Links
WI FACETS offers many services to help parents and others support and enrich the lives of children with disabilities, including information and referral, individual assistance, support groups, parent leadership development, workshops and events. We update the site often and encourage your suggestions for new links.
Resources for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Federal Legal Guidance1.1) Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary School
(Revised 3/21/2020) Official guidance from the Department of Education on how IDEA law will be followed during the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency
- 1.2) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON PROVIDING SERVICES TO CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 OUTBREAK
(Revised 3.18) Frequently Asked Questions on the implementation of IDEA law during the COVID-19 crisis.
- 1.3) Office for Civil Rights' Webinar on Virtual Learning Accommodations for Students in Special Education
This seven minute video outlines what supports and accommodations a school must offer a student to ensure online educational materials are accessible for all.
- 1.4 Secretary DeVos Reiterates Learning Must Continue for All Students, Declines to Seek Congressional Waivers to FAPE, LRE Requirements of IDEA
Updated guidance during this time of school closures, updated on April 27th.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos reaffirmed her long-held position that individualized education must take place for all students, including students with disabilities.
- State Legal Guidance2.1) Conducting Parent Friendly and Productive Virtual IEP Meetings
Information guiding families and school professionals on best practices for virtual IEP meetings.
- 2.2) DPI's Update on School Closures
(Updated 3/20/2020) Official guidance from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to school districts regarding the continuity of learning amid the spread of COVID-19 and the closure of public and private schools.
- Milwaukee Public School Guidance:2.3 MPS Letter to Families (from 4.01)
Includes timelines of technology distribution etc., all assignments not graded
- Immediate Needs3.01) Where To Find Food, Housing Help And More In Wisconsin During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Are you in need of food? Do you need someone to pick up groceries? Are you looking for ways to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here’s a non-exhaustive list of resources across Wisconsin. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, you can search for services online at 211 Wisconsin, dial 211 on your phone, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
- 3.02) Free Internet from Spectrum
Spectrum internet is offering 60 days of free internet for families with children who need internet access to complete school assignments during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- 3.03) Free Meal Distribution for Milwaukee Public School students
From the event description: "We recognize that our schools provide healthy meals to many of our students, and we will be providing free meals beginning Monday, March 16 between 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Each distribution location will provide enrichment resources and materials to students in hard copy and online format. "
- 3.04) Free meals for students of the Madison Metropolitan School District
From their food & nutrition site: While schools are closed, Madison Metropolitan School District's Food & Nutrition program will be providing free meals to all children 18 and under. Families will be able to drive-thu or walk up to receive their grab & go meals. This service will begin Monday, March 16th. Children will receive a grab & go lunch plus breakfast for the next day. Meals are available to all children in our District, Monday thru Friday.
- 3.05) Free meal distribution for the Green Bay Area Public School District
Event description: "While the Green Bay Area Public School District is closed, parents will not have to worry about feeding their children if they need help putting food on the table. District officials say meals will be served at 12 elementary schools Monday through Friday at different times, and is only for pickup. Meals are not to be consumed on site."
- 3.06) Utilities are assured for residents in Wisconsin during the health emergency
Wisconsin's winter moratorium on gas and electric service disconnection has been extended until the crisis has passed.
- 3.07 Kenosha County food resources, hours and locations
- 3.08 Racine and Kenosha COVID19 Food Resources
- 3.09 USDA Rural Development COVID-19 Resources
Information on receiving services and navigating poverty in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Activities/At-Home Learning4.01) List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings
A fairly comprehensive list of online educational subscriptions offering free periods during school closures.
- 4.02) Scholastic Learn at Home Online Subscription (Free)
Scholastic is offering free access to "Learn at Home", which offers day-by-day projects and curriculum for weekly lessons for Pre-K through 9th grade.
- 4.03) ABC Mouse Subscription (Free)
ABC Mouse is offering 30 days of free access to their "early learning academy", offering activities and games to promote learning. They offer content for Pre-K through 8th grade.
- 4.04) BrainPOP Subscription (Free)
BrainPOP is offereing free access to schools and families impacted by school closures - with curriculum available for pre-K through 8th grade.
