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.

WCBVI 2019 Scholarship Opportunity

Graduation cap with tassle
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired proudly announces our 2019 scholarship opportunity. The Council offers up to ten $2,000 scholarships for qualifying Wisconsin students, in a post-secondary education program including technical training, two-year colleges, four-year universities and graduate programs. Click here for more details and the application in an accessible MS Word document.  Complete applications are due by Friday, April 5, 2019.
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Wisconsin Teens Share Mental Health Challenges

Mental Health spelled out with Scrabble tiles
Wisconsin teens will share their mental health challenges in a new Milwaukee PBS documentary that strives to open up conversations about youth mental health and encourage youth to reach out for support. The 2017 youth suicide rate in Wisconsin was the highest it has been since 1992. In both years, 38 minors died by suicide. Wisconsin’s rate was the 11th worst in the country. Here is a link to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story on…
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Adaptive Telephone Equipment Opens up Communication

Many different kinds of adaptive phone equipment can be purchased through TEPP.
Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) is a statewide program that helps people with disabilities buy adaptive telephone equipment that they need to live independently. Our great partner IndependenceFirst explains the TEPP program and how to apply.
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Affordable Housing for Adults with Disabilities

Small girl with matching hat walking with parent on city street.
Wisconsin Public Radio talks to parents and advocates about housing options and supports for adults with disabilities, and how families are planning for transitioning to adulthood. Listen to Raising A Child With Disabilities Into Adulthood on WPR.
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Lawmakers Propose To Rid State Administrative Code Of “The R-Word”

R-word with No symbol
Representative John Jagler discusses his and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s proposal to remove the phrase “mental retardation” from Wisconsin administrative code and replace it with “intellectual disability.” Disability Rights Wisconsin’s Barbara Beckert explains why language matters.  Here is a link to the story.
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DRW office closings due to the weather

satellite image of polar vortex
Due to the severe weather, DRW offices are closed on Tuesday 1/29, Wednesday 1/30 and Thursday 1/31.  Staff will be monitoring calls and communications during this time, and we will respond as we are able.  If you have a meeting scheduled with DRW staff, please connect with the staff member directly to inquire of its status.
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DRW Responds to Governor’s State of the State Address

Tony Evers on house floor.
This week Governor Evers gave the State of the State address for Wisconsin. Some of the key themes were an increase in funding for special education, access to health care, and transportation. Several of the priorities shared by Governor Evers are relevant to DRW’s budget recommendations, which you can find here. DRW has responded to the Governor’s address.
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DRW Comments on Preexisting Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act

Wisconsin State Capitol
The Assembly Committee on Health held a public hearing on Assembly Bill regarding  Pre-Existing Condition Guaranteed Coverage Act.  DRW submitted informational comments to explain what effect AB 1 might have on people with disabilities.  Here is a link the bill.
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Disability Rights Wisconsin Names New Executive Director

Lea Kitz
Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) has named Lea Kitz as the disability advocacy organization’s new Executive Director. Kitz has managed DRW’s Family Care and IRIS Ombudsman Program for nearly 8 years. Before joining DRW, she served as Executive Director of Arc-Winnebago County Disability Association. Kitz brings her extensive hands-on and leadership experience in the areas of domestic abuse, employment, benefits, and disability advocacy. “We are pleased to have Ms. Kitz step into this key role,” says…
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Milwaukee County Crisis Redesign

Mental Health spelled out with Scrabble tiles
On December 13th, a proposal to redesign crisis services in Milwaukee County was presented to the Mental Health Board.  DRW will be reviewing the proposal closely and encourages you to take a look. Wisconsin Health News covered initial response to the report, including comments from DRW. Here is a link to report on Psychiatric Crisis Redesign in Milwaukee County.
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