The Arc Experience Podcast

There is perhaps no issue that people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) struggle with more than dental care. ·        State data indicates that 29% of adults with disabilities reported having at least one permanent tooth removed over the past year, and 26% said they had not visited a dentist within the past year.·        Adults with a disability are less likely to visit the dentist for a cleaning, check-up, or exam than people without disabilities (47% and 76%, respectively). Most people with I/DD rely upon Medicaid for their dental care. Yet only 37% of licensed dentists  in WI are available to serve the Medicaid population and 53% of these dentists are listed as either inactive or are not accepting new patients. Today we talk to a dentist who is trying to make things better.   Lakisha Arif-Holmes DDS owns  Mayfair Family Dentistry in Wauwatosa. and she takes pride in specializing in  treatment to patients of all ages with special healthcare needs, including Autism and people with IDD. Mayfair Family Dentistry: https://www.mayfairfamdentistry.com/414-259-0665Specialty Care Dentistry Association: https://scda.site-ym.com/Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Today we are talking about something that's hard for a lot of people: Thinking about the future. We don't know what to expect – and frankly, the unknown can be a little scary – especially if you are a person with a disability or a family member who relies on supports to build and live a good life.  In this episode we meet Liz Mahar who is sharing a wake up call across the country about future planning. She says it's not only possible but – it is necessary. Liz is the Director of Family and Sibling Initiatives at The Arc of the United States and she is a leader within the Center for Future Planning. However, her greatest experience might come as sister to Crystal, who has Down syndrome. Learn more about future planning: https://arcwi.org/2017/10/05/part-wisconsin-future-planning-network/The Center for Future Planning: https://futureplanning.thearc.org/?_ga=2.182646630.1397700017.1636577291-193680245.1590781332Letter of Intent: https://arcwi.org/content/uploads/sites/17/2017/12/FINAL-CFP-LOI-on-cfp-website.pdfWisconsin Professionals to Help: https://futureplanning.thearc.org/professionals?utf8=%E2%9C%93&profession=&state=WisconsinSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

November is National Family Caregiver month. Did you know that One in five Wisconsinites (or 1.18M people) is estimated to be an unpaid caregiver?  Wisconsin family caregivers provide more than 490 million unpaid hours of care annually to individuals with disabilities and older adults. 80 percent of all care is provided by families who help loved ones daily with meals, bathing and dressing, medications, doctor appointments and more. Today's guest is first and foremost Mom to Kelsey, who has Angelman Syndrome. Lisa has over 30 years' experience advocating for persons with disabilities and navigating the complicated support system, including for her own daughter.  She is also Executive Director of the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin.Respite Care Association of Wisconsin: https://respitecarewi.org/RCAW respite care provider registry: https://respitecarewi.org/registry/ Family Caregiver Month activities and resources: https://www.caregiver.org/news/celebrating-our-communities-caregivers/Wisconsin Family and Caregiver Support Alliance (WFACSA): https://wisconsincaregiver.org/alliance2021 Wisconsin Family Caregiver Month proclamation: https://arcwi.org/content/uploads/sites/17/2021/09/110121_Proclamation_Family-Caregiver-Month.pdfThank you CUNA Mutual Group Foundation The CUNA Mutual Group Foundation: Supporting the sustainable development of our communities.Support the show

