News

The Assembly Committee on Family Law is holding a public hearing regarding bills from the Speaker’s Task Force on Adoption. Disability Rights Wisconsin provided informational testimony for the committee. In reviewing these bills, DRW has assessed the impact these proposals will have on parents who have disabilities, families of children with disabilities who are at risk of child welfare intervention, children with disabilities in out of home placements, and children with disabilities adopted through the…

The National Disability Rights Network joined over 20 national organizations including disability rights, civil rights, education, and privacy groups to express concerns about the Restoring, Enhancing, Strengthening, and Promoting Our Nation’s Safety Efforts (RESPONSE) Act, legislation introduced by Senator Cornyn. In the letter sent to Senator Cornyn, the coalition applauds the recognition of the need for a federal effort to address mass violence, but expresses serious concern about focusing that effort on people with mental…

The National Disability Rights Network has published a new report, “Probation Referral: Model for Diversion of Children and Youth with Disabilities from the Juvenile Justice System“. The report is based upon the cases of scores of children with disabilities represented by the nationwide Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System, including Disability Rights Wisconsin. P&As provide legal and other advocacy services to children and youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system, and also may maintain a…

Nationally, this day celebrates independence and mobility for people who are blind. In Wisconsin, the #WhiteCaneLaw states that drivers must stop 10 feet or more from pedestrians using white canes or service dogs. Following this rule makes streets safer for all of us. Help us spread the word about White Cane Safety Day by sharing this post and reminding your friends and family to stop at least 10 feet from crosswalks.  Please use the following…

Each year DRW provides the public with an opportunity to have input on our plan for using the funds we receive to provide Protection and Advocacy for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our proposed plan for using these resources is outlined in our 2020 Proposed PADD Goals and Priorities. If you have any comment you would like to share with us, you can do so by emailing Mitchell Hagopian or by mailing comments to:…

Milwaukee-based effort to get building accessibility ratings on the web A UW-Milwaukee center that works on disability issues is developing an online way to inform people about access to public buildings like restaurants. It’s hoped the computer system will be ready by the time the Democratic National Convention comes to town next summer. But once finished, the access ratings could be used by anyone. WUWM reported on this new project underway at University of Wisconsin…

The Speakers Task Force on Suicide Prevention has issued an interim report with policy recommendations. The report contains a brief description of hearings held by the task force throughout the state, explains the recommended legislation that was drafted in response to the testimony and discussion at those hearings, and identifies topics that the task force may continue to explore as the legislative session proceeds. A list of task force members is attached as an appendix…

September 24th is National Voter Registration Day.  DRW and the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition are working to increase participation of Wisconsinites with disabilities in the electoral process including voter registration. To promote voter registration in the disability community, we have launched a postcard campaign. Disability Vote Coalition postcards include dates for the 2020 elections, information about voter registration and Photo ID requirements, and where to call for help. Postcards are ideal to share at community…

Governor Evers has made appointments to the Governor’s Task Force on Caregiving. The Task Force was created in February when Evers created Executive Order #11. The Governor created the Task Force in an effort to address the workforce shortage in caregivers, an issue that was discussed as part of the state budget. Congratulations to DRW’s Bill Crowley who was appointed by Governor Evers to serve on the Task Force. The Task Force is charged with:…

DRW submitted testimony in support of Senate Bill 89 which would expand the pool of professionals that can provide basic dental care, by establishing Dental Therapists in Wisconsin. Dental Therapists could help to address dental care access issues faced by people with disabilities and other under-served populations. Access to dental care is a major concern for many Wisconsinites who have a disability, resulting in many preventable extractions, a high incidence of periodontal disease, and other…