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

October 25, 2017 

  The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,
not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

~Socrates
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
We Are in Need of Volunteers This Sunday -
Fun & Dancing Promised!

The Arc's Annual Halloween Costume Party is coming up soon.  WE NEED HELP.  We are seeking volunteers to enjoy the party, dance with the attendees and keep things moving smoothly.

Sunday, October 29, 2017
Pooley's, 5441 High Crossing Blvd, Madison
Volunteers are needed from Noon to 5:00p.m.
(even if you can be there for only a portion of the time, we could use your help)
Dance takes place from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.


Volunteers are needed for:
  • Registration
  • Food Distribution Table 
  • Clean up 
  • Socializers
Please contact John Leemkuil if you are available to volunteer at [email protected].  Join the fun and be ready to enjoy music, dancing, munchies, pizza, & door prizes. 
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
The Arc National Events
Event Success!
The Arc Dane County Presents:
Making a Critical Choice:
What You Need to Know About The Family Care/IRIS Enrollment Process
Thank you to all who participated in the Making a Critical Choice Seminar on Thursday, October 19th.  Over 250 people attended to learn how to navigate the Family Care/IRIS transition process.  ADRC and Disability Rights Wisconsin shared helpful information and resources.

Special thanks to our co-sponsors
  • Carl Schwarz Family Trust
  • Developmental Disabilities Coalition of Dane County, Inc
  • LOV Dane
  • Third Place Group
And an extra special thank you to our presenters; Jennifer Fischer from the ADRC, Lea Kitz from Disability Rights Wisconsin, Dennis Harkins a long-term care advocate, and parents Barb Katz and Deb Hall.

David Wahlberg from the Wisconsin State Journal was in attendance.  You can read his article by clicking here. 

A lot of excellent information was shared. Click here for Family Care/IRIS transition resources including website links and printable worksheets.  We will continue to update this page with new resources as they become available.  Check back soon for compilation of the questions asked at the seminar.  We are working with our partners to answer these questions for you and are creating an updated FAQ sheet.
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.
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


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