WORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Wisconsin Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to People with Developmental Disabilities

In the state of Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services is the primary state agency responsible for the development and implementation of statewide policy, services and supports for people with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the Department administers programs that promote children living with their families, prevent individuals from moving to institutions, and move individuals who have lived in institutions to the community. This also includes providing leadership and assistance throughout the system in promoting best practice to improve the overall quality and safety of services and supports. The common goal is "inclusion"; that is, people living, working, learning, and playing in communities of their choice.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Developmental Disabilities Section
Division of Disability and Elder Services
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 418
PO Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
Phone: 608-267-7379 (Developmental Disabilities Services
Main Phone: 608-266-0805
Fax: 608-261-6752

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities

Wisconsin's Vocational Rehabilitation is a federal/state program designed to obtain, maintain, and improve employment for people with disabilities by working with VR consumers, employers, and other partners. Workers with developmental disabilities primarily receive services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) located in the Department of Workforce Development. A person with a disability may be able to receive vocational rehabilitation services from DVR if they have a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to get or keep a job.

Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Workforce Development
201 East Washington Avenue
PO Box 7852
Madison, WI 53707-7852
Phone: 608-261-0050
888-877-5939 (TTY)
800-442-3477 (Toll Free)
608-266-1133 (Fax)

Sheltered Employment

Many individuals with disabilities need ongoing support services in order to maintain their employment. Sheltered workshops provide employment opportunities for individuals who are not yet ready for competitive employment or have decided that this option is not the right one for them at this time. The goal of sheltered workshops is to support and assist consumers with disabilities to live and work in their communities. At this time, sheltered employment in Wisconsin is contracted out to private non-profit firms.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 418
PO Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
Phone: 608-266-0805
Fax: 608-261-6752

Competitive Employment

Supported employment is a unique employment service for individuals who, because of disabilities, need ongoing support services in the competitive workforce. Staff from private, non-profit, rehabilitation agencies statewide provide services to both the employer and the employee, including: recruitment, matching an employee to tasks and duties within the company; assistance in training the employee and co-workers/mentors; and assisting the individual in work-related needs.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 418
PO Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
Phone: 608-266-0805
Fax: 608-261-6752

Health and Safety

In Wisconsin, consultation programs for employers are divided into two areas: health and safety. For health consultation contact:

Wisconsin OSHA Health Consultation Program
University of Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
Environmental Laboratories
2601 Agriculture Drive
P.O. Box 7996
Madison, WI 53707-7996
Phone: 608-226-5240
Fax: 608-226-5249

Complaints about the health and safety of workers are covered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration ( OSHA). There are 4 regional OSHA offices in Wisconsin.

Appleton Area Office
1648 Tri Park Way
Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: 920-734-4521
Fax: 920-734-2661

Eau Claire Area Office
1310 W. Clairemont Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Phone: 715-832-9019
Fax: 715-832-1147

Madison Area Office
4802 E. Broadway
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-441-5388
Fax: 608-441-5400

Milwaukee Area Office
Henry S. Ruess Building
310 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: 414-297-3315
Fax: 414-297-4299

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

If you suspect an elder adult or adult at risk has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation:
In an emergency, if someone is in immediate, life-threatening danger, call the police or 9-1-1 immediately.

To report abuse of an Adult-at-risk, call your county helpline; website

Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources
Wisconsin department of Health Services
1 W. Wilson Street, Room 450
Madison, WI 53702
Phone: 608-261-5990

Protection and Advocacy

Disability Rights Wisconsin is the state's protection and advocacy agencyfor people with disabilities. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin to gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise.

Disability rights Wisconsin

Madison
131 West Wilson St., Suite 700
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-267-0214
TTY: 888-758-6049
Toll Free: 800-928-8778*
Fax: 608-267-0368

Milwaukee
6737 W. Washington St., #3230
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone: 414-773-4646
TTY: 888-758-6049
Toll Free: 800-708-3034*
Fax: 414-773-4647

Rice Lake
217 W. Knapp St.
Rice Lake, WI 54868
Phone: 715-736-1232
TTY: 888-758-6049
Toll Free: 877-338-3724*
Fax: 715-736-1252
*For people with disabilities and their families
Web: website