than 30 years
Congress needs to hear from you! Tell them to prioritize and strengthen these essential programs for people with disabilities.
Tell Congress to : https://bit.ly/3MAzX0g

As members of Congress return from the August Congressional Recess, we have an important opportunity to fight for policies and programs that are important to people with disabilities and their families.
Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are in desperate need of updates to ensure people with disabilities can live independently and with dignity.

Congress needs to hear from you! Tell them to prioritize and strengthen these essential programs for people with disabilities.

Tell Congress to : https://bit.ly/3MAzX0g

Tell Congress to fund HCBS: https://bit.ly/3ZcqVxK

If you are turning 18 soon and live with a disability, check out these free virtual Transition Training Tuesdays.