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News 'n Notes from Oct 26, 2006

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1) Voting Project:

The Council is once again working to get the disability community out to vote in the Tuesday, November 7, 2006 election. The Council is working with Disability Rights Wisconsin (formerly called Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy) to develop activities that will increase the turnout of the disability community in elections.

Together we have formed the Wisconsin Disability Vote Coalition. The Coalition has a web site located at www.disabilityvote.org. The web site has information about the upcoming election, where you go to vote, and coalition information. It also has information about the Coalition's recently formed list serv dedicated to voting issues. The Coalition currently has 20 organizations that are working on voting matters. If your organization or agency is not a member, please consider joining!! Contact Howard Seifert at 608/267-9897 for more information about the Coalition and its efforts.

2) Voting Guide:

Just in time for the November election is an updated voting guide called "Voting in Wisconsin: A Guide for Citizens with Disabilities". This easy to read booklet provides all the basic information you need to know about voting. It covers such topics as registering to vote, where to vote, when to vote, how to register a complaint when voting, and other important topics. It is available through the WCDD website or by contacting the WCDD office directly.

3) The Figureheads Announce the Release of their New CD:

The Council has been working a local hip hop music group, The Figureheads, to work in schools to promote welcoming and inclusive settings. To date their work and their positive message has been impressive. Their first album was well received and connected with today's youth. Now their second album, The Movement, is finally here!

The Movement is about kids, parents, and teachers coming together to create a road map for this generation. The songs will inspire joy and communication in kids and families around the world. The Figureheads' fresh sound of positive hip hop explores the universal themes of making good decisions, discovering one's voice and celebrating the power of family and friendship. Help celebrate the album's release by attending one of two release parties. Tickets are $10.00.

Saturday, November 18, 2006 at 7:00 pm
Middleton Performing Arts Center
2100 Bristol Street Middleton, WI

Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Centennial Hall of the Milwaukee Public Library
733 N. Eighth Street Milwaukee, WI

4) Grassroots Advocacy Grants:

The Council announces the availability of DAWN Grassroots Advocacy Grants for 2007. The goals of DAWN Grassroots Grants are to:

• Help people with disabilities and/or their family members to do advocacy activities in their community;
• Make a difference in the quality of life for people with disabilities;
• Provide an opportunity for people with disabilities and/or family members to be leaders in the disability advocacy movement.

Grants between $500 and $5,000 will be available for activities that start January 15, 2007 and end December 31, 2007. People with disabilities and/or their family members are eligible for grants. Priority will be given to people with developmental disabilities and their families as defined under federal law. Individuals, agencies and organizations are invited to work with consumers in developing and implementing a DAWN grant. The application deadline is December 14, 2006.

To read more about these grants and to download an application please visit the DAWN web site.

For more information about these grants contact John Shaw at the WCDD at 608/266-7707 or e-mail at: shawj2@dhfs.state.wi.us.