Wisconsin State Legislation that affects individuals with disabilities and Advocacy Alerts: New Horizons Un-Limited:

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Stay on Top of Legislation that Impacts You

Sign Up to Receive Our Free NHU Wisconsin Advocacy Alerts! via e-mail to stay on top of important Wisconsin legislation.

The Wisconsin Legislative Notification System provides you the opportunity to follow important legislation through daily or weekly e-mails for specific legislative activities. You can choose items by Proposal, Committee, Author or Subject and can select the activities for which you would like to receive notifications. It's your future! Get involved! Stay involved!

Contact Your Lawmakers

To call or email your legislators, find your Wisconsin State legislators and their contact information: Who Are My Legislators? or call 1-800-362-9472.

June 2022 - Do you have an idea for a new law or are you concerned about a pending bill? Believe it or not, your representative expects to hear from you. It is part of their duty to listen and entertain their constituents’ opinions and contacting them is easier than you think. Whether you write, call or request an in-person meeting, there are some basic dos and don’ts you should follow in order to get your point across. Know Your Audience Learn as much as you can about the lawmakers you are contacting. What political party do they belong to? What are their committee assignments? Review their biographical information and visit their websites. When you know what they stand for and what their background is, you can tailor your message more effectively. Be Aware of Timing The most effective time to write or call a Member of Congress is close to a vote or committee hearing. Be Professional When writing, make sure you address your lawmaker respectfully by including their correct tittle and congressional committee if applicable. and be sure thank them for their time and consideration at the end of your message. If you are lucky enough to get an in-person meeting, dress appropriately. You don’t have to look like a banker or a lawyer but you definitely want to avoid club wear, jeans and sweatpants. Business casual is good example of what to wear. Facts, Not Feelings Identify yourself as a constituent right away because representatives are much more willing to entertain opinions from voters that are from their own state or district. After introducing yourself, include a short explanation about why you personally advocate or resist a certain bill. It’s ok to express a feeling as in “I’m concerned about this bill’s provision for…” but going on and on about your feelings doesn’t help your lawmaker. They are often pressed for time and accordingly, they have learned to sift opinions for facts. Opinions based on feelings don’t have the same impact as a short set of facts and figures. Stay Focused Avoid getting off topic with stories or similar issues that are only tangentially related. It is tempting to fill a brief silence on the phone or a blank email with more examples but trust that your representative is grateful that they know your concern in short order. Follow Up Be sure to thank your lawmaker for their time and consideration at the end of your letter or if you met in person, send a thank you along with any additional information you pledged to provide. Not Sure Of Your Congressional District Or Who Your Member Is? Go to:
You can also write to: U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Call: 202-224-3121 TTY: 202-225-1904.

October 26, 2020- The Supreme Court upheld Wisconsin's voting laws Monday, rejecting an effort to require the counting of absentee ballots that are sent back to election officials on or just before Election Day.

The court's 5-3 ruling means that absentee ballots will be counted only if they are in the hands of your Wisconsin municipal clerk by the time polls close on Nov. 3 at 8pm.

Tuesday, October 27th was the last day for Wisconsin Voters to MAIL in your absentee ballot to be sure to get to your Wisconsin municipal clerk office by 8pm Nov. 3rd, but there are other options

You can drop it off to your local election office that is participating in early in-person voting until Nov.1, 2020. (BE AWARE THAT SOME POLLING STATIONS WILL NOT BE OPEN ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2020. IN FACT MANY ELECTION OFFICES CLOSE ON fRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2020 AT 4PM). Be sure to check your election office for dates and times.

You could also deliver it on Election Day, Nov. 3rd.

Make sure your ballot is completely filled out and your witness signs the back of the ballot envelope with their address listed underneath.

Need to be extra safe? After making sure your ballot is complete and sealed, any friend or family member can deliver it to your election office for you. Need to find your local polling station? Visit https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory

Alert! Although the deadline for In-Person Absentee in Wisconsin can possibly be thru November 1, this date could vary by municipality

In Wisconsin, you can register to vote and vote in-person at your municipal clerk's office until Friday, October 30th before Election Day! Office hours vary by municipality. Some municipal offices may not offer the additional in-person absentee hours thru November 1. Please contact your municipal clerk for absentee voting hours. A listing of all Wisconsin local Clerks' offices are available online at: https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory.

NHU ADVOCACY Alert! Wisconsin Voter! October 14th - Last Day to Register on-line for the Nov 3rd Presidential and General Election- YOU can still register and vote in-person at your clerk's election office thru October 30th or polling place on election day!

Before YOU can vote - YOU must be registered!

Right Now !!! Check to make sure your Wisconsin Voter registration is correct and up to date. If you were registered before, but have changed your name or address, you must register again.

Check your registration and answer any question you have on voting information and deadlines in Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov or contact, call or e-mail your local Wisconsin election clerk's office. A listing of all Wisconsin local Clerks' offices are available online at: https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory.

Because of COVID-19 be sure to check with your municipality and where you can vote and how to stay safe but after October 14th you should still be able to:

In Wisconsin, register to vote and vote in-person at your municipal clerk's office until Friday, October 30th before Election Day.
or
In Wisconsin, register to vote in-person at the polls on Election Day, November 3rd.
You cannot request an Absentee Ballot by mail or from your municipality or in-person at your polling place unless you are registered.

You will need to provide proof of residence when registering to vote. Find examples of acceptable proof of residence documents at: elections.wi.gov/publications/voter-guides/proof-of-residence

ADVOCACY Alert!2020 - Make Your Voice Heard with your Vote! This upcoming election is about your very existence!

If You are concerned about Your Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, 133 million people with pre-existing conditions in danger of losing their health care or if you get the virus you will lose your health care and your Essential Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Make Your Voice Heard with your Vote!! If you have a disability, or you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of a person with a disability, chronic illness or a pre-existing condition, as it's referred to these days, you do not have the luxury of sitting back silently as your legislators make decisions about your life. Disability is not political, but people with disabilities and their caregivers have witnessed discrimination during the pandemic. This upcoming election is about your very existence!

"Get into politics as if your life depended on it. - It does."
-----------------Justin Dart, Jr. (1930- 2002) "Father of the ADA"

Make sure you are registered to vote, educated about this year's election deadlines and changes to voting procedures, and prepared to cast a ballot for the November 2020 Presidential and General Election! Visit our NHU Wisconsin Voter Guide

2020 - Vote by Mail - Stay Safe Voting in Wisconsin for the November 2020 Presidential and General Election!

All registered voters in Wisconsin will receive a ballot in the mail. Check your voter registration or check with your municipality to make sure you are on the list to receive a ballot in the mail. If you have moved or have not voted you may have been taken off the rolls. To make sure you will be mailed an Absentee Ballot, check your registration and request an Absentee ballot on-line at myvote.wi.gov or download the application under election information via your town webpage or email your local elections clerk office for the application. For more information call your municipal election clerk office or a listing of all Wisconsin local Clerks offices is available online at: https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory.

A copy of your State ID will be required with your application for the Absentee Ballot.

You should be requesting your Absentee Ballot now in September or at the very least 20 days before Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Do not wait!

Review your sample ballot ahead of time by viewing from your town webpage. Review the candidates, federal, state and local and check them out on-line or go to votesmart.orgto view their stand on health care, pre-existing conditions, housing, transportation for people with disabilities.

Once you receive your ballot, open it as soon as it arrives, fill it out and sign and date the outer envelope. Have a witness sign the outer envelope and provide their address as well. Failure to fill out the outer envelope could null your vote.

Mail your ballot back right away in the postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope. Mailing early will support your US Postal Service, the election and ensure your vote arrives before 8 pm on election day at your election office in time to be counted.
Or you can return your ballot in-person to your municipality or voter drop box. Check your local election office for hours and access to voter boxes.

You can also request a trustworthy friend or neighbor to drop off your ballot for you as long as you have it ready to be dropped off.

Track your Wisconsin Absentee ballot at myvote.wi.gov

2020- If you plan to vote in Wisconsin in-person, early or on election day

Most Wisconsin election offices are encouraging voters to vote by mail due to the pandemic and in the interest of keeping poll workers safe. Due to COVID-19 be sure to check with your municipality and where you can vote and how to stay safe but you should be able to: In Wisconsin, register to vote and vote in-person at your municipal clerk's office until Friday, October 30th before Election Day.
or
In Wisconsin, register to vote in-person at the polls on Election Day, November 3rd. You will need to provide proof of residence when registering to vote. Find examples of acceptable proof of residence documents at: elections.wi.gov/publications/voter-guides/proof-of-residence

2020 - Encourage or call 3 people you know to remind them to register today!

Do you know someone who may need help registering? Assist others with disabilities to register today!

Share the American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD)'s Rev Up Campaign at aapd.com/advocacy/voting/

The future is ours, but only if we work for it!
Do not sit back and squander your vote and the right of citizenship!

Do not surrender!!!

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Wisconsin Voter Guide, and Wisconsin Local Election Clerk Offices Directory and Wisconsin Voter Deadlines

Have you made your plan to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election and general Election slated for November 3rd? Because of the pandemic plan to vote early! Do you know if you are registered and on the list to receive an absentee ballot by mail? Although registered voters should be receiving a request for ballot application by mail, if you had a recent address or name change you might not be on the list to receive a mail-in ballot application and you may have to re-register and request a ballot. You can check with your local town election clerk - visit our NHU Wisconsin Voter Guide and find your local elections clerk by visiting the Wisconsin Local Election Clerk Offices Directory. Do not assume it will automatically be mailed to you, be sure your plan to vote is on track. Visit Wisconsin Voter Deadlines for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Are YOU Ready to Vote?

Are you registered to vote, educated about this year's election, and prepared to cast a ballot in the General Election November 3rd where you can vote for the Presidential candidates of your choice as well as other federal and state legislators.

Are you prepared to vote in November 2020?
Get Ready to Vote!
If You are concerned about Your Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and other Essential Services make Your Voice Heard with your Vote!!

