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.

DHS Survey about Access to Care for I/DD and Mental/Behavioral Needs

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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…
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Now Hiring: Intake Specialist

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Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring for an Intake Specialist. This position is full-time and based in Wisconsin with in-person, hybrid, and remote options available. Are you a warm, outgoing, and passionate individual ready to assist clients? The Intake Specialist handles the initial contact with clients looking for information and referral or advocacy services from DRW. View the job posting with qualifications and other information on our site. View an accessible PDF version of our job…
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A Conversation About Voting Equity for People with Disabilities

Event image, with the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition and the Big Share Logo. Text states "A Conversation about Voting Equity for People with Disabilities; Tuesday, March 1, from 2-3pm."
Voting Equity for Voters with Disabilities will be the focus of a Facebook Live event on March 1 at 2 PM, as part of The Big Share, an all-day online fundraising event orchestrated by Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW). All 3 organizations are CSW members and work collaboratively to reduce barriers to voting for people with all disabilities through the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition. The March 1st event will feature Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition partners,…
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DRW Statement on Voting Bills

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This week, Wisconsin legislators will be considering voting bills that will impact the voting rights of Wisconsinites with disabilities. DRW asks policy makers to consider our recommendations, and to support policies that will make our elections more accessible, and to oppose any legislation that will create new barriers and restrictions. View DRW’s Statement on Voting Bills here (accessible pdf). View DRW’s testimony to the Senate here (accessible pdf). View DRW’s testimony to Assembly here (accessible…
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DRW Testimony at Feb 21 Assembly State Affairs Committee Public Hearing

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Disability Rights Wisconsin submitted the following testimony regarding the impact of voting bills on people with disabilities at the February 21st Assembly State Affairs Committee Public Hearing. View DRW’s full testimony here (accessible PDF).
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Disability Advocacy Day of Action

A group of disability advocates are standing in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Event Information Disability Day of Action is a virtual event focused on connecting Disability Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues that matter. Participants will learn more about issues during a short briefing then work in teams to plan what they want to say. Everyone will get their legislators’ phone numbers to call right after. Join us virtually on Zoom on March 16th from 10am to 12pm! Registration and event information are available via…
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Statement of Support for SB 937 – Indefinitely Confined Voters

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Wisconsin’s Indefinitely Confined Voter status is vitally important to ensuring that many voters who are disabled, frail, or have a physical illness can cast a ballot and have equitable access to voting. In this statement, disability and aging groups and our partners indicate support for the amended version of SB 937, Indefinitely Confined Voters, including an amendment to be offered on the Senate floor on February 22. We are supporting this bill because it is…
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Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant

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Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring for an Administrative Assistant. This position is based out of our Madison office and is full-time. The Administrative Assistant will be the first impression to the community and our clients, whether in-person at the front desk or via answering calls from individuals with service requests or our community partners. They will also play an integral role of supporting staff at our Madison office. This position requires someone who is able…
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Voting Rights in the News

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Voting rights are in the new news as Wisconsin legislators consider new proposals that would impact the voting rights of many people with disabilities.  Disability advocates are featured in these recent stories: Wednesday on Lake Effect: voting access legislation, artist Vedale Hill, understanding the birth of the universe – WUWM 89.7 FM – Milwaukee’s NPR Wisconsin Senate committee holds hearing on election bills critics say make voting harder – WUWM 89.7 FM – Milwaukee’s NPR….
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DRW Testimony at February 7 Senate Election Committee Public Hearing

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The Senate Election Committee held a hearing on February 7th on eleven new voting bills. DRW testified regarding the impact of these bills on people with disabilities.   View DRW’s Testimony here (accessible pdf).  View the Senate Hearing Notice here (pdf). If these issues are important to you, tell your legislators about your views.   To find contact information for your legislators, you can call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-362-9472 or use the “Who Are My Legislators?”…
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