Disabilities Services

Milwaukee County

Welcome to Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County’s goal is to enrich your life by providing essential services that meet your needs and those of your family, neighbors, co-workers and friends.

Our County

We enhance the quality of life in Milwaukee County through great public service.

Residents

Milwaukee County is home to over 950,000 people living in one of 19 communities, which range in size from the City of Milwaukee, with 595,000 residents, to the Village of River Hills, with roughly 1,600 residents.

Businesses

Still a manufacturing stronghold, the region features 16 Fortune 1000 companies and thousands of others in the financial services, medical device, hospitality and retailing industries.

News & Events

Find information about things to do and happenings in Milwaukee County.

Connecting Individuals With Disabilities to Resources That Promote Independence and Inclusion

Department of Health & Human Services>
Disabilities Services

It's important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Find out more about COVID-19 and our ongoing response.

Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services Update in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services is committed to the safety and needs of the individuals that we serve. We are taking the current situation with the Coronavirus very seriously and working closely with public officials and community partners to ensure access to services. Look for any changes and updates to services on the divisions' landing pages. You can also call 2-1-1 for information. IMPACT 2-1-1 provides a coordinated point for those in need.

View a Complete List of Milwaukee County and Community Partner Resources

Milwaukee County Disabilities Services Division Update in Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Milwaukee County Disabilities Services Division is committed to the safety and needs of children and adults with disabilities. We are taking the current situation with the Coronavirus very seriously and working closely with public officials and community partners to ensure access to services. There are changes in services at this time, click here for more information. You can also call 2-1-1 for information. IMPACT 2-1-1 provides a coordinated point for those in need.

View a Complete List of Department of Health and Human Services Community Resources

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Quick Links

Disability Resource Center
Affordable Transportation
Protect Someone With a Disability
Children's Services

30th Anniversary Celebration of Americans with Disabilities Act

Milwaukee County Disabilities Services Division partners with Milwaukee Center for Independence and Donna Lexa Art Center to display artwork completed by members of the community for the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Donna Lexa Art Centers has been enriching the lives of individuals with special needs since 1985. Donna Lexa was an art therapist whose dream was to provide an environment of creative expression for specialized populations. “Artwork is an extension of the person. If the artwork is accepted, the artist is accepted. That stimulates independence, self-confidence and motivation,” said Lexa. Since 1938, the Milwaukee Center for Independence (MCFI) has developed innovative approaches to assist people with disabilities, disadvantages, serious mental illness and employment barriers to better live, work and be a part of the community. View artwork.

GO Pass / Transportation

In partnership with the Department on Aging and the Milwaukee County Transit System, individuals with a disability, or over the age of 65, may qualify for significantly discounted fares on MCTS busses.

If you have a Go Pass card that is about to expire, the card will remain active throughout the duration of the public health emergency. For questions, call (414) 289-5800 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are not accepting new applications at this time.

Reduced Fare Card

You can use cash or an M•CARD to pay the reduced fare of $1.10 a ride, but the easiest way is with an MCTS Reduced Fare Card. This card works just like a regular M•CARD but is programmed for the reduced fare; this card also allows you to take advantage of our one-, seven- or 31-Day Reduced Fare pricing.

Reduced Fare Frequently Asked Questions

Don't have the MCTS Reduced Fare Card? No problem. You can still use cash or an M•CARD. When you board you must show an ID to the bus driver to prove you are eligible. Accepted forms of ID include:

Medicare Card
MCTS Reduced Fare ID Card

How Does GO Pass Work?

Qualified recipients can get unlimited MCTS rides for $2 per day
GO Pass works on all MCTS routes
The pass lasts for four years from your birth month
When you board the bus for the first time each day, show the driver your GO Pass card & tell them you would like to purchase a GO Pass. Once the driver says its okay, touch the GO Pass to the orange square on the farebox. Do not touch your card to the farebox until the driver says it's okay. The farebox will deduct $2 and you're ready for unlimited riding that day.

How Do I Sign Up?

Call (414) 289-5800 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If your GO Pass card has expired, you will need to re-apply for GO Pass, and there is a $5 application fee if you are eligible.

How Do I Qualify?

For residents over 65: Be receiving Medicaid or FoodShare benefits
For residents under 65: Be receiving Social Security income through SSI or SSDI, or have a Veterans Disability designation; and be receiving Medicaid benefits including traditional Medicaid, EBD Medicaid, long-term care through Medicaid, or participate in a Medicare Savings program.

If you believe you meet one of these conditions but are not currently receiving Medicaid benefits, FoodShare benefits or participating in a Medicaid Savings program, you can call (414) 289-5800.

What Are the Fees?

Card Issuance Fee: $2 (added for all cards to the fees below, including replacements)
New GO Pass Fee: $5
First Replacement Card: $10
Second Replacement Card: $25
Third Replacement Card: $50

NOTE: No further replacements will be issued after the third.

Daily Use: $2/day (unlimited rides)

Court Services

If you suspect that a Milwaukee County resident between the ages of 18 and 59 is being physically or emotionally abused, neglected, financially exploited, or is unable to care for himself or herself, Milwaukee County DHHS Disabilities Services Division encourages you to call immediately.

Call Us if You Suspect Abuse

Through Adult Protective Services, Milwaukee County DHHS Disabilities Services Division investigates all allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of Milwaukee County residents with disabilities.

Call (414) 289-6660

Report Abuse

Court Comprehensive Evaluations

We provide Court Comprehensive Evaluations for individuals with disabilities who may no longer be able to care, or make decisions, for themselves due to a disability, and whose situations are before Probate Court to determine whether a legal guardian should be appointed. Judges use these comprehensive evaluations and Division recommendations in deciding whether it would be best to appoint a legal guardian, who will advocate for the person’s care and welfare.

Guardianship

For those persons with disabilities under court-ordered Guardianship, Milwaukee County’s Disabilities Services Division regularly monitors to ensure appointed guardians are acting appropriately and in the best interest of the individual.

Annual Review of Guardianship (Watts Review)

In cases in which there is a protective placement order, Milwaukee County DHHS Disabilities Services Division annually conducts a Watts Review. The Watts Review includes assessing the individual's functional abilities and disabilities, as well as the adequacy of supervision and services being received. The ultimate goal is to ensure persons with disabilities are placed in the least restrictive environment and most integrated community setting.