It is becoming increasingly clear that "work first" solutions to welfare reform such as Wisconsin Works (W-2) are problematic for families with a disabled parent or child. Wisconsin's existing policies are especially ill-tailored to meet the special needs of the following broad categories of low-income families: (1) W-2 families that include an adult with a disability; (2) families that include a child with a disability, whether the family is in W-2 or not; and (3) people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). W-2 caseworkers do not typically have expertise in identifying and assessing disabilities, and W-2's payment system punishes many families attempting to juggle work and their responsibilities as caretakers of a disabled child. Wisconsin's existing policies also discourage many SSI recipients who are able to work from seeking employment. The following are among recommendations for making Wisconsin's policies more responsive to the special needs of families with a disabled member: (1) eliminate 2-year W-2 time limits for individuals with major employment barriers; (2) exempt parents of preschool-age children with disabilities from work requirements; and (3) eliminate the work requirement to receive child care assistance for education for non-W-2 parents on SSI and SSDI. (10 references) (MN)