If you haven't heard of the Britney Spears conservatorship case we'd be pretty surprised! It seems everyone is talking about conservatorship or guardianship these days as the case of the pop star's life hits the headlines. But while you may now know that Britney had very limited control over any decisions in her life, what may be new news is that tens of thousands of people in Wisconsin live with the same restrictions. Many people think guardianship is an over-used tool in Wisconsin and people with disabilities should have more choice and control in their lives. Listen to this podcast to hear from an attorney who is in the trenches helping Wisconsin people with disabilities have their guardianships reviewed and get their rights back. Resources on Guardianship in Wisconsin: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/supporteddecision-making/https://arcwi.org/2018/04/13/supported-decision-making/Guardianship Support Center: https://gwaar.org/guardianship-resourcesSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and this episode celebrates the journey of one man from a life-changing event to his position today as a leading disability and inclusion professional in a national company. While employers struggle to find talent, Ben Trockman has found the solution in the significant population of talented, problem-solving people with disabilities sitting on the on the sidelines. People with disabilities make up  the world's largest minority but simply aren't being tapped. Ben Trockman's personal and professional goal is to build awareness, tackle assumptions and rethink the way we work to build more inclusion.Ben is the Diversity and Inclusion Outreach Specialist with Old National Bank, based in Indiana and with offices throughout the Midwest. He is focused on helping  Old National to become a leader in disability employment in part by enhancing recruiting efforts and restructuring  hiring processes. Ben also manages the Achieve Ability professional mentoring program at Old National Bank.On a personal level, Ben  is active within the disability advocacy community, working with legislators in Washington DC and Indianapolis  to improve employment opportunities, airline accessibility and healthcare options for people with disabilities. Old National Mentorship program: https://www.oldnational.com/ONB/insights-detail/insights/2021/03/17/achieve-abilityTo contact Ben:  Ben.Trockman@oldnational.com Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Are you IN? Disability:IN Wisconsin is empowering  leading companies statewide  to achieve disability inclusion and equality. As the state's largest employers are looking for new talent, they are also learning how to foster a culture that welcomes workers with disabilities. Disability:IN Wisconsin is a member organization where employers set the table, share tools and mentor and learn from each other. These companies are some of the  hottest leads for your next job!  They are committed to developing a workplace that not only accommodates, but values all contributions. In today's episode we talk with Derek Smith  -  senior vice president at Old National Bank and and the current Board Chair for Disability:IN Wisconsin. Derek says there is no time like today to get your application IN! For more information: https://disabilityinwisconsin.org/Become a member: https://disabilityinwisconsin.org/join-us/2021 Ability Summit: 10/7/21 - https://disabilityinwisconsin.org/2021-wisconsin-ability-summit/Contact: Judy QuigleyExecutive Director262-364-6456judyquigley@disabilityinwisconsin.orgDerek Smith, Current Board Chair (August 2021): Derek.Smith@oldnational.comThank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Today's podcast is about Wisconsin's dark secret.  A piece of history that many think should be forgotten. And while many states have made decisions to do just that, Wisconsin seems stuck in the past. What are we talking about? It is the fact that Wisconsin still operates three state institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Places that have been open since the 19th century. Why? Let's learn about it with our guests today – Tami Jackson and Cindy Bentley. Tami is an experienced public policy analyst and has worked on budget and legislative proposals on a wide array of public policy issues at both the state and federal level. Tami leads the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities policy work, advocating on public policy issues important to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Born with an intellectual disability, Cindy Bentley spent much of her childhood at the Southern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. No one expected her to learn the skills necessary to live on her own. But now we know she now runs a statewide organization as the executive director of people first Wisconsin and lives in her own apartment. She is a self-advocate leader in Wisconsin and the nation. Learn more about People First Wisconsin: http://www.peoplefirstwisconsin.org/Learn more about the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities: https://wi-bpdd.org/WI State Institution Facts: ·       There are three state institutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Wisconsin at Northern, Central and Southern Center. ·       Many states have closed all their institutions for people with IDD. ·       Over the years fewer people have been living in our state institutions, yet the cost to keep them open is growing. ·       The total cost to run all three state centers is more than 125 million dollars which is $9 million more than last year.[1] ·       It takes almost 15-hundred staff to run the institutions.[2]·       In this budget the Governor is asking for more than $45 million to repair buildings at Central Center. ·       Only 307 people live in all the state centers right now. That is 39 fewer people than lived there last year. These residents are getting older and there are no new admissions. ·       It costs $1,303 a day to support someone at a state institution. [1] $126,703,600 in 2020-2021; $117,153,200 in 2017-2018; Fiscal Bureau numbers.[2] 1,441.60 in 2020-21; 1,461 in 2017-2018; Fiscal Bureau numbers.Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Today we are talking about a program that is an important lifeline for people with disabilities, but it simply doesn't work very well.  In fact,  this program prevents people from getting married, discourages them from working, and even prevents them from accepting help from family members.  There are 1,275,932  recipients of Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) in Wisconsin.  SSI provides help to many of the lowest income Social Security beneficiaries who are also disproportionately people of color. Today's guests are experts on SSI policy with two different perspectives and many ideas on what needs to be fixed in SSI. Bethany Lilly is the Director of Income Policy at The Arc where she specializes in public policy related to Social Security, income supports, paid leave, and poverty. She  joined The Arc in 2019 after six years at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, where she worked on public policy impacting people with mental health disabilities. She also was a former was a law clerk with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in Congress. Jason Endres is president of People First Wisconsin, the state's largest self-advocacy organization, Chair of the state's Independent Living Council and a graduate of partners in policymaking. He lives in Eau Claire his wife Julie and his service dogs Bucky and Pinky. More resources on SSI and the proposed changes discussed in this episode: Easy SSI Action Alert: https://p2a.co/IAFTwCzFind your Member of Congress: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member Letter from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities: http://c-c-d.org/fichiers/CCD-SSI-Letter_5-20-21.pdfLetter from Members of Congress in Support of SSI Reform: https://bowman.house.gov/_cache/files/b/a/baebc065-38c0-45cd-bcfd-eaedad4c228d/2E60F47C388560A6676B9F80C9B0D938.ssi-letter-final.pdf SSI Background: https://disabilitypolicyseminar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Social-Security-Fact-Sheet.pdfSSI Reforms Talking Points: https://disabilitypolicyseminar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Social-Security-Talking-Points-.docxSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

