The Messenger
January 12, 2020
“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”
~Maya Angelou
Remembering Dan Remick
Honorary Arc-Dane County Board Member and Life Long Advocate

It is with a heavy heart that The Arc-Dane County shares the passing of our friend and colleague, Dan Remick.

Board Vice- President, Bob Ross, was a close friend of Dan's. Bob checked in with Dan regularly and would keep everyone updated on how he was doing. Together they were preparing to chair the 2020/2021 Community Awards presentations.

"One of the most fulfilling aspects on my work with The Arc-Dane County has been the good fortune to work with, and get to know, Dan Remick. He was a positive force, compassionate, and unselfish. He regularly volunteered for any task needing attention—sorting fruit for the Fruit Sale, attending Board Meetings, working at our social events (Winter and Spring Balls, Halloween Party), and helping with the annual Awards Banquet.  

Dan was formally acknowledged for his contributions numerous times and was a well-recognized face in our community.

Several years ago, Dan received The Arc-Dane County’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual who has shown their creativity, unselfishness, compassion, and cooperative attitude in seeking ways to make lasting contributions for the benefit of individuals with disabilities and their families. Dan ideally personified these qualities.  

Dan served as a Board member for a wide array of organizations, including: The Arc-Dane County, Arc Wisconsin, and People First Wisconsin (a statewide self-advocacy organization for people with disabilities--he served as their President). He was invited to speak to many groups, and regularly testified on the behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families at Dane County Budget hearings and to local and State elected officials.  

It was a pleasure to work with Dan, and an honor to be considered his friend. We spoke many times about many things—he was always positive, upbeat and a joy to be with."

Friend and fellow advocate Petra Zwettler also shared kind words about Dan. "He was amazing guy and he was upbeat and caring and just all the words you said. I will miss him and all of us for The Arc-Dane County. I remember him saying he always wanted to go to McDonald’s for supper. There is so many things we will remember about him. All of will remember him truly. He was a great guy. Sadly he will be missed on all the dances and banquet and golf outing he helped with for The Arc-Dane County."

Dan never stopped being an advocate and was thrilled to be a part of our advocacy efforts this past fall, posing for pictures with his friend and caregiver, Randy Wilkins, to support The Arc and our mission to get everyone counted in the 2020 Census.
Dan at the golf tournament with Petra Zwettler and Leah Linscheid.
Dan with Sarah Barnes receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award
Dan with Randy Wilkins reminding everyone to be counted in the 2020 Census.
How To Do Something Good In The Disability Community If You’re Not Disabled

Check out this article illustrating how the power dynamic within disability advocacy is changing and why that is a good thing
Plain Language information on COVID-19 Vaccine
Living Well and BPDD have put together a plain language document about what we know about the COVID-19 vaccine. Click the button below to read the document they have prepared that will answer many of your questions.
Phase 1A Vaccines of Health Care Personnel Continues

This first phase (Phase 1a) focuses on health care personnel, specifically defined by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC). The Wisconsin DHS website includes information on vaccine allocation, delivery, and distribution, as well as information of the various phases of the roll out.

If you are in the 1A pool and have been contacted by your employer to sign up for your vaccine, please keep a close eye on your email, including your spam folder, for your invitation which will come from covidvaccine@publichealthmdc.com. 

The following is subject to change but is the current understanding of the roll out plan.

  • The current tiers of individuals with People with disabilities are in Tier 1c. Vaccines are starting in Tier1b right now. 
  • People over the age of 75, regardless of disability, are most likely in Tier 1b.
  • People 65-74 and people with disabilities are most likely in Tier 1c.
DSP Workforce COVID19 Survey

The University of Minnesota is conducting a doing a 6 month follow up study for our DSP Workforce. 192 more surveys are needed to be able to provide WI with a state level report. Here is a link to the current 6 months survey that we want DSPs to complete: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmnJGZGYArpMrwp

Here is a link to the baseline survey results https://publications.ici.umn.edu/community-living/covid19-survey/overview
The Arc is accepting applications for the National Sibling Council!

Siblings provide a unique perspective and are an important voice in the disability rights movement.

The Arc is seeking applications from siblings who are eager to take a leadership role in The Arc's advocacy movement.

The deadline to apply is February 5.
Have questions? Contact Liz Mahar at mahar@thearc.org.
The Arc-Dane County is accepting your nominations!
The Arc-Dane County is looking for your nominations for our 2021 Community Awards. Please take the time to consider who in the community you have noticed, worked with, or been supported by, making a difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and help us to honor them. We will celebrate along with our 2020 winners once it is safe for us to gather again.

The nomination form is available here or contact us at arcdanecounty@gmail.com
The 2021 Annual Fruit Sale is coming soon!
Final prices and items available for direct delivery are expected to be updated on January 12 and we plan to have the sale site go live shortly thereafter. Due to safety concerns will again be running this sale online with direct delivery to so you are able to send fresh fruit safely just about anywhere you would like--including to yourself!

This is the same fruit supplier we have used in previous years so you know you can trust it will be the same quality product you are accustomed to getting.
Did you know? Special Education Advocacy Support is Available from The Arc-Dane County.

If you have concerns about your student's needs and are looking for non-attorney support, we can help. Please contact Anne at arc.amstevens@gmail.com or
608-833-1199
Follow us on social media for updates and information!
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