The Messenger
March 23, 2021
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for."
~Sean Patrick Flanery
To learn more about how you can work with Sarah and become more involved with The Arc-Dane County, please contact [email protected] or call us at 608-833-1199.
DHS COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline Now Available
Call 1-844-684-1064 for vaccine related assistance
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that in addition to the numerous resources available on the DHS COVID-19 vaccine page, residents of Wisconsin can now call (844) 684-1064 (toll-free) for personal assistance with their vaccine-related questions.

COVID-19: Am I Eligible for the Vaccine?
Currently eligible groups in priority order
  1.  Frontline health care personnel
  2.  Residents and staff in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
  3.  Police and fire personnel, correctional staff
  4.  Adults ages 65 and older
  5.  Educators and child care
  6.  Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
  7.  Some public facing essential workers
  8.  Non-frontline essential health care personnel
  9.  Congregate living facility staff and residents
  10.  Individuals with certain medical conditions (This group includes individuals with Down
syndrome and other neurologic conditions, such as intellectual disabilities and dementia)

Next eligible groups
All individuals age 16 and over. DHS anticipates that Wisconsin will be able to open eligibility on May 1 to include anyone age 16 and older.

Homebound COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Available
Are you a homebound Dane County resident and want to get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Do you know someone who is and could use support?
Call (608) 240-7400 or click on the agency logos below to go to their web pages.
Policy Updates for Everyone from AUCD Disability Policy News!


Learn more about what your elected officials are doing. Find updates in plain language, links to learn more, and action steps you can take to be your best advocate.
March 23rd is Disability Advocacy Day!

More than 200 members of the disability community from all parts of Wisconsin plan to rally virtually on March 23 for the Survival Coalition’s annual Disability Advocacy Day. Advocates will participate in issue discussions and planning sessions before making targeted calls to their state legislators to tell their story and discuss the issues that impact people with disabilities in their everyday lives.

Read the full press release here.
Participate in Budget Listening Sessions
Join Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Mandala, and their staff in these Live Sessions that aim to give Wisconsinites across the state an opportunity to engage in policymaking as the 2021-23 budget moves through the legislative process. If you are interested in participating, RSVP and find additional information on the Badger Bounce back agenda here.

Learn more about the Executive Budget here.
April 6th Is Spring Election Day. Make Your Voice Heard Dane County!

State Superintendent Of Public Instruction and Dane County Executive are just two of the issues on this ballot.

Visit https://myvote.wi.gov to see sample ballots, check your registration status, and find your polling place.
Need to learn more about the candidates? Visit the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin site.
Updates from The Arc
Members of Congress Unveil Bill to Make HCBS Available to All, Eliminate Institutional Bias
Last week, Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH); and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released draft text of a bill to make Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) a mandatory benefit under Medicaid and eliminate waiting lists. Currently, states are allowed to limit HCBS services through waiting lists, while they cannot do so for institutional placements. This bill eliminates that institutional bias. Additionally, it increases federal funding to provide for higher pay for direct support professionals. Read The Arc’s statement here.
 
President Signs COVID Relief Reconciliation Bill
On March 11, President Biden signed the COVID relief reconciliation package. Notable provisions include:
  • Funding for HCBS: 10% FMAP increase for HCBS for one year.
  • Extension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit increase through September
  • Economic Impact Payments of $1,400 per person, including for adult dependents
  • Temporary increase in premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act
  • Extension and expansion of tax credits for business that provide COVID leave
  • Expansion of Earned Income Tax Credit for childless adults
  • Expansion of and refundability for the Child Tax Credit for low-income families

Read more about these updates in plain language for everyone using the Disability Policy News link above!
WI-BPDD Call for Presentations

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities is seeking session proposals for Tuesday, October 19 & Wednesday, October 20, 2021. This year’s theme: Growing Stronger Together will help people with disabilities lead more Self-Determined lives by recognizing the valued role communities play in our lives!

All proposals are due by 12 p.m. on April 2, 2021.

Presentation details and applications can be found by clicking here.
Save the Date--Everybody's Golf Tournament is September 17th.

We are in search of great golfers and great sponsors!

Our fun-filled event to raise funds for The Arc-Dane County will take place at The Meadows of Sixmile Creek in Waunakee. You can get involved in supporting The Arc-Dane County by sponsoring this event, making a donation to the silent auction, joining the planning committee, and getting your team together!

Your support is necessary to make these events successful. To learn more about sponsorship and donation of auction items, contact Heather at [email protected].
Together with your support, we can accomplish great things.
Thank you to these 2021 Golf Sponsors!
Registration for Waunakee Family Trail Run is Open.

This event will offer a 2-mile course, a 1-mile course, and a 1/2-mile course.

Get more information on the Waunakee Family Trail Run here.
There is still time to join The Miracle League of Dane County
Be part of this program specifically designed for children with disabilities, both cognitive and physical.
 
PLAYER REGISTRATION for this season is NOW OPEN online at our website – www.danecountymiracleleague.org. The registration cost is $ 45 which covers the cost of a uniform, cap, and insurance.
Deadline is March 31st. Late registrations will be accepted if there are openings.
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION is also available online through our website.
Annual Meeting Notice--The annual meeting of The Arc-Dane County will take place virtually on April 13th. The public is invited. If you are interested in joining in email Anne for more information.
Did you know? Special Education Advocacy Support is Available from The Arc-Dane County.

If you have concerns about your student's needs and are looking for non-attorney support, we can help. Please contact Anne at [email protected] or
608-833-1199
Follow us on social media for updates and information!
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