Dane County Circuit Judge Everett Mitchell ruled that Wisconsin’s paper-only absentee voting system discriminates against disabled voters by denying them the opportunity to cast ballots privately and independently, violating protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. While acknowledging the hardship, the judge stopped short of ordering state election officials to implement electronic voting options, citing unresolved questions regarding the logistics and security risks of such a system. The case, brought by disability rights groups and several disabled voters, will proceed to a hearing to establish a trial date, meaning an electronic voting option will likely not be in place before the upcoming November election.

Read more

A recent federal legal opinion determining that civil rights laws do not mandate state-funded home-based care over institutionalization has sparked widespread concern among advocates and affected families. This interpretation marks a significant departure from long-standing legal precedent that treated unjustified institutionalization as unlawful discrimination, creating fears that government assistance for home care services could be drastically reduced. Several state governments are already citing this stance in ongoing court battles to limit required community-based support and manage budget constraints. While defenders of institutional settings cite capacity limitations and resource constraints, disability advocates emphasize that rolling back home-care protections threatens personal autonomy, risks reversing decades of progress in community integration, and increases the potential for abuse and neglect.

Read more

The future of home care relies on balancing self-directed care with robust oversight and program integrity. As demand grows for self-directed Medicaid programs—which allow older adults and individuals with disabilities to hire trusted family members or friends—the model offers a cost-effective alternative to institutional care while supporting unpaid family caregivers. However, its long-term sustainability depends on preventing fraud, waste, and abuse through continuous oversight, operational discipline, and modern technology like real-time timekeeping and electronic visit verification. Ultimately, embedding transparent safeguards into daily operations ensures that patient choice and flexibility are supported by strong accountability, building public trust and establishing a more sustainable healthcare model.

Read more

Advocates and staff from the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Wisconsin are highlighting a critical shortage of supportive care for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and residents living with dementia, particularly in rural northwestern counties like Washburn, Burnett, and Douglas. With roughly 27% of the local population aged 60 or older, demand for assistance continues to outpace available resources, leaving an estimated half a million unpaid family caregivers across the state to shoulder the burden. Community members and care coordinators are calling on policymakers for systemic solutions, including expanded access to assisted living facilities, funding for respite worker programs, and enhanced social support networks to alleviate caregiver isolation and ensure proper care for aging populations.

Read more