The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations is a cross-disability coalition of more than 40 state and local organizations and groups. For more than 20 years, Survival has been focused on changing and improving policies and practices that support people with disabilities of all ages to be full participants in community life.
By Fil on July 8, 2021
Update July 6: COVID Cases and Deaths Among People with Disabilities and Older Adults in Wisconsin
(Madison) – The Survival Coalition of more than 20 disability organizations supports the work of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Governor Evers’ administration to share regularly updated data regarding the impacts of COVID-19 in Wisconsin’s Medicaid Adult Home and Community-Based Services system. People with disabilities and older adults, particularly those who live in congregate or group settings are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Wisconsin’s long-term care program enrollment is 77,432 or approximately 1.4% of the WI population but accounts for more than 1/6 of all state COVID-19 deaths.
Survival Coalition is sharing the Department’s updated data Monthly.
The following data was published on July 6, 2021 and can be accessed in detail here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hcbs/data.htm#cases
Read full report.
Posted in Updates
By Fil on July 7, 2021
Here is a final chart comparing Survival’s positions on key disability-related budget issues in the Governor’s Proposal to the final budget passed by the Legislature. The Governor has until Thursday to sign or veto. For the full set of original budget proposals Survival Coalition recommended to the Governor and Legislature.
See Comparison Chart.
Posted in Updates
By Fil on June 28, 2021
Disability advocates are deeply disappointed with the lack of investment and cuts to key programs contained in the Legislature’s state budget. People with disabilities and their families across Wisconsin are really struggling. Many were struggling before the pandemic, and COVID-19 made existing problems worse.
Many important low-cost, critically needed investments are missing from the currently-proposed budget—including removing lead pipes and paint that are a 100% preventable cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities in babies and toddlers and funding to guarantee poisoned children can get help. Family caregivers are leaving the workforce, sacrificing family income, and burning out trying to fill the gaps left by the caregiver crisis. This budget does not help those struggling daily to meet care needs. Students receiving special education services have lost ground both academically and socially because of the pandemic and may need years to rebuild and recover skills. Cuts to Wisconsin’s largest transit systems will make it more difficult for low-income people with disabilities and the caregiver workforce that rely on it to commute to client homes to return to work and live independently.
The state budget is Wisconsin’s opportunity to help people now and commit to ongoing investments that will support people in the future. Our folks can’t wait. Read Full Advisory
Also read Survival’s Document: State Budget Leaves Many People
with Disabilities Behind
Posted in Updates
By Fil on June 22, 2021
(Madison) – Today’s scheduled Assembly vote could move forward legislation that will create added barriers for many people with disabilities and older adults to vote. The Survival Coalition of more than 20 statewide disability organizations is concerned about the impact of these bills on the Assembly calendar: AB192, SB 204/AB 201, SB 205/AB 179, SB 212/AB 198.
Recent amendments have made slight improvements, but Survival Coalition has the following concerns that have not been addressed: See full press release
Posted in Updates
By Fil on June 15, 2021
As the Joint Finance Committee considers its budget motion to set and direct spending for the Department of Health Services (DHS), Survival Coalition asks the committee to include the following disability priorities:
Read full press release.
Posted in Updates
By Fil on June 10, 2021
Call on lawmakers to do their job and pass an education budget that puts kids’ needs first!
The Joint Finance Committee slashed about 90% of the Governor’s proposed investments in public education. On party-line votes they essentially zeroed out increases in special education reimbursement. This decision also puts Wisconsin schools’ eligibility for promised federal COVID-19 aid in serious jeopardy. It’s not too late to fix this – the proposal now goes before the entire legislature for modification and debate. Contact your state legislators to make sure they hear your voice and know you expect them to do their job by rejecting this outrageous budget. Wisconsin can afford to close the gaps that exist in our state for all kids, including kids with disabilities – and we can’t afford not to!
Go to this link where you can customize a letter to send directly to your own lawmakers! Click here to send a letter to your lawmakers.
Posted in Updates
Follow Survival On: