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.

June 2nd Event: Report Addresses Barriers to Obtaining Photo ID for Voting

Simplified ID Card
Join us June 2nd at 1 PM on Zoom to hear about our new report: Getting There is Half the Battle: Wisconsin’s Photo ID Law, Access to DMV Services, and the Fight for Our Freedom to Vote.  All Voting is Local, the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, will host a discussion on how barriers to obtaining photo ID at the Division of Motor Vehicles DMV service centers impact…
Read more... about June 2nd Event: Report Addresses Barriers to Obtaining Photo ID for Voting

Survival Coalition Supports Governor’s Efforts to Move Medicaid Expansion Forward

Survival Coalition logo
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations have consistently supported Medicaid expansion. This would address the direct care workforce crisis, of which many people with disabilities go without care and risking their health, because they cannot find workers to fill shifts. Savings resulting from the expansion would also be reinvested into benefits, programs and services used by people with disabilities and older adults who are managing complex conditions and health needs. For more information, read…
Read more... about Survival Coalition Supports Governor’s Efforts to Move Medicaid Expansion Forward

Medicare Minutes: Initial Medicare Enrollment

Pile of buttons with stars and stripes that say Medicare
The next entry in the “What You Need to Know About Medicare” series is now here! Learn more about the initial enrollment process with Ginger Rogers, our Medicare Part D Program coordinator at DRW. As you turn 65, there is an 7-month period for initial enrollment, which is the period of time a person can sign up for Medicare for the first time. Watch the video to understand why knowing this is important. View the…
Read more... about Medicare Minutes: Initial Medicare Enrollment

Register Now for the Welcome to Medicare Fair!

Registration for the Welcome to Medicare Fair, hosted by the SHIP Technical Assistance Center, is now open! Register for the event via the SHIPTA Center site here. Forms are available in both English and Spanish. The Welcome to Medicare Fair is a national fair for people turning 65, retiring, or joining Medicare because of a disability. Get trusted, unbiased Medicare education from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) national network. There will be expert…
Read more... about Register Now for the Welcome to Medicare Fair!

DRW PAIMI Council: Invitation for Public Comment

silhouette of several hands raised in the air
We want to hear from you about the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the Center of Mental Health Services (CMHS) periodically monitors the operation of the PAIMI program by the Protection and Advocacy system in each state. DRW is undergoing this monitoring on June 15-17, 2021. For a shareable flyer, view the Invitation for…
Read more... about DRW PAIMI Council: Invitation for Public Comment

Medicare Minutes: Medicare Savings Programs

Pile of buttons with stars and stripes that say Medicare
The Milwaukee SHIP Collaborative presents its next video in its Medicare Hot Topics series: Medicare Savings Programs. If you are looking for financial assistance with your Medicare premiums, Medicare Savings Programs can help you pay premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Eligibility is based off the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2021. Read the video transcript here (accessible pdf). Watch the Medicare Savings Programs video on Youtube or below:
Read more... about Medicare Minutes: Medicare Savings Programs

Join Our Board of Directors!

Scrabble tiles spell the word News; a stack of newspapers is in the background
Disability Rights Wisconsin is seeking energetic and passionate people to join our Board of Directors. If you are committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy and public policy and share DRW’s dedication to disability rights, come share your skills and experience with us! Members of the Board engage in DRW’s long-term goal setting, help build community networks, and act as positive ambassadors to create a welcoming environment for individuals with…
Read more... about Join Our Board of Directors!

DRW Issues Statement Condemning Systemic Racism

A person holds up a sign saying "End the Violence against Asians" during a gathering.
DRW has issued a statement expressing unity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  We stand in solidarity against race-based violence and call for changes in systems that support it. Read DRW’s full statement here (accessible pdf).
Read more... about DRW Issues Statement Condemning Systemic Racism

DRW encouraged by DHS’ reprioritized vaccine eligibility for people with chronic medical conditions

A black person receives a vaccine shot.
DRW expresses appreciation to the Department of Health Services for reprioritizing vaccine eligibility for people with chronic medical conditions, and for specifically naming those with intellectual disabilities.  This group will now be eligible for the vaccine on Monday, March 22 — one week before previously planned. Read DRW’s thank you letter to Secretary Timberlake here (accessible PDF). For more information on vaccine eligibility and other frequently asked questions, see the DHS COVID-19 page. For more…
Read more... about DRW encouraged by DHS’ reprioritized vaccine eligibility for people with chronic medical conditions

Watch Now: Wisconsin Health News “Reforming Emergency Detention” Panel

scrabble pieces spelling out the words mental health
Wisconsin Health News hosted a March 11th panel discussion named “A System in Crisis: Reforming Emergency Detention.”  Panel members, including DRW’s Kit Kerschensteiner, shared their perspective on the current crisis system and what needs to change. Watch the panel’s Facebook Live video here. Read Wisconsin Health News’ story on emergency detention here.
Read more... about Watch Now: Wisconsin Health News “Reforming Emergency Detention” Panel