The Messenger
A Newsletter From The Arc Dane County
Supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 65 years

January 31, 2018
 
It takes both sides to build a bridge. 
 
~Fredrik Nael  
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
More Family Care/IRIS Transition Information

The official enrollment period for Family Care/IRIS begins tomorrow!  Populations of people with disabilities have been able to enroll early.  Throughout the early enrollment process, we are continuously learning from families experiences.  And there are always new questions.

This simple Side By Side Comparison of Family Care and IRIS may help answer some questions.  

As of two weeks ago, the selection statics show:
  • All populations who made their choice (1509 people who have decided): 46% IRIS, 40% Family Care, 14% Partnership
  • Adults with developmental disabilities who have decided: 59% IRIS, 41% FC and Partnership combined
The Arc Dane County is proud to work with local advocates and leaders in the field of disability rights.  These individuals continue to find ways to support YOU in the Family Care/IRIS transition process. Lynn Breedlove and Dennis Harkins are both advocates and leaders in the fields of long-term care and disability rights.  Lynn and Dennis created two new white papers, focused on IRIS, to clarify some questions that continue to arise.
Disability Advocacy Day is March 20th
Make certain your voice is heard! Disability Advocacy Day is designed to connect you with your legislators so you can talk about issues that matter to you. You are the expert in sharing how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives.
   
   
Registration is due by March 9, 2018 - 5:00 pm CST
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
The Arc National Events
Spring Ball Tickets are Now Available!
Get your dancing shoes ready for this year's Spring Ball.  We will be dancing the afternoon away:
Sunday April 15th
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club 

We hope you can join us for a fun afternoon of dancing, friends and celebrating the spring season. 

Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis.  Don't wait to get yours, they sell out fast!  Ticket Request Forms are due on or before April 3rd.  Please remember to submit your emergency contact information along with your request for tickets.


We are looking for volunteers to help at this year's event.  If you are interested in a fun afternoon of volunteering, please email Anne at [email protected]
Paratransit Changes - DECISION DELAYED
Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transit and Parking Commission (TPC) have been discussing proposed changes to paratransit service.  At a meeting held on Wednesday, January 10, Metro staff proposed:
  • Delaying the paratransit fare increase until 2019
  • Delaying the implementation of curb-to-curb service only until 2019
  • Moving forward with the elimination of convenience tickets in June 2018
  • Moving forward with the elimination of "leave attended" service in June 2018
Commissioners discussed this updated proposal and decided to delay the decision on all of these points until later in the Spring. Commissioners committed to making a decision on this proposal by their May meeting.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The next Transit and Parking Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Room 201, City-County Building.
Future Planning - The Arc Dane County Can Help
Do you have concerns and questions about caring for an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability?  Are you an aging caregiver or do you know one?  Do you have a plan in place for continued care?


The Arc's Center for Future Planning and The Arc Dane County are here to help with a new program that addresses Future Planning. Contact The Arc Dane County for information or to set up a meeting with our trained staff. [email protected] or 608-833-1199

Advocacy
Action Alert: Too Many Students with Disabilities are Taught by Teachers with Little Experience: Now is Your Time to Weigh in on Teacher Licensing
In The News
STATE
Survival Coalition Supports State Projections for People with Pre-existing Conditions, Concerned by Provision Allowing Health Plans to Charge Sick People More

The Arc Wisconsin Reacts to Governor's State of the State Address

Survival Coalition of Disability Groups Supports Focus on Improving Lives of People with Disabilities in Governor Walker's State of the State

LOCAL
Penguin Project makes dreams come true for Sun Prairie kids with special needs

NATIONAL
The Arc Celebrates Law Enacted to Support Family Caregivers

The Arc Responds to New Report Exposing Abuse and Neglect of Individuals With Disabilities in Group Homes
Are You a Member Yet?
Your membership in The Arc Dane County helps us continue to offer up to date advocacy, education, and social activities.


The Arc Dane County | (608) 833-1199
6602 Grand Teton Plaza | Madison, WI 53719


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