There is a lot happening in Washington these days for people with disabilities. And as the old saying goes – if you're not in the kitchen, you are on the menu! Today's guest is not only in the kitchen in Congress, but she is often busy mixing up the ingredients to make the lives of people with disabilities and their families better. In this episode, Nicole Jorwic, The Arc's Senior Director of Public Policy tells us what happens during August recess, what's at stake in Washington for people with disabilities and why it is a critical time to build a relationship with your Member of Congress. August Congressional Recess Resources: The Arc US Action Center: https://p2a.co/lRPDZ5CFind your federal legislators: https://www.govtrack.us/Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

What is the “good life” for people with disabilities and how can we get it for ourselves or secure it for our loved ones? Why should you think beyond the  services you receive? You might be surprised to learn that the life you've been  planning won't get you the good life– and you could be to blame. Stacey Ramirez – a Mom and national leader in person-centered thinking, challenges us to take some risks in our vision of the good life. She shares her own story of moving out of her comfort zone and the tools that got her there. She leaves us with some words of wisdom you don't want to miss. Stacey Ramirez has led The Arc Georgia since 2015 and recently started her own consulting firm, Crimminz and Associates. She is a nationally known trainer with significant experience in person-centered planning. She has a steadfast belief that every person has gifts and the capacity to exceed the often-arbitrary expectations that our society imposes. She is a mom to 3 sons, one who has autism. Contact Stacey Ramirez:  sramirez@crimminz.com Phone: 678-313-3177More on Person-Centered Planning: https://acl.gov/programs/consumer-control/person-centered-planning Balancing Dreams With Support https://www.uwsp.edu/conted/Documents/PersonCenteredPlanning.WiEmply1st.2021.pdf Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Now that our state is talking about what life looks like coming out of the pandemic there is a lot of the discussion about economic recovery – getting businesses back up and running and getting everyone back to work safely. In Wisconsin, we know people with disabilities want to work, but they are seriously underemployed. In fact, People with disabilities have lost their jobs at a much more rapid pace during the pandemic  - generally, nationally, people with disabilities are employed at one-third the rate of people without disabilities. Today's guest is passionate about changing that. Shannon Webb has over 25 years of experience working in the field of employment and community services for people with disabilities. Since 2005, she has been fostering innovation and systems change as subject matter expert for state and federal initiatives to increase integrated employment for youth and adults with disabilities. Over the years, she has collaborated extensively with self-advocates, family members, service providers, schools and funders and has received the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Leadership Award. Shannon is creative and an excellent problem solver. She believes everyone can work. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance: https://eri-wi.org/programs/wipa/Customized Employment: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/customized-employment Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

