988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has officially launched nationwide, as announced by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. DRW applauds the effort to increase access to mental health services. We appreciate 988 as part of a more effective response to people experiencing mental health crises. But 988 alone is not enough. Some people with lived experience and others have raised questions about how the new system will work, including concerns about forced treatment and police involvement…
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.
DRW Statement on Teigen vs Wisconsin Elections Commission
Today the Supreme Court of Wisconsin issued a ruling that will impact the voting rights of thousands of Wisconsinites with disabilities. While unstaffed drop boxes will no longer be allowed, DRW is pleased that federal law will protect the rights of voters with disabilities to have assistance with mailing or delivery of their absentee ballots. Read our statement here (accessible PDF). Read Our Voices, Our Votes: Disabled Voters Speak Out on Voting Rights and Ballot…
Free At-Home COVID Tests for People who are Blind/Low Vision
Ordering Accessible COVID Tests Accessible at-home COVID tests for people who are blind or have low vision are available now via the Biden-Harris administration’s initiatives to expand access to accessible COVID tests. These tests make use of a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and an app to provide audio step-by-step instructions for administering the test and for reading results. You can order the free accessible tests online via USPS or by calling 1-800-232-0233. Each order will contain…
Students with Disabilities Disproportionately Secluded and Restrained
According to 2020/2021 data released by the WI Department of Public Instruction, students with disabilities accounted for 84% of incidents of restraint (restricting or reducing the ability of a student to freely move parts of their body) and 85% of incidents of seclusion (isolating a student in a room or area they cannot leave). Joanne Juhnke, DRW Advocacy Specialist in Special Education, explains these measures of last resort and what the new data means for…
DVC Voter Toolkit – 2022 Elections
2022 is an important election year. Our Voter Toolkit has the resources you need to be prepared to vote. If you have questions or suggestions for the toolkit, email us at info@disabilityvote.org. Be prepared to vote – our fact sheet walks through the process step by step here: Make Your Plan to Vote: Aug 9th Primary and Nov 8th Fall Election Voter Registration Information My Vote Wisconsin: Register and check your voter status at myvote.wi.gov….
Wisconsin voters with disabilities say their right to vote is at risk
National Public Radio came to Wisconsin to talk with voters with disabilities about how the Waukesha Circuit Court ruling banning ballot return assistance threatens their voting rights. In this story, voters, DRW and Law Forward speak candidly about how these new restrictions may limit the voting rights of many disabled Wisconsinites. As a party to the current litigation on this issue, DRW remains optimistic that when the Wisconsin Supreme Court fully considers the merits and…
Newsmakers: Mental Health Awareness Month
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month. This WisconsinEye Newsmakers episode features DRW’s PAIMI Advisory Council Chair, Tim Saubers, and Dr. Richard Immler, Adult and Child Psychiatrist and Chair of the Wisconsin Council on Mental Health, interviewed by Lisa Pugh. These Mental Health leaders discuss plans for improvement that include a focus on community treatment and peer supports along with attention toward addressing equity gaps. Note: To view the archived video, you must create a free…
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence with Autism Spectrum Disorder
View transcript for above image here (accessible PDF). Multiple studies have found that sexual victimization of people with disabilities is among the highest of any group of people. Often, advocates may have questions about how to work with survivors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Below are guidelines that can help guide your relationships and interactions with them in order to…
Our Voices, Our Votes: Disabled Voters Speak Out on Voting Rights
On April 13th, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments in Teigen v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, the lawsuit challenging ballot return assistance and drop boxes. The Court will decide whether Wisconsin law will protect voters’ ability to return their absentee ballots. It will impact the voting rights of thousands of Wisconsinites with disabilities. To elevate the voices of voters with disabilities, Disability Rights Wisconsin released “Our Voices, Our Votes”. This document features statements from people with…
Reminder: DHS Survey about Access to Care for I/DD and Mental/Behavioral Needs
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) contracted with The Center For START Services to assess Wisconsin’s community system of care in addressing the needs of individuals with co-occurring Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and mental health conditions. A comprehensive summary with strategic recommendations based on identified areas of strength and challenges will follow the assessment. Ensuring people with IDD and co-occurring mental/behavioral health needs have access to effective services throughout Wisconsin is a priority issue for…