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


September 6, 2017 

The best way to navigate through life  
is to give up all of our controls.    
 
What's Happening at The Arc Dane County
Wisconsin Department of Health Services to Hold Informational Meetings on Family Care and IRIS
Note: DHS is listening to concerns that all sessions were during the work day.  One evening meeting has been added in Fitchburg!  DHS will not allow the vendors they chose to implement Family Care and IRIS in Dane county to speak directly to parents, guardians or self-advocates.  We are working with policy makers to address this issue.

DHS has shared they will discuss the following:
  • If you choose Family Care, the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) that will serve Dane County are Care Wisconsin, and MyChoice (click on the names to go to their websites)
  • If you choose Partnership, the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) that will serve Dane County are Care Wisconsin and ICare (click on the names to go to their websites)
  • If you choose IRIS, the IRIS Consulting Agencies (ICAs) that will serve Dane County are Advocates4U; Connections; First Person Care Consultants; Progressive Community Services, which currently provides broker services in Dane County and was recently certified to be an ICA; the PCS website is not updated yet; and TMG. (click on the names to go to their websites)
  • Current DHS policy is that representatives from the MCO's or ICA's that will serve Dane County will not be allowed to speak/present at these informational meetings for individuals, parents, and guardians.
These meetings are being hosted by DHS to share information and answer questions about the change to Family Care and IRIS.  More information should be coming out from DHS this week.
October 19
Making a Critical Choice: What You Need to Know About The Family Care/IRIS Enrollment Process
The Arc Dane County has teamed up with multiple agencies who serve our community of people with disabilities to answer questions about the transition to Family Care/IRIS. 
You will learn about:
  • The role of the ADRC
  • A real family's experience
  • How Options Counseling works
  • Being an effective advocate in the new system
  • Your rights in FC/IRIS
 
Mark your Calendars
Thursday, October 19th
Choose the time that works best for you
10:30am - NOON or 6:30pm - 8:00pm

If you are affected by the change to Family Care/IRIS, we hope to see you at this very special seminar.
 
 
Help Those Affected By Hurricane Harvey Today

The catastrophic flooding inundating southeast Texas and surrounding areas has had a devastating impact on the children, adults and families our chapters serve, as well as our staff and volunteers. Now forecasts are predicting that Louisiana is in Hurricane Harvey's path.

Through your support, we will be able to help chapters of The Arc in Texas and if needed any impacted chapters in Louisiana. Your gift will ensure that we will be able to continue to provide supports and services for individuals with disabilities and their families during this trying time. Help those affected by the hurricane today .
Advocacy
Save the Date
Public Hearing for the Proposed 2018 Dane County Department of Human Services Budget
Wednesday, September 13, 6:00pm
Alliant Energy Center
People with disabilities, their families, and allies need to ensure adequate Dane County funding in 2018.  Your participation is important.
In This Issue
Upcoming  Events
 
2018 Dane County Deptartment of Human Services Budget - Public Hearing
Wed, September 13
6:00pm
Alliant Energy Center 
     


      
DHS Meetings on Family Care & IRIS





The Arc National Events
Heading Back to School
Across the country, summer is coming to a close and school is starting. Transitioning back to school can be hard for any student, but especially for students with disabilities. To help start the school year strong, parents can:
  • Meet their child's teachers in advance.
  • Gradually adjust their child's schedule to the school year's routine.
  • Discuss their child's feelings and concerns regarding the new school year and help them identify strategies for coping with anxieties.
Of course, all children are unique, so parents should decide how to manage the transition back to school based on what they know about their child.
Check out understood.org for some helpful resources on supporting students with disabilities as they head back to school.
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
2017 Annual Everybody's Golf Tourney is Coming Soon on September 15th.  Register Now!
Be ready for a day of fun at this 18-Hole Scramble Event!  This is our single largest fundraising event of the year.  Help us be inviting friends and family to golf, sponsor, or donate a raffle prize.
  • The Meadows of Sixmile Creek
  • 8am-9am Registration
  • 9:30am Shotgun Start
  • $5000 cash prize putting contest. 
  • Cash Prize for closest to the pin on a Par 3
  • Hole Prizes, Silent Auction, and Prize Drawings
Registration Fees are $130/golfer.  Fees include the putting contest, greens fee, cart, lunch and a goodie bag.

Event Hosts:
Mitch Henk, The Mitch Henck Show
Leah Linscheid, WISC-TV News

Special Thanks to our Everybody's Golf Tourney
Major Sponsors:
     
 

2017 Halloween Dance - October 29th!


Put on your best costume and join us for the 2017 Halloween Dance.   We will be dancing the afternoon away on Sunday, October 29th from 1pm - 4pm at Pooley's.  Tickets are available now.  Get yours before we sell out!
 
The Arc Dane County | (608) 833-1199
6602 Grand Teton Plaza | Madison, WI 53719