Disability Rights Wisconsin Executive Director, Dan Idzikowski tendered his resignation which was accepted by the board leadership effective June 15, 2018. We are very appreciative of all that Dan has contributed to DRW during his tenure at the agency and thank him for his service. While the DRW board is in the process of developing a succession plan, Laura Hanson, the DRW Director of Operations and Quality, has agreed to be “acting director.” We are…
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 DOJ Launches Elder Abuse Website
From Superior Telegram here is a link to the original post: An online resource offers Wisconsin residents a new option for reporting elder abuse. The website, www.ReportElderAbuseWI.org, is the next phase in the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s campaign to raise awareness about elder abuse and encourage citizens to report abuse against seniors. “Elder abuse is drastically underreported, and it can be deadly,” said Attorney General Brad Schimel. “Studies show that even modest abuse increases the…
Washington’s First Lobbyist with Down Syndrome Works to Help People with Disabilities
As the first registered Washington lobbyist with Down syndrome, Kayla McKeon is fighting for change on behalf of people with disabilities across the country! Kayla began working as the Manager of Grassroots Advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in October, lobbying for laws that will make it easier for people with disabilities to be independent and thrive. She also hopes that her example will inspire other people with disabilities, especially people with Down syndrome, by…
DRW provides comments to DHS on the proposed amendment to Wisconsin’s Family Care Waiver
DRW understands that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has been working with the state’s 11 Federally recognized Tribes for a long time to find avenues to provide culturally sensitive and relevant long-term care services for Tribal members in the context of Wisconsin’s Family Care Waivers. These efforts require the balancing of federal requirements and Tribal sovereignty. Though there seem to be missing pieces to clarifying a complicated process, we are pleased to see…
Youth Behavioral Health and Wellness Summit!
Attention vendors, wellness facilitators, panel members, volunteers and friends! We have two more days before The Faces of Mental Health-Youth Behavioral Health & Wellness Summit and the excitement is rising! Thank you all so much for taking part in this important event that brings youth behavioral health and wellness to the forefront. You area valuable player! Next steps: Please share the event, and your participation in the event, with the families and children/youth you know, serve, work with and love. …
DRW urges DHS to go back to the drawing board on its proposed “Medicaid Managed Care Quality Strategy.”
Reading the new Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Medicaid Managed Care Quality Strategy, we at DRW found it to be broad and unspecific regarding what measures will be put in place and how theywill be carried out. The specific data collection methodologies are not listed. Thus, it is difficult to discern what DHS’s vision for quality measurement is. Our initial recommendation is that DHS withdraw this document and prepare one that complies with the mandates…
DRW Applauds New Legislation for People with Disabilities
For Immediate Release: April 16, 2018 Contact: Amy Devine, 608-267-0214 Madison, WI- Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) celebrates the Governor’s signing of the Supported Decision-Making legislation (AB 655) and the “Partners with Business” legislation (AB 819) today. DRW has been a champion of supported decision-making as another tool for people with disabilities and older adults to use in their daily lives. This legislation will allow people with disabilities and older adults to formally designate others they…
HMO Enrollment Changes
HMO Enrollment Changes for adult Medicaid members getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI). According to DHS, “Starting in January 2018, in order to provide high quality care for adult Wisconsin Medicaid members, certain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) members must enroll in an HMO of the member’s choice. Members affected by this change will get a letter in the mail.” If you do not choose an SSI HMO, one will be chosen for you. Members currently enrolled…
People With Mental Health Disabilities Shut Down Dangerous Ideas About Gun Violence
Rooted in Rights produced a video that includes people with Mental Health disabilities and their opinions on gun violence. Per Rooted in Rights: “The assertion that severe mental illnesses cause gun violence, specifically mass shootings, is not helpful and not accurate, but it is harmful. It is a dangerous idea. And we hear it from the media and our leaders all the time. Worse, no one ever seems to ask people with mental health disabilities…
Momentous Day for Wisconsinites with Disabilities
The Arc Wisconsin and disability advocates from across the state gathered at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 28, to witness as Governor Walker signs a landmark Employment First bill into law. As one of the state’s most prominent voices in protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Wisconsin, The Arc Wisconsin has been a leading force behind this bill that will ensure more people with disabilities are employed in…