Governor Evers will give his budget address on February 28th. In advance of the budget address, some budget initiatives will be released. On February 11th, Governor Evers announced a $43 Million investment to expand dental access. Many Wisconsinites with disabilities have difficulty accessing dental care, and the budget proposal has the potential to improve access. You can share your perspective on dental services for people with disabilities by contacting the Governor’s office and your state…
News
WCBVI 2019 Scholarship Opportunity
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired proudly announces our 2019 scholarship opportunity. The Council offers up to ten $2,000 scholarships for qualifying Wisconsin students, in a post-secondary education program including technical training, two-year colleges, four-year universities and graduate programs. Click here for more details and the application in an accessible MS Word document. Complete applications are due by Friday, April 5, 2019.
Wisconsin Teens Share Mental Health Challenges
Wisconsin teens will share their mental health challenges in a new Milwaukee PBS documentary that strives to open up conversations about youth mental health and encourage youth to reach out for support. The 2017 youth suicide rate in Wisconsin was the highest it has been since 1992. In both years, 38 minors died by suicide. Wisconsin’s rate was the 11th worst in the country. Here is a link to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story on…
Adaptive Telephone Equipment Opens up Communication
Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) is a statewide program that helps people with disabilities buy adaptive telephone equipment that they need to live independently. Our great partner IndependenceFirst explains the TEPP program and how to apply.
Affordable Housing for Adults with Disabilities
Wisconsin Public Radio talks to parents and advocates about housing options and supports for adults with disabilities, and how families are planning for transitioning to adulthood. Listen to Raising A Child With Disabilities Into Adulthood on WPR.
Lawmakers Propose To Rid State Administrative Code Of “The R-Word”
Representative John Jagler discusses his and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s proposal to remove the phrase “mental retardation” from Wisconsin administrative code and replace it with “intellectual disability.” Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Barbara Beckert explains why language matters. Here is a link to the story.
DRW office closings due to the weather
Due to the severe weather, DRW offices are closed on Tuesday 1/29, Wednesday 1/30 and Thursday 1/31. Staff will be monitoring calls and communications during this time, and we will respond as we are able. If you have a meeting scheduled with DRW staff, please connect with the staff member directly to inquire of its status.
DRW Responds to Governor’s State of the State Address
This week Governor Evers gave the State of the State address for Wisconsin. Some of the key themes were an increase in funding for special education, access to health care, and transportation. Several of the priorities shared by Governor Evers are relevant to DRW’s budget recommendations, which you can find here. DRW has responded to the Governor’s address.
DRW Comments on Preexisting Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act
The Assembly Committee on Health held a public hearing on Assembly Bill regarding Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act. DRW submitted informational comments to explain what effect AB 1 might have on people with disabilities. Here is a link the bill.
Disability Rights Wisconsin Names New Executive Director
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has named Lea Kitz as the disability advocacy organization’s new Executive Director. Kitz has managed DRW’s Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program for nearly 8 years. Before joining DRW, she served as Executive Director of Arc-Winnebago County Disability Association. Kitz brings her extensive hands-on and leadership experience in the areas of domestic abuse, employment, benefits, and disability advocacy. “We are pleased to have Ms. Kitz step into this key role,” says…
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