HearthStone of WI

11/11/2025

They say it is easy. They say it is low skilled. Right. Because:

It takes no skill at all to de-escalate fear with calm.
No skill to understand someone without words.
No skill to turn a bad day into safety and laughter.

Funny how the hardest skills are the ones that don’t fit neatly on a resume.

Support work is invisible until it’s not done, until someone isn’t listened to, isn’t understood, isn’t safe. Then the world notices.

Direct support professionals do the quiet work that holds everything together.

And that’s not “easy.” That’s essential.
..

ID: Image shows support worker with two other people. Words read: Disability support work is easy.

11/11/2025

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocation Rehabilitation (DVR) will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. to gather public input about their proposed plan for dealing with a severe funding shortage that includes putting in place waiting lists to receive services.

Here are 4 questions to ask at the hearing or to submit online by November 13th.
- Why is DVR putting a wait list on all new applications instead of prioritizing those with the most significant disabilities.
- Can DVR get more money from the state so people don't have to wait for services?
- If DVR doesn't get more money, what will happen in the future?
- Will the funding shortage mean services and plans are changed?

You can use the link below to get more information about the hearing and to join virtually: https://publicmeetings.wi.gov/view/b9ea2763-4d6a-4a0e-9bd7-c9bbb13ff20e

If you are unable to attend the hearing, you can also submit comments via email at dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov; by fax to 608-266-1133; or by calling 800-442-3477. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, at 4:30 p.m.

11/09/2025

State officials promise large-scale involuntary addiction and mental health treatment at Salt Lake City’s edge. Critics see “a prison, or a warehouse.”

11/04/2025

At RCAW, we see every day how family caregivers juggle numerous responsibilities, providing care, supporting loved ones, navigating complex systems, all while managing their own homes, jobs, and personal well-being. This month gives us a dedicated moment to honour them, elevate their voice, and recommit to strengthening supports like quality respite care.

To all Wisconsin caregivers: you matter. You are seen. And you are appreciated. Let’s use November to raise awareness, reach out to a caregiver in our lives, amplify their story, and continue building a system where every caregiver has access to the support they deserve.

https://wisconsincaregiver.org/_data/media/937/2025-prolomation-nfcm.pdf

11/04/2025

FoodShare members will get partial November benefits. is awaiting instructions and details from the federal government, and will work as quickly as possible to get funds added to members’ cards. Members can use any benefits already on their cards during the shutdown.
➡ Get the latest: dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/news.htm
➡ Get help if you need food or infant formula: Call 211

10/29/2025

❤️

💙🙏 Thank You, Governor Evers — November 2025 Is Now Officially Family Caregiver Month! 🙏💙

We’re deeply honored to share that Governor Tony Evers has signed a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Family Caregiver Month.

This year’s proclamation recognizes that Wisconsin family caregivers provide over 540 million hours of unpaid care — valued at an estimated $9.2 billion. It acknowledges the vital and often complex roles caregivers play: supporting the health, dignity, and quality of life of loved ones across our state.

To Governor Evers — thank you for elevating caregivers' visibility, affirming their value, and reinforcing the importance of strengthening support systems for them. This recognition means more than a title: it sends a message across Wisconsin that caregivers are seen, appreciated, and supported.

To all caregivers — whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a child with special needs, a spouse, or a family member — this month belongs to you. We see your labor, your love, your sacrifice. Let’s use November not only to honor caregivers but also to raise our voices for better respite, stronger policies, stronger workplace supports, and more accessible services.

📣 Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing resources, stories, and ways for communities to step up for caregivers. Let’s make this month a movement: thank, uplift, and advocate for those who give so much.

Download a copy here �https://wisconsincaregiver.org/_data/media/937/2025-prolomation-nfcm.pdf

Check out WFACSA's National Family Caregiver Month Toolkit here 👉
https://wisconsincaregiver.org/_data/media/935/nfcm-2025-toolkit.pdf

10/29/2025

A grant to train educators to better support children with disabilities has been abruptly canceled — three years early — because it conflicted with "the priorities of the current administration."

10/29/2025

If the government shutdown continues, millions of people, including people with disabilities,may face delays in SNAP and WIC benefits. The Arc explains what’s happening, how to protect your benefits, where to find food resources, and what policymakers must do to keep families fed.

10/29/2025

You’ve probably heard about SNAP (AKA food stamps, food share, the Quest card (WI only)) not being available beginning 11/1/25. But did you know how many people with disabilities receive this benefit? If you have an opinion about how this shutdown affects your Sheboygan county neighbors living with a disability, now is the time to contact your US congressperson and Senators In the case of Sheboygan county that would be Representative Glenn Grothman, Tammy Baldwin, and Ron Johnson.

10/21/2025

Do you have opinions about Special Education in Wisconsin? Check this out.

The Wisconsin Council for Special Education wants to hear from you. The Council is hosting a virtual Public Forum on Special Education, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5-6:30 PM on Zoom. The public forum gives Council members the opportunity to gather input from families, school administrators, educators, community representatives, and others, on the unique challenges and successes of special education in Wisconsin. Information gathered will be used by the council to advise the State Superintendent on matters affecting the education of Wisconsin’s children and youth with disabilities. To attend, register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SIyu8K39QBC6qLet_12UVg?_x_zm_rtaid=YWnVGZZ4QJSJxQwTZ8325A.1760982731921.b5b2b61be74c377445fb814e25418a0d&_x_zm_rhtaid=990

If you can't attend, you can submit a public comment before Nov. 14 by completing the following survey:

English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeefmgSVGGVDiuRwIgcRKDOEiv0wb2dhiMWDXq5ETJGZlD_hQ/viewform
Spanish:https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/council-public_forum_flier_2025-26_spanish.pdf

10/21/2025

The Autism Transitions Research Project has released new findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. As approximately 1.2 million autistic individuals are expected to reach adulthood in the coming decade, these insights are vital for...

10/21/2025

Invisible disabilities are conditions that aren't immediately noticeable but can still significantly impact daily life. They include things like chronic pain, mental health conditions, learning differences, and more.

About 10% of Americans live with an invisible disability, meaning it's more common to meet someone with an unseen disability than you might think!

For those living with invisible disabilities, it can be hard to get the accommodation and support they need. Because their challenges aren’t always visible, their disabilities are sometimes misunderstood or not taken seriously. But just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week. Take a minute to share this post to remind others that not all disabilities are visible and that inclusion matters.