"Get into politics as if your life depended on it. - It does."
-----------------Justin Dart, Jr. (1930- 2002) "Father of the ADA"

If you have a disability, or you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of a person with a disability, chronic illness or a pre-existing condition, as it's referred to these days, you do not have the luxury of sitting back silently as your legislators make decisions about your life. This upcoming election is about your very existence!

Federal and state legislators are on the ballot for the General Election for Wisconsin November 3rd. Have you been paying attention? Do you know what is at stake? If you haven't, and if you don't, then it's time to get to work... because your life may very well depend on it.

Use this checklist to see if you are ready to vote:

Check out our NHU Voter Checklist - 8 things you need to do before the 2020 election

Review your ID.

Check if you are registered to vote in Wisconsin and answer any question you have on voting in Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov

If you had a recent address or name change you may have not received the request for an Absentee mail-in ballot for Wisconsin. Be sure to use the guide to check your registration and request an absentee ballot if you wish to vote with a mail-in ballot.

Plan to do this right now. Do not wait! Check all the opportunities to vote through your local elections clerk office. A listing of all local Clerks offices is available online at: https://elections.wi.gov/clerks/directory

As a person with a disability, you have rights to accessible voting in Wisconsin: disabilityvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Voting-in-WI-Fact-Sheet-acc.pdf

Review your sample ballot on the website of your local town, village or city.

What can YOU do to be an educated voter?

Vote Smart As the election moves forward, read as much as you can on every candidate that is in your state or district.

This is a great resource on finding the candidates that best match your needs and views- tracking thousands of politicians and fact checking - (NOTE: this website will be updated as the elections move forward):

Stay Safe Voting for November

If you want to vote Absentee mail-in for November and have not done so in any Wisconsin election, at the very least 20 days before Tuesday, November 3, 2020 be sure that you are registered to vote and you have requested and due to receive your Absentee mail-in ballot in the mail.

For November you will have the opportunity to vote for President of the U.S. and other federal and local officials. Do not squander this opportunity. You have just under a 100 days to educate yourself on the issues and candidates.

2020 Presidential Candidates - Disability Plans -

The purpose of this Presidential Candidate Resource is to make information on the 2020 presidential candidates available to disabled voters and disability activists. This is a single page where you can find basic information on each Joe Biden's and Donald Trump's disability platforms in alphabetical order.

The future is ours, but only if we work for it!

2020 Presidential Candidates - Disability Plans

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Are YOU Ready to Vote?

Are you registered to vote, educated about this year's election, and prepared to cast a ballot in the primaries for August 11th where you can vote for the candidate in your party of choice.

Are you prepared to vote in November 2020?
Get Ready to Vote!
If You are concerned about Your Medicaid and other Essential Services make Your Voice Heard with your Vote!!

"Get into politics as if your life depended on it. - It does."
-----------------Justin Dart, Jr. (1930- 2002) "Father of the ADA" If you have a disability, or you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of a person with a disability, chronic illness or a pre-existing condition, as it's referred to these days, you do not have the luxury of sitting back silently as your legislators make decisions about your life. This upcoming election is about your very existence! Federal and local Primary Elections for Wisconsin are August 11th. Have you been paying attention? Do you know what is at stake? If you haven't, and if you don't, then it's time to get to work... because your life may very well depend on it.

Use this checklist to see if you are ready to vote:

Check out our NHU Voter Checklist - 8 things you need to do before the 2020 election

Review your ID.

Check if you are registered to vote in Wisconsin and answer any question you have on voting in Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov

It is too late for the August election to register online, but you can still:

Because of COVID-19 be sure to check with your municipality and where you can vote and how to stay safe but you should be able to:

You will need to provide proof of residence when registering to vote. Find examples of acceptable proof of residence documents at: elections.wi.gov/publications/voter-guides/proof-of-residence

If you had a recent address or name change you may have not received the request for a Absentee mail-in ballot for Wisconsin.

Did you register to vote and request and receive an Absentee mail-in ballot for the August 11th Primary Election?

If you received your Absentee mail-in ballot, be sure to mail it in as soon as you can.

Tips for returning your Wisconsin Absentee Ballot:

Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered to your municipal clerk's office , your polling place, or a local drop box established by your clerk (if available) no later than 8 PM on Election Day.

By Mail: The U.S. Postal Service recommends absentee ballots be mailed one week before Election Day to arrive in time.

Other delivery: If it is within a week of the election, the US mail may not get your ballot there in time. If at all possible, drop off your ballot to your clerk or to a drop box if available. Check with your municipaliaty on how to you can do this. On election day, it should be delivered to your polling place.

You may ask someone else to deliver your ballot for you.

How to check the status of your Absentee Ballot. Check the status of your absentee ballot request at myvote.wi.gov. This will show the date you requested the ballot, the date it was mailed to you, and the date your completed ballot was received.

As a person with a disability, you have rights to accessible voting in Wisconsin: disabilityvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Voting-in-WI-Fact-Sheet-acc.pdf

Review your sample ballot on the website of your municipality.

What can YOU do to be an educated voter?

Vote Smart As the election moves forward, read as much as you can on every candidate that is in your state or district.

Stay Safe Voting for November

Plan to do this right after the August 11 primary election. Do not wait!

2020 Presidential Candidates - Disability Plans -

The future is ours, but only if we work for it!

2020 - Pandemic shines light on gross inequality among American citizens: New Horizons Un-Limited

For years, disabled Americans were told accommodations such as working or learning from home was too much of a burden. Yet, employers, large and small, as well as educational institutions across the country turned out home networks and distance learning programs within weeks to keep their workers and students on track. In deed, as I type this, the vast majority of our country is working and learning from home.

No doubt these are extraordinary times, but the measures now in place are not extraordinary. They were always possible – always within reason – there was simply a lack of will to deploy them for disabled Americans.

That's a hard truth we need to examine. Read More ...

May 27th, 2020 - Great News for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities! - Wisconsin Elections Commission votes to send Absentee Ballot Applications to 2.7 million Wisconsin Citizens, however they will need to agree on wording of the letter on June 10th

This is great news for Wisconsin's disabled citizens! ⁭If the bi-partisan Commission can agree on the wording of the letter accompanying the application forms on June 10th, they will be mailed out September 1st. You will not receive the application forms if (1) you have on record with the state request for absentee ballot or (2) if you have been flagged as potentially have moved. If you have moved, be sure to register to vote with your new municipality or on-line with the state. After you receive your application, do not procrastinate. Be sure to get your application filled out to ensure you are on the list to receive your ballot in time for November's election.

Advocacy Alert! April 2020 - The Survival Coalition sends notice to send a request to contact your Wisconsin STATE Senator and State Representative to Act to approve Medicaid waivers to support critical services workers that serve people with disabilities

1. The full Wisconsin state legislature must reconvene and act immediately. (Look up: legis.wisconsin.gov/)
2. Ask the legislature to reconvene as soon as possibleto act on needed waivers,including the 1115 (c) Appendix K and 1135 waivers, that will help respond to COVID-19, and provide funding to help home and community-based (HCBS) workers and provider organizations continue services.
3. Make sure your STATE legislators are aware of the full range of HCBS services and supports you rely on daily.
4. Tell your STATE legislators that Congress has not provided enough support for the workers and small business that provide these critical services people need to live and work in the community. Many of these workers continue supporting people without critical protective equipment.

Read the March 18th letter from the Survival Coalition to the State Legislature and Governor for issues that are important to you!

Advocacy Alert!April 2020 - People are concerned across the U.S. about the voting process for the fall election, but never more so for people with disabilities. The Wisconsin Spring Election has shown that people with disabilities are the most at risk at losing their right to vote.

Wisconsin voters were forced to pick between two choices: 1) trust an overloaded absentee voter system or 2) risk their health and the health of others to go vote in person.

We may never know just how many people were either outright denied their right to vote, or were forced to stay home because the risk of getting sick was just too high. Many people with disabilities have medical conditions that make this choice stay home.

Even if voters did the safe thing and decided to vote absentee, thousands didn't receive their ballots in time to vote.

A ballot requirement was going to be a deadline postmark date and those ballots mailed back in time, but without a postmark date would not be counted.

This is unacceptable in our democracy.

The New York Times noted that: "At least 9,000 absentee ballots requested by voters were never sent, and others recorded as sent were never received."

This means that across Wisconsin, thousands of people were denied the right to vote — even after following the rules every step of the way.

People with disabilities choose the absentee ballot if they are homebound. Even with the absentee ballot there are still challenges to overcome: you need to send in a copy of an ID, so (1) you have to be able to get a state ID and (2) be able to make a copy of it. Then once you get the ballot, you need a witness. All of these take something for granted for the person with no transportation, no printer and one who lives alone.

This isn't how a democracy is supposed to work.

No matter where you live, write your representatives now to assure a fair voting process and fair absentee ballot process for the future fall election.

Urgent Advocacy Alert! Today April 7, 2020 - Wisconsin Important Correction and Update -Spring Primary Election - US Supreme Court Rules mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked April 7 and hand delivered ballots must be returned to the polling place by 8pm April 7. In Person voting will take place as scheduled April 7, 2020, but polling places may have changed - see below

Per WI Supreme Court Ruling: In-Person Voting for the 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Preference will take place as scheduled on April 7, 2020. Per US Supreme Court Ruling: Mailed absentee ballots must now be postmarked on April 7 and received by 4:00pm on April 13 to be counted. Hand delivered ballots or ballots without a postmark must be returned to the polling place by 8:00pm on April 7 to be counted. If you have not received an absentee ballot and wish to vote, you must vote at your polling place on April 7. Look up your polling place here

Remember: If you haven't voted absentee or you missed the deadline to request an absentee ballot, you can still vote. Municipalities are taking special precautions regarding polling place capacity and distancing. Some polling places have moved, so again, call your clerk's office or check their website before heading out or find your polling place at the link above. If you need to find your clerk you can do so here by clicking on "My Voter Info" at the top of the page.

