On March 2, 2020, Governor Evers signed into law Act 118 which makes improvements to Wisconsin law regulating the use of restraint and seclusion in Wisconsin schools. This has been a top priority for Disability Rights Wisconsin and it’s very gratifying to see it become law. On behalf of the students, parents and staff this law will help — thank you to everyone who worked so hard to advance this much needed change. Act 118…
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DRW Disappointed in Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Dismissal of Waukesha Co. v. J.J.H.
DRW was disappointed to learn Thursday that the Wisconsin Supreme Court had dismissed Waukesha County v. J.J.H., an important case regarding a deaf individual’s right to effective communication during a mental health probable cause hearing. DRW first become involved with this case months ago when we filed a brief with the Supreme Court in collaboration with several other advocacy organizations supporting J.J.H’s petition asking the Supreme Court to hear her case because of the important…
The #2020Census counts: Be counted!
People with disabilities are historically under counted in the census. It is vital that people with disabilities participate in the census because results are used by federal, state, and local government to make funding decisions about education, housing, health care, transportation, mental health other services. In FY2016, Wisconsin received $12,608,476,954 through 55 federal spending programs guided by data derived from the 2010 Census. Census results are also used to determine representation in Congress. DRW is…
DRW Applauds Assembly for Passing SB 527 Seclusion and Restraint Law
Disability Rights Wisconsin applauds the full Assembly for passing SB 527 which makes common-sense changes to Wisconsin’s seclusion and restraint law. We especially thank Representatives Quinn and Considine for their leadership in the Assembly on this bill. Please see our Release on the Passing of SB 527. In February 2016, Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT), Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW), and WI FACETS produced a report Miles to Go detailing the distressingly high data on restraint and…
DRW Testimony AB 898 – Voting after Registration
DRW provided testimony regarding AB 898 at the February 13th Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections hearing. DRW’s testimony shared our concern about the provision in AB 898 which would require voters who register to vote electronically or by mail, to vote for the first time after such registration, in person at the polling place or by in-person absentee ballot. Lack of access to transportation, accessibility issues at Wisconsin polling places, and fluctuating symptoms or…
Census Guide for People with Disabilities
Every 10 years, the US government counts everyone in the country. We will have a census in 2020. The census asks one person in every household to answer a few questions. You can answer the questions online, by phone, or by mail. The census is very important for you to complete. Census results are used by federal, state and local government to make funding decisions for services and programs important to people with disabilities. In…
2019 Act 88 will increase access to mental health services for WI children
On February 5th, Governor Evers signed into law 2019 Wisconsin Act 88, which ensures reimbursement for clinical consultations with a parent on behalf of a student under the age of 21 in the Medicaid program. DRW’s Phyllis Greenberger has been a part of efforts to add consultation as a Medicaid benefit for children, and attended the bill signing today. These consultation services help to increase access to mental health services for Wisconsin children.
DRW Testimony on AB 786 – Creating a Guardian Training Requirement
The Assembly Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Assembly Bill 786 – Creating a Guardian Training Requirement. This bill would create a modest requirement that volunteer and noncorporate guardians receive basic training in the areas in which they will be expected to exercise decision-making prior to accepting appointment. As the Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities, we are frequently contacted about conflicts between wards and guardians. Based on that experience, there is a…
Deaf Woman Denied Right to Interpreter in Court Takes Case to WI Supreme Court
Madison, Wis. – Attorney Susan R. Tyndall of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. is acting as counsel, filing a “friend of the court” brief in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for several organizations championing the rights of citizens with handicaps, Amicus Curiae Disability Rights Wisconsin, National Disability Rights Network and National Association of the Deaf, in a case considering individuals’ rights to an interpreter in court and to a meaningful appeal. Read the rest of this…
DRW congratulates Governor Evers for his efforts on behalf of people with disabilities
In his State of the State speech last night, Governor Evers highlighted two important legislative successes last year for people with disabilities and he identified an important priority for the coming year. One of these successes was a bipartisan effort resulting in the passage of Wisconsin Act 48, which changed a polling place rule that was a barrier to some people with disabilities. We were pleased that the Governor recognized DRW’s and advocacy partners’ successful…
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