The Include, Respect, I Self-direct (IRIS) program is one of Wisconsin’s adult long-term care programs. Families may not know the role an IRIS consultant or how it differs from a Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Support and Service Coordinator. Unlike CLTS, which is meant for children, IRIS is built on the principle of self-direction which means you* control your future and have the freedom to choose the supports and services necessary to live your best life.

            (*In this article, “you” means the IRIS participant.)

Getting Started

Once you have selected the IRIS Program you will need to choose an IRIS Consultant Agency. A list of choices can be found at dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/directory.htm. After you select an IRIS Consultant Agency, your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will send the Consultant Agency a referral and you can expect a welcome call within 72-hours. During this call you will get a list of available IRIS Consultants (ICs) in your area. You can ask for more details about these individuals before selecting a person or they can assign a person to you. Keep in mind that if it is not a good fit for you or your family, you can always request a different IC.

The Role of Your IC

 Your IC partners with you to navigate available programs and services in Wisconsin. The IC provides orientation and training about the IRIS program as well as explaining how to self-direct your supports. ICs also explain the role of a fiscal employer agent (FEA). Like your CLTS Support and Service Coordinator, your IC contacts you at least once a month and has face-to-face visits at least once a quarter. These visits can be in your home, where you work, at school or another location of your choice.

Partner with Your IC

ICs can accomplish a lot in partnership with you they can: 

• • • work with you to create long-term and short-term outcomes or goals
    • create a yearly plan with you that fits your budget
    • connect you to community programs, resources and agencies to reach your goals
    • share ideas about employment or vocational training opportunities and residential options. (See the Family Voices Planning for Employment)
    • assist you to submit an amendment, or changes, to your plan if you need more services or supports than were included in your IRIS yearly plan.
    • attend team meetings, like your IEP meeting, vocational team meetings, or residential care meetings, if invited. As a member of the team the IC can brainstorm ideas and find resources.
    • help you complete Medicaid renewal paperwork.

Most importantly, your IC will not make decisions for you. For example, your IC won’t tell you what supports or programs are best for you or which direct care providers to hire. In IRIS, full budget authority gives you the power to make your own choices.

Others Can Help and Support You

Your IC should not set up meetings without your consent. Some IRIS consultant agencies will ask that only you, or those who help you, ask for meetings.

Your IC cannot do direct service coordination, but if you need a service coordinator the IC can help you hire others like community living agencies or support brokers to help with coordinating services. The IC can also find others who can help you recruit direct care workers.

Your family, friends and other caregivers can help you with any paperwork that your IC can’t complete. The IC may also be able to suggest someone to hire to help you with paperwork if needed.

Learn More About IRIS

• • • Wisconsin DHS IRIS Call Center: (888) 515-4747 or email DHSIRIS@wisconsin.gov

• • • The IRIS Participant Handbook dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p01008.pdf has details about the program.
    • Your county’s ADRC dhs.wisconsin.gov/adrc answers questions and helps with enrolling.
    • Wisconsin’s DHS dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/directory.htm has a list of all IRIS consultant agencies.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.

If you need this fact sheet as a pdf or other format contact Lynn at lynn@fvofwi.org.