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


August 1, 2018 
 
If you're completely exhausted and don't know how  
you're going to keep giving this much of yourself day after day you're probably a good parent.
 
~ Bunmi Laditan 
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
Dane County Coordinated Public Transit Services Transportation Plan
A public meeting took place on July 19 attended by representatives from service providers, county human services, and beneficiaries of rides and their allies, to  participate in a give and take discussion to help develop a draft of the 2019-2023 Coordinated Public Transit Services Transportation Plan.

Transportation needs that came out in the discussion show a great need for increased frequency and flexibility.  Here are some highlights:
  • Greater outreach in Dane County for rides where there are no buses.
  • Need flexible short term medical transportation.
  • Need reliable transportation for job training and employment.
  • Would like better coordination by "Care Pool", so when transportation providers change, clients don't suffer and care givers can try to find different short term solutions until problem is resolved.
  • Use more technology to coordinate rides so an app could let anyone know where a ride is, if available, etc.
  • Improve regional schedule coordination to outlying counties and mobility management.
  • Social Service agencies who receive taxpayer funding should do a better job of sharing their vehicles.
  • Increase frequency of rides in some corridors, add some midday routes.
  • Include health professional and educators in this feedback, they were missing from the group discussion.
These are not all the comments from the meeting but highlight areas for implementing the plan going forward.
Another survey will be sent out shortly and shared through this newsletter. Please take the time to provide your input. It is the only way meaningful change will occur.
2018 Everybody's Golf Tourney - Register Today!
The Arc Dane County and our volunteer planning committee are busy planning this year's golf outing.  This is an important fundraiser for our organization to continue providing education, networking and advocacy. 

The 2018 Everybody's Golf Tourney
Friday, September 14th
The Meadows of Sixmile Creek, Waunakee

Prices increase on August 15th
If you are interested in supporting this event by providing a door prize or raffle item, please send an email to Anne Stevens at arc.amstevens@gmail.com
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events

The Arc National Events
Don't Forget to Vote on August 14th
Join The Fun - Join the Education
Join the Support - Join The Arc
2018 Membership Drive 
It is time for The Arc Dane County's annual membership drive!  Our membership cycle is from July 1 to June 30 of each year.   
  
Your membership provides financial support for our work promoting advocacy, social & educational events, and information sharing.

You also receive these wonderful benefits:
  • Part of national Arc focusing on policy issues that affect the disabled from the halls of Congress, Department of Health Services all the way to our own communities
  • Inclusive social events
  • Discounted ticket prices to dances
  • Ongoing educational programs
  • Exclusive educational materials and worksheets
  • The Messenger (our e-newsletter) and arcdanecounty.org
  • Quick access to current information & relevant to services in Dane County, Wisconsin and Nationwide-The Arc Dane County curates information & news to help you find topics relevant to you
  • Collaboration with other organizations and the slightly different roles they play in advocating for disabled people in Dane County
   
home_keys_planning.jpg Future Planning: One Step at a Time
While planning to have all of your future needs met, it is important to contact a legal professional.  They have specialized training that will make sure you are planning for ALL future areas of need.  The Arc Wisconsin put together a wonderful resource guide to help. 

Take a look at these Wisconsin resources for legal and financial planning.  Have you contacted these organizations before?

Financial and Legal Planning Resources
Special Needs Alliance:
A national organization comprised of attorneys who can help answer questions about public benefits, special needs trusts, guardianships/conservatorships, planning for disabilities and special education issues.

Wispact:
https://www.wispact.org/about-wispact/
A private nonprofit organization that administers pooled and community Special Needs Trusts for people with disabilities.
800-943-7386 press 9, press1, enter Ext. 53975

Opening an ABLE Account in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin residents may establish an ABLE account in another state as Wisconsin does not have its own ABLE program. Wisconsin residents may compare other state ABLEprograms through the ABLE National Resource Center
www.ablenrc.org

What is a Special Needs Trust?:
http://specialneedsanswers.com/what-is-a-special-needs-trust-13601

The Life Navigators Trust Program:
Pooled trust and other trust resources and information. 414-774-6255

You can find more information on Future Planning by clicking here and visiting our website.

Please share your questions with us!  Email Anne at arc.amstevens@gmail.com and we will work to find answers and share information. 

If are interested in a Future Planning Overview presentation for your group, email Nicole at nh@constituencyservices.org 
Advocacy
Urge Congress to Pass the EMPOWER Care Act
Tell Congress to Continue the Money Follows the Person Program
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