Urgent Advocacy Alert! Today April 3, 2020 - Wisconsin Spring Primary Election - Judge rules Absentee Ballot Request Date has been extended through today, return by April 7 -

If you are already registered in Wisconsin, you can Request Your Absentee Ballot, any voter who wants to vote by mail or absentee ballot has until 5 p.m. CDT Friday to request a ballot. The order also extends the deadline to return absentee ballots by April 7 (rule changed).

To Request a Wisconsin Absentee Ballot:

Go online at myVote.
The best way is to email to your municipal clerk of your local village, town or city. Go to your town's website page to find the correct email address or look up your clerk info by going here, and hitting the "My Voter Info" tab on the homepage.
Absentee ballots can now be received by your municipality until April 13, postmarked April 7. This means the election will, in a way, keep going for about an extra week.
Copy of photo ID is required if not previously submitted.
Secon Judge ruled Voters will need a witness to sign their absentee ballot.

You may also be able to vote in-person at your local Town, City, or Village Hall until Sunday, April 5th if your village hall is open.

If you cannot make these deadlines, find out how to vote safely at your polling place. There will still be an in-person election on Tuesday, April 7. Your municipality may change your polling locations, so keep an eye on your local election websites.

April 2, 2020 - We at New Horizons Un-Limited Hope You and Your Family are Safe and Healthy but Let Us Know How You Are Doing!

We at New Horizons Un-Limited hope this greeting finds you and your family members safe and healthy, coping with quarantine and social distancing as best as you can. To all personal care attendants, health professionals, grocery store workers, distributors, truck drivers and everyone keeping essential services going, THANK YOU. To do our small part to contain the virus and protect those most vulnerable, we are taking Safer at Home very seriously while we continue to advocate for our rights as citizens with disabilities, we also see how we can continue to promote safer, smarter, HEALTHIER, policies for people with disabilities.

Let Us Know How YOU are Doing!

We are updating and adding resources for aid and relief of the Coronavirus Pandemic for people with disabilities. There are many who are in dire situations and people who are extremely isolated, as well as caregivers who are extraordinarily stressed.

But we are in this together. New Horizons Un-Limited is advocating for the resources you need.

Please send New Horizons Un-Limited your suggestions and ideas.

What do you need or what is most challenging for you now?
Do you have an inspiring story to share?
What are your thoughts on ways people can stay active or deal with isolation?

Send them to horizons@new-horizons.org

Urgent Advocacy Alert! Today March 30, 2020 - is the last day to Register to Vote for the Wisconsin Spring Primary Election.

You can register in Wisconsin to vote online at: myVote.

If you are already registered in Wisconsin, you can Request Your Absentee Ballot until April 2, 2020. To request Your Absentee Ballot to be mailed to you - you can go to

Online at myVote.
Send a request for a mailed Absentee ballot via email to your local village, town or city. Go to your town's website page to find the correct email address.
Or Submit an Absentee Ballot Request Application by mail. Copy of photo ID is required if not previously submitted.

Your Wisconsin Absentee Ballot must be mailed as soon as you can to reach your polling place by April 7, 2020. If you cannot make these deadlines, find out how to vote safely at your polling place.

Governor Tony Evers has requested changes to the vote to accommodate the challenges of the Coronavirus, but as of now the deadlines remain. Call your legislators if this has become an undue burden to you due to the coronavirus.

Who Are My Legislators? or call 1-800-362-9472

Urgent Advocacy Alert! January 24, 2020 - A Wisconsin bi-partisan bill (LRB-3165/ LRB-5380) is currently circulating for co-sponsorship that would make setting up an ABLE account easier for Wisconsin families.

Congress passed federal ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) legislation years ago, and since 2016 Wisconsin taxpayers can take advantage of the tax savings, but thru other state programs. Few people know about the programs or have ABLE accounts because Wisconsin is one of just 9 states that does not operate its own or have a contract with another state's ABLE program. If having an ABLE account would help you or a loved one save their money for disability expenses, call or e-mail your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to co-sponsor the ABLE bill (LRB-3165/ LRB-5380). Your legislators can add their names as supporters of this important bill through Friday, January 24, 2020. For more information on ABLE accounts visit, https://www.new-horizons.org/faqfin.html#able

Urgent Advocacy Alert! January 21, 2020 - Bipartisan Wisconsin Bill LRB 2596, which will provide free online training to family and volunteer guardians about the role, responsibilities, and other important features of Wisconsin�s guardianship law before they are appointed!

If this issue is important to you, call or e-mail your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to co-sponsor LRB 2596 (co-sponsor deadline is COB Tuesday, January 21st).

Advocacy Alert! December 2019 - The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed new rules regarding their process for Continuing Disability Reviews.

YOUR ADVOCACY IS NEEDED by JANUARY 17, 2020.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed new rules regarding their process for Continuing Disability Reviews. These reviews are used by SSA to identify beneficiaries who are no longer eligible for benefits based on improvements to their health and ability to perform work related activities.

At this time SSA uses three Medical Improvement (MI) categories to determine how often reviews are conducted:

(1) Medical Improvement Expected (MIE) - reviews every 6 to 18 months

(2) Medical Improvement Possible (MIP) - reviews every 3 years

(3) Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE) - reviews every 7 years

The new rule would introduce a fourth MI category - Medical Improvement Likely (MIL), which would conduct a medical review every two years for people with such conditions as cancer, anxiety disorders, speech impairments, etc. In addition, the MIL category review may not take into account an inability to perform work outside of one's previous profession and look soley at Medical Improvement as a means for probable employment.

This could put a lot of people at risk of being removed from SSI/SSDI roles and not having sufficient skills or training/education to earn a living wage.

To read the full proposal, visit the Federal Register: Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews

While encouraging and supporting people on their return to work is imperative, we would hope that the SSA will continue to look at the broader circumstantial picture to determine one's ability to return to gainful employment. We further hope that this is not solely an attempt to shrink the disability roles without any path to gainful employment for these SSI/SSDI beneficiaries.

November 22, 2019 - Governor Tony Evers Signed Assembly Bill 168, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 48, a bipartisan bill preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities at polling locations by providing accommodations for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities that affect verbal speech and individuals who communicate non-verbally.

"We have to make sure voting is fair and accessible, and that everyone has the opportunity to cast their vote at the ballot box," said Gov. Evers. "I am proud to sign this bill today to remove barriers to the ballot box for individuals with disabilities because it is essential to ensuring that every Wisconsinite can vote. This bill sends a clear message that the state is committed to protecting and preserving the right to vote for all Wisconsinites."

Assembly Bill 168, now 2019 Wisconsin Act 48:

Creates an exemption for a voter to state their name and address to an election official before being permitted to vote for individuals who communicate non-verbally and those with developmental or physical disabilities that affect verbal speech;
Allows an individual to present their personal information via written document or by the delegating the task to another trusted person.

Advocacy Alert! November 2019 - Governor Tony Evers Proclaims November as Wisconsin Family Caregiver Month

See this 2019 Proclamation A shortage of formal, paid caregivers and direct care workers in Wisconsin has resulted in persistent vacancies in care facilities and the inability to provide sufficient services to people with disabiliies, older adults and their families.

In this proclamation the Governor's Task Force for Caregiving is charged with making recommendations to address Wisconsin's caregiving and direct care workforce shortage, analyze strategies to attract and retain a strong direct care workforce, and support families providing caregiving supports and services.

Contact the Governor today with your caregiving story, whether you are the recipient of caregiving, hire your own personal attendants or are a caregiver.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7863
Madison, WI 53707-7863
Fax:(608)267-8983
Tel:(608)266-1212
email: wisgov@mail.state.wi.us
Or click on "Connect" on the following website web: https://evers.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

If they do not hear from you, your needs will not be considered, nor prioritized. The only way to ensure the state considers your needs is to become a loud voice throughout the process.

September 2019 - National Voter Registration Day! Wisconsin information

Are you registered to vote? Are your friends registered? Your family? Today is National Voter Registration Day. Even if you�re registered to vote, double check the details to make sure nothing is amiss. Your vote is too important to leave to chance. Then, ask your friends and family if they are registered. EVERY vote matters and EVERY vote counts. Visit these Voter Registration resources: https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/ In Wisconsin, use this: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

Advocacy Alert! September 2019 - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released a draft of Chapter 3, Financial Eligibility, of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Manual for the Children's Long-Term Support Waiver Program.

DHS is updating the manual to reflect the five-year renewal of the � 1915(c) waiver application and concurrent � 1915(b)(4) waiver application, that were approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services effective April 1, 2017. The approved waiver period for both applications is effective April 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021.

We invite your comments, questions, and feedback on the draft via email to DHSCLTSManual@dhs.wisconsin.gov by October 11, 2019.

Advocacy Alert! May 2019 - Wisconsin's own Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner reintroduces U.S. bill H.R. 555 and Senator Chuck Schumer S.117 (the Disability Integration Act) to ensure community supports for people with disabilities. Contact your Wisconsin Legislators to help co-sponsor!

Visit this article from Disability Integration Act.org - Sensenbrenner Reintroduces the Disability Integration Act to read his comments on reintroducing this act to support Seniors and People with Disabilities to live in their communities rather than nursing homes. Here in Wisconsin we know community integration for people with disabilities works for everyone including taxpayers.

Advocacy Alert! March 2019 - Review Wisconsin Governor Ever's State Budget 2017-2019 and our NHU Budget Summary for disability issues and important benefits to YOU! Contact your Wisconsin Legislators! (see above)

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced his State Budget Proposal for 2017-2019. Many of his ideas will be challenged if not altogether excluded from the state�s final approved budget. In the end, the budgeting process is a long one that requires great compromise and a hard look at the state legislature�s and governor�s priorities for the citizens of Wisconsin. We have summarized the budget proposals that could affect the lives of Wisconsinites with disabilities. It is essential that you advocate for the services you need to thrive as a citizen of Wisconsin. Contact your Senators and Representatives today! (See above)If they do not hear from you, your needs will not be considered, nor prioritized. The only way to ensure the state considers your needs is to become a loud voice throughout the process.