When you die will your loved one have enough money and support to live a good life? Who will pay for those "extras" that make all the difference? If you are a person with a disability, do you wonder where you can put money that helps you save for important things but that won't impact your benefits? Many people with disabilities and their families struggle with these questions, and a Special Needs Trust may be the answer. In this episode John Shaw of WisPACT explains this unique tool and shares how with just a small amount of investment people can purchase peace of mind. Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

In this episode we hear from  one of Wisconsin's leading experts in best practices in special education and transition supports for student with disabilities. Dr. Nancy Molfenter  is currently an Assistant Director of Student Services in Wisconsin's 2nd largest school district as well as a special education professor at the University of Wisconsin. Nancy is someone who is not afraid to roll up her sleeves! She has more than 20 years of experience working as as a special educator, transition coordinator, and a leader in statewide and national organizations supporting inclusion and employment first. She is passionate about supporting all students with disabilities to reach their potential.  Hear what Nancy  to say about three key ways to close the achievement gap for students with disabilities, the biggest challenges for school districts and how parents and IEP teams can find common ground, even when there are disagreements. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Twenty years ago Nelsinia Ramos not only had a young daughter with autism, but was struggling to learn English and navigate the special education system at the same time. It was intimidating to say the least. Looking back, that experience is what fuels her desire to help other families in her work at Wisconsin FACETS today. In this podcast, Nelsinia,  now the Associate Director at the statewide parent support organization, talks about the unique obstacles for Latino families raising children with disabilities, shares more about how Wisconsin FACETS tries to help and tells us her dream for the future. Contact Nelsinia at Wisconsin FACETS: 877-374-0511 or 4140374-4645www.wifacets.orgNelsinia Ramos is the Associate Director of WI FACETS, Inc. and co-director of the Parent Training and Information Center. She has worked for WI FACETS since 2003 and has extensive experience implementing parent support programs and outreach activities. Nelsinia also serves as senior specialist for the Region C Parent Technical Assistance Center, a federal funded grant that assists parent centers in 16 states in the Midwest; and is the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator for the Wisconsin Special Education Mediation Project. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

When businesses want to hire people with disabilities, a lot of things can get in the way: from building accessibility and workplace accommodations to understanding disability benefits and how to work with outside providers like the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), IRIS or Family Care. Today's podcast guests know all about these obstacles, both from inside the business and out. This episode features the mother and son team, Mary and Sam Dess! Mary is a consultant at Northwestern Mutual, one of Wisconsin's largest employers. Mary helped to found Northwestern Mutual's Disability Alliance Employee Resource Group and is watching them increase their hiring of people with disabilities. Mary's efforts are informed by her experiences alongside her son Sam, who is successfully employed and working on big career goals. Sam also has some great advice to share in this episode! Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

When Andrea Curley was 18 and had just graduated from high school, she lost her mother. That's when she enrolled in Family Care, Wisconsin's long-term services and supports managed care program, and her journey toward learning how to be independent began. In fact, just recently she made the decision to disenroll from Family Care because she's met her goals! In this episode you'll learn how Andrea did it, with a little help from some friends. Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

In today's episode we hear from Stephen Graves, a renowned national Diversity, Equity and Inclusion expert who has spent time thinking about the intersection of race and disability.  Stephen advises us not to play the "Oppression Olympics" but to get on a  journey of cultural humility and start courageous conversations, wherever we work or live. Listen in and you'll come away with concrete tips for what you can do today to make sure we don't keep repeating our history of shoving people to the side. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Am I eligible for the vaccine? Should I get the vaccine? Where can I get the vaccine? So many questions. And we have all the answers right here! We  are joined by a 30-year veteran registered nurse who is taking the lead getting shots in people's arms all across Wisconsin. Sue Urban is a nurse consultant with the state's IRIS program and knows more than almost anyone in the state about how, where and why people with disabilities and their caregivers can get their vaccination for the COVID-19 virus. Sue wants us all to "get stuck" and will definitely tell you to not throw away your shot! Take a listen! This episode was recorded on March 10, 2021 and information may have changed. Information provided here is specific to residents in the state of Wisconsin. Resources mentioned in this episode:Wisconsin's Vaccine Help Line:  1- (844) 684-1064  BPDD COVID-19  plain language fact sheets:  https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/vaccine-information/COVID-19: Information for Adults in Long Term Care Programs:  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/forwardhealth-adult.htmVaccinator Map: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-map.htm  Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

