News
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Wisconsin judge rules that paper absentee ballots violate rights of certain disabled people
By SD Network, 2026-08-04
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.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Partners in Policymaking: Applications Open
By SD Network, 2026-08-04
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The Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking program is a six-session advocacy training to prepare future leaders around the state who can work with lawmakers and communities to support the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. We are looking for motivated individuals who want to create inclusive communities and are:
Dates for the Class of 2026/2027 are:
Applications Due October 23rd 2026 *If attending in person is difficult, please contact Jenny Neugart, Project Manager at Jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov to discuss options. |
| Partners in Policymaking |
CBS NEWS/KFF NEWS: People with disabilities fear service cuts as Trump's DOJ questions legal protections
By SD Network, 2026-08-01
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.
MCKNIGHT HOME CARE: The future of home care depends on choice and accountability
By SD Network, 2026-08-01
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.
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.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL:People with disabilities worried about rights challenges | Opinion.
By SD Network, 2026-08-01
In a recent opinion piece, representatives from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities highlight growing concerns over threats to disability civil rights and community living. They point to recent federal actions—including the U.S. Department of Justice rescinding integration guidance under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a pending Texas-led lawsuit against Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and significant Medicaid cuts in H.R. 1—as critical developments that could erode independent living supports. The authors argue that these legal changes and funding reductions risk forcing individuals with disabilities into institutional settings, while also placing severe economic and caregiving burdens on small businesses, home care workers, and family members.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Nekita is a disabled advocate who has been fighting for themselves and others for as long as they can remember. They began advocating in an official capacity in 2015 as a delegate at the WI Youth Leadership Forum. From that point forward, he has dedicated himself to intersectional inclusion in various spaces, with a personal passion for making sure that disabled spaces are queer-friendly and pride events are accessible.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
At 16 years old, Nekita was a delegate at the WI Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). Shortly after that, they completed the Youth in Partnership with Parents and Educators (YiPPE) course and the Partners in Policymaking class series. He later returned to the WI YLF as a staff member, where he continues to work today.
Over the years, Nekita has attended and spoken at several Self-Determination Conferences. During their undergraduate studies, they tutored English and Language Arts through UW-Whitewater’s Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), helping students learn how to research, comprehend, and write various assignments. Reflecting on this teaching philosophy, Nekita noted, "I pride myself on not just going through the motions as a tutor and teacher, but in truly walking through a subject with a student so that they can walk away with a deeper understanding of the subject."
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
An exciting new chapter is beginning for Nekita this fall as they head to grad school at UW-Milwaukee! He is pursuing a Master’s in Library Media and Information Sciences, complete with an additional teaching license. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning and inclusion, Nekita's ultimate goal is to become an inspiring school librarian who connects students with the resources they need to thrive!
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Nekita advises people wanting to be more self-determined to find their community. While standing up for oneself is a very good thing, they believe that standing with others will not only help the cause but also bring joy and light into life that can sometimes be forgotten when the sole focus is on fighting.
What are some of your hobbies?
Nekita loves to write, read, and meander through nature. For those interested in his work, his writing can be explored at http://www.nk-writing.com.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
The care work sector faces a severe and worsening labor shortage driven by low wages, inadequate public funding through programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and aggressive immigration enforcement. Many essential care providers—including direct care aides, nursing home staff, and hospice workers—are immigrants whose legal protections are being systematically rolled back, forcing them out of the workforce or leading to termination due to shifting immigration policies. As a result, direct care facilities, hospice programs, and independent living systems are increasingly understaffed, forcing registered nurses to absorb basic caretaking duties, creating long waiting lists, and severely limiting the availability and quality of support for the elderly and people with disabilities.