Disability Rights

Despite ample evidence that the Americans with Disabilities Act is working, people with disabilities are still, far too often, treated as second class citizens, shunned and segregated by physical barriers and social stereotypes. They are discriminated against in employment, schools, and housing, robbed of their personal autonomy, sometimes even hidden away and forgotten by the larger society. Many people with disabilities continue to be excluded from the American dream.

South Milwaukee Lake Bluff Apartments - Final Chapter in Housing Discrimination Challenge Settled
Monday June 27, 2011
Fair housing advocates announced the settlement of a long-running court challenge to protect the Lake Bluff Apartments, an integrated, affordable and accessible development in South Milwaukee. After a 2009 jury verdict found that tearing down Lake Bluff would have a discriminatory effect in violation of the Fair Housing Act, and after nearly two years of subsequent negotiations, Lake Bluff will remain a diverse and accessible place to live. Read more…
Full Statement on Settlement: 6/27/2011 - Statement
Press Release: 6/27/2011 - Fair Housing Lawsuit Against City of South Milwaukee Settled

ACLU of WI, American Civil Liberties Union (national) and Disability Rights WI Allege Voucher Program Discriminates on Basis of Disability: Groups Request Federal Investigation
Tuesday June 7, 2011
The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation, and Disability Rights Wisconsin filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division charging discriminatory practices in Milwaukee’s private voucher schools have led to an egregious segregation of students with disabilities. The complaint was filed against the State of Wisconsin, its Department of Public Instruction and two voucher schools. The groups say that Wisconsin has failed to hold taxpayer-funded private voucher schools accountable for serving children with disabilities, and has created a program that segregates and isolates children with disabilities. Read more...
Press release: 6/7/2011 – Civil Rights Advocates Allege Voucher Program Discriminates on Basis of Disability: Groups Request Federal Investigation
Complaint to DOJ: Cover letter; full complaint; exhibits