Gateways to the Outdoors

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources participates in "Open to the Outdoors," a nation-wide program which makes outdoor recreational activities more accessible for persons with disabilities. The Department of Natural Resources is committed to making hunting, fishing, kayaking, camping and other outdoor activities easier for all. Some adapted outdoor options include adaptive kayaks for those with mobility impairments, beach wheelchairs to allow for easy access into the sand and water, accessible cabins, piers and platforms for shore-fishing, canoe campsites, and more than 650 miles of trails.

"Gateway to Adventure" is a Minnesota-based program that helps people develop the skills they need to enjoy inclusive outdoor activities, even in Wisconsin. "Gateway to Adventure" organizes outdoor adventure trips throughout the world; individuals can sign up for one trip or join the training program to prepare themselves for outdoor activities.

IRIS participants have the opportunity to be creative with allocations and to work towards their goals responsibly. IRIS participants can work with their IRIS Consultant and these organizations to become open to the outdoors this summer. For more information:

Open to the Outdoors
1-608-267-7490

Gateway to Adventure
1-800-728-0719

Community

On April 30, 2010 the following people were included in IRIS: 1691 Participants 168 Consultants

Featured Profiles

IRIS Consultant: David Cavanaugh

"I love the idea of people being able to choose and direct their own care," says David Cavanaugh. "There is no feeling like seeing someone break out of their limitations and live life to the fullest."

Cavanaugh has been an IRIS Consultant in Milwaukee County for eight months. He previously worked in sales for large companies. In 2000, he began to work for an Ohio county board, helping disabled adults secure paying jobs and start businesses of their own. He says this experience changed both his life and his career direction.

"Our processes change constantly, but if we keep the participants and their families as our first priority, we will do great – and [they] will benefit with lives that are full and well lived," he says.

IRIS Participant: Evan

The summer season generates gardens. Evan has used this idea to create a microenterprise. With help from an art therapist and his mother, Evan started to make and sell mosaic garden stones. This idea was built on his love and skill for doing puzzles.

Evan built on his creativity to develop his own business. He makes business decisions, including product choices and handling his money. He chose to be more active in his community by creating friendships and promoting his business.

Evan's IRIS plan included start-up supplies and marketing to support his business goal. Communication was also part of Evan's vocational goals; through his knack for technology and software, he uses cell phone applications and an assistive communication device to network with others. Evan also plans to host social events throughout the year and has a volunteer position at the YMCA. His talents and creative planning have allowed him to excel and resulted in employment and social opportunities that will let gardens shine.

Participant Business Card

Financial Services Agency

A Few Reminders

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, the IRIS maximum allowed mileage reimbursement rate aligned with the standard federal reimbursement rate of 50 cents per mile. The proper form must be submitted in order to receive reimbursement for mileage from the IRIS program.

Copies of the form are available online at http://www.mcfi-fiscalagent.com or you can also request a copy by email at IRIS@mcfi.net or by phone at 1-888-800-5599. Send mail to:

IRIS Financial Services Agency
2020 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Directed Personal Care (SDPC)

What is IRIS SDPC?
IRIS SDPC is an option available to people in IRIS to hire their own personal care workers instead of receiving those services from a Medicaid Personal Care agency.

How do I get IRIS SDPC?
Let your IRIS Consultant or the IRIS Consultant Agency know that you are interested in the service. If you are eligible, an IRIS nurse will contact you and schedule a home visit to complete an assessment. The Personal Care Screening Tool assesses how much assistance you need from other people with bathing, grooming, dressing and getting around. Within a week of that visit, the IRIS nurse will notify you and your IRIS Consultant of your self-directed personal care amount. The service start date is typically two weeks after being notified of your personal care allocation.

How much do I pay my workers?
You decide how much to pay your workers and how many hours they work. You may pay different workers different wages. Remember, you must stay within your IRIS SDPC allocation. For more information, call the IRIS Service Center at 1-888-515-4747 or send email to: info@wisconsin-IRIS.com.

Provider Spotlight: Regional Enterprises for Adults and Children

Eau Claire's Regional Enterprises for Adults and Children (REACH) Inc. is a community-based, private non-profit organization. It promotes "self-determination and full participation in the community, regardless of ability." Since it began in 1963, REACH Inc. has grown to include seven programs and serves the Greater Chippewa Valley and Wisconsin.

Supported Employment Services gives individuals support to find community-based jobs. Employment specialists use traditional job search, customized employment processes and job coaching. A new employment process that began in April of 2009 offers a chance for people to develop their own business. Mentors support potential business owners with an eight-week discovery phase to identify their interests, strengths and assets. Phases two and three include research and development and ongoing mentorship and support. For more information about this service provider, contact:



REACH
2125 Third Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
1-715-833-7755

Get to Know

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Board's vision is that all people in Wisconsin are valued members of their community, have equal rights and opportunities and have control over their own lives. The Board also played a role in the creation of IRIS.

The Board's current plan focuses on Self-Determination, Education and Transition, and Advocacy and Community Organizing. In May, the Board will begin to gather input from Wisconsin stakeholders about the focus areas for its 2012-16 State Plan.

The Board's Disability Advocates: Wisconsin Network (DAWN) offers opportunities for individuals to become more aware of legislative issues that affect people with disabilities. The DAWN Web site is a resource to advocates interested in grant opportunities, community organization and voting information. The "Take Action" feature on the DAWN Web site offers a quick and easy way to contact your legislators about issues that matter to you. For more information, visit:



Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and

Disability Advocates Wisconsin Network

Department of Health Services

The way individuals manage their IRIS support and service plan is both an opportunity and a challenge. Many try to get the best deal possible in their purchases, whereas others find ways to grow without using paid supports. Funds are scarce, which requires IRIS participants to continue being responsible in managing their IRIS plans and budgets.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) welcomes suggestions for improvement. Send them by email to DHSIRIS@wi.gov or mail to:
IRIS BLTS
P.O. Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851

IRIS staff at Wisconsin DHS includes:
John O'Keefe, Manager
Randi Johnson, Quality Assurance Specialist
Reed Bonner, Quality Management Assistant
Beth Wroblewski, Director of the Bureau of Long-term Support

IRIS facts as of April 30, 2010:

• 1,691 Wisconsin IRIS participants self-direct their long-term care goods, supports and services
• IRIS participants comprise fewer than five percent of people using publicly-funded long-term care.
• Transition to IRIS is underway or complete in 53 Wisconsin counties.

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