- 4.05) Physical Education Curriculum for At-Home
Free resources with over 30 planned physical ed lessons that parents can use with their child at home.
- 4.06) Ranger Rick Offering Free Access
"With schools, offices, and other public spaces closing across the country, we want to help you stay entertained and engaged in the natural world. So we are making our website free to all visitors through the end of June. "
- 4.07) 450 Ivy League Courses Available Online for Free
A resource for older students - offereing free courses in the following areas: Computer Science, Data Science, Programming, Humanities, Business, Art & Design, Science, Social Sciences, Health & Medicine, Engineering, Mathematics, and Education & Teaching.
- 4.08) Twelve Virtual Museum Tours You Can Take on Your Couch
Google Arts & Culture teamed up with 2500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world.
- 4.09) NASA's Library is Available Free Online
NASA has made their entire collection of images, sounds, and video available and publicly searchable online. It’s 140,000 photos and other resources available for you to see, or even download and use it any way you like.
- 4.10 TED Ed
TED Talks designed for young learners and classroom instruction. More free content has been made available for children at home during school closures.
- 4.11 Parent's Guide to Google Classroom
Easy step-by-step instructions on understanding Google Classroom.
- 4.12 Audible Children's books Free During School Shutdown
Free audiobooks available for a variety of ages.
- 4.13 12 Websites for Children with Learning Disabilities
A list of some of the top learning websites for children with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and visual motor deficit.
- 4.14 National Center for Families Learning Out-of-School Time Resources
A collection of free at-home learning resources and activities for children and families. Camp Wonderopolis and 30 Days of Families Learning Together are two specific resources in the collection that are worth your time.
- 4.15 Read Think Write
A collection of at-home learning activities for parents and teachers, organized by age group and topic. Heavily focused on literacy.
- 4.16 Family Time Machine
Loaded with inspiring ideas and activities to help families make the most of their time together.
- 4.17 Learn to Earn Toolkit
The Learn to Earn toolkit is a free online resource for intermediate and advanced adult learners of english and basic skills. This website has useful information to young folks exploring their options for after high school.
- 4.18 At-Home Activity Packs
Resources from Curriculum Associates with "at-home activity packets" for mathematics and reading for kindergarten to 8th grade.
- 4.19 Teacher Vision Free Subscription
TeacherVision has downloadable prepared lessons and is offering a free subscription during this time of school closures. Instructions on how to make an account and access content are in the article linked.
- 4.20 Tar Heel Reader
The Tar Heel Reader is a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed using multiple interfaces, including touch screens, the IntelliKeys with custom overlays, and 1 to 3 switches.
- 4.21 PBS Wisconsin Education
A collection of activities from PBS designed for At-Home Learning.
- 4.22 Wide Open School
A free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense. For families and Educators (like a pinterest for educational sites and ideas).
- 4.23 Art Activities at Home
A long list of art activities organized by categories & age groups.
- 4.24 Bright by Text
Free tips and learning games with Bright By Text, a free, localized tool for parents and caregivers of children under 8.
- Staying Safe during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency5.01) Supporting Kids During the COVID-19 Crisis
Tips from the Child Mind Institute’s clinicians to help calm fears, manage stress and keep the peace for you and the kids you're nuturing during the crisis.
- 5.02) Explaining COVID-19 in Plain Language
A resource made by people with intellectual disabilities for people with intellectual disabilities to understand what COVID-19 is and how to keep yourself and others safe.
- 5.03) How to Talk to Kids About COVID-19
Making sense of COVID-19 can be overwhelming and stressful, not only for adults but also for children. Avoiding the difficult conversation about COVID-19 can lead to unnecessary fear and it’s important for an adult to help children process the information they are seeing or hearing.
- 5.04) Advice for Multigenerational Families and Older Caregivers
People over the age of 60 and those with compromised immune systems are among the highest-risk populations COVID-19 is impacting. While grandparents are being advised to isolate themselves physically from grandchildren, it is nearly impossible for older caregivers to distance themselves from the children they are raising. This fact sheet offers suggestions on how to stay healthy, informed and connected.
