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

November 1, 2017 

  There is no greater disability in society,
than the inability to see a person as more.

~Robert M. Hensel
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
Halloween Fun!
The Annual Halloween Dance might be one of our most fun events.  Costumes galore, over 350 people in attendance, and wonderful support from volunteers helped make this year's event memorable.  We won't forget one of the longest conga lines we've ever seen!  And the costumes were fantastic!



We would not be able to host such a festive event without the continuing support of our partners.  Each contributed time and resources to help make the dance a success.

Event Host
Pooley's Sports Bar &  
Event Center
 
DJ 
Bob Halle
 
 
Contributing Sponsors 
ABRA Auto Body & Glass East Towne
Aramark 
Miller and Sons Supermarket Verona
 
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
The Arc National Events
Continuing Education
As The Arc Dane County continues to provide educational opportunities and support our families through the Family Care/IRIS Transition, we have teamed up with LOV Dane to bring you a new program.

Still wondering about IRIS? 
Thursday, November 9th 4-6 or 6:30-8:30 PM
Orchard Ridge Church, 1501 Gilbert Rd, Madison

Registration is required
 
Come learn from Dane County Families who have already started their IRIS Journey.
  • What was it like to work with an IRIS consultant?
  • What materials were helpful in creating your plan?
  • What worked well and what were the challenges?
  • What happens if your IRIS budget is not sufficient to meet support needs?
Sheldon Kroning and John O'Keefe from the Department of Health Services will attend. Sheldon will present on the IRIS plan development process which will include the steps to review requests for IRIS budget increases.

Why won't there be information about Family Care and Partnership at this meeting? 
The state requirements for when for when Family Care and Partnership must begin and complete their planning process is slightly different than for IRIS. We will host learning events focusing on Family Care and Partnership at a later date.
Look for more programing coming in December to support you in the transition.
Don't Miss "Different Dreams" by Encore!
(October 27 - November 11, 2017)

Encore's repertory theatre company explores the wildest to mildest of aspirations in a series of contrasting vignettes and films in "Different Dreams". The shorts include: "Dream Insurance" - a selection of three pieces which focus on how dreams change throughout life; "Dare to Dream": Jeri is intruded upon by an unwelcome stranger who reawakens old dreams; and "Different Dreams": a discussion group for people with disabilities becomes contentious with strong characters and strong opinions; and Growing Apart:  One man's quest for independence.  In addition to the live performances, the production includes 5 new short films with perspectives of our repertory company actors and staff.

Different Dreams is directed by Executive Director Schoenhaar and Artistic Associate Heather Renken.

Show times are:
Friday and Saturday, October 27th and 28th at 8pm
Friday and Saturday, November 3rd and 4th at 8pm
Sunday, November 5th at 2pm
Friday and Saturday, November 10th and 11th at 8pm

Ticket prices are $15, or $10 students, seniors & people with disabilities.
There will be limited seating so reserve your tickets early!
Tickets may be reserved by calling 608-255-0331
or email your reservations to:   [email protected]
Advocacy
Health Care - Senators Release Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Cost Sharing Subsidies
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA), along with 22 other co-sponsors (11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, 1 Independent), released a bill to continue cost-sharing reductions payments under the Affordable Care Act for two years. The bill also partially restores federal funding for consumer outreach and enrollment assistance. Additionally, it makes changes to the Section 1332 waiver process, making it easier for states to get waivers of certain parts of the law, provided certain standards are maintained. For more information, read The Arc's blog post.
 
Education -  Department of Education Rescinds Numerous IDEA Guidance Documents
On October 20, the Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) announced in a newsletter that guidance documents have been rescinded.  "At this time, OSERS has a total of 72 guidance documents that have been rescinded due to being outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective-63 from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and 9 from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)."  This announcement follows President Trump's Executive Order 13777, intended "to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens" on the American people.  The Executive Order issued in February listed six criteria for making determinations on guidances, including those that "eliminate jobs, or inhibit job creation" and "impose costs that exceed benefits."  The October 20 announcement only refers to documents which meet one of the six criteria, leaving open the door for further rescissions.  The Arc and education coalition partners are reviewing the rescinded documents to determine the potential impact on students with disabilities and their families.  A preliminary review indicates that the rescinded documents clarify existing regulations pertaining the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rehabilitation Act, such as Questions and Answers on Serving Children with Disabilities Placed by Their Parents at Private Schools.  The Arc is concerned about the lack of transparency in this process as no justifications were provided and no additional information is available on the Department's website.  See the list of rescinded documents here.
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


Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.