Layoffs at federal special education offices during the government shutdown have surprised many disability groups in Wisconsin. On October 10, the administration laid off 466 employees within the U.S. Department of Education, which includes nearly all employees in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. These layoffs and cuts may affect students with disabilities and their education, which has families worried for their children’s future. Along with many other disability advocates, the Milwaukee Journal…
News
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.
Public Comment: Protection and Advocacy Goals and Priorities for 2026

About Our Protection and Advocacy Goals and Priorities, FY 2026 Disability Rights Wisconsin has proposed our Protection and Advocacy (P&A) goals and priorities for 2026. As part of the process, we want to hear from the public about what Disability Rights Wisconsin should focus on. Read the draft Consolidated P&A Goals & Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026 here (accessible PDF). The goals and priorities in this plan identify areas that we expect to devote our…
Disability Rights Wisconsin unveils new mission and look!

Defending Dignity and Advancing Justice! Read this article as an accessible PDF here. With these goals at the forefront of all we do, Disability Rights Wisconsin is excited to unveil our new mission and look that will help support our work moving forward. We would like to thank Banter Design working with us to develop our new look and identity over the past years! Come celebrate this step with us! Our New Mission Statement “Disability…
Now Hiring: Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist

Disability Rights Wisconsin is looking for a part-time Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist! This position supports and increases the participation of voters with disabilities in the electoral process. If you are interested, learn more below! About the Position The Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist supports Disability Rights Wisconsin’s work to ensure voting rights for people with disabilities in Wisconsin and increase participation of voters with disabilities in the electoral process. This position collaborates with other voting rights…
Now Hiring: Finance Director

Disability Rights Wisconsin is now hiring for our open Finance Director position. This position plays a key role supporting the financial operations and mission of Disability Rights Wisconsin. Learn more below! About the Position As a key member of the organization’s leadership, the Finance Director is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial operations and fiscal integrity. This position will be responsible for: leading the development and monitoring of the annual operating budget. overseeing financial operations such…
DRW in the News: Bracing for Major Funding Cuts

In Washington D.C., legislators are still working on the 2026 federal budget. But if things do not change before the fiscal year starts on October 1st, Disability Rights Wisconsin and other disability rights organizations will get cuts to their funding. These cuts will change how we offer our services for people with disabilities. In the current budget proposal, Disability Rights Wisconsin would not get funding for three of our nine programs related to Protection and…
Now Hiring: Accounts Payable Specialist

Disability Rights Wisconsin is now hiring for an Accounts Payable Specialist! We are looking for a skilled accounting professional who is detail-oriented and has experience in federal and state financial management guidelines. Accounts Payable Specialist About the Position The Accounts Payable Specialist maintains Disability Rights Wisconsin’s accounts payable system. This position will be responsible for: processing credit card and employee expense reimbursements while following DRW’s financial policies and procedures. assisting with account reconciliation. managing contracts…
Now Hiring: Managing Attorney, Administrative Assistant, HR Generalist

Disability Rights Wisconsin is now hiring for multiple positions. Become a part of an amazing team who advocates for and protects the rights of people with disabilities. Learn more about each positions below. Managing Attorney, Litigation Team About the Managing Attorney Position The Managing Attorney oversees the Litigation Team, who works on systemic change issues that affect a wide range of people with disabilities in Wisconsin. The team works within different areas of the law,…
The 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Disability Rights Wisconsin is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on its 35th Anniversary! The act was passed and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. 35 years later on the same day, we celebrate this important civil rights law and what it means for people with disabilities throughout the United States. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of…
Now Hiring: Staff Attorney, FCIOP and SSI-MC, Milwaukee

Disability Rights Wisconsin is now hiring for a Staff Attorney for our Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program and SSI-MC External Advocacy Project, based out of Milwaukee. SSI-MC Staff Attorney About the Attorney Position As part of the Supplemental Security Income Managed Care External Advocacy Project (SSI-MC EAP), the Staff Attorney supports and gives legal guidance to advocates. Their responsibilities include: overseeing intake and cases. working with other attorneys to discuss intake, cases, case strategy,…