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

December 13, 2017 

  I'm not telling you it's going to be easy.
I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.

~Art Williams
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
Our New Reality: Making Sense of Family Care & IRIS in the Transition Period and Beyond
The Arc Dane County, LOV Dane, Third Place Group, and the Long Term Care Coalition are teaming up to support as many families as possible through the Family Care/IRIS transition.  These upcoming, regionally based sessions are designed to inform, provide guidance, and help you connect with other families working through the transition.

We will share clear, factual information about Family Care and IRIS. Share information on how we can work together to preserve, and advocate for outcomes and services we care about during the transition and moving forward.  In addition, we will learn from other families and individuals on hand who will share their experiences with IRIS and managed care and their decision making processes.
 
Programming is geared towards , guardians, self-advocates & families of adults (18yrs & over) with developmental disabilities.  Mark your calendars now!  Pre-registration is required.
  • Thursday, January 11 - Sun Prairie School District Offices, 6-7:30pm
  • Wednesday, January 17 - Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains, 6-7:30pm
  • Thursday, January 18 - Stoughton Public Library, 6-7:30pm
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) Offers Adaptive Winter Activities
MSCR is excited and proud to present many new classes and winter programs for individuals who may or may not have disabilities.  These classes and sessions are designed so that friends and family members may participate together in recreational activities.  Ranging from ice skating, sledding, and fitness classes to sports outings, there are many options for enjoying fun in the winter in an inclusive environment.

 
 
You can register online at www.mscr.org or by calling (608)204-4581.
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
The Arc National Events
Send Holiday Cards to Governor Walker Requesting that 2018 be Declared Year of the Caregiver!
In 2017 we saw great attention to the needs of families and caregivers in our state: from statewide expansion of Family Care/IRIS long-term care programs and supports for caregivers with loved ones experiencing dementia, to a biennial budget investment in wage increases for the direct care workforce and the end of a waiting list for more than 2000 children with significant disabilities.
 
You know that family members are the backbone of Wisconsin's caregiving industry and that this CareForce needs much more support in 2018.  A group of aging and disability groups has sent a proposal to Governor Walker, asking that he declare 2018 The Year of the Caregiver.  We need your support to make sure the Governor knows how many people support caregivers!

 

 

Send Governor Walker a Holiday Card asking him to Declare 2018 The Year of the Caregiver!

 
Mail your card (send a photo, too!): 
Office of Governor Scott Walker
115 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53707
2018 Winter Ball
Sunday, January 7, 2018
2pm-5pm
Concourse Hotel
Are you ready to dance the afternoon away, dressed in your winter best?  There will be plenty of dancing,      hors d'ouevres, and time with friends.  Tickets are available now .  

The deadline for purchasing tickets is December 27.
 
We need your help!  We are seeking volunteers to enjoy the party, dance with the attendees and keep things moving smoothly.  If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the Winter Ball, please contact Mark Lederer by email at [email protected]
Because of Your Generosity
You made the difference, helping people with disabilities have equal opportunities in 2017.

  • Because of you, over 250 families had questions answered by the experts regarding the Family Care/IRIS transition.  
  • Because of you, over 300 people with disabilities danced the afternoon away, sharing time with friends.  
  • Because of you, parents of school-aged children with developmental disabilities throughout Dane County are receiving information and presentations about transitioning out of the school system.  With over 5 district presentations to date you have helped us reach almost 100 parents.
  • Because of you, advocacy information is at the fingertips of hundreds of families throughout Dane County.
  • Because of you, families, guardians and people with disabilities are connecting and finding support.
Your gift to The Arc Dane County makes all of this, and more, possible.  Let's keep working together so that even more children and adults with developmental disabilities have the same opportunities, choices, rights, and respect due all people in our community.
   
 
OR
 
You can send a check to:
The Arc Dane County
6602 Grand Teton Plaza
Madison, WI 53719 
 
Did you know, you can make your year end gift to The Arc Dane County, through the United Way.  By using code #1104 your gift will be designated to The Arc Dane County. 
Thank You For Your Support
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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