To the editor:
The Department of Health Services (DHS) has filed an application with the federal government to extend Wisconsin’s Family Care program.
Early estimates project that more than 10,000 people with severe disabilities could be forced from prevocational programs (because of changes to the program). The consequences for both those employed by the work centers and the success of these centers are drastic.
Please contact the governor and members of the legislature listed below and tell them to stop the DHS’s attempt to eliminate the option for citizens with disabilities’ to choose employment and remain employed at work centers.
The center-based employment program is a great success story. It is not broken and does not need fixing!
Also tell them the positive impact these centers have had on you and your community.
Take action today. This is a critical issue and needs your help now!
Contact the following:
Governor Jim Doyle: 608-266-1212 or e-mail governor@wisconsin.gov
Senator Mark Miller: 1-877-862-4825 or e-mail Sen.Miller@legis.state.wi.us
Representative Keith Ripp: 1-888-302-0047 or e-mail Rep.Ripp@legis.state.wi.us
Citizens with disabilities usually cannot be their own advocates — they depend on us for support. They are among the most vulnerable of our population. This is a travesty. Please act now.
Janet Atkinson, Portage