"Mommy, when you die am I taking care of Phillip?" This question from a 7-year-old was the seed that planted WisconSibs, an organization that's been serving siblings of children and adults with disabilities for the past two decades. In this podcast episode we speak candidly with WisconSibs founder Harriet Redman about the secrets siblings sometimes keep, how a soccer game started it all and how a little complaining is a good thing. Harriet closes our conversation with warning that is essential for any Mom or Dad, regardless of the age of your child, to hear. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

When a Dad wanted to save money for his daughter with a disability and realized things weren't fair, he set out to change the law. And thus the ABLE Act was born, giving people with disabilities the ability to save money without losing their Medicaid or Social Security eligibility. Today we talk to a Wisconsin Mom who has made it her life's work to answer your ABLE questions and take the confusion out of how to set up an account, while also helping you understand how ABLE can open up doors to a fantastic future! "As a Financial Advisor in Wisconsin who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities, and/or parents of those with special needs to plan, the ABLE Accounts have been a beneficial tool.   I have a personal connection to my professional specialty.  I have three girls, and my youngest Emily has Down syndrome.   I worked in the Financial Services industry for 10 years prior to her birth.  Although she was born in 2011, several years before the ABLE Accounts became available, I knew that I wanted to change the trajectory of my career as an Advisor to focus on families like mine. " - Kathleen Oberneder, ChSNC®More about Kathleen: https://www.crescendowm.com/team/kathleen-obernederReach Kathleen here: info@crescendowm.com The ABLE National Resource Center: https://www.ablenrc.org/ABLE Resources in Wisconsin: https://arcwi.org/2018/03/12/learn-need-know-opening-able-account-special-needs-trust-wisconsin/Kathleen's disclosure information: Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. (JWC) Member FINRA/SIPC..Advisory services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Crescendo Wealth Management, LLC and JWC/JWCA are unaffiliated entities. J.W. Cole Financial Representatives do not accept orders and /or instructions regarding your account by e-mail, voice mail, fax or any alternative method. For a copy of JWC's Form CRS please visit HERE. For a copy of JWC's Disclosure Supplement please visit HERE. By following the link, you consent to the receipt of the Form CRS electronically. For a copy of JWCA's Form CRS please visit Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

