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

March 14, 2018
 
Planning is bringing the future into the present  
so  that you can do something about it now.

~ Alan Lakein
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
silver-keyboard2.jpg
WEBINAR - Learn How Wisconsin Residents May Enroll in ABLE
Wednesday, March 28
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Presented by:
Kathleen Oberneder, Financial Advisor - Crescendo Wealth Management, LLC
Barbara S. Hughes, Board Member, The Arc-Dane County & Attorney , Christenson Johnson, LLC

Join us for a presentation on Special Needs Financial Planning to discuss the new IRS Section 529A ABLE accounts and special needs trusts (SNTs), and how these planning tools interact with one another.
You will learn:
  • How Wisconsin residents can open a 529A ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act) Account.
  • Who are eligible to open a 529A ABLE Account.
  • What a 529A ABLE Savings Account is, and how it measures up to a Special Needs Trust.
  • How and why an individual may use both an ABLE account and an SNT.
  • How ABLE accounts may contribute to comprehensive special needs planning.
  • The role of professional advice in a comprehensive special needs plan.
Registration is required.
The Arc Dane County 2018 Awards Banquet
Join us!
Thursday, April 26, 2018
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

Join The Arc Dane County as we recognize those individuals and agencies who do great work and provide support to our communities with disabilities.  We are proud to honor those who are making the biggest impact!

Leah Linscheid from WISC will host the awards and Richardo Meguel Vasquez, The Mirimba Man, will provide the evening's festive entertainment.

Siblings Day 2018

The Arc Dane County is proud to sponsor Siblings Day 2018.  This is a special day created for the siblings of our loved ones with disabilities.  This event is geared towards children in grades kindergarten through middle school and is only for the siblings with no disability.  Siblings Day is designed to focus on a sibling's special place in their family and community.  
  • All children wishing to attend MUST be registered in advance - NO DROP-INs
  • Parents and other family members including  the child with the disability are invited for the program and pizza party in the afternoon.
  • Snacks, lunch, a Siblings Day t-shirt and book to take home are all included in the cost of $7 per child.  It also includes the family pizza party!  
Saturday, April 21, 2018
8:45am - 3:00pm
Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish
401 S Owen Drive, Madison
Register by phone or email:
608-442-5555 or [email protected]

In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
Monona Terrace
9:30am - 3:00pm
The Arc National Events
Spring Ball Tickets are Available!
Get your dancing shoes ready for this year's Spring Ball.  We will be dancing the afternoon away:
Sunday April 15th
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club 

We hope you can join us for a fun afternoon of dancing, friends and celebrating the spring season. 

Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis.  Don't wait to get yours, they sell out fast!  Ticket Request Forms are due on or before April 3rd.  Please remember to submit your emergency contact information along with your request for tickets.


We are looking for volunteers to help at this year's event.  If you are interested in a fun afternoon of volunteering, please email Anne at [email protected]
Family Care/IRIS Transition -
Support Brokers CAN Attend Enrollment Counseling

Support Brokers have become part of the fabric of how many of our families operate.  Their input and feedback is important in planning activities for our loved ones.  Did you know that your support broker can attend your enrollment counseling session?  In order for them to attend, you must fill out an easy, 1-page form that can be found on The Arc Dane County's website on our Family Care/IRIS Transition page. Click here for the form.
Advocacy
The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID) recently released a report titled America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis: Effects on People with Intellectual Disabilities, Families, Communities and the U.S. Economy
The report notes that direct support professionals (DSPs) provide services that allow people with intellectual disability to live in their communities and enable family members to work. Additionally, the report indicates that the average hourly DSP wage is $10.72, most DSPs work two or three jobs, and the average annual turnover rate is 45%. For more information, see The Arc's statement on the report .

USA Today published an opinion piece by Marty Ford, Senior Executive Officer for Public Policy at The Arc, warning about the negative impact Medicaid work requirements will have on people with disabilities. While low-income adults who qualify for Medicaid because they receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are exempt from work requirements, nearly three-fifths of non-elderly adult Medicaid enrollees with disabilities do not receive SSI. Many people with disabilities qualify for Medicaid because of their income and could be subject to work requirements. She concludes by warning that these policies will result in less work and less health care.
News
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


Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.