Survival Coalition Press Release:Disability Advocacy Day, March 23,2023

More Than 300 Members of Disability Community Plan to Participate in Annual Disability Advocacy Day

Caregiver Crisis, Voting Access For All on Priority List

(MADISON) – More than 200 members of the disability community from all parts of Wisconsin plan to rally on March 23 for the Survival Coalition’s annual Disability Advocacy Day. Grassroots advocates will gather at the Monona Terrace for issue discussions and planning before making the walk to the Capitol to visit with  their state legislators and share how the issues impact their lives as Wisconsin residents
This year’s goal is to ensure legislators understand that the voices of people with disabilities and their families are facing significant challenges to their health, safety, and ability to remain in their homes because of the underfunding of Wisconsin’s long term care services for people of all ages. Advocates will also share the importance of protecting voting rights, supporting special education, mental health services and ensuring transportation is available for non-drivers.
“Every morning in Wisconsin people wake up waiting and worrying about themselves or their family members.  The low Medicaid rates don’t attract enough workers or providers to meet the needs of Wisconsin residents.  said Survival Coalition Co-Chair Patti Becker.
“Aging family members are sacrificing their jobs, their health, and their retirements to cover the gaps. We have to reinvest in our systems to pay for the actual costs of care,” said co-chair Beth Swedeen
”New restrictions on voting rights are creating added barriers for people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.  We ask our policymakers to work with us to make our elections more accessible and inclusive – not more restrictive”, says Barbara Beckert, Milwaukee Office Director of External Advocacy, Disability Rights WI. Read full press release.