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

May 31, 2017 

A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.   
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
A Message From The Board President:
The Arc testifies before the Dane County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
In May, 2017, the ADRC held a hearing. They asked for  feedback and testimony on their role in serving the eligible citizens of Dane County. This vital and active service will take on new importance as Dane County transitions to Family Care. The Arc included a number of requests to answer the questions that our members have voiced. We also encouraged the ADRC to shoulder the responsibility for three groups of people on a waiting list.

What Can YOU Do NOW To Protect Medicaid In Wisconsin?
Join us for a special online training TONIGHT
Wednesday, May 31
6pm - 7pm
Medicaid as we know it is about to change drastically and many people and policymakers still do not know that Medicaid funds supports for more than 1 million Wisconsinites, including many people with disabilities. Medicaid funds programs like Family Care, IRIS, personal care, school therapies, autism services, mental health supports, children's long-term supports, Katie Beckett and more.

The President's Budget combined with cuts now being considered by the U.S. Senate will result in the largest cuts to Medicaid in history.
U.S. Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin are home in Wisconsin over Memorial Day week and they need to hear from you. It is also time to start communicating concerns with Governor Walker, your state legislators and to keep the media informed.  
We need every advocate, person with a disability and family paying attention and taking action now. 

Sponsored by The Arc Wisconsin and the Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations


In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
 
The Arc National Events
Still On The Fence About Family Care vs IRIS?
Join The Arc Dane County and LOV Dane for a special session of small group discussions.

June 8, 2017 at 4:00-6:00 pm OR 6:30-8:30pm
Alliant Energy Center: Mendota 7-8

This program is designed to provide a structured opportunity to reflect on the information presented at previous learning events and help you clarify the most important decision making criteria for your unique family situation.

Attendees should have attended the previous session on April 17th or watched the event video at RSVP is required. Email [email protected]
with your name and the number attending with you. 
Update on Annual Meeting and Nominations 
The Annual meeting was held on May 9, 2017 at 7:30 pm. Members of The Arc-Dane County voted on new members, officers and other business.
At the meeting, the following new board members took their seats:

Jean Schmeichel - Jean has been recently retired from the schools where she most recently served as Director of Instruction. A long time advocate, Jean has enjoyed the Arc activities that she has attended.

Sarah Barnes - Sarah is a young attorney in the Madison Area. Her practice is mostly in the area of serving people with disabilities, wills and trusts.

Deni Fuhrman - Deni is a parent of two children with disabilities and works as a counselor.

Each of the new board members was elected for a two year term for a two year term on the Board of Directors:

Board officers were elected to serve a one year term:
Barbara Hughes, Vice President
Mark Lederer,   Secretary
John Leemkuil, Treasurer
Ken Hobbs, President
Family Care Transition School Presentations
The Arc Dane County has been on the road!  Visits to local school districts are resulting in new members, new connections and critical information sharing.  This is an uncertain time of change with a lot of moving parts in local, state and federal policy making. 

Most recently, our Board President, Ken Hobbs, and our Director of Advocacy and Development, Alice O'Connor visited the Waunakee School District.  They were able to share information with almost a dozen families and help make connections among our community. 

If you are interested in learning about the changes in Family Care and how it could impact you and others around you, please connect us with your schools!   Send an email to [email protected] and we will follow up to schedule presentations for the fall.
More Summer Fun Activites
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) has some wonderful adaptive summer programs available.  Click on each program to see the information sheet. 

City Club - Social program with a variety of activities provided as well as field trips. Memorial is full. Lake View and MSCR East still have open spots.
Dance to Fitness - New class, special rate! Dance to a variety of hit songs and have a good time learning introductory dance steps!
Fit Club Series- Choose from walking, park hiking, tennis, kickball, or all.
Golf - All levels of golfers encouraged to register.
Overnight Camping - 2 different trips available.
Awards Banquet Photos
The photos from the 2017 Annual Awards Banquet are available online.  It was an incredible night honoring those who support our community of people with developmental disabilities.
The Arc Dane County | (608) 833-1199
6602 Grand Teton Plaza | Madison, WI 53719


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