Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

The board meeting agenda includes a member caucus, a diversity committee meeting, governmental affairs, state-plan, a vote for board leadership, and a business meeting. The business meeting will cover the chair report, executive director/financials report, executive committee, diversity committee, nominating & membership committee, and partner agency updates. The diversity committee discussed the intersection of disability and housing issues. The nominating committee announced candidates for chair and co-chair and recommended people for the executive committee. The board will also discuss the development of the next 5-year state plan, including a review of the timeline, gathering input through conversation cafes and surveys, a comprehensive review and analysis, and next steps.

The board meeting included discussions on Medicaid policy changes, updates from the Diversity Committee on housing issues, and the Executive Director's report on virtual meetings due to funding uncertainties. The board also discussed the vacating of office space to save money for programming, increased funding for Families Supporting Families grants, and updates from Waisman, DHS, DPI, DWD and DRW.

This Biennial Report for 2023-2025 outlines the strategic direction and activities of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD). The plan focuses on ensuring the health, safety, and independence of individuals with developmental disabilities across the state. Key strategic pillars include leading new initiatives, informing stakeholders, fostering partnerships, improving health outcomes, strengthening advocacy skills, advocating for rights and inclusion, innovating through grants, and advising government leaders. The overarching vision is to empower people with developmental disabilities to lead independent lives, make self-determined choices, and participate fully in their communities, while actively addressing inequities.

The board meeting agenda included a member caucus, a Diversity Committee meeting focused on finalizing the definition for diversity and reviewing the DEI statement. There was also a governmental affairs update, a presentation by COVID-19 grantees, and project updates on the Youth Leadership Forum, Self-Determination Conference, and Housing Webinars. The business meeting included a chair report, executive director report, and committee reports from the Executive Committee, BPDD Financials, Diversity Committee, and Nominating & Membership Committee, as well as partner agency updates.

The board meeting included updates from various committees and staff. The Diversity Committee is working on a DEI statement and definitions, considering annual diversity training. The Executive Director reported on new staff, an in-person retreat in September, and available materials for Supported Decision Making. The Executive Committee addressed concerns about the September meeting format. Updates were provided from DRW, DPI, Waisman, DWD, and Aging agencies, covering topics such as absentee voting protections and challenges in funding for aging services.