If you live in Wisconsin, the term Family Care has a pretty unique meaning. The Family Care program was known nationally as an innovative program when it was created in 1999. More than 20 years later, Wisconsin's version of managed care for people with disabilities and older adults is not without its critics, but it is hard to argue that the program has made a huge difference in thousands of lives, particularly those who spent years on waiting lists. In this episode we have an exclusive sit-down with Inclusa CEO Mark Hilliker who addresses Family Care criticisms,  talks about the evolution of managed care and reflects on Wisconsin's pioneer status. Learn why he says, "If you can dream it, you can do it."Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Wisconsin's long winters can be hard on anyone, but the pandemic is keeping us indoors more than ever.  What if we told you you could still connect with friends and favorite activities safely? You might even learn something new! Virtual services are popping up all over Wisconsin, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to connect with others all around the state and choose from activities that range from exercise to art, leadership and employment! It doesn't matter where you live or what program you are in, this podcast will tell you what's out there, how to get started and why virtual services are something to connect with right away! Spoiler alert: A special (noisy) guest joins our expert Sally Flaschberger in this episode. Don't miss it! Resources discussedLiving Well Toolkit: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/covid-19/Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Social isolation is impacting all of us in this pandemic, but what are we missing in our advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)? A lot, it turns out. Prior to the pandemic, people with I/DD were among the most isolated in our communities, now they are facing even greater risks. Isolation brings on loneliness, but also mental health concerns, and even abuse. Join us as we talk to national expert Leigh Ann Davis from The Arc of the United States who shares her thinking on this, offers grim statistics and then provides ideas for how we can make things better and learn from this crisis. Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Nicki Vander Meulen is the only openly Autistic individual in the nation to serve on a school board. Wisconsin's second largest school board, in fact! She says while there are many disability rights activists who want to get into politics,  they are rarely encouraged to run for office. Nicki  was told her whole life what she couldn't do, and she's proven the doubters wrong. In this episode you will hear Nicki's incredible story, how a basketball coaching philosophy can be credited for part of her success and a prediction for the future that you won't want to miss. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Ask any person with a disability and transportation is likely one of their top three complaints. Since many people with disabilities don't drive it is not only hard to plan your day, but hard to hold a job, see your family and friends or just plain live your life. This episode features a conversation with Tami Jackson of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities who is heading up the state's new Non-Driver Advisory Committee. While the Committee title might sound a bit bland, the potential for some real solutions in Wisconsin is pretty exciting. Tune in to hear what Tami has to say and think about ways you can support transportation solutions, too! https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/who-we-are/comm-couns/windac.aspxSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Presidential candidates say lots of things during an election, but what will they actually do when they get into office? In this episode of The Arc Experience veteran disability advocate Lynn Breedlove takes a deep dive into the Biden platform to tell us about his promises to people with disabilities, what is possible in a new administration and what could happen in the next four years.  https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2020/08/2020-election-subminimum-wage-disabilities/615085/ https://joebiden.com/disabilities/  Vice President Biden responses to AAPD survey - https://www.aapd.com/learn-more-about-the-candidate/?smid=7005 https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/11/10/biden-victory-brings-high-hopes-for-disability-community/29075/Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Just when you think it should be over, it's not over! What do we know and not know 24 hours after the polls closed in Wisconsin? What's at stake for the disability community, regardless of who is in office? Veteran disability advocate Lynn Breedlove shares his wisdom with us about election results, what he thinks will happen next and the issues disability advocates should be paying attention to. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

November is family caregiver month and our special guest today works tirelessly on family caregiver issues. Helen Marks Dicks is the State Issues Advocacy Director for AARP Wisconsin, but she is perhaps better known  as the lady with the big red glasses! Helen shares with us some exciting initiatives to improve conditions for Wisconsin's nearly 600,000 family caregivers. Resources discussed in the show:http://wisconsincaregiver.org/ The Wisconsin family caregiver Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinFamilyCaregiverAARP Wisconsin: https://states.aarp.org/wisconsin/New podcast sponsor: This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank. Old National Bank has been recognized by the National Organization on Disability as a Leading Disability Employer and one of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”. Old National … fostering a welcoming workplace where people of all abilities, backgrounds, and skills can work together to accomplish great things.Thank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

In this podcast episode we are joined by Maria Town, the President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities.  In this role, she works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. Maria is a former Obama Administration official who feels passionately about people with disabilities participating in our democracy. Hear what AAPD is doing in Wisconsin and across the country to rock the disability vote and the progress they are making in reducing barriers to the polls across the country. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

At the 2020 Self-Determination Conference Lisa Pugh, Executive Director of The Arc Wisconsin spoke with a zoom roomful of self-advocates about setting a vision and taking small steps toward personal goals.  We agreed that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough! We recorded our discussion live at the conference and listened to the dreams of self-advocates Kristi and Jessica while others offered their expert advice! From setting a goal to live on your own and find a home to be in a romantic relationship some day, we helped each other think about next steps. Take a listen to a fun group show! Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

