To the Editor:

Several weeks ago, the Ripon Commonwealth reported on an initiative by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to eliminate the choice for individuals with disabilities and their families to work in a production center as a long-term employment option in their lives.  

Such a ruling would have affected the lives of over 125 individuals that Diverse Options Inc. serves.  With this threat, we reached out to local legislators, parents, guardians, and community and business leaders asking them to contact DHS and legislators to voice their opinions against such an initiative.  

I am most happy to tell you that your voices were heard and DHS, under advisement from both the Senate and Assembly, changed their position thereby preserving the option of working in a production center as a long-term employment option for individuals with disabilities and their families. ...

— Al Schraeder

President/CEO

Diverse Options Inc.

571 Fenton St.
Read the full letter in the Dec. 10, 2009 edition of the Ripon Commonwealth Press.