Advocacy Alert! March 2019 - Wisconsin Governor Evers has introduced a plan for Healthy Women, Healthy Babies

The Governor's budget will include an additional 28 million to improve health care for Healthy Women and Healthy Babies Initiative This is important for the health and well-being and will directly affect the prevention of disability, for both mothers and infants. The initiative will also focus on addressing racial disparities in maternal and child health by creating an Infant Mortality Prevention Program at the Department of Health Services. "In 2016, (the most recent data available) there were 415 infant deaths in Wisconsin, or 6.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. These numbers alone are concerning, but when comparing the infant death rates of white infants to children of color, the disparities are startling."

Advocacy Alert! March 2019- Wisconsin Governor Evers has introduced a plan that will improve dental care for low income people in Wisconsin! Contact your Legislators!(see above)

Wisconsin Governor Evers has introduced a plan that will improve dental care for low income people in Wisconsin. This is a big deal! In 2017 alone, more than 37,000 Wisconsinites were treated in emergency rooms for preventable dental conditions. The Governor's budget will include an additional $43 million for expanded dental coverage throughout the state. If you want to see this included in the final budget contact your State Legislators and express your support for this proposal. Click on the JS Online article or check out our comments for more information. Check out this Journal/Sentinel Article on-line. or this announcement from the Governor

Advocacy Alert! Did you vote Nov. 6th, 2018? Fill out the Voter Experience Survey from Disability Rights Wisconsin

Disability Rights Wisconsin is partnering with Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) on the SABE GoVoter survey. The survey collects information about the voting experiences of voters with disabilities in the November 6th election. You may complete the survey online, or complete a paper survey and mail it in. Many voters with disabilities have had problems voting. Sharing your experience will help them learn if the voting barriers still exist or if they have improved. They will share what they learn with local, state and federal election leaders to protect our right to vote!

Go to Disability Rights Wisconsin: Voters with Disabilities: We Need to Hear From You

Advocacy Alert! August 2018 - Survival Coalition asked Wisconsin Governor candidates about disability issues - Visit the answers to the survey.

Are you registered to vote? Educate yourself about the election, and prepare to cast a ballot in November 2018!

The Wisconsin Survival Coalition asked governor candidates about disability issues before the primaries. Visit the survey for answers from Tony Evers (Democratic Party) candidate for Governor. Not all the candidates answered and the rest that did, did not make it past the primary election and will not be on the ballot in November.Candidates' for Governor Answers to Survival Coalition's Questions

Advocacy Alert! August 2018 - Voter Checklist

Are you registered to vote, educated about this year’s election, and prepared to cast a ballot in primaries in August and voting in November 2018?

Use our NHU Voter Checklist to get ready to vote!

Advocacy Alert! July 2018 -Will Your Voice Count in the 2018 Election? - Are YOU ready to vote?

Federal and local Midterm Elections are mere weeks away. Have you been paying attention? Do you know what is at stake? If you haven�t, and if you don�t, then it�s time to get to work� because your life may very well depend on it! If you haven�t, and if you don�t, then it�s time to get to work� because your life may very well depend on it!

If you have a disability, or you are a parent, family member, or caregiver of a person with a disability, chronic illness or a pre-existing condition, as it�s referred to these days, you do not have the luxury of sitting back silently as your legislators cut your benefits. This upcoming election is about your very existence!

For more information and resources on disability issues, National congressional candidates, voter registration, state voter policies and more that will help YOU vote, go to Will Your Voice Count?

For more on (link no longer available)Wisconsin State Assembly candidates and disability issues, Wisconsin voter registration, Wisconsin state voter policies and more that will help YOU vote, go to: (link no longer available) Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition Fall 2018 Elections .

Advocacy Alert! National Disability Voter Registration Week July 16-20, 2018

See the AAPD Rev up campaign article For Wisconsin Residents go to Vote.gov register Wisconsin.

Advocacy Alert! 2018 Wisconsin - Wisconsin! Your Voice is Heard through YOUR Vote!! Mark your 2018 calendar for this years elections!

If you live in Wisconsin these are the dates of elections.

February 20 - Spring Primary

April 3 - Spring Election

August 14 - Partisan Primary

November 6 - Fall Elections.

Check your municipal website for voting information and sample ballots. Research issues and candidates. Make your Voice Heard through YOUR Vote!

Advocacy Alert! Wednesday, Nov. 29th, 2017 - National call-in day on the Senate tax cut bill has been organized for people with disabilities, families, and advocates around the country

U.S. Senators need to hear directly from constituents about how the proposed tax bills will affect people with disabilities and their families.

The Senate could vote on this bill as early as this Thursday (11/30) or Friday (12/1).

You can RSVP and invite friends using the https://www.facebook.com/events/134373263949405/ Facebook event.

Suggested Action Steps Call Senators Johnson (202) 224-5323 and Baldwin (202) 224-5653 and:

Share your concerns about how the current tax proposals could cut Medicaid and other programs you care about and use. Share your concerns about how repealing the requirement for all people to purchase health insurance may cause premiums to rise, more people to become uninsured, and result in fewer choices of insurers in some areas. If you or your family member has a rare disease, tell your Senators and Representative how this credit has or could impact quality of life for people with rare diseases.

National Advocates say the bill will hurt people with disabilities because: The bill increases the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion. This means that the federal government is not collecting enough money to pay for existing programs and services (like Medicaid�which funds Family Care, IRIS, BadgerCare, Children�s Long Term Supports, the Forward Health Card and other Wisconsin programs).

National advocates are very concerned that tax cuts, which reduce the amount of money the government has to spend, will result in cutting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other programs and services that help people with disabilities. It eliminates tax deductions and credits�including the Rare Disease Tax Credit�that help people with disabilities work, access housing, and get medication. It gets rid of Affordable Care Act�s requirement that everyone have health insurance. This will cause premiums for people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions to increase, leaving health insurance unaffordable for millions.

We cannot list all the concerns for people with disabilities that the bill will cut.

For more information on additional disability concerns, visit Ask Congress to stop trading Tax Cuts for Medicaid from the AAPD or visit the Center for Public Representation article: National Call In Day: No Tax on Disability!

Advocacy Alert! September 20, 2017 - AAPD - Action Alert! 10 Days to Stop Latest Health Care Repeal Effort - Wisconsin Contact your Senator Johnson! Tell your story!

Once again we have to alert you that your Medicaid is in jeopardy as well as health care for preexisting conditions. Please raise your voice to once again help to stop health care repeal. The Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson (GCHJ) bill � is another effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and gut Medicaid � and it is gaining traction in the Senate. Last week Senator Cassidy (R-LA), one of the co-sponsors, told reporters he believes he has support from 48-49 Republican Senators, just two or three votes shy of the majority needed to pass this bill. Learn about the bill in this article from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) which also has everything and every idea on how to contact your senator - Action Alert! 10 Days to Stop Latest Health Care Repeal Effort!

July, 2017 -Celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

How has the ADA helped you!

We must not be complacent, we must continue to be actively educating, training and building accessible awareness in our communities!

Share your ADA experience with us at NHU!

At New Horizons Un-Limited we celebrate the ADA by honoring the activism and effort of the committee and volunteers
Who Designed and Built the First Accessible Camping Cabins in the Wisconsin State Parks! 1990-1991!

Wisconsin was given a great gift in 1991, Mirror Lake Accessible Camping Cabin for people with disabilities and their famlies to be able to enjoy the Wisconsin State Park.

We must appreciate today the amount of time and commitment that the members of the committee, the efforts of Anthonette Gilpatrick, Accessiblity Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR, the Wisconsin DNR, Paul Quick II, architect and Art Miller, engineer and the Telephone Pioneers. This was just before the ADA was brought to law, yet the accessible ideas and decisions they made are the basis for the design and the accessible priorities and implementation of the seven additional cabins that have been built since 1991 in the Wisconsin State Parks.

Advocacy Alert! June 26, 2017 - Wisconsin! If You are concerned about Your Medicaid make Your Voice Heard!! The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilites offers the following article and urges you to Call Senator Ron Johnson and tell him your story today!

The U.S. Senate is set to take a vote on The Better Care Reconciliation Act that would contain a 26% cut to Medicaid over the next decade. Cuts to Medicaid mean cuts to 20 Wisconsin programs like Family Care, IRIS, the Children�s waiver, BadgerCare, mental health programs, Katie Beckett, autism services, personal care, and important therapies like speech, OT and PT. If you use these services call Senator Ron Johnson

Call Senator Ron Johnson and tell him you are concerned also because: "Cuts to Medicaid will hurt Wisconsin�s economy and lead to job loss. Medicaid brings about $5 billion to Wisconsin which supports hospitals, providers, and jobs through 20 Medicaid-funded programs. There are 75,000 Medicaid providers in Wisconsin � many of them small businesses and in rural communities. Cuts to Medicaid will result in cuts to provider rates and make provider shortages worse!" Tell Ron Johnson Wisconsin legislature voted against such cuts to our Wisconsin small business health care infrastructure this past year and Wisconsin cannot afford it devastated at the federal level. Your Wisconsin voice is important!

Call Senator Johnson�s three offices:

DC office: 202-224-5323
Oshkosh office: 920-230-7250
Milwaukee office: 414-276-7282

Or use Senator Johnson's email form at https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-the-senator

WATCH BPDD Board Member Delores Demonstrate How To Make A Call Over at the BPDD Facebook Page: How to Make a Call Video at the BPDD Facebook Page

If you would like more information about this fact, you can use these resources:

Commonwealth Fund: The American Health Care Act: Economic and Employment Consequences for States

U.S. News & World Report Senate Health Care Bill Puts Affordable Insurance Out of Reach

Advocacy Alert! April 2017 - Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD) urges you to continue to tell your story! to the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee about your concerns for the Wisconsin State Budget.

