A sad passing of Deidre Davis Butler: an amazing advocate for disability rights and racial equity After a lifetime of advocacy, Deidre Davis Butler died last week at the age of 64. Nothing slowed her down, especially being told she couldn’t do something. She earned a law degree and fought hard for people with disabilities, especially people of color. She helped draft the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which just marked its 30th anniversary in…
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Press Release: PUA Benefit Now Available to SSDI Recipients
Disability Rights Wisconsin applauds DWD Secretary Frostman, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representatives Ron Kind, Mark Pocan, and Gwen Moore, for their work to secure Pandemic Emergency Unemployment relief (PUA) for Wisconsin SSDI recipients out of work due to COVID-19. Read the full press release about the PUA benefit that is now available to SSDI recipients in Wisconsin.
DRW Comments on Recommendations of Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving
Wisconsin has been experiencing a loss of caregivers in its labor force over the past several years. On February 18, 2019, Governor Evers signed Executive Order #11 to create a Task Force on Caregiving. The GTFC has been working with a sense of urgency analyzing this complicated issue and considering possible ways to address it. The GTFC has issued its initial recommendations and has been accepting public comments. Read the comments submitted by DRW.
DRW submits comments on proposed changes for IRIS waiver
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is planning to submit a request to renew the 1915(c) IRIS waiver for the IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This waiver gives Wisconsin authority to provide Medicaid services in home and community-based settings. Disability Rights Wisconsin submitted comments on the proposed changes for the IRIS waiver.
DRW is open and continues to offer services during the COVID-19 crisis
Disability Rights Wisconsin is open and continues to offer services during the COVID-19 crisis, no matter how long the Safer at Home order is in place. Though our physical offices are closed, all programs are active and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities across the state. DRW can provide help on issues related to having a disability and accessing your rights or supports. Our programs include: Protection and Advocacy System Communities and Institutions Schools…
Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving – Public Input Sought
The Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving was created to support and strengthen the direct care workforce, increase access to care, and improve the quality of caregiving in Wisconsin. The Task Force welcomes input from family caregivers, professional caregivers, health care providers and other citizens interested in improving working conditions for individuals who care for people with disabilities and older adults, leading to a better quality of care for the people they serve. The Task Force…
Your Ideas Needed- Complete Survey on Milwaukee County BHD Budget
The Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force needs to hear from you. Please complete this survey to share your priorities for the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division Budget. The next BHD/ Milwaukee County budget will be challenging due to decreases in revenue. BHD and other departments are facing a significant reduction in tax levy. What services should be prioritized? Are there opportunities to save money or bring in new revenue? Share your perspective. Survey results will…
DRW Statement on Systemic Racism and Violence
Disability Rights Wisconsin grieves for those killed in acts of racialized violence. We stand in solidarity with Black communities and individuals across the state and the country in calling out and rejecting police brutality and pervasive institutional and structural racism. At Disability Rights Wisconsin, we fight against discrimination every day. We understand mechanisms of oppression and the impact they have on our clients. This discrimination causes disparate treatment in health care, employment, housing, education, criminal…
Disability Rights Wisconsin Commends Funding for Disability Services
Disability Rights Wisconsin thanks Governor Evers for allocating CARES Act funding to provide financial assistance to providers who serve people with disabilities, including home and community based-services and long term care providers. Read DRW’s statement. The Governor will use $100 million of the federal COVID CARES Act funds provided to Wisconsin to target support for Long-Term Care in Wisconsin, including support for providers of home and community based services. Read Governor Ever’s Press Release.
NDRN Launches “Caregiver Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic” Video
NDRN Launches “Know Your Right to Be Safe at Home: Caregiver Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic” Video You have the right to feel comfortable with your caregivers! The Coronavirus pandemic has caused disruptions in care for many people with disabilities which may lead to abusive alternatives as well as problems with primary caregivers. Victim advocacy experts from Disability Rights Wisconsin have a few tips on recognizing caregiver abuse and requesting help. Check out this video…
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