Disability Advocacy Day 2025: A Virtual Gathering

With the future of disability services on the line, CSN was proud to take part in Disability

Advocacy Day 2025. Held during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, this powerful annual event—hosted by the Survival Coalition of Wisconsin, amplifies the voices of individuals with disabilities, bringing self-advocates, caregivers, and supporters together to engage with legislators on critical issues affecting the disability community.

A Call to Be a Champion for Inclusion

This year, the event shifted from an in-person gathering at the State Capitol to a virtual format to eliminate transportation barriers and ensure broader participation. Unfortunately, one of the very issues advocates hoped to address—transportation challenges—was also why many could not attend in person. Changes in Wisconsin’s long-term care disability coverage over the past seven years have made arranging transportation for people with disabilities increasingly difficult. Traveling across the city, let alone the state, to reach the Capitol has become a significant hurdle that highlights the urgent need for policy change.

A United Voice for Change

At CSN, we were honored to stand alongside these passionate advocates and work with other dedicated service providers like MARC and the Waisman Center. CSN’s Executive Director, Caroline Bowers, and Director of Community Engagement, Kristen Wells, were able to meet with Francesa Hong (WI Assembly District 76) and Kelda Roys’ (WI Senate District 26) office to highlight the incredible stories of this population and how important it is for individuals with disabilities to participate in community life.

Why Medicaid Matters

A key focus of the day was Medicaid, as debates continue over who relies on it, what it covers, and its necessity. This virtual gathering provided a vital platform for self-advocates to share powerful stories about the life-changing impact of Medicaid-funded services. They highlighted the opportunities it provides—from supported employment, art programs, and recreation activities to essential caregiving support, wheelchairs, and feeding devices. Parents spoke candidly about how these services enable their children with disabilities to thrive—and how funding cuts could force them to leave their jobs, relocate, or face overwhelming hardship.

According to KFF’s Medicaid in Wisconsin factsheet, 18% of Wisconsin’s population—approximately 1.3 million people—receives services through Medicaid? For many, these services are lifelines, covering the cost of essential needs like:

 ✅ Caregivers 

✅ Wheelchairs and communication devices 

✅ Medical visits and therapies 

✅ Food and other daily necessities

Cuts to Medicaid would not only jeopardize the health and independence of these 1.3 million individuals—it would also profoundly impact families, caregivers, and service providers who play a critical role in supporting their well-being.

The Fight Isn’t Over—Here’s How You Can Help

Disability Advocacy Day was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause—but the work is far from over. You can be a champion for inclusion by taking action today:

✅ Contact Your Representatives – Your voice matters. Call, write a letter, or schedule a meeting to share your story and advocate for disability rights. Unsure who your representatives are? Find them HERE.

🗳️ Vote – A critical election is coming up on April 1st, and your vote can make a difference. To find your polling place, register to vote, and learn who is on your ballot, visit My Vote Wisconsin.

📹 Hear Directly from the People We Support - At CSN, we believe that personal stories are the most powerful tool for advocacy. That’s why we’re proud to share "Our Stories"—a video series where CSN clients share their journeys, experiences, and the impact of the services they receive. These stories bring to life the importance of programs like Medicaid and the need to protect and expand access to essential services. Watch "Our Stories"

💙 Donate to CSN – Your support helps us continue providing essential services that empower individuals with disabilities to lead independent, fulfilling lives. Every contribution makes a difference. Donate today 

By working together, we can continue to advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and the rights of all individuals in Wisconsin.

Celebrating Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment

March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities and to advocate for a more inclusive society. At Community Support Network (CSN), we are proud to support adults with developmental disabilities by acting as a bridge to independence, dignity, and belonging.

What Is Developmental Disability Awareness Month?

Developmental Disability Awareness Month was first recognized in 1987 to raise public awareness about the barriers people with developmental disabilities face and to promote their inclusion in all areas of community life. It is a time to recognize the talents, strengths, and achievements of people with developmental disabilities while encouraging conversations about accessibility, equity, and belonging.

The Importance of Inclusion

When communities are inclusive, everyone benefits. Individuals with developmental disabilities bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences that enrich our workplaces, neighborhoods, and social circles. At CSN, we see firsthand how providing personalized support helps individuals thrive. Whether it's through community engagement, employment opportunities, or skill development, our programs empower adults with developmental disabilities to live fulfilling and connected lives.

Stories of Strength and Success

Throughout the month, we will be sharing stories from the people we serve—stories of resilience, growth, and achievement. From finding meaningful employment to building social connections, these stories highlight the incredible potential within every individual and remind us why our mission matters.

