Upcoming Trainings

This webinar will be translated into Spanish

Este seminario web será traducido al español

 

Description:

Information on Social Security Disability benefits, who qualifies, how to apply, appeal and post entitlement issues.

Descripción:

Información sobre los beneficios por discapacidad del Seguro Social, quién califica, cómo presentar una solicitud, cómo apelar y asuntos posteriores a la concesión de beneficios

 

Presenter:

Elida Elizondo is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. She covers the area of SE Wisconsin and is also a backup for the northern Illinois area.

Presentadora:

Elida Elizondo es Especialista en Asuntos Públicos de la Administración del Seguro Social. Ella cubre el área del sureste de Wisconsin y también brinda apoyo para la zona norte de Illinois.

 

Learning Objectives:

To explain the difference between our two disability programs

Review the qualifications and the application process

 

Objetivos de Aprendizaje:

Explicar la diferencia entre nuestros dos programas de discapacidad.
Revisar los requisitos y el proceso de solicitud.

Description:

The IEP process can often feel daunting or overwhelming for many parents and caregivers. You are not alone. WI FACETS developed the IEP checklist as a resource to help families walk through the IEP process step by step. This short and accessible workshop provides a breakdown of our IEP checklist that helps parents and caregivers prepare early, actively participate, and stay informed throughout the year.

Presenters:

Ann Zielke is the Parent Training and Information Center Trainer for WI FACETS. As a parent who understands firsthand the complexity of navigating the special education system in Wisconsin, she is passionate about the importance of accessible and informative parent education and training. She is a fierce advocate for her daughter and all children with disabilities, and she looks forward to serving families across the state with WI FACETS.

Lisa Stewart has been serving families through the help desk at WI FACETS for over three years. She has experience with special medical and educational needs with her two young boys and is passionate about helping families who are going thru similar experiences. Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in biology and loves the outdoors and can often be found in her garden or hiking with her dog.

 

Learning Objectives:

The proper timeline for each step of the IEP process

The roles and responsibilities of IEP team members

Helpful hints for meaningful preparation and participation

Description:

The transition from school to adulthood is often described by families and professionals as a daunting leap into the unknown. Drawing from her dissertation research, Traversing the Transition Abyss: Examining Lived Experiences of the Transition to Adulthood Process for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Dr. Samantha Bear will share key findings on the systemic barriers, challenges, and opportunities faced by youth with IDD, their families, and educators. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how lived experiences shed light on the “transition abyss” that occurs despite the presence of evidence-based practices. This webinar will move beyond research into action by offering person-centered, holistic, and evidence-based strategies for strengthening transition planning. Attendees will leave with practical tools to foster student voice, promote independence, and create meaningful pathways to adulthood that honor the whole person. Designed for parents, educators, and professionals alike, this session will inspire collaboration and empower participants to bridge the gap between policy, practice, and lived experience.

 

Presenter:

Samantha J. Bear, over the past decade and a half, has focused on inclusive education, postsecondary transition, disability justice, and the development of innovative community-based programming for all disabilities, specializing in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With a foundation in special education and international higher education, her work spans K–12 classrooms, higher education programs, and nonprofit leadership. Samantha’s scholarship and professional practice are centered on equity, global best practices in transition, and reimagining adulthood for people with IDD through meaningful community connection, person centered planning and self-determination, and holistic well-being. Since 2021, Samantha has served as Executive Director of Blossom IDD, a nonprofit in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.

 

Learning Objectives:  

 

• Understand the “transition abyss”: Learn how systemic gaps and barriers affect students with IDD and their families during the shift from school to adulthood.
• Apply person-centered planning: Discover strategies to elevate student voice, choice, and self-determination in IEP transition planning.
• Embrace holistic approaches: Explore evidence-based practices that integrate academic, social-emotional, physical, and independent living skills for whole-person success.
• Turn research into action: Walk away with practical tools and resources to strengthen collaboration among families, educators, and professionals.