Voters from across Wisconsin are contacting Disability Rights Wisconsin to express shock and disbelief after a circuit court order imposed new restrictions on ballot return assistance and drop boxes. These restrictions make it difficult and, in some cases, impossible for many voters with a disability to cast a ballot. The issue is now before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. To elevate the voices of voters impacted by these new restrictions on voting rights, DRW is releasing “Our…
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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.
Medicare Covers Over-the Counter-COVID Tests
As of April 4, 2022, Medicare covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each month, at no cost to you. If you have Medicare Part B, you can get 8 free over-the-counter tests for the month of April and then can get another 8 free over-the-counter tests each month until the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. You can get the covered tests at any participating pharmacy or healthcare provider at no cost to you. View…
Disabled Voters Speak Out on Absentee Ballot Return Assistance Prohibition
The Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling on absentee ballot return assistance will disenfranchise some voters with disabilities. This story and a video in today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feature Wisconsin voters who share how this ruling will restrict their right to vote. Thanks to each of the voters for shining a light on how this ruling will limit their voting rights. Wisconsin Supreme Court order limits voting of those with disabilities via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Wisconsin Supreme…
Medicare General Enrollment Period Reminder
The COVID-19 emergency may end this year. If it does, Wisconsin Medicaid rules will change. If you are over the age of 65 and getting Wisconsin Medicaid, make sure to enroll in Medicare before March 31st so you do not have a gap in coverage or lose your health insurance. You could lose your health insurance if you: turned 65 in the last two years. did not enroll in Medicare. have Wisconsin now but no…
March 9th Wisconsin Election Committee Public Testimony
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition provided public comments at the March 9th meeting of the Wisconsin Election Commission in support of the voting rights of people with disabilities and older adults. Read the WEC March 9th Testimony here (accessible PDF).
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…
A Conversation About Voting Equity for People with Disabilities
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,…
DRW Statement on Voting Bills
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…
DRW Testimony at Feb 21 Assembly State Affairs Committee Public Hearing
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).
Disability Advocacy Day of Action
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…