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways you can support Developmental Disability Awareness Month and the work we do at CSN:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about developmental disabilities and share what you know with friends and family. Knowledge is a powerful tool in breaking down stereotypes.

• Support Local Programs: Consider volunteering your time or making a financial donation to organizations like CSN that provide critical services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Advocate for Inclusion: Use your voice to promote policies and practices that foster accessibility and equity.

  
  

Make Your Voice Heard: Advocate for Disability Services

Legislative decisions have a profound impact on the services available to individuals with developmental disabilities. In Wisconsin, many adults with developmental disabilities rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare and support services. Potential cuts to Medicaid could jeopardize these critical resources.

Here's how you can advocate for continued and improved disability services:

• Find Your Legislators: Visit MyVote Wisconsin to locate your state and federal representatives.

• Contact Your Legislators: Call, email, or write letters expressing your support for Medicaid and other disability services. Personalized stories and experiences can be powerful in illustrating the real-life impact of these programs.

• Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Disability Rights Wisconsin and The Arc Wisconsin for updates on policy changes and advocacy opportunities.

  
  

Why Your Financial Support and Advocacy Matter

CSN provides essential services to adults with developmental disabilities, all of whom receive Medicaid benefits that cover their care. While we do not receive direct government funding or grants, we rely on Medicaid reimbursement for 83% of our funding. We provide services first, then bill Medicaid for reimbursement. If Medicaid funding is reduced, we will no longer be able to offer these critical services. The remaining 17% of our budget is funded through fundraising efforts.

Your financial support and advocacy are vital to ensuring we can continue to provide the services our clients depend on. Every donation helps us bridge the gap and sustain the programs that empower adults with developmental disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Additionally, advocating for policies that protect and expand Medicaid ensures these essential services remain available to those who need them most.

Together, we can build a community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to thrive.

Follow us on social media throughout March as we share more inspiring stories and ways to get involved. Thank you for being part of this important movement and for supporting adults with developmental disabilities in Madison and beyond.

Explore our programs and learn how to get involved at VisitCSN.org.

National Caregivers Day

Honoring Caregivers:

A Tribute to Those Who Make a Difference Every Day

In 2024, approximately 53 million family caregivers and over 2 million professional caregivers dedicated themselves to supporting others in the United States. Each year, on the third Friday of February, we honor their incredible contributions. This year, on February 21, 2025, National Caregivers Day reminds us of the essential role caregivers play in our society and the importance of showing appreciation for their dedication, compassion, and resilience.

Caregivers are the backbone of support for individuals facing illness, disability, or aging. From managing daily tasks like cooking and cleaning to administering medication and offering emotional support, caregivers profoundly impact the lives of those they serve. Whether they are family members, friends, or professionals, their tireless efforts often go unseen but remain invaluable.

For 34 years, Community Support Network (CSN) has had the opportunity to collaborate with extraordinary caregivers. From employees and client family members to home caregivers and beyond, these individuals provide critical care to the adults with developmental disabilities we serve. While caregiving is often a labor of love, it is also a demanding and selfless endeavor that deserves recognition and gratitude.

Because caregiving can take a physical and emotional toll, self-care is vital for maintaining well-being. Simple practices like taking short walks, journaling, or joining support groups can help caregivers recharge and build resilience.

To support caregivers, CSN launched its first Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop in spring 2024, led by professionals Ellyn Zografi and Donna Anderson. This free, six-session program offers caregivers a space to reflect and process their experiences through writing. Guided by Ellyn and Donna’s personal caregiving expertise and compassion, participants engage in sessions that foster healing and self-expression.

One participant from the first workshop captured the program’s impact in a heartfelt poem:

Two seasoned and compassionate guides

carved out space and time to teach us as caregivers.

To pick up the pen and speak from our hearts,

to reflect by writing with expansive empathy for ourselves and those we care for.

Whenever I feel hopeless on this consuming and sometimes overwhelming journey,

I will use the tools and my writing to make myself whole again.

Thank you to Donna and Ellyn for being our guides on this path to healing.

This National Caregivers Day, let us celebrate and honor those who dedicate their time, energy, and love to caring for others. Whether providing care at home or working in professional settings, caregivers’ contributions are extraordinary and life-changing.

To all caregivers: thank you for your compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment. Your efforts are valued and appreciated more than words can express.

Are you a caregiver interested in future workshops? Stay connected by visiting our Upcoming Events page at VisitCSN.org and following us on social media for the latest updates. Our next workshop is coming this summer—don’t miss it! For questions, feel free to email us at Info@VisitCSN.org.