Do you have concerns about your transportation or special education in the state of Wisconsin for people with disabilities, tell your story to your Wisconsin legislators and Joint Fnance Committee. Also be sure to thank the legislature for continuing to support Family Care, IRIS and other Long Term Care supports for people with disabilities in our state. Be sure to include any personal story about your use of Medicaid and community supports for people with disabilities to live and work in their own communities and ask to expand these supports rather than to nursing homes.

To understand what is in the budget and what is not in the budget, visit the WBPDD articles 2017 State Budget Summary for Self Advocates and 2017 Budget Training which explains all about Medicaid, what Medicaid supports in our state and from the federal level and how to talk or write to your legislator.

Through the month of April the Joint Finance Committeee is holding hearing sessions throughout the state on the Wisconsin Budget. If you cannot make the sessions, you can write and send your comments.

You can submit written comments to BudgetComments@legis.wisconsin.gov or send a handwritten letter to: Joe Malkasian, Room 305 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.

Go to the following Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities article for more information.

Advocacy Alert! April 4th 2017 - Wisconsin! Your Voice is Heard through YOUR Vote!! Vote for Special Education in Tuesday elections!

Stay involved with your vote! State Superintendent of Public Instruction is on the Wisconsin ballot. Read about each candidate and make your decision about who will support Special Education.

Tony Evers is the current superintendent and has supported Public Education and Special Education. He shows respect for tax payers, students, parents, teachers, and administrators, encouraging innovation and embracing collaboration. Tony Evers a champion of public schools from the Fond du Lac Reporter. "Public schools serve all students regardless of income, ethnicity or ability level..... His 2017-19 budget proposal prioritizes fair funding for schools, support for rural schools, increased special education funding and expanded summer learning. Under his Fair Funding Plan, all school districts would see an increase in their state general equalization aid while not experiencing increasing property taxes.......Recent studies (New York Times, Feb 23) show that when test scores of public school students are compared to the scores of their peers attending voucher schools, public school students outperform their voucher-school peers."

"Lowell Holtz supports the continued expansion of charter and voucher schools, which has meant cuts to public schools in Wisconsin. He stands for school safety, eliminating Common Core standards, creating a statewide test and eliminating administrative tasks for teachers." Visit the Milwaukee Sentinel article DPI race between Tony Evers, Lowell Holtz centers on future of education in Wisconsin

Advocacy Alert! March 2017 - American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Strongly Urges You to Get Involved to Urge Congress to Save the Community First Choice Option and other Provisions of the Affordable Care Act! and Stop cuts to Medicaid for the health and well being of you and millions of people with disabilities!

"The Community First Choice Option (CFCO) was the result of decades of advocacy by the Disability Community! A stand-alone program passed along with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), CFCO enables many disabled people to live in the community. Proposals to repeal the ACA have eliminated CFCO without any discussion. Repeal of the ACA, would also eliminate accessibility standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment and insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions. These advances in the rights of disabled people should not become collateral damage to politics."

Congress is planning to repeal the ACA and make changes that will cut Medicaid. People's health, services and lives are at stake!

How will the new American Health Act affect you? Visit the AAPD article, Action Alert! Tell Congress to Save Healthcare Provisions that are Essential to People with Disabilities

Losing home and community-based services and supports. Waiting lists would quickly grow.

Losing other critical services such as personal care, mental health, prescription drugs, and rehabilitative services. If funds become scarcer, states may decide to stop providing these services altogether.

Being forced into unnecessary institutionalization. States could return to the days of �warehousing� people with disabilities in institutions.

Shifting the costs to individuals or family members to make up for the federal cuts. The costs of providing health care and long-term services and supports will not go away, but will be shifted to individuals, parents, states, and providers.

Urgent - What Can You Do?

Contact your local and federal legislators, by calling 202-224-3121. Urge them to keep the Community First Choice Option in any ACA replacement."

Reach out to your Federal and state legislators and the Governor�s office in your state and tell them how repealing the ACA and replacing it with a plan that CUTS Medicaid will affect you. People's health, services and lives are at stake!

Read the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities article New URGENT CCD Action Alert ACA and Medicaid for how to contact your legislators and explain the importance of Medicaid and the ACA for you and people with disabilities.

Or Use the Following Links and Letters to Help You Send Your Message:

Organization sign-on letter urging Congress to save disability-specific provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

Individual email to Members of Congress urging them to keep the Community First Choice Option in any ACA replacement.

Want to Learn More?
There are other provisions of the ACA that if repealed could cause critical lack of health care for those most in need - people with disabilities in our communities.
Visit the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities article People with Disabilities Benefit from the Affordable Care Act .

Advocacy Alert! January 2017 - Medicaid Block Grants: What They Are and How They Could Impact You?

Chances are, you or someone you love relies on Medicaid for any number of services; routine health care, personal aides, or health therapies, just to name a few. Perhaps you�ve heard rumblings recently about some proposed changes to Medicaid; specifically, the idea of changing the way in which Medicaid services are funded by the Federal government. It's called block granting and here's what it could mean for you.

What is a Medicaid Block Grant?

A block grant is essentially a lump sum payment to states, shifting direction away from the Federal Government and instead allowing state governments to direct services as they see fit. Proponents of block grants believe this flexibility will lead to "innovation." It's important to note however that most block grant proposals start with significant reductions in federal spending. Congress� most recent 2016 proposal would cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, or one third of the program budget over the next decade.

So what does this mean?

This means that over time, states would have less money to work with, leaving Governor's with two options: (1) create revenue (read: raise taxes) to meet existing demand or (2) cut services and/or eligibility.

What could Medicaid Block Grants Mean for You?

Unless your state has a plan to make up for the reduced federal spending, the risk for fewer services and personalized options is high, particularly if you use Medicaid for community-based, self-directed care. This could mean that you would have to rely more heavily on family members for care. If you don't have family to help, then possibly agencies (or worst case scenario, institutions) that can provide unpredictable care. Of course a myriad of other services could be impacted as well, such as day programs, therapies, rehabilitation, etc.

What Can You Do?

Contact your local and federal legislators and tell them why you need Medicaid, what role Medicaid plays n your life. Share your story. Ask them to ensure that the services that 1 in 5 Americans need to remain independent are not compromised. Connect with your legislators via USA.gov/elected-officials

Want to Learn More?

Read this excellent Op-Ed by Barbara Beckert of Disability Rights Wisconsin - Medicaid Block Grants Could Hurt Wisconsi. While the impact of block grants will vary by state, this Op-Ed gives an important glimpse into what could happen.

To stay on top of important developments, please Follow us on Facebook

Advocacy Alert! November 2016: Get Out and Vote! LIving in a democracy is a great privilege.

True independence can only be achieved in a democracy where you have choice.

Making a choice requires access to information.

Access to information is not possible without freedom of information.

Ultimately, our right to independence is only achievable if we all make our voices heard by exercising our right to VOTE!

Get Out and VOTE!

September 27, 2016: Visit our Wisconsin Voting Guide and register to vote on or after National Voter Registration Day

If you live in the state of Wisconsin, have you registered to vote? If you have not registered, do not be turned away from the polls from voting because you do not have proper documents to register? Try to register to vote ahead of time. If you have not voted in the last 4 years, you may no longer be registered. Visit our Wisconsin Voting Guide for more information on registering to vote in the state of Wisconsin.

September 7, 2016 - WisconsinEye delivers Wisconsin and Wisconsin's U.S. Representatives and Legislative Candidates - Campaign 2016

Would you like to know more about your Wisconsin Legislative candidates and Wisconsin's U.S. Representatives for this November's elections. Visit Wisconsin Eye Campaign 2016, scroll down and select on the side bar. This feed has candidates' interviews, who will be on your ballot and election results after the vote.

June 9, 2016 - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Withdraws Concept Plan

DHS Secretary, Kitty Rhoades, sent a letter to the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) formally withdrawing the concept plan approval request for Family Care/IRIS 2.0 reforms. The Concept Paper outlining the Department's plan to reform the state's Family Care and IRIS programs was submitted for JFC approval on March 31, 2016.

As stated by Secretary Rhoades in her letter, DHS remains committed to the goal of an integrated outcome-based care model that coordinates all of an individual�s care needs. We are currently working through next steps and we will be working with members of the legislature, advocates, and stakeholders to continue to make progress towards this goal and improve the quality, coordination, and cost-effectiveness of Medicaid services.

In her letter to the JFC, Secretary Rhoades writes:
"We have received comments, feedback, and questions from providers, advocates, legislators, and most importantly consumers on our approach for a sustainable solution that provides better care for consumers at a lower cost to taxpayers. Therefore, I am writing to withdraw the concept plan approval request at this time." The Secretary would like to send a special thank you to everyone who took the time to submit comments and questions in person at public hearings, in writing, and by phone. Your input was invaluable during this process.

June 7, 2016 - Milwaukee, WI - Journal Sentinel article reports - Wisconsin Legislators will likely delay on the long term care changes

Good news in this Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel on-line article which reports "Lawmakers delays likely on long term care changes." Wisconsin people with disabilities, the elderly and their families have been very concerned with the proposed changes to Family Care and IRIS programs that spell out cuts to those using these programs, which means loss of care, transportation and housing without a clear replacement plan. Senator Alberta Darling of the Joint Finance Committee will probably delay the vote.

