Areas of Focus
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) works on issues that affect the rights, services, independence, and well-being of people with disabilities.
Our programs help people address problems with employment services, long-term care, health care, discrimination, abuse and neglect, and other disability-related concerns. We also provide training and support to professionals who work with people with disabilities.
What We Focus On
Disability Rights & Discrimination
We help protect the rights of people with disabilities and address discrimination, accessibility barriers, and other rights-related concerns. Related program: Protection & Advocacy
Employment & Independent Living
We help people understand their rights and address concerns with employment services, including Wisconsin's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Independent Living Centers. Related programs: Client Assistance Program and Protection & Advocacy
Long-Term Care & Community Living
We help people understand their rights, make choices about their services, and address concerns with long-term care programs such as Family Care and IRIS. We also advocate for people with disabilities to live and participate in their communities. Related programs: Family Care & IRIS and Protection & Advocacy
Health Care & Medicaid
We help people enrolled in SSI-related Medicaid health plans address problems with their health care services and coverage. Related program: SSI Managed Care
Public Benefits
We provide training, information, and technical support to Wisconsin's Disability Benefit Specialists, who help people understand public benefits and resolve benefits-related problems. Related program: Disability Benefit Specialist Program
Abuse, Neglect & Victim Support
We work to prevent and address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with disabilities. We also provide advocacy and legal support to people with disabilities who have experienced crime. Related programs: Victim Advocacy and Protection & Advocacy
Voting Advocacy
We help people with disabilities understand their voting rights and address barriers to voting. This includes concerns about accessible polling places, voting equipment, accommodations, and getting the support needed to vote privately and independently. Related program: Voting Advocacy
Education & Youth Rights
We work to protect the education rights of students with disabilities and help address barriers to appropriate educational services and supports. Related program: Protection & Advocacy
How We Set Our Priorities
Each year, DRW develops goals and priorities for its Protection and Advocacy programs.
These priorities are informed by:
- Issues and trends affecting people with disabilities
- Feedback from people with disabilities, families, advocates, and community partners
- The requirements of our Protection and Advocacy programs and funding
- Areas where DRW may be able to create broader change
Our other programs have their own services, responsibilities, and funding requirements.
Because each program has different guidelines and resources, DRW cannot help with every disability-related issue.
If you are looking for help with a specific problem, visit our Get Help page to learn what type of help DRW may be able to give provide.
You can also read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Share Your Input
People with disabilities help shape DRW’s priorities.
We want to hear about disability-related issues, barriers, policies, programs, and services that affect people across Wisconsin. This input helps us identify emerging concerns and understand where advocacy may be needed.
You can share input if you are:
- A person with a disability
- A family member or supporter
- An advocate or service provider
- A community organization or partner
Your feedback may help inform DRW’s advocacy priorities, public policy work, education, and other efforts to protect disability rights.