News

• Are you registered to vote? Check your voter registration status at https://myvote.wi.gov/
• Do you want to vote by mail? Request absentee ballots for the year at Vote Absentee By Mail (wi.gov)
• Do you have a valid Wisconsin state ID or drivers license? Wisconsin requires photo ID to vote. For information, contact the DRW Voter Hotline or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Voter ID Hotline at 844-588-1069.
• Do you support people with disabilities? Provide information and support for voter registration and photo ID. The Disability Vote Coalition can provide you with free materials and assistance. Our website has great materials that you can order or print. Check out our 2022 Elections postcards and posters at : New DVC Materials for 2022 Elections - Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition. Questions? Contact the DRW Voter Hotline at 844-347-8683.

Recently, Senator Orin Hatch of Utah passed away. He was the Republican Senator who sponsored the Americans with Disabilities Act.  He came to care about disability issues because his brother-in-law had polio and slept in an iron lung. 

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Speak Up!

Let us know what is important to you as a person who is blind or visually impaired in Wisconsin.  What are the most important or urgent issues your community is facing right now?  What strengths or assets does your community offer? We will be holding community conversations using Zoom on the following dates: 

• Tuesday, May 17^th 6:30PM-8:00PM
• Wednesday, May 18^th 2:00PM-3:30PM
• Thursday, May 19^th 10:00AM-11:30AM
• Tuesday, May 24^th10:00AM-11:30AM
• Wednesday, May 25^th 2:00PM-3:30PM
• Thursday, May 26^th 6:30PM-8:00PM

Join by Zoom:

https://dhswi.zoomgov.com/j/1616709312

Join by Phone:

(669) 254 5252

Meeting ID: 161 670 9312

If you can’t attend, we still want to hear from you, click this survey link and complete a short survey.

Your Words Matter!

Hosted by:  The Wisconsin Statutory Council on Blindness

Nine-person council appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health Services to make recommendations and advocate for Wisconsin residents who are blind and visually impaired.

                          dhsscobstaffsupport@dhs.wisconsin.gov

Many people with disabilities and health conditions are worried after a federal judge's decision lifted the mask mandate on public transportation. Against the CDC's recommendation, people no longer are required to wear masks in airports, on planes, trains and buses. Many people's people with who are immunocompromised are questioning whether to go on planed plane trips and worrying about how to navigate public transportation. It's particular concerning because people with disabilities (who are often immunocompromised) are a group of people who heavily rely on public transportation. The Department of Justice is appealing the ruling. 

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While far from a comprehensive inventory of the economic picture for people with disabilities in the United States, this report offers a current snapshot of the economic crisis facing the U.S. disability community—and highlights several of the major systemic barriers and policy failures standing in the way of economic justice for people with disabilities and their families today.

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Recently, Governor Evers vetoed several bills that many feared would have a negative impact on people with disabilities. Two of the bills had to do with Medicaid making it harder to stay eligible. Another two bills were about public education. One would have caused disruption Milwaukee students with disabilities splitting the district into four-to-eight smaller districts. The other bill would have expanded Wisconsin's voucher programs in which students give up their rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 

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There are jobs available everywhere in today's society. With the economy the way it is, people can pick and choose. While it's great for people looking for jobs, it's an incredibly frustrating scenario for employers trying to fill positions. Home care has struggled for years - - even before the pandemic. This article gives statistics and lays out the current situation in detail. 

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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program

The purpose of the RERC program is to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act by conducting advanced engineering research on and development of innovative technologies that are designed to solve particular rehabilitation problems or to remove environmental barriers. RERCs also demonstrate and evaluate such technologies, facilitate service delivery system changes, stimulate the production and distribution of new technologies and equipment in the private sector, and provide training opportunities.

RERC on Recreational, Sport, and Exercise Technologies for People with Disabilities: This particular opportunity is for an RERC to conduct research and development activities toward technologies that promote exercise and health among people with disabilities.

View more details and application instructions.

Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process. This grant opportunity closes on June 13, 2022.

Government agencies have started reviewing policies that were put in place to meet the needs of states, localities, and the public during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the federal declaration of a public health emergency (PHE) expires, many of the flexibilities initiated during the PHE will need to be rolled back. This return to pre-pandemic operations will have far-reaching impacts for older adults and people with disabilities. Changes in Medicaid enrollment and eligibility will be particularly important—and potentially confusing or disruptive—for current enrollees. The aging and disability networks can prepare in advance for the coming changes to best meet the needs of people who rely on Medicaid coverage for essential services and supports. This fact sheet will help address some common questions ACL grantees may have.

View fact sheet