ADVOCACY Alert! May 15, 2016 - People Not Profits - Protect Family Care from For-Profit Insurers

Review the People Not Profits Notice

Contact your Wisconsin legislator and Senator Alberta Darling: Telephone: (608) 266-5830, or Email: SenDarling@legis.wisconsin.gov

The League of Progressive Seniors have sent notice to you to advocate for the elderly and people with disabilities. Ask Senator Alberta Darling and the Joint Finance Committee to please delay the vote on the proposal to change Family Care, a solid program to a poorly planned giveaway to big insurance companies. Family Care has worked for over 16 years, to allow people to live on their own, hold jobs, and develop their potential. Proposed savings to the state means cuts in services, people will lose one third of their current aid. elderly and disabled persons could lose the care, transportation and housing which allows them to lead full lives in the community outside of institutions. Institutions and nursing homes were closed years ago to allow people to live in their own communities. Where will people go without Family Care local supports? No one wants to live in an institution and it will cost the state much more than Family Care to to take people out of their homes and put them in costly institutions or out of work.

Stable effective non-profit groups will lose $3 billion in contracts costing local communities hundreds of jobs. The DHS is unable to explain why this change is needed, how this change will be carried out and how to avoid disrupting the lives of the elderly and disabled. Wisconsin 's perceived budget problems will be "fixed" on the backs of people with disabilities and the frail elderly, our most vulnerable population for a poorly planned idea that has not even been developed yet.

The vote for Family Care/IRIS 2.0 is currently in the works, and major decisions will be made by the end of May. Thousands of people using long-term care programs will be affected by these decisions. Please contact your legislator today and tell them why you want long-term care to stay local, and why these programs are vital to an independent life and that they should delay the vote until there is time to develop a plan that can work. Don't wait! The decisions of today can greatly affect the future.

ADVOCACY Alert! 2016 Elections: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote - Wisconsin Citizens with Disabilities - Be sure to vote!

************WISCONSIN NOW REQUIRES A PHOTO ID TO VOTE *************

Please click here for voter ID information for the State of Wisconsin

Last day for voters (except indefinitely-confined and military electors) to request absentee ballots by mail is March 31st, 2016

Last day to vote in person at the Clerk�s Office and to register in person at Town, Village or City Hall is April 1, 2016

THERE IS NO VOTING AT YOUR TOWN, VILLAGE or CITY HALL THE MONDAY BEFORE THE ELECTION IN WISCONSIN.

For your sample ballot, go to your municipality's website page and click on Election Information and then on Sample Ballot or similar for the Spring Election.

March 2016 - Yes! You Can Work and Continue to Earn SSI Benefits!

A major concern of people with disabilities, caregivers, and social workers is how a person with a disability who is able to work can keep their earnings and continue to receive their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and, perhaps more importantly, their Medicare/Medicaid benefits. Now, there are two important ways that Social Security has provided to help with these concerns: the Trial Work Period and the ABLE Act of 2014. Learn more by visiting our new guide: Yes! You Can Work and Continue to Earn SSI Benefits!

March 2016 -- Let your candidates know that your life and voice matter! Election 2016 Report to Help Voters with Disabilities

If every eligible voter with a disability turned out to the polls this year...we would have a very different country on our hands. Educate yourself on the issues and let the candidates know that your life and voice matter! It's time to take back our Democracy and let our elected officials know that they are accountable to you, as a voting American Citizen! Visit our Election 2016 Report

January 2016 - Need for Stronger Mental Health System to Help Families in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin we need to bring awareness to the everyday issues of individuals and their families who face mental illness. We need a stronger mental health system in Wisconsin.

Milwaukee County requires law enforcement officers to be first responders for mental health crisis situations. Are the police adequately trained in Crisis Intermediation Training? (CIT)

Helping families in Mental Health Crisis Act(HR) 2646 2015- bipartisan Bill in Wisconsin legistlation, focus on comprehension health reform. Bring awareness to the everyday issues faced by individuals needing a stronger mental health system.

See this article in Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel on-line, December 2015, We Must Acknowledge the Toll of Mental Illness

November - Disability Rights Wisconsin provides testimony to legislators on the unique concerns for children and parents with disabilities concerning abuse and neglect investigation processes

The Wisconsin legislature is considering legislation intended to improve the child abuse and neglect investigation process. Recently Disability Rights Wisconsin testified in the Capitol to create awareness of unique concerns for children with disabilities and their parents, as well as parents with disabilities. Visit their testimonies at Disability Rights Wisconsin. The summary of their last testimony is as follows: "We believe that the current process does, in fact, discriminate against both the child and parent with disabilities by failing to recognize and accommodate the communication and other needs of people with disabilities. This proposed legislation does nothing to remedy this. We are asking this committee to consider adding a requirement that the state's child protective services agency develop model policies and procedure to deal with situations where either the child or parent has a disability that requires an accommodation. These model policies must be replicated and enforced at the county level to be effective." They give model policies from other states.

November - Wisconsin Legislature considers a bill concerning abuse and neglect investigation processes

The Wisconsin State Legislature Representative John Macco (R-Ledgeview) introduced LRB-2015/1 with Sen. Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Attorney General Brad Schimel. LRB-2015/1 will require that child abuse or neglect cases to be referred to law enforcement. Although both types of cases are considered felonies, currently they are referred only to Child Protective Services. Recent news concerning recurring referrals to Child Protective Services for children with disabilities brings awareness that children with any type of disability are 3.44 times more likely to be a victim of some type of abuse compared to children without disabilities. (Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). The difficulty in investigation comes when the victim is non-verbal. Whether the investigator will be Child Protective Services or Law Enforcement, the new bill does not yet address the issue for children and adults with disabilities.

ADVOCACY Alert! November 18 - DAWN published the following article on the Hearing on Long-Term Care

Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care will hold an informational hearing on Medicaid Managed Care - Family Care-IRIS 2.0, Wednesday, November 18, 2015, 10:00 AM, Room: 412 East in State Capitol Building

This meeting is expected to last two hoursAn informational hearing presents another opportunity for you to educate your legislator about what is important to you about long-term care supports for people with disabilities and older adults in Wisconsin. The Assembly has scheduled an informational hearing with invited testimony from experts � which means that there will be no testimony from the public at this hearing.

But there are still important ways for you to get involved! Here�s what you can do:

Call or email your legislator TODAY and ask them to attend this hearing. (Find your legislator and his/her phone number by entering your address on this site: Wisconsin Legislators
Attend or Listen to the hearing yourself (it will be broadcast on WisconsinEye and take notes. What recommendations from the experts do you feel strongly about?
Follow-up with your legislator after the hearing and ask them to make recommendations about long-term care directly to the Department of Health Services. Ask them to represent YOU and your voice!

ADVOCACY Alert! September - Speak or Write Your Story -Wisconsin Deartment of Health Services to hold public hearings on Family Care and IRIS

The 2015-2017 State Budget, Act 55, directs the Department of Health Services to make a number of changes to the Family Care and IRIS Programs. The Department is holding public hearings throughout the state in September 2015 in order to receive testimony from interested parties.
Public testimony will be accepted beginning on September 9, 2015, to coincide with the first public hearing. Testimony may be submitted in-person at one of the public hearing locations listed below, as well as by email or U.S. Mail. Written testimony is due by October 11, 2015.

For scheduled DHS hearings taking place across the state as soon as September 9th or how to view webcasts as well as how to submit public comments via email or mail on the new WI managed long-term care system, see the DHS LTC webpage: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/familycareiris2/index.htm

ADVOCACY Alert! August 31 - View National Council on Disability's Madison Forum on Wisconsin's Medicaid Long-Term Managed Care System

The National Council on Disability held a full-day forum on the future of Wisconsin's Medicaid Long-Term Managed Care System in Madison on August 31. The forum included presentations from both state and national experts. BPDD testified on how managed long-term care can be improved in the future. To view the presentations from the forum on WisEye, (link no longer available)

ADVOCACY Alert! Speak up about IRIS and self-direction - Public Comments due September 11, 2015

via Wiscosnin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

The state budget eliminates IRIS as a separate Medicaid Waiver program, and folds self-direction under the umbrella of managed care. However, DHS must renew the current IRIS waiver - set to expire at the end of 2015 - so the IRIS program can continue to run until (and if) it is replaced by the new system.

Every opportunity to tell DHS what self-direction should look like is important. Submitting public comments on the current IRIS program�even though the state budget calls for self-direction to be folded under managed care in the new system�can clearly communicate the elements of self-direction that people with disabilities and their families feel are important to retain in a new system.

Survival Coalition has prepared a brief Frequently Asked Questions Sheet for your review.

Also, be sure to read the proposed IRIS waiver.

Submit your comments to DHS by September 11, 2015 via e-mail or mail:

Department of Health Services
Attn: IRIS Waiver
1 West Wilson Street, Room 418
P.O. Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851

Advocacy Alert! June 24, 2015 - As you may know, the budget has not yet moved out of the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee, since there are still issues being debated. Please write your legislator today to provide guarantees for the types of services in our current Family Care/IRIS Wisconsin Long Term Care programs!

The present changes to long-term care proposed by the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee are NOT what people with disabilities, older adults and their families are asking for. These changes do NOT preserve our current program. These changes specifically:

Roll IRIS into managed care instead of keeping it as a separate Medicaid waiver program
Open up our managed care system to for-profit insurance with no specific caps on profits or administrative costs.
Do NOT provide guarantees on the same levels or types of services in our current Family Care/IRIS programs.
This plan may be different from the Governor�s but it heads in the same direction. Private insurance companies cannot promise savings in Wisconsin.

We ask the legislature to amend the budget to:

Preserve the proven elements of what we have in regional, non-profit models
Keep IRIS as a separate Medicaid Waiver program
Include stakeholders in a meaningful fashion

What can you do? You can share this explanation in an email to your legislators. Let them know that we are still concerned about the future of IRIS, Family Care and Aging and Disability Resource Centers! See above links for your Wisconsin Legislature and the members of the Joint Finance Committee.

See the Resolution by the Wisconsin Coalition for Long Term Care at Retain Wisconsin�s Current Long-Term Care System � Family Care, IRIS, Partnership, and Aging & Disability Resource Centers � and make it available in all counties.

