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News 'n Notes from August 15, 2007

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1. Council Retreat

The Council held their annual retreat in Eau Claire July 25 and 26, 2007. During the retreat the Council heard reports from several organizations and people who are working on Council related activities in the area. They also heard updates on the progress of Family Care in the region. During the Council's business meeting, John Donnelly of Madison and Craig Fiedler of Neenah were elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectively for the coming year.

The Council also heard progress reports on the current five-year State Plan. Based on those reports, the Council took action to revise the State Plan. The Council decided to shift $20,000 from the Self-determination goal to the Advocacy goal. That funding will be used to develop an Emergency Preparedness project. The Council also decided to spend an additional $25,000 in the Advocacy goal to provide technical assistance to People First Wisconsin so that local chapters receive support they need. Lastly, under the Self-determination goal, it was decided to contract with the College of Direct Support (CDS) to develop the program in Wisconsin and to hire a state coordinator.

2. SDS Conference - Save the Date

This past spring the Council sponsored a series of statewide trainings to help people with disabilities, family members, service providers and others better understand Self-Directed Supports or SDS. These were very well attended and many people were able to get their questions answered and concerns addressed.

At the time there was a commitment to hold a conference this fall to further explore the concept of SDS. It was recently announced that the conference will be held on November 5-7, 2007 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. So, mark your calendars and plan to attend this first annual Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference which is titled "Organizing for Self-Directed Supports".

3. Freedom Bus Tour

On September 26, 2006, The American Dream Road Tour began its journey from Washington D.C. This year-long, cross-country "bus" journey and exhibit of disability history and has been making its way through all 50 states (one by air).

On Saturday July 14, 2007 the bus tour stopped in Madison. Council staff helped to organize the stop in Madison and assisted Survival Coalition members and other disability advocates with greeting the public who were attending Madison's annual Art Fair on the Square. Staff passed out promotional "Fans" and Take Action cards about restoring the ADA. Wisconsin Eye, a state version of C-SPAN, covered the event.

This public awareness tour promotes community integration, as well as education and economic opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. It is supported by local organizations like the Survival Coalition . The road tour includes the work of photojournalist Tom Olin and other displays on the history of the disability movement.