The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is creating a handbook for the Children’s Long-Term Support Program for participants and families. They would like to hear about what information is needed and should be included in the handbook. If you are a participant or a family member of a participant in the Children’s Long-Term Support Program, fill out the short, anonymous survey below by March 17, 2024 to share your input! It is available in…
Action Alerts
For information on DRW news, events, or press releases, please contact:
email media@drwi.org.
For information on DRW action alerts, public policy, or voting efforts, please contact:
Lisa Hassenstab at 608-308-2639 or lisah@drwi.org.
Take Action: Tell the U.S. Census Bureau to Ensure People with Disabilities are Counted!
Take Action Now! In September, the U.S. Census Bureau proposed changes to the disability questions in the American Community Survey (known as the U.S. Census) that will, as drafted, have a strong possibility of undercounting the disability population. This would lead to reduced funding for critical federal programs and loss of critical data demonstrating the needs of the community. These changes were crafted with no involvement or consultation with the disability community before they were…
Action Alert: Ask Your Legislators to Support Transportation Increases
The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will meet this Thursday to decide what to include in the Department of Transportation (DOT) budget. Transportation services are important to people with disabilities because so many do not drive or own a car. Every day, non-drivers struggle to obtain medical care, access food or nutrition services, get to work, vote, run errands and stay connected to family and friends due to the lack of available, affordable, and accessible…
Action Alert: Review and Comment on Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050
The final draft of the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050 is now available for review and feedback until June 10, 2023! This plan sets goals and objectives for the safe and efficient movement of people and products throughout Wisconsin that enhances economic productivity, accessibility, and the quality of the state’s communities via rail, as per Connect 2050. Read the final draft of the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050 here. Learn more about the Wisconsin Rail Plan 2050…
Disability Advocates: Submit Your State Budget Comments Soon!
The final in-person state budget hearing is located in Minocqua next week. After this, legislators are poised to make decisions that will affect your access to mental health services, special education, community-based long-term care, transportation, voting, and more. Minocqua State Budget Hearing Information The final state budget hearing will be on April 26 from 10am – 5pm at the Lakeland Union High School Theatre. DRW will be present at the hearing to assist people with…
How is the caregiver crisis impacting you and your family? Take the survey!
Are you a family caregiver who provides care to a loved one? Have you been unable to find direct care workers to hire? Are you picking up the pieces and filling in the gaps yourself? Are you employed full or part time, or not working to make sure your loved one had the care they need? Have you worried what would happen if you suddenly became unable to do your caregiving duties because of physical…
Action Alert: Voting Bills That Will Make It Harder for People with Disabilities to Vote
On Wednesday, June 9th, legislators will vote on voting bills that may make it harder for many people with disabilities, older adults, and people of color to vote. Now is the time to call/email your legislators to share how these bills could impact you or a loved one. What You Can Do Call or email your legislators about your concerns. You can find your legislator’s contact info by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 or click…
Action Alert: Support Funding for Students with Disabilities
The state Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee is only considering a small increase in special education funding for the upcoming state budget, despite the testimonies of many families, school districts, and education advocates. It’s possible that there may be no increase at all in the planned budget. Currently, the state is paying less than 29% of the costs to educate students with disabilities. A survey of families of students with disabilities during the pandemic reported that…
2021 Wisconsin Voting Bills Update and How to Take Action
On May 11th, Wisconsin state senators will be voting on SB 203 and SB 212. These bills could make it harder to absentee vote for many people with disabilities, older adults, and other voters. Take action and ask your Senator to vote No. For information about the bills and how to contact your legislators: Read our action alert here (accessible pdf). Watch the overview video below to learn more (captions available): https://youtu.be/EvXQIL_qe8Q
New Bills Could Make It Harder to Vote for People with Disabilities and More
Wisconsin legislators have introduced bills that will make it harder for many Wisconsinites to vote and will be voting on the bills very soon. Read a summary of the bills and how they could impact voters with disabilities here (accessible pdf). If you are concerned about the bills, this summary also provides tips on how to contact your state legislators and a sample message.
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