Please look at the attached flyer outlining a proposed 2015 fare increase from Valley Transit and dates for public hearings about the issue.
Attached Flyer: 2015 Fare Increase Notice_web (2)
On November 6, 2014, we will be hosting an educational forum for parents of children with disabilities. With a focus on long term planning, we will have representatives coming from Lakeland Care District, Community Care, IRIS, and the Outagamie County Aging and Disabilities Resource Center. The representatives will take a short amount of time to explain the services they provide, and then time will be spent for Q&A from the parents to the representatives. We are asking that parents register ahead of time and submit questions ahead of time to Mitch Cornils at [email protected] or (920)731-9831 x111 so that the representatives have time to semi-prepare and can answer the questions fully. This event will take place in our Lower Level Activity Room at 211 E. Franklin St, Appleton, WI from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Coming up on Monday, October 20th, the Autism Society of the Fox Valley will be hosting a Parent-Educator Workshop titled Understanding the Parent Role in Special Education Programming. Sherry Gundlach, the Parent Support Program Coordinator for CESA 6 will inform parents on many school based topics. These topics are assisting parents in becoming active participants in the decision-making process of their children’s education, parent participation in the IEP process, best practices in team-building between parents and school staff, and locating resources for families who have children with disabilities. Certificates of attendance will be provided.
This event will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm at Miron Construction, 1471 McMahon Road, Neenah, WI 54956.
To register go to: http://www.focol.org/asfv/register.htm or e-mail Diane Nackers at [email protected]
The ABLE Act of 2013 (Achieving a Better Life Experience) is a new piece of legislation making its way through Washington D.C. that would affect many of our participants. This bill would allow individuals with disabilities to build up a tax-free bank account to pay for “disability related expenses” which is explained more below. The amount of money in an ABLE account would not go towards qualifying for federal programs such as Medicaid and other programs that take money into consideration for qualification. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments can be suspended to any individual who has extra resources in an ABLE account. This would most likely take effect if the individual holds more than $100,000 in the account. The gift tax rule of $13,000 would be in effect as well. This means that one person can’t give more than $13,000/year without being taxed for it. Once the individual with a disability passes away, or is no longer deemed to have a disability, the money in the ABLE account will be taken to pay for remaining Medicaid expenses. If there is any leftover money after that, it will most likely be deemed an asset. That would first need to be decided by the Secretary of the Treasury. As of now, the bill is sitting in the House of Representatives, and is waiting to be amended. If the House of Representatives pass the bill, it will have to pass through the Senate and be signed by the President to become law. After talking to Kyle Roskam from the US Capitol, he stated that the bill should move to the President’s desk quickly, after the House of Representatives decides what to do about the lost revenue from lost taxes and puts it to a vote. He stated that it is supported by about an 85% majority in the House of Representatives, which is definitely a good sign for the bill.
Disability Related Expenses that the ABLE Act Can Be Used For
Education – This can be used from pre-school to college, including books, supplies, tutors, and special education.
Housing – Expenses for primary residence. This includes rent, purchase of a residence, mortgage, and improvements to the home, maintenance, property tax, and utility charges.
Transportation – Use of mass transit, buying or fixing a vehicle, or for moving purposes
Employment Support – Charges for finding and keeping employment, job training, assistive technology, and personal assistance support
Health Prevention and Wellness – Premiums for health insurance, mental health, medical, vision and dental, habilitation/rehabilitation, reliable medical equipment, therapy, respite care, long term services and support, nutritional management, communication services, adaptive equipment, personal assistance, and assistive technology
Other Approved Miscellaneous Expenses – Services for managing finances, legal fees, and funeral and burial expenses
Sources Referenced and Attached
AAID, The Arc, AUCD, NACDD, SABE, UCP. (2013). Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act Fact Sheet. 2013 Disability Policy Seminar.
Congressman Ander Crenshaw. (2007). The ABLE Act – The 113th Congress.
Roskam, K. (2014, September 16). Telephone interview.
Attachments With More Information
Due to our agency name change to SOAR Fox Cities, Inc., we have also decided to change the name of our SOAR program. Our SOAR program has been dedicated to 16-26 year olds, and has included many activities from their own camp experience, to many different recreational activities and projects. While keeping these fun activities, this group will also be adding programs focused on advocacy and becoming a more influential community member. The new name for this program, as voted on by its participants, will be “Able and Active.” “Able” highlights the variety of different activities that this group will do and has done; and “Active” highlights the frequent involvement and participation from this group’s members. I look forward to seeing familiar faces at these program’s activities, alongside hopefully many new faces as well.
-Mitch, Able and Active Program Coordinator
In collaboration with the Poygan Conservation Club and Little Lakes Ranch, we are able to offer a possible once in a lifetime experience to one of our participants. Cory and his family will be able to enjoy a relaxing, exciting, and unbelievable weekend in October at Little Lakes Ranch in Irma, Wisconsin. Being fully paid for by the Poygan Conservation Club, Cory will be able to bring his family for a weekend away, which will include a free deer hunt of a trophy buck, and a weekend in a beautiful lodge. Posted below is a picture of Cory’s dad, Cory, and Todd Schmidt of the Poygan Conservation Club. We are very grateful for the generosity of both organizations.
