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


July 2, 2019

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
~Oscar Wilde
 
What's Happening at The Arc
Special Education Advocacy: The Arc Is Here to Help! 
Anyone who has experience navigating the special education system - whether they are a parent, educator, or advocate - knows that it can be complicated and confusing. The system can be even more challenging for families that can't afford or find attorneys to support them in their advocacy.

Through The Arc@School's online Advocacy Curriculum , parents, educators, and advocates can learn about the basics of special education advocacy. Participants learn about early intervention services, IEPs, parent's rights, Section 504, and more at their own pace. Learn how to avoid confusion and pitfalls and how to work together to comply with the law and ensure students with disabilities get the special education services and supports they need to be successful at school!
 
National Disability Voter Registration Week
July 15-19 
Did you know the voter turnout rate for people with disabilities is
6 percent lower than that of people without disabilities? Let's work to change that! Each year, the REV UP campaign, through the American Association for People with Disabilities, organizes National Disability Voter Registration Week to promote registration and civic engagement among people with disabilities. This year's campaign is July 15-19 . So - are you ready to get involved and increase our community's voting power? Here are a few easy ways:
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
Fishing Has No Boundaries
July 13-14, 2019
Governor Nelson State Park

2019 Disability Pride Festival

July 27, 2019
Tenney Park

Save the Date: 2019 Halloween Dance
October 27, 2019
Pooley's
Registration coming soon!
The Arc National Events
July 22 - 24, 2019
Charleston, SC

October 11 - 14, 2019
Washington, DC

March 23 - 25, 2020
Washington, DC 

The Arc-Dane County  Events
Fishing Has No Boundaries, Madison
July 13-14, 2019 at Governor Nelson State Park
fishing-pole-handles2.jpg

The Arc-Dane County is proud to sponsor this year's Fishing Has No Boundaries event.  This annual fishing weekend for people with disabilities takes place July 13 & 14, 2019 at Governor Nelson State Park on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI. This is the program's 25th year anniversary, and sure to be a huge celebration!
 
We still have availability for individuals with disabilities who are interested in fishing! We can take up to 100 participants. No age or ability restriction, all are welcome!  Attached here is the PDF packet to sign up. If you are interested in volunteering your pontoon boat or your time as a fishing assistant, click here.  To learn more about the event agenda,  click here.  We hope to see you there!
Join us at Disability Pride Festival 2019!

The Arc-Dane County will be joining The Arc Wisconsin as an exhibitor at this year's Disability Pride Festival. 
Saturday, July 27, 2019
NOON - 5pm
Tenney Park, 1500 N Sherman Ave
 

The Arc-Dane County 2019 Membership Drive
Membership Looks Good on You!

Our 2019 Membership Drive is underway! Your membership in The Arc-Dane County provides financial support for our work promoting advocacy, social & educational events, and information sharing.

You also receive these wonderful benefits:
  • Access to our national organization, The Arc, focusing on policy issues that affect those with disabilities 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 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Dane County
Membership postcards will be in your mailbox soon.  Or you can activate and renew membership online by clicking here.  We hope you will join us!
Save the Date: The Arc-Dane County Halloween Dance

Start planning your costume! The Arc-Dane County will be hosting our 2019 Halloween Dance on October 27 at Pooley's.  We can't wait to see your costumes and dance moves at this can't miss event of the year.  Registration/ticket forms will be available soon.  
In The News
In summary, the Survival Coalition does not find that the proposal substantially changes the Family Care waiver.  However, Survival Coalition believes significant changes to the waiver will be necessary in the near future to address broader issues affecting long-term participants-including workforce shortages and a lack of provider capacity, inclusion of new approaches and evidence-based practices that improve participant outcomes, and system improvement strategies that offer return on investment.  These comments include addressing the Caregiver crisis and Participant access, eligibility, services, planning, delivery, and financial accountability.

Reports: Nearly half of Madison schools need to provide additional support for black students, students with disabilities

Project SEARCH promotes bright futures for young adults with disabilities
 
Do You Have a Program Idea? Are You Hosting or Attending an Event We Should Share With Our Members?
The Arc-Dane County members are always participating in great events and educational opportunities.  Let us know if there is programming you would like to see.  Tell us about an event we should share. Send us a link, send us a flyer, send us the information and we'll help you get the word out to others who could benefit. Email Anne at [email protected].
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
402 Gammon Place, Suite 360 | Madison, WI 53719