Extend the advocacy you do every day for your family to benefit all community families. History is filled with important moments when family leaders and advocates came forward to use their voice and improve the programs families depend upon every day. Family Voices of Wisconsin supports family leadership through legislative advocacy and leadership preparedness learning opportunities. Start your advocacy journey!
WiFLI is a leadership experience for families who have children with disabilities or special health care needs. Sessions build your leadership, communication and teamwork skills to improve the programs and services families depend upon.
Our annual advocacy event will increase your advocacy skills and connect you with your state legislators.
As part of a statewide network of disability organizations, we monitor changes in state and federal law and advocate for policies that benefit families with disabilities.
April 2024—Advocacy for Change’s focus this year highlighted the ongoing caregiver crisis, Special Education funding and funding of school-based mental health services and called for increases to Medicaid rates.
April, 2023 – Disability Resource Center for Children and Families
Update: April, 2023: The Department of Health Services has announced plans for a new initiative, called ‘No Wrong Door’, which will largely meet this need. Families will have one statewide telephone number to call for guidance to their local Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, for 1-to-1 assistance and guidance.
Policy Priorities
Disability Resource Center for Children and Families Proposal
Family Voices Budget Summary for Children’s Issues
Survival Coalition Budget Priorities 2021-2023
State Budget Update
Issues that Impact People with Disabilities (background for Nov 2020 Election Candidates)
The Impact of School Closures on Families and Students with Disabilities
Supports for Children with Disabilities
Policy Priorities for Children with Disabilities and Their Families
Impact of 2019-2021 State Budget on People with Disabilities
Important Budget Updates for Children with Disabilities
Statement on Governor Evers Proposed Budget for Children with Disabilities.
State Budget Summary – What’s In the Governor’s Budget?
Budget Priorities for Children with Disabilities
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations is comprised of more than 40 state and local disability organizations. For more than 20 years, Survival has focused on changing and improving policies and practices that support people with disabilities of all ages to be full participants in community life. See current updates here.
Over 15,000 children in Wisconsin have disabilities requiring long-term support. The Council for Children with Long-Term Support (CLTS) Needs is charged with providing recommendations to the Secretary regarding the needed infrastructures, accountability measures and mechanisms, financing systems, training programs, program design elements, efficiencies and statewide equity and consistency necessary to implement service delivery systems in communities throughout the State. Read More about this advisory council to DHS, including past (and future) discussion topics, priorities, and opportunities to apply for a role on the committee.
Use your story to make a positive impact in your community.
April, 2023 – Disability Resource Center for Children and Families
Update: April, 2023: The Department of Health Services has announced plans for a new initiative, called ‘No Wrong Door’, which will largely meet this need. Families will have one statewide telephone number to call for guidance to their local Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, for 1-to-1 assistance and guidance.
Policy Priorities
Disability Resource Center for Children and Families Proposal
Family Voices Budget Summary for Children’s Issues
Survival Coalition Budget Priorities 2021-2023
State Budget Update
Issues that Impact People with Disabilities (background for Nov 2020 Election Candidates)
The Impact of School Closures on Families and Students with Disabilities
Supports for Children with Disabilities
Policy Priorities for Children with Disabilities and Their Families
Impact of 2019-2021 State Budget on People with Disabilities
Important Budget Updates for Children with Disabilities
Statement on Governor Evers Proposed Budget for Children with Disabilities.
State Budget Summary – What’s In the Governor’s Budget?
Budget Priorities for Children with Disabilities
The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations is comprised of more than 40 state and local disability organizations. For more than 20 years, Survival has focused on changing and improving policies and practices that support people with disabilities of all ages to be full participants in community life. See current updates here.
Over 15,000 children in Wisconsin have disabilities requiring long-term support. The Council for Children with Long-Term Support (CLTS) Needs is charged with providing recommendations to the Secretary regarding the needed infrastructures, accountability measures and mechanisms, financing systems, training programs, program design elements, efficiencies and statewide equity and consistency necessary to implement service delivery systems in communities throughout the State. Read More about this advisory council to DHS, including past (and future) discussion topics, priorities, and opportunities to apply for a role on the committee.
Learn how to build lasting partnerships with your legislators.
Take your advocacy journey to the next level by becoming part of a team to create change.
You are an advocate for your children at school, the doctor’s office and in your community. These experiences show the importance of using your voice, especially when decisions about your child’s future are being made. Being a family leader extends the advocacy skills you already have, to benefit all families.
