The Arc Experience Podcast Deb Sybell

Two moms put a human face on the caregiver crisis, sharing its devastating impact on their families and loved ones with disabilities. Their stories are like many across the state. Is a legislative solution in sight? What happens if nothing happens?


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Two empowered moms behind the groundbreaking multifamily housing development Prairie Haus for people with and without disabilities did not have long to celebrate their accomplishment before they were forced to tackle new challenges. How do you open housing during COVID? How do you find new purpose in your life when your adult children with disabilities are living independently? What happens when that independence is threatened when caregivers are no longer available? In this case, our moms' journey comes full circle.


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When they could not find housing options for their adult children with disabilities in rural Wisconsin, two moms made it happen. Their story of resiliency and determination show us all what is possible.

Thank you CUNA Mutual Group Foundation
The CUNA Mutual Group Foundation: Supporting the sustainable development of our communities.


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How can people with disabilities have access to affordable and safe housing where they can live independently with supports to meet their needs? Increasing the supply of such housing is one side of the equation and that is what WHEDA's Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) aims to do. In this episode we will hear directly from WHEDA and partner CSH about this initiative along with SHI participant Catapult Wellness and find out what's next.

Thank you CUNA Mutual Group Foundation
The CUNA Mutual Group Foundation: Supporting the sustainable development of our communities.


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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/
414-259-0665
Specialty Care Dentistry Association: https://scda.site-ym.com/


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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=2.182646630.1397700017.1636577291-193680245.1590781332

Letter of Intent: https://arcwi.org/content/uploads/sites/17/2017/12/FINAL-CFP-LOI-on-cfp-website.pdf

Wisconsin Professionals to Help: https://futureplanning.thearc.org/professionals?utf8=%E2%9C%93&profession=&state=Wisconsin


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