The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) is seeking applications for their SPARKS Grants. The purpose of SPARKS Grants is to organize local grassroots groups to make changes in their communities that make the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) better, including individuals with diverse identities and/or individuals that are under-served. Grassroots community organizing means groups that are led by individuals with disabilities together with their allies, who are working…
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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.
Small Talk About Medicare
Help with Medicare Part D costs If Medicare Part D costs are getting expensive, you may be able to get help. For those with lower income, you can apply at Social Security for “extra help” to pay for Part D plan premiums, copays, and deductibles. Anyone with Medicaid is automatically eligible for help with Medicare Part D premiums, copays, and deductibles. Call the Disability Rights Wisconsin Medicare Part D helpline at 1-800-926-4862 for more information….
Wisconsin Celebrates National Disability Voter Registration Week
The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition is proud to announce National Disability Voter Registration Week from July 15 to 19. The week is part of the “REV UP” campaign, a national, nonpartisan effort to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process and to ensure accessibility of the voting process. The Coalition will be holding events in Milwaukee, Eau Claire, and Madison throughout the week. The disability community, members of the public, and…
DRW Commends Key Budget Investments and Notes Unmet Needs
On July 3rd, Governor Evers signed into law the budget passed by the Wisconsin Legislature. DRW’s statement on the budget commends key budget investments that will benefit Wisconsinites with disabilities, and also notes unmet needs, including the failure to adequately fund special education services. Read DRW’s statement here.
WI Deaf community to gain expanded protection when sign language bill becomes law
Congratulations to Wisconsin Association of the Deaf and other advocates who worked to advance the passage of AB 250, which provides for a more appropriate scope of practice for sign language interpreters in the state, gives more protections for members of the Deaf community, and helps address the level of access. AB 250 also helps attract new and retain current sign language interpreters by increasing access to sign language interpreter licensure exams in Wisconsin. DRW…
DRW Comments on Renewal of Family Care Waiver
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is planning to submit requests to renew the 1915(b) and 1915(c) Family Care waivers for the Family Care program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These waivers give Wisconsin options to provide Medicaid services in home and community-based settings and through managed care. Disability Rights Wisconsin has submitted comments to DHS regarding the proposed changes for the Family Care waiver. Read “DRW Comments on Renewal…
Voter Registration Video to Premier at Wisconsin Association of the Deaf Conference
Voter Registration Video to Premier at Wisconsin Association of the Deaf Conference The Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition (WDVC), in partnership with Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD), and with support of the Wisconsin Election Commission, is pleased to introduce a new video on voter registration, featuring deaf voters. The video will be premiered Saturday evening, June 22, at the 2019 WAD conference. WAD was a key partner in developing the video and WAD members Ron…
DRW Statement on the Budget Approved by Finance Committee
The Joint Committee on Finance has completed its work on the State Budget. Disability Rights Wisconsin has released a statement on the budget approved by the Joint Finance Committee, noting the positive investments for people with disabilities, and the missed opportunities to help people with disabilities to have healthy, active lives as contributing members of their communities. The budget now moves to the State Assembly and Senate for approval, with voting expected the week of…
Survival Coalition Call-in Days: State Budget
Survival Coalition Call-in Days: what to keep, change, and add to the state budget for people with disabilities The Joint Finance Committee has finished its work; the state budget must now be approved or amended further by the full State Senate and State Assembly. This is an important time to be in touch with your State Senator and Assembly Representative about your priorities for the state budget. Survival Coalition is hosting call-in days this Tuesday, Wednesday,…
DRW supports AB250 to improve ASL interpreter certification
On Tuesday, June 4, 2019, the Committee on Workforce Development will hold a hearing on AB 250—a bill to change and improve the certification of American Sign Language interpreters. The bill will create standards for interpreters in different technical situations that often require accurate interpretation of complex or sensitive information, such as legal, mental health and medical settings. Stakeholders have been deeply involved in the development of this bill. DRW submits testimony to support AB…
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