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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.

Wisconsin Voters with Disabilities Face Barriers

Voter in wheelchair uses accessible voting machine with others looking on
Accessibility continues to be a challenge for many Wisconsin voters with disabilities. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel took a look at the some of the barriers experienced by Wisconsin voters with disabilities. Check out their story. If you are a voter with a disability who has experienced a barrier to casting your vote or registering to vote, DRW would like to hear from you. Contact us via email at info or call the DRW Voter Hotline…
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DRW Supports Governor’s Veto of Bill Reducing Training for CNAs

Three CNA students gathered around a table, studying
DRW has issued a press release in support of The Governor’s veto of 2019 SB 103, a bill that would have reduced the training requirements for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) from 120 hours to 75 hours.  DRW appreciates the desire to solve the workforce problem and is grateful to policy makers who are trying to address it. However, while the bill may have been a well-intentioned effort to aid in alleviating the care taker workforce…
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Disability Advocates Deliver Testimony on SB 527

Wisconsin State Capitol
Disability Advocates gathered at the Capitol today to delivery testimony supporting the changes to the current seclusion and restraint law.  These changes to the law will create greater transparency on the use of seclusion and restraint across the state, provide better reporting to families, focus on better de-escalation strategies, and require school to debrief after each incident.  We look forward to a hearing in the Assembly Education Committee and quick approval to move this bill…
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DRW’s 2018 Annual Report is now available

Portion of the front cover of 2018 Annual Report
We invite you to take a look. In this issue you will hear about the achievements of some of our clients, get updates on changes in the organization, and learn about the impact of our programs. You will also find our financial information and list of donors who help support the critical work of Disability Rights Wisconsin. View DRW’s 2018 Annual Report (accessible pdf)  
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Report on Health Coverage for Children

Girl hugging parent with sad eyes
The Center for Children and Families (CCF) has released a new report that finds that the number and rate of uninsured children rose across the nation between 2016 and 2018, reversing long-term progress. More than 4 million U.S. children lacked health coverage in 2018, up by more than 400,000 from two years prior. These coverage losses are widespread, with 15 states showing statistically significant increases. The rates of uninsured children are higher and growing faster…
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Mom says school district brushed off her warnings about a teacher

paper doll children casting shadow
Fox 6 News has posted a story about a mother who tried to warn the Wauwatosa School District about a teacher who had assaulted her daughter, but the district failed to remove him.  Months later, he assaulted another student and was criminally charged. Read or view the news story. Disability Rights Wisconsin has been working on improvements to the Seclusion and Restraint law which would include reporting annual statistics to the Wisconsin Department of Public…
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Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund 2019 Awards

Lea Kitz, Shirin Cabraal, and Lisa Foley
Congratulations to Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Shirin Cabraal and Lisa Foley, who were both honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund’s Howard B Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner in Milwaukee on Saturday, November 2.  Legal Action of Wisconsin’s David Pifer received the Howard B. Eisenberg Lifetime Achievement Award.  At the dinner, keynote speaker Don Verrilli, former U.S. Solicitor General, gave a stirring speech about the importance of ensuring all people in…
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Public Hearing on Adoption

Speaker's Task Force on Adoption holds first public hearing at UW-Green Baying in Wisconsin.
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…
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Mass Violence Legislation Scapegoats People with Mental Illness

green handprint
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…
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New Report Provides Strategies to Combat Mis-Incarceration of Children with Disabilities

Boy in jail suit with blurred face sitting on jail bed
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…
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