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IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) Advisory Committee

The IRIS Advisory Committee (IAC) is a workgroup established to provide recommendations to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) program staff on programmatic issues related to administration of the IRIS program. Committee members are individuals who have relevant knowledge, experience, expertise, and community relationships that allow them to present ideas, opinions, or facts for the betterment of the IRIS program.

Committee meetings are open to the public.

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IAC information

 The IRIS Advisory Committee (IAC) will be holding its meetings virtually until further notice. The public is welcome to observe the meetings. The Zoom link for each meeting can be found in the meeting's agenda.

Next meeting

Upcoming meeting dates

  • 2025 meeting dates will be announced after the next meeting.

Previous meetings

Meeting information from previous years can be found on the Public Meeting Notices & Minutes website.

Advocates

  • Fil Clissa | Board for People with Developmental Disabilities | Term ends 12/31/2024
  • Melanie Cairns | Disability Rights Wisconsin | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Jason Glozier | Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Kathi Miller | Board on Aging and Long-Term Care | Term ends 12/31/2026

Self Advocates

  • Rosie Bartel | Term ends 12/31/2026
  • Martha Chambers | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Ramsey Lee | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Thomas Gierke | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Andy Thain | Term ends 12/31/2026
  • Gabby Leachmon | Term ends 12/31/2027
  • Vacant

Providers

  • James Valona | Ability Group LLC | Term ends 12/31/2024
  • Kathy Meisner | Disability Service Provider Network | Term ends 12/31/2025
  • Julie Strenn | Opportunity Development Centers | Term ends 12/31/2026
  • Lynnea White | Barron County Developmental Services | 12/31/2026

Contractors

  • IRIS consultant agency* | Jill Walter (Midwest Independent Living Choices) | Back-up, Teray Collins | Term ends March 2025
  • Fiscal employer agency* | Rachel Messenger (iLife) | Back-up, Sana Khan | Term ends March 2025
  • Self-directed personal care | Sue Urban (TMG)**

*Agencies contracted by the Division of Medicaid Services for purposes of administering the IRIS program appoint one liaison and backup to attend the IRIS Advisory Committee Meetings. Contracted agencies are represented by one agency on a rotating six-month schedule. For example, from April 2024 through September 2024 IRIS consultant agencies will be represented by Progressive Community Services and fiscal employer agents will be represented by Premier.

**TMG is currently contracted to serve as Wisconsin’s self-directed personal care agency.

IRIS Advisory Committee Charter (PDF)

If you have any questions, please email us at DHSIRIS@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 608-261-6749.

Disclaimer about advisory council content

This content reflects the views and opinions of the advisory council. It may not reflect the official policy or position of DHS.

Glossary

 
Last revised November 21, 2024