Disability Advocacy Day 2024

On March 20th, self-advocates from around the state gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building to share their stories with their legislators.

The Arc WI Staff Member and Self-Advocate Sydney Badeau is part of the Wisconsin Non-Driver Committee through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. This diverse committee identifies transportation barriers for non-drivers and develops recommendations to reduce these challenges and improve mobility for all travelers in Wisconsin.

Pathways to Success Webinar Series

It is not too late to register. Registration provides access to all previous webinars. The webinars are on Mondays at 6pm until May 20th. Topics include Discovering Your Interests & Strengths, University Disability Services, Inclusive Post-secondary Programs for Students with ID, Project SEARCH, Vocational Rehabilitation with the DWD, SSI & SSDI, Jobs Centers of Wisconsin, ABLE Accounts, and Medicaid and Home- and Community-based Services. Funded through a grant from Trustage.

Electronic Absentee Voting Option Suit Filed

A suit was filed in Dane County Circuit Court on behalf of Disability Rights Wisconsin, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, and four individuals which asks for the state of Wisconsin to implement an electronic absentee voting option for voters with disabilities.

Collaboration with UW-Madison Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Continues

Kate Schmidt, our current Capstone Graduate Student Intern, is graduating in May with her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. However, she is staying with The Arc Wisconsin as the volunteer Chapter Liaison.

New Capstone Graduate Student, Alyssa Gentile, has begun her plan for her Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone project that will start in January 2025 with The Arc Wisconsin.

Disability Policy Seminar 2024

Over 800 self-advocates and advocates from around the country attended the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C., in the beginning of April. Our intern Kate Schmidt was the Wisconsin Team Captain and coordinated and facilitated meetings with all eight representative offices and both senate offices. She focused on the SSI Asset Limit and SSI Marriage Penalty and wants to hear your stories on this topic. Email her at schmidt@thearc.org

Wisconsin Implements ABLE Saving Accounts with Senate Bill 668

On April 4, 2024, Governor Evers signed Senate Bill 668 into law, directing the State of Wisconsin to create an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings account program for people with disabilities.

ABLE accounts can be used to pay for expenses that happen when living with a disability. Some of these expenses can be rent for accessible housing, buying needed assistive technology, or healthcare and caregiving costs. Most importantly, money in a person’s ABLE account will not affect their eligibility for benefits programs such as Social Security Insurance (SSI), Medicaid, and food stamps.

The Art of Storytelling

Stories impact people in a way that statistics don’t. Self-advocates Sydney Badeau and Brett Maki co-taught a class called The Art of Storytelling, which was funded by a grant from the Wispact Foundation. We had a total of 15 self-advocates participate and learn how to tell their stories, and some began telling their stories to legislators and people of power.

RevUp Grant: Making the Disability Vote Count

With the RevUp Grant, The Arc Wisconsin is working to reach out to disabled voters, increase accessibility at the polls, and fight anti-voter legislation in Wisconsin. Check out our website and follow us on Facebook for updates.

The Arc Wisconsin is again a member of the Survival Coalition. The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations is a cross-disability coalition of more than 20 state and local organizations and groups. For more than 20 years, Survival has been focused on changing and improving policies and practices that support people with disabilities of all ages to be full participants in community life.

The Arc-Dane County

In February, the Arc Dane County hosted a 4-week Healthy Relationships Class for teens between the ages 15-17 to discuss and learn about many aspects of how to navigate our relationships, how to be safe, and how to be confident. The topics included learning about respect, dating, intimacy, giving/receiving consent, term and language, safety and boundaries, social media/internet safety, self-advocacy, and assertiveness.

The Arc Dane County also hosted their Starlight Spectacular Dance 2024 at the The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club on March 10th. ARTS for ALL Wisconsin, Wheels & Heels Inc., Camera Kisses: photography by Debbie Borth, DJ Tim Wing, the volunteers from READI, the community, and the UW all showed up to make this event a success.

The Arc of Dodge County

The Arc of Dodge County had a great time at their Christmas party with food, coloring placemats, creating Christmas Trees and dancing. Shown are Arc members Sawyer Burmania, Greg Sindermann, and Amy Wallintin showing off their Christmas trees.

The Arc of Dodge County also hosted their Spring Dance themed "Forever in Blue Jeans" on April 20th. Food was catered by Sandy Baird and entertainment was provided by Neil Diamond impersonator Eric Diamond. Everyone danced the night away!