These times can be discouraging. People are isolated and afraid of getting sick. Their lives have been turned upside down and it's hard to know when things will get back to normal, if ever. Lynn Breedlove  has been voicing concerns for people with disabilities in Wisconsin for more than thirty years since he served as director of Disability Rights Wisconsin. You might say he's seen it all. Even though a pandemic is new turf for Lynn, he's already seeing the opportunities. Hear how Lynn advises all of us advocates to turn COVID-19 lemons into lemonade, as they say...Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Ashley Mathy is a 24-year-old disability advocate and pioneer who wants you to know you might fail at first, but you can do anything if you set your mind to it. With the motto “cross out the dis and embrace the ability”, Ashley travels Wisconsin sharing her message, training other self-advocates to find their voice, and challenging a few policymakers along the way. Hear Ashley's tough talk and advice for organizations on how they can be better partners with and supporters of people with disabilities. You will want to keep your eye on this young leader! Guest: Ashley Mathy, People First Wisconsin Self-Advocate LeaderSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

In this episode we chat with Beth Swedeen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and hear her take on the top five moments of disability history in Wisconsin. Does her list match yours? She reflects on great memories in the state capitol and what she sees as the future of the self-advocacy movement in Wisconsin. You won't want to miss it! Guest: Beth Swedeen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental DisabilitiesThank You to Old National Bank This podcast episode has been brought to you by Old National Bank - a Leading Disability Employer. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Did you know you might be able to drive up to your county clerk's house to deliver your ballot on Election Day? No, really! Did you know the voter turnout of eligible voters with disabilities is significantly lower compared to the national average? There's so much to learn about voting! Guest: Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin and the Disability Vote CoalitionSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

Cindy Bentley is one of Wisconsin's most inspirational leaders and self-advocates. She grew up in a state institution for those with developmental disabilities but has gone on to live a pretty incredible life, even making her way to the White House not once, but twice! In this episode, we will hear Cindy tell her White House tales and provide some advice for other self-advocate leaders along the way. Learn about how even White House pets can have their partisan differences! Guest: Cindy Bentley, Executive Director of People First WisconsinSupport the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

For far too long, the disability rights movement has been led by advocates and professionals without disabilities —but that is changing. Self-advocate leaders with intellectual and developmental disabilities are joining local advocacy organizations and ensuring that their voices are heard not only in their communities, but in the state capitol and in Washington, D.C. In this episode, learn how one Wisconsin self-advocate started building his skills early, his advice for you, and why he thinks speaking up is important. The episode features Josh Gretebeck from People First Stoughton along with our host, Lisa Pugh of The Arc Wisconsin. Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

The civic engagement of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is important, but many think it's too difficult. Who would listen to what I have to say? How do I start? Talking to community leaders is essential to make sure people with disabilities are known as important, contributing citizens who need their government to work for them too. In this episode, self-advocate Rosie Gieger will discuss her experiences talking to state and local politicians. She'll also share what her visits were like, advice for others, and why she thinks speaking up is important. We will also hear from a Fond du Lac City Council member who recently met with self-advocates involved in People First.  Featured in this episode along with host, Lisa Pugh, are Rosie Gieger, a self-advocate, Cassie Higgins, case manager with The Arc Fond du Lac, and Ben Giles, City Council member. Support the show

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often seen as the recipients of services and are rarely expected or asked to give back. But that doesn't mean self-advocates don't want to contribute to their communities or have a great ability to do so! In this episode, we'll talk about the unique relationship that has formed between the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and The Arc Fond du Lac and how self-advocates there are giving back. We'll also hear some tips from The Arc Fond du Lac staff on ways to support volunteer opportunities where you live.  This episode features our host, Executive Director, Lisa Pugh interviewing Katie Karls, Executive Director – Habitat for Humanity, Fond du Lac; Tomessa Marley – Program Assistant (The Arc Fond du Lac, Young Adult Program); and Katie a Self-Advocate and Habitat ReStore volunteer.Support the show (https://arcwi.org/donate/)

The Arc Wisconsin - with support from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities – is launching an exciting new feature this year – The Arc Experience Podcast. In this monthly feature you'll hear from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their allies across the state – talking about their lives and the issues they think are important. Tune in to this kick-off episode to learn more about what to expect! You won't be disappointed!  This episode features The Arc Wisconsin's Lisa Pugh as host, joined by the Executive Director of The Arc Fond du Lac, Liz Morrell. Support the show