News

Disability Rights Wisconsin is hiring for a Protection and Advocacy Intake Specialist. This position is full-time and will be based out of one of DRW’s offices in Rice Lake, Madison, or Milwaukee. The intake specialist is responsible for the initial contact with clients looking for information and referral or advocacy services from DRW. The application deadline is November 19th, 2021 or until filled. Alternate formats of the position are available upon request. Consideration for distance from office…

DRW’s Barbara Beckert spoke with WPR about the need to ensure the voting rights of Wisconsinites who live in nursing homes and other care facilities. Care facilities have a responsibility to affirm and support the right of residents to vote, and to ensure that residents are free of interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from the facility in exercising their rights. Listen to the WPR interview here. View the DVC’s Residential Service Providers: Resources for Voters…

Wisconsin Public Radio interviewed DRW’s Barbara Beckert regarding the investigations by the Racine County Sheriff of voting in nursing homes, and the voting rights of care facility residents. Read about the investigations of voting rights of care facility residents here via WPR here. Listen to WPR’s interview with Barbara Beckert here.

The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. Recent investigations have called into question the voting rights of care facility residents and people with cognitive impairments. As the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy system for our state, Disability Rights Wisconsin has a responsibility to set the record straight. This statement from DRW addresses the voting rights of care facility residents and people with cognitive impairments. Our policy makers have a responsibility to protect…

This fall, learn more about Medicare with the Medicare 101 series. Each session will feature a special topic area of Medicare, such as Medigap plans, understanding fraud marketing, and more. Sessions are offered in-person or virtually throughout October and November. Upcoming Sessions All sessions will have a presentation on the basics of Medicare. For more information on specific sessions and to request accommodations, call (414) 289-6436. Download and share the 2021 Medicare 101 flyer with session…

The Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program is looking for an Intake Specialist. This 20-hour/week position is based in our Madison office. The specialist will be responsible for interviewing and assessing potential clients about sensitive and complex issues and determining appropriate next steps. This person will need strong time-management and multi-tasking skills. The deadline to apply is November 4th or until the position is filled. Become part of an amazing team who advocate for and…

DRW is teaming up with Boulders Climbing Gym in Madison, WI as their November 2021 Climb for a Cause partner! You can help make a huge difference for people with disabilities while having a fun time climbing! Climb for a Cause is a part of Boulders’ larger Climb4Community initiative which aims to break down financial and cultural barriers to climbing. Help us get the word out to families and friends by downloading and sharing our…

DRW invites public comment on its 2022 plan for protection and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These comments will be used in consideration for areas to devote our Federal PADD funding to. Goals that DRW plans on are: Decrease the risk of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities in institutions and the community. Ensure that people have access to high-quality, community-based support services and a long-term support system that…

On behalf of the Social Security Administration (SSA), we want to let you know that during the current coronavirus pandemic, the SSA continues to provide help to you and others in your community. While their offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, SSA remains committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services.  SSA asked me to let you know that they remain ready and able to help you by phone with…