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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.

Seeking Comments on 2021 Proposed PADD Plan

paper doll children casting shadow
DRW invites you to comment on our plan to use the Federal funding we receive for our “Protection and Advocacy for people with Developmental Disabilities” (PADD) grant. The Goals and Priorities contained in this plan identify areas upon which we expect to devote our Federal PADD funding in 2021. To ensure consideration, comments should be received by November 30, 2020. Read our 2021 Proposed PADD plan.
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School Resource Officers Do Not Belong in Wisconsin’s Schools

Belt of police officer with handcuffs hanging off
Disability Rights Wisconsin has issued a statement recommending that Wisconsin schools stop relying on school resource officers (SROs) as a response to school violence and invest instead in appropriate school personnel and programs to address the needs and safety of students with disabilities. DRW Press Release: SROs Do Not Belong in Wisconsin Schools Full Statement: School Resource Officers Do Not Belong in Wisconsin Schools  
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DRAFT Ethical Framework for COVID-19 Treatment/Vaccines out for Public Comment

COVID 19 virus
Earlier this summer, the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) created an Ethics Subcommittee to develop and propose a statement of ethical principles for the distribution of scarce resources. Their charge included reviewing relevant resources including national and other state guidelines in order to identify and define generally agreed-upon principles to guide ethical decision making about allocating resources such as vaccines and therapeutics. Yesterday, the SDMAC Ethics Subcommittee posted a DRAFT Ethical Framework to Guide…
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DRW Happy to See Recommendations from Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

Man pushing child in a wheelchair - both smiling
DRW is pleased with the recommendations put forth by the Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving. The recommendations cover a wide range of issues that affect the availability of caregivers in Wisconsin. Read our press release here.
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DRW Statement on Treatment of Jacob Blake

Protesters marching, one holds a sign that says "Justice for Jacob"
Disability Rights Wisconsin condemns the law enforcement treatment of Jacob Blake. After a racially charged incident in which Mr. Blake was shot in the back by police, he was shackled to his hospital bed. Though the shackles have now been removed, his treatment after being rendered paralyzed from the waist down put his health at further risk and violated his right to a disability accommodation. Read the statement here.
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A sad passing of Deidre Davis Butler

Deidre Davis Butler smiling
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

Newspaper with words "press release" in the center
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.
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DRW Comments on Recommendations of Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving

Caregiver pushing a woman in a wheelchair
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.  
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DRW submits comments on proposed changes for IRIS waiver

IRIS logo
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.
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DRW is open and continues to offer services during the COVID-19 crisis

Yes we're open sign on door
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…
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