February 2020 Wisconsin Newsletter
It’s Time to Ask for What You Want and Need in the State Budget
The Governor's budget is out! What does this mean? We are in full advocacy mode at The Arc Wisconsin and you should be too! Here are some highlights of what the Governor has included in his budget bill to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families:

  • Funding to increase wages for direct care workers
  • Increases in special education funding and for students with mental health needs
  • Supports for family caregivers, including family medical leave and a caregiver tax credit
  • ABLE savings accounts
  • And much, much more…
Wisconsin's budget won't be final until early this summer. Remember that just because something isn't in the budget draft today doesn't mean it can't be included. Also, if you like something in this bill, there is no guarantee it will stay. Legislators need to hear from you about your priorities!

Find your legislator's contact information here and give them a call!
Join Us for (Virtual) Disability Advocacy Day: March 23
This year's Survival Coalition Disability Advocacy Day will be different, but still a lot of fun! Join us for a virtual rally and issue overview, along with a fun new way to take action.

Let's blast the Capitol with phone calls on March 23. Register today to join us!
Want to Learn More About What’s in the Budget and How to Advocate? Join Us for FREE Virtual Trainings!
The Arc Wisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Board for People With Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Wisconsin, and People First Wisconsin again this year to bring you the latest information on the state biennial budget.

Get your questions answered by the experts at these FREE virtual events! See registration information here.
Want to Be Healthier in 2021?
Now's your time to register for The Arc Wisconsin's HealthMatters class, a course that has been proven to help people with IDD lose weight and lower blood pressure and body mass index (BMI).

This course can be included in your IRIS or Family Care plan! Check out our lessons:

  • Lesson 1: What Does It Mean to Be Healthy?
  • Lesson 2: Step Into Exercise
  • Lesson 3: The Fab Five
  • Lesson 4: How Much Food Is Too Much?
  • Lesson 5: Benefits Healthy Eating Has on Our Bodies
  • Lesson 6: Healthy Lifestyle Review

Seats are filling up fast! Register by April 1.
Advocating for Vaccine Access for People With IDD
The Arc Wisconsin has been successful with other disability organizations in advocating so people with IDD, their direct care workers, and family caregivers are prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Make sure you know how and where to get the vaccine for you or your loved one. The state is updating a Frequently Asked Questions document here.
Addressing ABLE Account Confusion
Many people think ABLE savings accounts are one of the most useful tools available to people with disabilities, but in Wisconsin there is a lot of confusion. Because our state doesn't have its own ABLE program, it can be hard to know if you're eligible, how it works, and what is the best program for you. In our latest episode of The Arc Experience podcast, Wisconsin's resident ABLE expert, mom, and financial advisor Kathleen Oberneder breaks it down for us. Listen here.

Advocate for an ABLE program in Wisconsin. There is a new ABLE bill circulating in the legislature, and we want it to pass! Tell your legislator to support ABLE now! Take action here.
We've Reached 1,000 Downloads!
We’re pretty proud that our new podcast The Arc Experience has achieved 1,000 downloads in just a few short months! Thank you to our loyal listeners! Are you one of them? Here are some of the hot topics and experts you may have missed already in 2021:


If you subscribe and write a review for our podcast on Apple podcasts, it helps us reach more people with this valuable information!