Thank you to everyone who signed up to attend the March 8th Supported Living in Wisconsin event.  We have reached capacity for the event, and registration is now closed.  The Supported Living Milwaukee Area group is a great place to connect with other people interested in supported living.  Information about upcoming learning sessions will be posted there as it becomes available. 

Heart disease and stroke are the first and third killers in the United States according the Centers on Disease Control (CDC).  Heart disease is highly preventable.  February is American Heart Month, celebrate today by doing something healthy for your heart; take a walk, eat well, and get your blood pressure checked.  These are few simple starting points.   

For information on keeping your heart healthy…

If you didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B medical insurance when you first became eligible for Medicare, you now have an opportunity to apply — but time is running out. The deadline for applying during the general enrollment period is March 31. If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until 2013 to apply.

Medicare Part B covers some medical expenses not covered by Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), such as doctors’ fees, outpatient hospital visits, and other medical supplies…

Everyone’s personal journey and what is meaningful in your life varies, but what has been consistent is the appreciation many of you show for IRIS.  You send thank you cards; or share how your IRIS consultant is more like a friend. I witness beaming smiles when you talk about your independence, freedom, and support. I have listened to heartfelt appreciation of how IRIS compliments the life you are leading or how it has helped you achieve things you thought may not have been possible. I want…

Given my affinity for writing, the opportunity to blog here at the IRIS website was too attractive to ignore. Hopefully, someone, somewhere, will gain something from my meanderings in the world of literature. Okay, I guess that I cannot classify this as literature. Perhaps merely the ability to hold your attention long enough to make it through my blog will be sufficient. And, hoping for more, perhaps you will become a regular reader of my blog.



I am stubborn. I am given to…

The ninth annual Wisconsin Transition Conference will be in the Wisconsin Dells on February 9-10. This conference targets youth who are transitioning from high school to adulthood. People who work with and support these young people are invited to attend as well. The Wisconsin Transition Conference includes a variety of experts on transition related topics such as employment, youth empowerment, self-determination, assessments, planning, and technology. Attendees will engage in numerous…

Now that 2012 is here, it is a good time to make sure that you are using the most up-to-date IRIS forms.

All forms for IRIS Participants and guardians are available on the IRIS website on the Handbooks and Forms page. New or updated forms are added to the IRIS website as soon as they become available.…

respect: 1. to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. 2.To avoid violation or interference with.3. to relate or refer to; concern.n.1. A feeling of deferential regard; esteem.2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation

Note: For IRIS Participants Who Hire Workers Directly

The rates paid for workers’ compensation changed as of October 1, 2011.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that offers wages and benefits to workers who may be injured while on the job. You may choose to offer workers’ compensation to your workers, if it fits within your IRIS budget and meets your long-term care goals.

• Part-Time Worker: $295 yearly (reduced from…

With 2012 nearly here, we are all making our New Year’s Resolutions, and plans for changes, but futures planning may not be on our list.  For many people, futures planning might be the one thing you always mean to do, but put off. 

Communicating about your life wishes (or end of life wishes) may seem challenging. This may be easier than you think. There are numerous choices to start this process and most physicians’ offices are now asking you if you prepared these documents.…

IRIS will be at the upcoming Eau Claire Youth Transition Conference January 4th.  There will be opportunities for young adults with disabilities and their families to network, visit exhibit tables and attend educational sessions. 

I look forward to seeing you there! For more specifics please visit our Events page.

The 2012 Timesheet and Participant Reimbursement Schedule and the 2012 Vendor Payment Schedule are now available on the Handbooks and Forms page.

The holidays promise a time of giving.  I am starting to see IRIS participants begin to use www.Wisconsin-IRIS.com as a tool for connecting with others regarding a need.  This may be related to work, interests, or to meet a need.  The possibilities that could come of these connections are endless, and we hope to continue to see these types of connections and comments.

Interested? Sign In. Start a blog. Make a friend request. Post a response…

Please read the important announcement below from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding screening and obesity counseling.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Room 352-G

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20201

Office of Media Affairs

Medicare covers screening and counseling for obesity

Decision adds a new preventive service for Medicare…

December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In a White House press release, President Obama states, "We recognize the myriad contributions that persons with disabilities make at home and abroad, and we remember that disability rights are universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world."

For President Obama's proclomation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities …

Tanya D. Krueger grew up in the small town of Menasha, Wisconsin. Born with spina bifida and congenital scoliosis, doctors encouraged her parents to place her in an institution; instead she went home. Tanya spent the first thirteen years of her life in and out of hospitals often with life threatening conditions. As a result, many had low expectations for her, but that did not discourage Tanya from living her life and doing what she wanted. She had to battle…

I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with family, laughter and good food! I know I have a lot to be thankful for as well, especially this year. :)