Advocacy Alert! Join Wisconsin Citizen Advocates for Family Care and IRIS in Madison, Tuesday, June 9 for Press Event and March to Capitol

See the article at Save IRIS
It is not too late to try to retain Family Care and IRIS, your opportunity to TAKE ACTION to change the state budget and convince legislators to keep vital supports in place.
People with disabilities, older adults in long term care, their families and caregivers, and their supporters from across the state, come join Save IRIS and the Wisconsin Coalition for Long Term Care in Madison, Tuesday, June 9, starting at 9:30 at the Madison Senior Center, 333 W. Mifflin St., Press event: 10 a.m.; March to Capitol 10:30 a.m. Make your voice heard!

Wisconsin's renowned Long Term Care, Family Care, IRIS programs, the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, local and regional Wisconsin companies and non-profits that provide services will be replaced with out-of-state for-profit corporations. The budget motion passed by Joint Finance last Wednesday:

Rolls IRIS under managed care instead of keeping it as a separate program.
Open up our managed care system to for-profit insurance with no specific caps on profits or administrative costs.
Does NOT provide guarantees on the same levels or types of services in our current Family Care/IRIS programs.
Does NOT preserve the current program

For more information visit and the Wisconsin Coalition for Long Term Care: Press Release: May 27, 2015 Key Legislative Committee Unveils Longterm Care Plan that Contradicts Public Input: Advocates and Families Shocked .
See the Resolution by the Wisconsin Coalition for Long Term Care at Retain Wisconsin�s Current Long-Term Care System � Family Care, IRIS, Partnership, and Aging & Disability Resource Centers � and make it available in all counties.

Advocacy Alert! It is not too late. Your final chance to share your voice on long-term care in WI! The Joint Finance Committee took a critical vote on the proposed changes to Family Care, IRIS and ADRC's here in Wisconsin - It is not signed yet! Make your voice heard.

If you or your loved ones utilize any of these services the time is NOW to contact your legislators!

A recently released analysis by the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) says:"If the proposed changes would be adopted, the current long-term care system, including the regional MCOs, would be eliminated." And there is no back-up plan if the new program fails!

We must encourage the members of the JFC to remove the proposed changes to Family Care, IRIS, and the ADRCs.

Contact your legislator before Wednesday's vote if you support keeping current programs in place. Following are specific recommendations supported by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Alternative 5 in LFB Paper #356 http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/publications/budget/2015-17 Budget/Documents/Budget Papers/356.pdf - "Long-Term Care Changes" (Link no longer available) Alternative A4, B4 and C3 in LFB Paper #357 http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/publications/budget/2015-17 Budget/Documents/Budget Papers/357.pdf - "Aging and Disability Resource Centers" (Link no longer available) Alternative 3 (but approve the 3.0 positions for the Board on Aging and Long-term Care) in LFB Paper #358 http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/publications/budget/2015-17 Budget/Documents/Budget Papers/358.pdf - "Statewide Expansion of Family Care and IRIS" (Link no longer available)

Contact Your Legislators

Contact the Members of the Joint Finance Committee (see below)

The time is NOW. The vote is today!

May 14-15, 2015 - Breaking News!!! Proposed Wisconsin Budget reductions to Long Term Care Programs were removed but what is planned for Family Care and IRIS

After we had published our (link no longer available)>NHU article on the proposed Wisconsin Budget reductions to the long term care programs of IRIS, Family Care and the ADRC services, the Wisconsin Legislature has issued an announcement that the Republican leaders on the Joint Finance Committee rejected Governor Walker's proposed long term care changes, although pursuing limited reforms with strong legislative oversight. See the May 14, 2015 Wisconsin Legislature Announcement.

As the Survival Coaltion of Wisconsin Disabilitiy Organizations states, Wisconsin families and citizens with disabilities can be relieved that the plan the Joint Finance Committee is implementing will require public and stakeholder input before any changes are made, but they are concerned as the proposal does not guarantee that the current highly rated Family Care and IRIS programs will remain in place. These programs have saved hundreds of millions of dollars for the state over the past decade and will continue to do so in the next. - See the Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations letter of May 15, 2015

Advocacy Alert! April 3rd 2015 - Wisconsin State Representative, Mark Born, has proposed a Motion to remove the changes to Family Care, IRIS and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) out of the 2015-17 Biennial Budget

Wisconsin State Representative, Mark Born, has introduced a Motion to take the changes to Family Care, IRIS and the ADRC's out of the 2015-17 Biennial Budget. "These programs affect the lives of thousands of individuals across the state. There is a lack of details and clear plan in the budget which leaves people unable to prepare for changes, and the changes need more input from stakeholders to better understand how they will affect participants, their families and the state." (link no longer available)See the Born Senate Motion. We congratulate Rep. Born for taking leadership on this important issue.

See the Disability Rights Wisconsin, article and for the still many unanswered questions about the changes: (link no longer available)Family Care, IRIS and ADRC's: Questions

This lack of answers about the proposed plan has families, people with disabilities, the elderly and communities very concerned about the future of their lives and are asking for removal of the changes from the budget NOW! Please contact your legislators on how these changes will affect you! Here are the 4 Action Steps YOU Can Take, from Disability Rights Wisconsin:

1. Call or write your legislator and say: �Will you support the budget motion authored by Representative Mark Born to take the significant changes to our state�s long-term care system out of the budget? I am very concerned about the changes to Family Care, IRIS and ADRCs for these reasons (tell your story). I think these changes need to come out of the budget now so that stakeholders can provide input and so the state can better understand all the impacts. Bottom line: we need many more details and answers to our questions.�

3. Share the Born Motion with your legislator and people in your community. Ask people you know to contact their legislators as well.

4. Share with your legislators the list of questions (link above) that still need to be answered: Family Care, IRIS and ADRCs: Questions. Ask your legislator if they will help you get answers to your questions.

See the links above this article to find your Wisconsin State Legislators.

Advocacy Alert! March 2015 - Proposed Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Long-Term Care system that may affect you

The 2015-17 Wisconsin State budget is calling for some major changes to the state's long term care programs (including Family Care, IRIS, and the Personal Care Program) that may directly impact you and your family. Disability Rights Wisconsin has developed an overview of the proposed changes.

write your Wisconsin legislators about how the major changes to the state's long term care programs will affect you. For more information, Life Navigators has offered the following links from various resources. Be sure to view the Issue Cards if you need key talking points to tell how these programs will affect you.

(link no longer available)State Budget Training Presentation
Find your State Senate and State Assembly
(link no longer available)Legislators List of 2015-17 Legislators (Legislative Directory)
Office of the Governor Contact Information
(link no longer available) Directory of 2015 Joint Committee on Finance Members
Regional Public Hearings scheduled by Joint Finance Committee
Issue Cards featuring key talking points in eight main topic areas: Adult Long Term Care, Children�s Long Term Support, Mental Health, Transportation, Medicaid, Education, Employment, and Workforce.

Share this information with family and friends and ask them to contact their Wisconsin legislators today!

Advocacy Alert! March 17, 2015 - Wisconsin Disability Advocacy Day at the state capitol. New Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Family Care and the Long-Term Care system

March 17th is Wisconsin Disability Advocacy Day! If you are participating at the capitol, be sure to visit our NHU facebook page to tell of your activities today and with which Wisconsin legislators you were able to speak today or share what you were trying to accomplish via email to all your family and friends and ask them to contact their Wisconsin legislators! The new Wisconsin budget will affect people with disabilities' long term care.

If you were unable to register in time for Disability Day, be sure to write your Wisconsin legislators about how the major changes to the state's long term care programs will affect you. For more information, Life Navigators has offered the following links from various resources. Be sure to view the Issue Cards if you need key talking points to tell how these programs will affect you.

(link no longer available)State Budget Training Presentation
Find your State Senate and State Assembly
(link no longer available)Legislators List of 2015-17 Legislators (Legislative Directory)
Office of the Governor Contact Information
(link no longer available) Directory of 2015 Joint Committee on Finance Members
(link no longer available) Regional Public Hearings scheduled by Joint Finance Committee
Issue Cards featuring key talking points in eight main topic areas: Adult Long Term Care, Children�s Long Term Support, Mental Health, Transportation, Medicaid, Education, Employment, and Workforce.

Share this information with family and friends and ask them to contact their Wisconsin legislators today!

Advocacy Alert! February 2015 - New Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Long-Term Care system

Action Items

The Survival Coalition is planning a Disability Advocacy Day on Tuesday, March 17th in Madison. This event is free but requires registration. Register now. CILs across the state will be hosting free rides to this important event. Locate your CIL.

If you cannot attend Disability Advocacy Day in Madison, then consider attending a local Budget Training session and use the information to advocate from your home. Find a session near you.

Do you want to join advocates across the state in their efforts to save IRIS? Follow the efforts of the Save IRIS Campaign on Facebook.

Advocacy Alert! January 2015 - The National Disability Institute advocates to contact your state Governor's office and state legislators to set up an ABLE savings account program in your state

After the Treasury Department establishes the rules, your state will be able to set up a program for ABLE accounts for people with early onset disabilities. States can opt out and contract with another state to offer the program so it is important to contact your state representatives to let them know this program is important to you! The ABLE savings account will allow individuals to supplement that which assistance will not cover for accessible housing and transportation, personal assistance services, assistive technology and health care not covered by insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. You will have the option to save up to $14,000 in a tax-free savings account, eliminating the $2,000 asset cap SSI and SSDI beneficiaries face. For more information, visit this video on Ten Things You Must Know About ABLE Accounts and ABLE Account Planning: Six Next Steps for 2015 Be careful with the 6th step which is to start saving. We do not recommend this until we find out more about regulations of accounts as you do not want to lose your benefits.

December 16th, 2014 - the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014- It will now be up to the individual states to set up an ABLE program so you can use this tool to set up an account by the end of 2015.

