Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

09/05/2026

Some photos from the family outing at the Blue Lotus Center in West Bend organized by Family Voices of Wisconsin’s Nurture Network. Families gathered to spend time with each other outdoors and to connect with resources they might not have found otherwise! The event was supported in part by a grant from BPDD.

You can find out more about the Nurture Network here: https://familyvoiceswi.org/nurture-network/

09/05/2026

Thank you, Governor Tony Evers, for joining governors from across the country to send a strong message that we belong. Evers is one of 18 governors who signed onto this letter affirming the rights of people with disabilities to live in our communities and not be forced into segregated institutional settings.

"We strongly oppose any federal actions that would weaken protections against unnecessary segregation or diminish the right of people with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated settings appropriate to meet their needs, consistent with established Olmstead precedent. Community integration is not an abstract legal concept. It means having a home, being able to work, attend school, shop, worship, build relationships, and participate in an ordinary civic life."

You can read the full letter here:https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/Governors_Letter_on_Olmstead_9-2026.pdf

09/05/2026

Below is the link for the Federal Funding webinar recording from this morning. We will be back next Friday 9/11 for another webinar!

Registration, recordings, slides, and other resources for these webinars can all be found on our website here: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/federal-funding-updates/

9/4 webinar: https://youtu.be/MENb-mwBc6o

9/11 English registration: https://bit.ly/4AeHXM3
9/11 Spanish registration: https://bit.ly/3USilEf

09/04/2026

Earlier this week Governor Tony Evers announced that the Department of Workforce Development secured funding to continue serving those with disabilities in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation without the need for a waitlist!

Thank you to all of the strong disability advocates who pushed for funding for the state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Thanks to your efforts, the state agency will have the funds needed to help eliminate its waiting list for services that help people with disabilities find employment and keep working.

09/03/2026

Register today for Community Connection: A Path to Community Leadership 3-part webinar series! This series builds leadership at every level from your own person-centered planning, to serving on boards and councils in your community, to systems advocacy that shapes policy. This 3-part webinar series is presented by BPDD and Wisconsin Managed Care Organization partners. All webinars are held from 12:00–1:00 PM CT.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4puyA5G

Webinar 1: Person-Centered Planning for Community Connection (September 15th, 2026)
Discover how person-centered planning can help you build meaningful relationships, try new activities, and help you get involved in your community. Learn simple steps for turning goals into real plans. Hear from people how they have built their plan.

Webinar 2: Making a Difference: Serving on Community Boards and Councils (September 22nd, 2026)
Want to help make decisions in your community? Learn about ways to join advisory councils, nonprofit boards, local committees, and other community groups. Hear from people who serve on these boards and the difference they make.

Webinar 3: Using Your Lived Experience to Create Change (September 29th, 2026)
Your life experiences matter. Learn how to share your personal experiences in ways that teach others, influence leaders, and create change in your community. Hear from people who have used their life experience for change.

09/01/2026

Survival Coalition is hosting a series of policy issue forums this fall. Our first is about Medicaid Aid in Dying laws, and how these policies may impact people with disabilities and families.

Learn about key issues and areas of concern, what laws look like in other states and countries, and how perceptions of people with disabilities/older adults and cost of care needs can influence who chooses or is offered medical aid in dying options. Survival Coalition has invited national speakers Anita Cameron and Barbara Lyons to present. Please share this opportunity with your networks!

The event will be September 15th from 12-1 PM.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4d6Krll

08/29/2026

Below is the link for the Federal Funding webinar recording from this morning. We will be back next Friday 9/4 for another webinar!

Registration, recordings, slides, and other resources for these webinars can all be found on our website here: https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/federal-funding-updates/

8/28 webinar: https://youtu.be/fKkMk3OdqVw

9/4 English registration: https://bit.ly/4gGrUO0
9/4 Spanish registration: https://bit.ly/3UrC2ma

08/26/2026

You’re invited! Douglas County Community on Transition is hosting a community conversation on inclusive hiring on Tuesday, October 13 from 11am-1pm at Superior Public Library. Join this BPDD sponsored event to share ideas, build connections, and create solutions.

RSVP Today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wpFQBdqzCF

08/25/2026

The next election is on November 3rd.

People with disabilities are encouraged to consider serving as a poll worker, sometimes called an election inspector. A friendly, knowledgeable poll worker can make the difference for a voter trying to make their voice heard at the polls. If we have more poll workers who have a disability, it may help our polling places to be more accessible and disability informed. Check out our video to learn more:

A non-partisan effort to increase voting turnout and participation in the electoral process among members of Wisconsin’s disability community

08/24/2026

Are you looking to get more involved with public policy, grow as an advocate, or get connected with other advocates from around the state? Partners in Policymaking can help you with all these goals!

The Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking program is a six-session advocacy training to prepare future leaders around the state who can work with lawmakers and communities to support the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

Find out more and apply today! Applications are due October 23rd.

https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/partners-in-policymaking/