GCPD: Publications

The Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities (GCPD) issues letters of position, draft policy recommendations, issues press releases, conduct surveys, and does presentations on issues faced by people with disabilities to raise public awareness about the needs and abilities of people with disabilities. If you have any questions, need further information, or would like a presentation by GCPD, please email Lisa.Sobczyk@dhs.wisconsin.gov, or call us at 608-266-5364.

#Access4All video project

GCPD’s #Access4All video project highlights testimonials from people with disabilities and their caregivers about the physical and communication barriers experienced in healthcare settings. It is critically important that we listen and learn from the experiences and stories of individuals with disabilities, so that Wisconsin can continue to be a strong leader in offering the best quality of health care to all citizens. The #Access4All videos can be viewed below or on GCPD's YouTube channel.

#Access4All Videos

#Access4All resources

• #Access4All Watch Party Presentation Slides (PDF)
• Press Release: Ensuring Equal Access to Health Care, GCPD Video Series Documents Barriers to Health Care for People with Disabilities (PDF)

#Access4All video transcripts

• Governor Evers' Introductory Message for GCPD #Access4All Videos (PDF)
• Equal Access to Health Care for People with Disabilities (PDF)
• #Access4All Interview—Brenda (PDF)
• #Access4All Interview—Becky (PDF)
• #Access4All Interview—Lawrence (PDF)

#Access4All media coverage

May 16, 2022, Wisconsin State Journal: "COVID-19 restrictions create barriers for people with disabilities, video says"

GovDelivery messages

• May 17, 2022 #Access4All Video Watch Party
• September 20, 2021 Governor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities: Membership Vacancy
• August 11, 2021 Addressing Barriers to Health Care Services for People with Disabilities

Letters

• March 4, 2022 letter to Governor Evers on Senate Bills 905 and 912
• June 24, 2021 letter to Governor Evers on Voting Accessibility
• May 26, 2021 letter to Wisconsin Representatives and Senators on the State Fiscal Year 2021-2023 Budget
• February 18, 2021 letter to members of the Senate, Assembly, and Joint Finance Committee on State Legislative Rules.
• November 23, 2020 letter to Governor Evers on COVID-19 Issues Being Faced by People with Disabilities (PDF)

Policy recommendations

• Disability Support Persons Not Allowed to Accompany Individuals with Disabilities to Medical Treatments
• Access to COVID Testing
• Testing and Vaccinations for Individuals who are Homebound
• Public Heath Orders and Information in Accessible Formats
• Health and Safety of Individuals with Dementia
• Mask Mandate and Communications
• Caregiver Shortages
• Telehealth and Broadband Access
• Representation of Individuals with Disabilities on State Medical Advisory Committee

Presentations

GCPD's Concordia presentation on Disability Access.

Press releases

• January 24, 2022: GCPD issues press release introducing two new executive officers
• August 26, 2021: GCPD issues press release on healthcare inequities people with disabilities are facing
• August 19, 2020: GCPD issues press release on the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities

Surveys

• February 2021: Right to Have a Support Person or Caregiver at Appointment Survey Results Executive Summary (PDF) and March 21, 2021 Full Survey Results Presentation (PDF)
• July 2020: Individuals with Disabilities Food Access Through COVID-19 Pandemic Survey (PDF)