News

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…

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…

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….

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…