DRW issued a memo to members of the Joint Finance Committee, describing potential benefits for people with disabilities. Recommendations from DRW include funding for the direct care workforce; increased Medicaid reimbursement for mental health care; funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Tribal Aging and disability resources; and much more. Read the full memo here (accessible pdf).
News
The Disability Information and Access Line is Now Live!
The U.S. Human Health Services has announced the Disability Information and Access Line (D.I.A.L), a national hotline that connects people with disabilities to information and services to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. To reach the hotline, call 888-677-1199. Staff will be available Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 7:00pm (Central). Alternatively, reach out to the hotline via email at DIAL@n4a.org. Trained staff are standing by to: Help find local vaccination locations. Assist with making vaccination…
Medicare Minutes: Who Do I Contact for Help with Medicare?
A new entry in the “What You Need to Know About Medicare” series has arrived! Watch the “Medicare Resources” video below to learn more about what resources are available to you as a Medicare beneficiary for the enrollment process and for counseling on public and private health insurance issues and options. A video transcript along with the list of resources presented in the video is available here (accessible pdf).
New Report Finds Wisconsin’s Limited DMV Access is a Barrier to the Ballot
“Getting There is Half the Battle: Wisconsin’s Photo ID Law, Access to DMV Services, and the Fight for Our Freedom to Vote,” was released on May 26th. This new report highlights how Wisconsin’s lack of access to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a barrier for many voters with disabilities, and other voters, to get the photo ID needed to cast a ballot. The report was developed by All Voting is Local, the Wisconsin Disability Vote…
Press Release: DRW Calls for Special Education Budget Investment
Disability Rights Wisconsin is calling upon the Joint Finance Committee of the state legislature to support a state budget investment that funds 50% of special education expenses for Wisconsin’s nearly 118,00 public school students with disabilities when the committee meets on Thursday to take up education provisions in the budget. “Wisconsin has underfunded special education for years and none of the options that the JFC has proposed come close to meeting the need for our…
May 27th Briefing: Take Action on Voting Bills
The legislature is considering many new bills that may make it harder for people with disabilities, older adults and people of color to vote. It’s hard to keep track of them all so the WI Disability Vote Coalition invites you to join us for a briefing. We will give you the basic overview of the bills, simple talking points to use with your legislators and 4 easy ways you can make a difference! Join us…
June 2nd Event: Report Addresses Barriers to Obtaining Photo ID for Voting
Join us June 2nd at 1 PM on Zoom to hear about our new report: Getting There is Half the Battle: Wisconsin’s Photo ID Law, Access to DMV Services, and the Fight for Our Freedom to Vote. All Voting is Local, the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, will host a discussion on how barriers to obtaining photo ID at the Division of Motor Vehicles DMV service centers impact…
Survival Coalition Supports Governor’s Efforts to Move Medicaid Expansion Forward
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations have consistently supported Medicaid expansion. This would address the direct care workforce crisis, of which many people with disabilities go without care and risking their health, because they cannot find workers to fill shifts. Savings resulting from the expansion would also be reinvested into benefits, programs and services used by people with disabilities and older adults who are managing complex conditions and health needs. For more information, read…
Medicare Minutes: Initial Medicare Enrollment
The next entry in the “What You Need to Know About Medicare” series is now here! Learn more about the initial enrollment process with Ginger Rogers, our Medicare Part D Program coordinator at DRW. As you turn 65, there is an 7-month period for initial enrollment, which is the period of time a person can sign up for Medicare for the first time. Watch the video to understand why knowing this is important. View the…
Register Now for the Welcome to Medicare Fair!
Registration for the Welcome to Medicare Fair, hosted by the SHIP Technical Assistance Center, is now open! Register for the event via the SHIPTA Center site here. Forms are available in both English and Spanish. The Welcome to Medicare Fair is a national fair for people turning 65, retiring, or joining Medicare because of a disability. Get trusted, unbiased Medicare education from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) national network. There will be expert…
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