The Messenger
Sept. 22, 2020
“Families are the compass that guide us.
They are the inspiration to reach great heights,
and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”
~Brad Henry
Meet the 2020 Family Advocate Award Winners--The Zwettler Family!
The Zwetter's have given unconditional and supportive love to Petra and includes her brother, her sister, and her parents.
 
Petra’s family includes her Mother, Sally and Father, Michael
Brother - Skot - sister-in-law, Stephanie - Nephews Joey, Jimmy and Jack (Twins)
Sister - Kara - brother-in-law, Adam - Niece, Anika, Nephews Boden and Colby (Twins)
 
Petra’s life has been filled with family events - biking on bike trails and camping in several states, attending and supporting nephews and niece in athletic competitions, concerts, musicals and water-ski competitions. She has been an active member of her church - Bethany United Methodist Church in Madison where she has been active in various choirs, taught Sunday school, and assisted with the church services in a variety of ways. 
 
Petra’s creativity is shown in her hobby of making cards which she sends during many holidays and celebrations.
 
Petra and her family are so thankful for the opportunities she has received from the The Arc-Dane County, MARC, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin as her self confidence and positive outlook on life have been enhanced in her connections with all of these. You can find Petra volunteering at nearly all of our dances and at our golf event each year.

Thank you Zwettler Family for being an example of family support for individuals with disabilities and sharing what that support can provide. We look forward to next year when we can honor the 2020 Spring Community Award winners.
Today is National Voter Registration Day!

Every year millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote. National Voter Registration Day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise. Dane County will have "Democracy in the Park" events this Saturday. You will be able to drop off your absentee ballots with poll workers and they will act as witnesses for you if you need one.
42 Days until the November election.

There's still time to catch this training opportunity from the WI Disability Vote Coalition.
 
September 22, 2 – 3 PM, Voting Training with People First Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition and People First Wisconsin are celebrating National Voter Registration Day. Join us on Tuesday, September 22, 2- 3 PM to learn more about voter registration, absentee voting, voter rights, and voter resources. Be ready to vote in the November 3rd election! Register now on the DVC website.

“Often lost in the day to day of life are the big moments in history that make today possible. Today, a life in the community for millions of people with disabilities is possible because of the actions of those who came before them, that led to justice. We mourn the loss of one of those champions, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who wrote the opinion in the landmark ruling affirming that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination.
“Thirty years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act transformed the country in important ways, changing expectations for the lives of people with disabilities. Thanks to the work of countless committed advocates, we have taken meaningful steps toward the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Two advocates that carried the promise of the law all the way to the Supreme Court were Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. Their bravery and refusal to live behind the dark walls of institutions led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. decision in 1999. The case established that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act – and that people with disabilities have a right to live in the community rather than institutions.
“In the opinion, Justice Ginsburg focused on the fact that ‘institutional placement of persons who can handle and benefit from community settings perpetuates unwarranted assumptions that persons so isolated are incapable of or unworthy of participating in community life.’
“This big moment, and her staunch affirmation of the human dignity of people with disabilities and their rightful place in the community of their choice, fundamentally changed the course of the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities. With this history in our hearts, we will carry on our fight for inclusion and justice for all people with disabilities,” said Peter Berns, CEO, The Arc.
Get involved! ARTS for ALL Wisconsin is working hard to bring the ARTS for ALL Wisconsin Choirs to you safely at home.

We know how important Choir is for so many of our participants, and we are happy to announce that our Virtual Choirs will begin October 1 (and some of them sooner than that!).
 
Our Choir members are a valued part of the ARTS for ALL community, and we are so excited to see them again soon.

It’s easy to sign up for Virtual Choir, and you can join in from anywhere in the world.

We have resources available to help you access the online Choir sessions, and are offering multiple accessibility options to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
Presenting The Arc Wisconsin Academy!
The Arc Wisconsin Academy is an exciting online learning opportunity that can help people with disabilities increase their leadership skills, improve their well-being, and learn to speak up for themselves and others. Built upon the principle of self-determination, courses are designed by experts in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and delivered right alongside self-advocate trainers. Content has been specifically designed for effective online learning for self-advocates in Wisconsin.

The Arc Wisconsin is an approved provider of Participant Education in the adult long-term care system (IRIS and Family Care). Make sure to contact your care manager or IRIS consultant about how to include this course in your plan.
How can you continue to support The Arc-Dane County?
Covid-19 has forced us to make some tough decisions. We have had to cancel all of our remaining social and fundraising events for 2020 but are working on new ways to see all of you in 2021. We miss you! In the meantime, please check out other ways to help us continue our efforts as we find our new ways to support all of you. 
Coming Soon--Holiday Fruit Sale!
2020 has been a long year so we want to reward you by offering you our famous fruit early! We will be offering no contact, direct delivery options to make you holiday gift giving easy. This is also an great option for corporate gifts or for treating yourself! Watch the website and social media for updates or contact us at 608-833-1199 or arcdanecounty@gmail.com to learn more!
Fall Flowers and Decorations!
Get ready for the fall seasons and help support The Arc-Dane County! We are working with Fitchburg Farms to provide you with a safe and easy way to get your fall decor. These make great gifts to give away to to give yourself! Please contact us at 608-833-1199 or arcdanecounty@gmail.com with questions.
Order Deadline for Oct 4th Pick up is Sept 29th.
Pick up your order at The Arc-Dane County Office Parking Lot from 9:00-12:00
Last Call for Golfers!
2020 Socially Distant Golf Outing for The Arc-Dane County
Golf anytime (or multiple times!) at The Meadows of Six Mile Creek in Waunakee.
Vouchers will be good for one year from purchase date but you must golf before September 30 to be eligible for prizes! Get your vouchers from The Meadows by calling 608-849-9000 ext #1
Thank you to The Meadows for including us in your 2020 Golf for a Cause program and their staff for their unending support for The Arc-Dane County and the disability community.
Membership Renewal

We need your support to keep programs such as Wings for All available in 2021. Renew or start up your membership and be part of the financial support for our work promoting advocacy, social and educational events, and information sharing. Because of you, we are able to continue efforts to improve the lives of those with I/DD and their families. We succeed because of your support. Thank you!
LAST CALL! The 2020 Census is scheduled to end on September 30. Please get yourself and your household counted! It is so important that the needs of the disability community are counted and met. For more information please visit https://thearc.org/census/

You Count! Be Counted!
"Census data help direct more than $800 billion a year in federal funding, including for key programs that support and protect the rights of people with disabilities." (Read the full document here.)
Follow us on social media for updates and information!
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@ArcDaneCounty

Volunteer with Us!
Opportunities for new Board Members & event volunteers
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Join us for advocacy, education, and social activities.
You Count! Be Counted!
The 2020 Census has started. Many people with disabilities are left out which impacts funding, services, and supports.
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