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act will allow people with disabilities (with an age of onset up to 26 years old) and their families the opportunity to create a tax-exempt savings account that can be used for maintaining health, independence and quality of life. In the past if you were born with Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida you were only allowed to keep $2000 to maintain eligibility for public assistance. Your parents could not save for costs related to raising a child with significant disabilities or a working age adult with disabilities. The ABLE savings account will allow individuals to supplement that which assistance will not cover for accessible housing and transportation, personal assistance services, assistive technology and health care not covered by insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. You will have the option to save up to $14,000 in a tax-free savings account, eliminating the $2,000 asset cap SSI and SSDI beneficiaries face. This could finally mean financial freedom!! The individual states will need to set up an ABLE program and hopefully you will be able to set up an account by the end of 2015. See above on how to contact your state representative to get this set up at the state level. For more information on the bill, see the National Disability Institute's article on the passage of this bill.

Disability Legislation and Advocacy News: Wisconsin

Stay on Top of Legislation that Impacts You

Contact Your Lawmakers

October 26, 2020- The Supreme Court upheld Wisconsin's voting laws Monday, rejecting an effort to require the counting of absentee ballots that are sent back to election officials on or just before Election Day.

Tuesday, October 27th was the last day for Wisconsin Voters to MAIL in your absentee ballot to be sure to get to your Wisconsin municipal clerk office by 8pm Nov. 3rd, but there are other options

Alert! Although the deadline for In-Person Absentee in Wisconsin can possibly be thru November 1, this date could vary by municipality

NHU ADVOCACY Alert! Wisconsin Voter! October 14th - Last Day to Register on-line for the Nov 3rd Presidential and General Election- YOU can still register and vote in-person at your clerk's election office thru October 30th or polling place on election day!

ADVOCACY Alert!2020 - Make Your Voice Heard with your Vote! This upcoming election is about your very existence!

2020 - Vote by Mail - Stay Safe Voting in Wisconsin for the November 2020 Presidential and General Election!

2020- If you plan to vote in Wisconsin in-person, early or on election day

2020 - Encourage or call 3 people you know to remind them to register today!

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Wisconsin Voter Guide, and Wisconsin Local Election Clerk Offices Directory and Wisconsin Voter Deadlines

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Are YOU Ready to Vote?

Stay Safe Voting for November

2020 Presidential Candidates - Disability Plans

2020 - NHU Advocacy Alert! Wisconsin - Are YOU Ready to Vote?

Stay Safe Voting for November

2020 - Pandemic shines light on gross inequality among American citizens: New Horizons Un-Limited

May 27th, 2020 - Great News for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities! - Wisconsin Elections Commission votes to send Absentee Ballot Applications to 2.7 million Wisconsin Citizens, however they will need to agree on wording of the letter on June 10th

Advocacy Alert! April 2020 - The Survival Coalition sends notice to send a request to contact your Wisconsin STATE Senator and State Representative to Act to approve Medicaid waivers to support critical services workers that serve people with disabilities

Advocacy Alert!April 2020 - People are concerned across the U.S. about the voting process for the fall election, but never more so for people with disabilities. The Wisconsin Spring Election has shown that people with disabilities are the most at risk at losing their right to vote.

No matter where you live, write your representatives now to assure a fair voting process and fair absentee ballot process for the future fall election.

Urgent Advocacy Alert! Today April 3, 2020 - Wisconsin Spring Primary Election - Judge rules Absentee Ballot Request Date has been extended through today, return by April 7 -

April 2, 2020 - We at New Horizons Un-Limited Hope You and Your Family are Safe and Healthy but Let Us Know How You Are Doing!

Let Us Know How YOU are Doing!

Urgent Advocacy Alert! Today March 30, 2020 - is the last day to Register to Vote for the Wisconsin Spring Primary Election.

Urgent Advocacy Alert! January 24, 2020 - A Wisconsin bi-partisan bill (LRB-3165/ LRB-5380) is currently circulating for co-sponsorship that would make setting up an ABLE account easier for Wisconsin families.

Urgent Advocacy Alert! January 21, 2020 - Bipartisan Wisconsin Bill LRB 2596, which will provide free online training to family and volunteer guardians about the role, responsibilities, and other important features of Wisconsin�s guardianship law before they are appointed!

Advocacy Alert! December 2019 - The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed new rules regarding their process for Continuing Disability Reviews.

Advocacy Alert! November 2019 - Governor Tony Evers Proclaims November as Wisconsin Family Caregiver Month

September 2019 - National Voter Registration Day! Wisconsin information

Advocacy Alert! September 2019 - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has released a draft of Chapter 3, Financial Eligibility, of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Manual for the Children's Long-Term Support Waiver Program.

Advocacy Alert! May 2019 - Wisconsin's own Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner reintroduces U.S. bill H.R. 555 and Senator Chuck Schumer S.117 (the Disability Integration Act) to ensure community supports for people with disabilities. Contact your Wisconsin Legislators to help co-sponsor!

Advocacy Alert! March 2019 - Review Wisconsin Governor Ever's State Budget 2017-2019 and our NHU Budget Summary for disability issues and important benefits to YOU! Contact your Wisconsin Legislators! (see above)

Advocacy Alert! March 2019 - Wisconsin Governor Evers has introduced a plan for Healthy Women, Healthy Babies

Advocacy Alert! March 2019- Wisconsin Governor Evers has introduced a plan that will improve dental care for low income people in Wisconsin! Contact your Legislators!(see above)

Advocacy Alert! Did you vote Nov. 6th, 2018? Fill out the Voter Experience Survey from Disability Rights Wisconsin

Advocacy Alert! August 2018 - Survival Coalition asked Wisconsin Governor candidates about disability issues - Visit the answers to the survey.

Advocacy Alert! August 2018 - Voter Checklist

Advocacy Alert! July 2018 -Will Your Voice Count in the 2018 Election? - Are YOU ready to vote?

Advocacy Alert! National Disability Voter Registration Week July 16-20, 2018

Advocacy Alert! 2018 Wisconsin - Wisconsin! Your Voice is Heard through YOUR Vote!! Mark your 2018 calendar for this years elections!

Advocacy Alert! Wednesday, Nov. 29th, 2017 - National call-in day on the Senate tax cut bill has been organized for people with disabilities, families, and advocates around the country

Advocacy Alert! September 20, 2017 - AAPD - Action Alert! 10 Days to Stop Latest Health Care Repeal Effort - Wisconsin Contact your Senator Johnson! Tell your story!

July, 2017 -Celebrate the 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Advocacy Alert! June 26, 2017 - Wisconsin! If You are concerned about Your Medicaid make Your Voice Heard!! The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilites offers the following article and urges you to Call Senator Ron Johnson and tell him your story today!

Advocacy Alert! April 2017 - Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD) urges you to continue to tell your story! to the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee about your concerns for the Wisconsin State Budget.

Advocacy Alert! April 4th 2017 - Wisconsin! Your Voice is Heard through YOUR Vote!! Vote for Special Education in Tuesday elections!

Advocacy Alert! January 2017 - Medicaid Block Grants: What They Are and How They Could Impact You?

Get Out and VOTE!

September 27, 2016: Visit our Wisconsin Voting Guide and register to vote on or after National Voter Registration Day

September 7, 2016 - WisconsinEye delivers Wisconsin and Wisconsin's U.S. Representatives and Legislative Candidates - Campaign 2016

June 9, 2016 - Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Withdraws Concept Plan

June 7, 2016 - Milwaukee, WI - Journal Sentinel article reports - Wisconsin Legislators will likely delay on the long term care changes

ADVOCACY Alert! May 15, 2016 - People Not Profits - Protect Family Care from For-Profit Insurers

ADVOCACY Alert! 2016 Elections: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote - Wisconsin Citizens with Disabilities - Be sure to vote!

March 2016 - Yes! You Can Work and Continue to Earn SSI Benefits!

March 2016 -- Let your candidates know that your life and voice matter! Election 2016 Report to Help Voters with Disabilities

January 2016 - Need for Stronger Mental Health System to Help Families in Wisconsin

November - Disability Rights Wisconsin provides testimony to legislators on the unique concerns for children and parents with disabilities concerning abuse and neglect investigation processes

November - Wisconsin Legislature considers a bill concerning abuse and neglect investigation processes

ADVOCACY Alert! November 18 - DAWN published the following article on the Hearing on Long-Term Care

ADVOCACY Alert! September - Speak or Write Your Story -Wisconsin Deartment of Health Services to hold public hearings on Family Care and IRIS

ADVOCACY Alert! August 31 - View National Council on Disability's Madison Forum on Wisconsin's Medicaid Long-Term Managed Care System

ADVOCACY Alert! Speak up about IRIS and self-direction - Public Comments due September 11, 2015

Advocacy Alert! Join Wisconsin Citizen Advocates for Family Care and IRIS in Madison, Tuesday, June 9 for Press Event and March to Capitol

Advocacy Alert! It is not too late. Your final chance to share your voice on long-term care in WI! The Joint Finance Committee took a critical vote on the proposed changes to Family Care, IRIS and ADRC's here in Wisconsin - It is not signed yet! Make your voice heard.

May 14-15, 2015 - Breaking News!!! Proposed Wisconsin Budget reductions to Long Term Care Programs were removed but what is planned for Family Care and IRIS

Advocacy Alert! April 3rd 2015 - Wisconsin State Representative, Mark Born, has proposed a Motion to remove the changes to Family Care, IRIS and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) out of the 2015-17 Biennial Budget

Advocacy Alert! March 2015 - Proposed Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Long-Term Care system that may affect you

Advocacy Alert! March 17, 2015 - Wisconsin Disability Advocacy Day at the state capitol. New Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Family Care and the Long-Term Care system

Advocacy Alert! February 2015 - New Wisconsin budget calls for elimination of IRIS, drastic changes to Long-Term Care system

Advocacy Alert! January 2015 - The National Disability Institute advocates to contact your state Governor's office and state legislators to set up an ABLE savings account program in your state

December 16th, 2014 - the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014- It will now be up to the individual states to set up an ABLE program so you can use this tool to set up an account by the end of 2015.

Disability Legislation and Advocacy News:
Wisconsin