Options In Community Living

We're sad to share that Barb Priem passed away in her sleep early last week. We knew Barb for decades of her 71 years and supported her while she proudly thrived as an artist with Artworking, traveled around the country, became a home owner, and lived her life the way she wanted in the community.

Barb's Celebration of Life is today at 10:30am at Cress on E Washington in Madison.

We will miss you, Barb! ♥

Barbara Priem Obituary Sep 7, 2026 - Cress Funeral and Cremation Services View Barbara Priem's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

🎉 Happy September! 🎉

Time to “shout out” all the amazing staff celebrating work anniversaries this month! 👏💙

Thank you for the patience, creativity, advocacy, and everyday effort you bring to Options in Community Living. The support you provide helps adults with disabilities build confidence, pursue their goals, and live the lives they choose in their communities.

🌟 Congratulations and thank you for being an important part of Options! 🌟

- Bergene Bachore: 10 years!
- Adama Bah: 2 years!
- Kaddy Bah: 7 years!
- Tina Bastian: 4 years!
- Ange Bikoi: 3 years!
- Muhammed: 6 years!
- Rita Chandler: 1 year!
- Kinsey Davis: 2 years!
- Ed Feeny: 10 years!
- Shavonne Grant: 5 years!
- Terrill Hutton: 14 years!
- Robyn: 1 year!
- Katie Mallon: 6 years!
- Steve M: 23 years!
- Leticia Ortiz: 5 years!
- Roger: 1 year!
- Rakis Wende Nikiema: 4 years!
- Sarah: 1 year!
- Ibrahim Sulieman: 1 year!
- Michelle Taft: 17 years!

We might only celebrate DSP Recognition Week in September, but we appreciate you every day of the year! Thank you!!

Well said!

Here is a summary of what is currently playing out re: people's right to live in their own home in the community.

Please advocate to defend community integration:
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Another Day Another civil rights attack

"The federal government is switching sides in a closely watched disability rights case and is now seeking to do away with rules requiring that people with disabilities be served in the community.

The U.S. Department of Justice alongside Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana and Montana want to drop all references to the phrase “most integrated setting” in Department of Health and Human Services’ regulations related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Doing so would go back on decades of precedent, disability advocates say..

“Switching sides on this type of fundamental disability rights issue is pretty unprecedented,” she said. “The integration mandate has been one of the most important rights that people with disabilities have. It has enabled people with disabilities to live, work and receive services in their own homes and communities and to have the same kinds of lives as people without disabilities.”"

This is unacceptable. Make your voice heard: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

Trump Administration Wants To Strike Rules On Community Integration For People With Disabilities The federal government is switching sides in a closely watched disability rights case and is now seeking to do away with rules requiring that people with disabilities be served in the community.

Another quick advocacy opportunity to help protect the rights of people with disabilities to live in the community. Thank you!

Defend Olmstead and Community Integration! Tell Your Governor to Sign the Commitment and Protect the Disability Community

We are so grateful for our amazing employees and the dedication, compassion, and care you bring to your work every day. Your commitment to supporting people with disabilities in their homes and communities makes a meaningful difference. Your kindness, hard work, and willingness to go the extra mile do not go unnoticed! Thank you for being such an important part of Options. We appreciate all that you do!

🎉 Happy August Work Anniversaries! 🎉

- Abdinur Alas: 9 years!
- Liz Becker: 12 years!
- Timeca Echols: 2 years!
- Momodou Gibba: 1 year!
- Adnan Hasan: 5 years!
- Miranda Huddleston: 4 years!
- Kendall: 1 year+!
- Sam Jensen: 2 years!
- Shirley Jonas: 28 years!
- Banlieman: 1 year!
- Felix Edoe Mensah: 8 years!
- Clinton Richardson: 5 years!
- Levi: 3 years!
- Kari Steindorf: 2 years!
- Helen Wright: 20 years!

Please take a moment to advocate!

Tell Congress to Support the Recognizing the Role of DSPs Act | ANCOR The bipartisan Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act urges the Office of Management and Budget to establish a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for direct support professionals (DSPs).

Reminder that this is today! Please help support us!

50% of each purchase is donated to Options!

Join us on the 29th for a fundraiser night at Forage Kitchen in Monona!