Find Out What's Happening in Wisconsin
The Arc Wisconsin to Lead Task Force on Caregiving
There is no greater concern for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families in Wisconsin than the direct care workforce crisis. Eighty-five percent of people with disabilities who require direct care—whether for some or all of their support—cannot find paid help. Families are stressed to fill in the gaps of caregiving. The result is often family caregivers leaving their jobs and people with disabilities going without care, putting their health at risk. Many people are isolated.

The Governor’s newly established Task Force on Caregiving had its first meeting on September 25 in Milwaukee, with The Arc Wisconsin’s Lisa Pugh named as co-chair. Lisa not only leads the work of The Arc Wisconsin, but is a caregiver herself to her 20-year-old daughter with I/DD.

Look for email updates from us on the work of the Task Force, including opportunities to provide input.
Creating Awareness About Alternatives to Guardianship 
Wisconsin has one of the highest rates of guardianship in the country, due in part to people not being aware of less-restrictive alternatives. The Arc is a national leader in helping people understand the risks and myths of guardianship and how supported decision-making and other alternatives might be a better fit.

Recently, The Arc of Calhoun County’s Leah Ortiz visited Wisconsin to share the success story of how her training and conversations with families have diverted hundreds of unnecessary guardianships. See her presentation materials and more here . 
New Videos to Help With Your Advocacy: Wisconsin Advocate Featured 
Policymakers often do not understand disability issues. Many have never even met someone with I/DD. The public often makes incorrect assumptions about people with disabilities. These new videos are a great tool to help you create awareness in your community just by posting on social media! (Watch carefully for one Wisconsin advocate telling her story — pictured right.)


How to use these videos:

  • Post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Share through email
  • Play a video at an event

Start a conversation! Tell people about your life!

Bonus: Curious about The Arc Wisconsin? Check out this new video ; and find more advocacy videos on The Arc’s YouTube channel .
New Free Training on Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome 
People with I/DD, particularly people with Down syndrome, may be at higher risk for dementia, and experience this health concern differently than the general population.

Join the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, The Arc Wisconsin, and Leone Murphy, parent/APN/member of the National Task Group on I/DD and dementia, for this webinar to learn how to talk about aging and dementia with your loved ones with Down syndrome.

Preparing for Aging & Dementia: Supporting Your Loved One With Down Syndrome
Thursday, October 3, 12:00 p.m. 
Coming Up:
  • October 1: The Arc Wisconsin to speak at October 1 Disability:IN event with employers interested in hiring people with disabilities.