Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities

News and updates

October 2023: Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities Celebrates 75 Years. GCPD received Governor's Commendation Award during the United Voices: Engage for Change Summit in Madison.

In 1948, a Governor's Committee was established with one goal: to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The group's mission was broadened in 1976 to cover many aspects of disability in Wisconsin and became the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities (GCPD).

Unlike other disability councils in state government, the focus of the Governor's Committee includes all disabilities and six of its members represent specific disability constituencies:

• Alcohol and other drug abuse
• Blindness and visual impairment
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Developmental disabilities
• Mental health
• Physical disabilities

The Governor's Committee is charged with the following duties:

• Advise the Governor and state agencies on problems faced by people with disabilities
• Review legislation affecting people with disabilities
• Promote effective operation of publicly administered or supported programs serving people with disabilities
• Promote the collection, dissemination and incorporation of adequate information about people with disabilities for purposes of public planning at all levels of government
• Promote public awareness of the needs and abilities of people with disabilities
• Encourage the effective involvement of people with disabilities in government

The GCPD values your input on program, policies, and legislation that impacts people with disabilities. The GCPD works on and recommends changes in disability programs and policies.

The GCPD does not provide: financial assistance, direct service provision, oversight, legal advice, or enforcement of business, facilities, providers, or services in violation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Visit the GCPD's resources webpage for additional resource links.

Please email Lisa Sobczk at Lisa.Sobczyk@dhs.wisconsin.gov if you have questions or comments, or call us at 608-266-5364 (voice), TTY/TDD/Relay: WI Relay 711.