Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Disability Rights Advocate in Wisconsin
Disability Rights Wisconsin has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of people with disabilities since our founding in 1977. As an independent, non-profit organization, we operate free from government conflicts to rigorously defend civil and human rights through legal advocacy, systemic reform, and direct support. Our mission centers on advancing dignity, equality, and self-determination for individuals with disabilities across Wisconsin. With a team of over 70 dedicated professionals, we provide specialized programs including Protection and Advocacy, Disability Benefits counseling, and SSI Managed Care. We monitor institutions, challenge discriminatory practices, and empower communities through education and policy advocacy.Our work is guided by a Board of Directors and advisory councils comprising individuals with disabilities and their allies. As the designated Protection and Advocacy agency for Wisconsin, we maintain national affiliation with the Disability Rights Network while focusing locally on transformative change. Our history of impactful litigation and community engagement has established us as a trusted voice in disability rights. We prioritize client-centered solutions, ensuring access to essential services and protections from abuse. Through decades of service, we continue to shape a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities thrive independently.
Services
Protection and Advocacy
Disability Benefits Counseling
SSI Managed Care
Family Care Advocacy
Legal Representation
Policy Advocacy
Institution Monitoring
Community Education
Voting Rights Support
Grievance Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer independent legal advocacy for disability rights with 45+ years of experience.
- Our team provides specialized programs like Protection and Advocacy tailored to Wisconsin residents.
- We empower communities through disability rights education and policy reform initiatives.
- We operate free from government conflicts to ensure vigorous, unbiased advocacy.
- Our staff includes over 70 professionals dedicated to advancing disability rights.
Services
Protection and Advocacy
We defend the civil and human rights of individuals with disabilities through legal representation and systemic reform. Our team challenges discriminatory practices in institutions and communities while ensuring access to essential services. This program focuses on abuse prevention, institutional monitoring, and policy advocacy to create lasting change.
Disability Benefits Counseling
Our specialists help individuals navigate disability benefit programs like SSI and Medicare Part D. We provide personalized guidance for securing financial support and healthcare coverage. This service includes application assistance, appeals representation, and education about benefit maintenance requirements.
Legal Representation
We offer legal support for disability rights cases involving discrimination, access barriers, and service denials. Our attorneys handle individual cases and class-action litigation to establish precedents that benefit broader communities. This includes education rights, housing access, and employment discrimination cases.
Community Education
We conduct workshops and training sessions to empower individuals with disabilities and their families. Programs cover self-advocacy techniques, legal rights, and navigating service systems. These educational initiatives aim to build community capacity for independent advocacy and informed decision-making.
Policy Advocacy
Our team works to improve disability-related policies through legislative engagement and public comment processes. We develop strategic priorities for systemic change, collaborate with lawmakers, and mobilize community support for equitable laws and regulations affecting people with disabilities.
Questions
What is Disability Rights Wisconsin's primary mission?
We protect and advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, systemic reform, and direct support services across Wisconsin.
Do you serve all types of disabilities?
Yes, we provide services for individuals with all types of disabilities, focusing on equal access, abuse prevention, and rights protection regardless of disability type.
Are your services available statewide?
Yes, we operate throughout Wisconsin with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, providing advocacy and support services to individuals across the entire state.
How is DRW funded?
We receive funding through federal grants, private donations, and special project funding while maintaining independence from government agencies to ensure unbiased advocacy.
Can you help with voting rights issues?
Yes, we offer voting rights support through our Voter Hotline at 844-347-8693, providing assistance with accessible voting locations and disability-related voting accommodations.