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Are you passionate about advancing the voting rights of people with disabilities? Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) is now hiring a Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist.
The Voting Outreach Advocacy Specialist will work with DRW and our disability partners to increase participation of voters with disabilities in the electoral process. They will provide non-partisan outreach, education, and advocacy assistance to people with disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders on voting rights.
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2022 is an important election year. Wisconsin will be holding two statewide elections. The Partisan Primary is August 9th and the General Election is November 8th.
Offices to be elected include: Governor and Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, U.S. Senator, Congressional Representative, State Senator (odd numbered districts), Assembly Representatives, County Offices of Sheriff, Clerk of Circuit Court and Coroner (where applicable).
Make your plan now for the August and November Elections!
  • 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.
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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 17th 6:30PM-8:00PM
  • Wednesday, May 18th 2:00PM-3:30PM
  • Thursday, May 19th 10:00AM-11:30AM
  • Tuesday, May 24th10:00AM-11:30AM
  • Wednesday, May 25th 2:00PM-3:30PM
  • Thursday, May 26th 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

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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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Are you interested in presenting at the 2022 Self-Determination Conference?  We are seeking session proposals for Tuesday, October 18 & Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Click the button below to fill out the online presenter application. 

This year’s theme: Everyone has a story; Your voice matters will help people with disabilities lead more Self-Determined lives by recognizing the valued role communities play in our lives!

Things to know when submitting a proposal:

  • Proposals must include a self-advocate(s) as a lead or co-presenter.
  • Panels should be limited to no more than 3 people. 
  • Conference sessions must support Self-Determination and Self-Directed principles.
  • Presentations will be in person and on video this year. Activity and tools must be available on both platforms. Presentations should focus on practical, take-home strategies that people can implement in their work and lives.
  • Sessions should not promote specific agencies or products. 
  • Repeat or similar sessions from previous conferences will not be considered.
  • Sessions will be 1.5 hours in length.
  • A typical session has an audience of 50-75 attendees. 

There are three ways to complete the proposal form and submit it by noon on May 13, 2022 to:

Complete form online here;

Email to Fil Clissa at Fil.Clissa@wisconsin.gov; or

Mail to BPDD - Self-Determination Conference, 101 E. Wilson St., Room 219, Madison, WI 53703

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