The Waupaca County Arc

The Waupaca County Arc hosted a St. Patrick’s Dance at the Waupaca VFW! The DJ had everyone dancing and joining the conga line. Pizza, soda, and cookies topped off this fun event.

The Arc Fond du Lac



The Arc Fond du Lac held their annual Fashion for All show, featuring models from The Arc’s Community Enrichment Program (CEP). The models of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities showcased styles from local businesses and each model’s most empowering outfit.

The Arc Fon du Lac clients celebrated with an Easter egg hunt, colored eggs, arts & crafts, and enjoyed custard kindly donated by Gilles!

The Arc of Southwestern WI

At their most recent gathering, they turned a cold February day into a fun-filled pizza and Valentine craft party! The Arc of Southwestern Wisconsin is made up of families from Iowa, Grant and Lafayette counties. They are currently mostly a social group, gathering every few months to do an activity and have some good food. Their members say they enjoy the opportunity for their people to have a fun social experience while the parents also get to socialize and share knowledge with one another. To join in the next gathering watch for updates on The Arc of Southwestern WI’s Facebook group!

Arc-Dane County Wings for All

May 11th, 2024

Dane County Regional Airport

The Arc’s Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® (Wings) program gives families and aviation professionals the confidence to take to the skies with ease by providing an airport “rehearsal,” as well as a presentation on the aircraft features and in-flight safety protocols. The Arc Dane County, Delta Airlines, and the Dane County Regional Airport work collaboratively to design and carry out each Wings event. Spots are filling up quickly.

Contact Anne at 608-833-1199 or arc.amstevens@gmail.com with questions about registration.

Circles Of Life Conference

May 16 – 17, 2024

Holiday Inn, Stevens Point

The 39th annual Circles of Life Conference is a statewide conference for families of children and youth with disabilities and the professionals who support them. This is a unique opportunity for families to develop new skills, learn about resources and form lasting relationships. The conference includes a keynote, over 25 breakout sessions and evening events.

Employment First Conference

May 21st, 2024

Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

All stakeholders are encouraged to attend this 10th annual conference, including people with disabilities and their family members, service professionals, school staff, and others who support people with disabilities to achieve employment, make connections and contribute to the community.

Registration Details:

$175 General Registration (ENDS 5.7.24)

$50 for Person with Disabilities and Family Members

The Arc-Dane County 2024 Community Awards Celebration and Fundraiser

May 30th, 2024

Quivley’s Grove

6261 Nesbitt Road

Fitchburg, WI 53719

You are cordially invited to attend The Arc-Dane County 2024 Community Awards Celebration and Fundraiser. Hosted by: Charlotte DeLeste, Leah Linshceid, Peter Leidy, & Arc-Dane County Self-Advocates Jack Yeary & Richard Brissette.

Cocktail Reception with Hors D'oeuvres 6:00pm

Awards Ceremony 7:00pm

Cost $65 per person

Includes 1 drink ticket



Please RSVP by May 12, 2023

Monroe Balloon and Blues Rally

Sponsored in part by ARC Green County

June 14 - 15, 2024

Green County Fairgrounds

2600 10th Street

Monroe, WI 53566

Bands, blues, food, hot air balloons - and a car show!

Keller’s Lake Day Camp

with The Waupaca County ARC

August 5 - 9, 2024

Keller’s Lake Camp, Marion, WI

Keller’s Lake Day Camp will be celebrating its 59th year this August. This camp is offered through the Waupaca County ARC and is available to anyone ages 5-95 with intellectual or developmental needs.

We meet annually the first full week of August from 9:30am-3:30pm. Campers are bused in daily to Keller Lake Park in Marion, WI. We offer a variety of activities including art and crafts, fishing, row boats, swimming, games, and special entertainment.

Lunch is provided and cooked over a campfire by unit leaders. This week is truly a highlight of the summer for many of our campers. With the help of many volunteers we strive to make it the best week of the year.

This year’s theme is “Rolling through the Decades.” Each day we will dress up for a different era. The campers love it. Lifelong friends have been made through this camp. Better yet, thanks to donations and community support this 5 day camp only costs $25 per camper. You can’t find a better way to spend a week of summer.

Any interest in checking it out or for more information feel free to contact Cindy Carrick, Camp Director at cindycarrick@gmail.com