- 5.05) “How I’m Navigating Coronavirus Fear with My Anxious Child”
An article from additudemag.com that is relevant to anyone looking for advice on parenting an anxious child through the COVID-19 public health emergency.
- 5.06) Coronavirus Anxiety: 10 Expert Coping Strategies
This article from additudemag.com offers coping mechanisms that could be useful for a child with ADHD or any disposition toward anxiety.
- 5.07) Coronavirus Social Story
A social story about the coronavirus explaining to children what COVID-19 is and how to stay safe and healthy.
- 5.08 Childmind Daily Tips
A daily newsletter with advice on weathering the COVID-19 public health emergency with your young one.
- 5.09 Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019
This resource provides information for parents and caregivers about infectious disease outbreaks in your community. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce stress and help calm likely anxieties. This resource will help parents and caregivers think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect their family— both physically and emotionally—and what they can do to help their family cope.
- 5.10 Supporting Individuals with Autism during uncertain times
An extensive packet with advice on helping children with ASD cope with feelings of uncertainty during this time.
- 5.11 DPI and SSPW: A Focus on Mental Health and Wellness During School Closures
These are mental health resources organized in these four areas: General Mental Health and Wellness; Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellness; Parent, Caregiver, and Educator Mental Health and Wellness; and Positive Parenting and Safe Home Environments.
Early Childhood & Birth to 3
- Early Development1: Developmental Milestones
A webpage from the CDC detailing the usual developmental milestones. Knowing when these milestones commonly happen, and the order of which, can help a parent feel empowered in understanding their child's development. - 3: Early Childhood Special Education - from DPI
Introductory information from the Department of Public Instruction on the responsibilities of a school district with accomodating young children with disabilities - BIRTH TO THREE: 4: Birth to 3 Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Early Intervention program - offering services and resources for young children with disabilities. This page has information about program eligibility, payment for services, your rights in Birth to 3, and more. - 5: Interagency Coordinating Council for Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program
The mission of the ICC is to advise, review, analyze, and monitor the implementation of the state's early intervention system, maintain a forum for communication relative to early intervention and make recommendations to DHS regarding the effective implementation of the early intervention system.
Members include parents of children with developmental disabilities or delays. - 6: Well Badger Resource Center
a helpline for Wisconsin First Step. This helpline has staff able to answer questions about Birth to 3. - Childcare7: ADA & Child Care
The U.S. Department of Justice answers Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act. - Transition to Kindergarten8: Countdown to Kindergarten for the Child with Special Needs: An Info Guide for Parent & Primary Caregivers
A helpful info guide from Shasta County, California, reviewing ways to communicate with teachers & kindergarten competencies
Education
- *1: Overview of Special Education: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Information for families, students, and educators - DPI is a state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. "Our goal is to ensure every child graduates ready for further education and the workplace." - Special Education Evaluation*2: Special Education Eligibility Worksheets & Guides
This webpage hosts the eligibility criteria worksheets for each disability areas designed by DPI. When school districts use eligibility criteria worksheets, the IEP team documentation of eligibility criteria more likely adequately addresses all of the required elements and results in fewer cases of inappropriate identification. - *3: Determining Whether a Child is Eligible for Special Education Services
An article from LDA America breaking down eligibility in plain language and easy to understand action steps for parents working through special education eligibility. - IEP: *4: College & Career Ready IEPs - Learning Resources
Information for families, students, and educators - DPI is a state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. "Our goal is to ensure every child graduates ready for further education and the workplace." - IEP Mediation and Facilitation: *6: WI Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
From the WSPEI website: "WSPEI is all about partnerships. Our goal is to help families and school districts find or create the resources that will help them build positive working relationships that lead to shared decision making and better outcomes for the student. We support the increased sharing of information among families, schools, projects, organizations, and agencies through networking meetings, conferences, person-to-person contact, and media." - *7: The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
CADRE's major emphasis is on encouraging the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between parents and schools about children's educational programs and support services. CADRE supports parents, educators, administrators, attorneys and advocates to benefit from the full continuum of dispute resolution options that can prevent and resolve conflict and ultimately lead to informed partnerships that focus on results for children and youth. - *8: Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System
WSEMS helps parents and schools work together to resolve disputes about special education through providing neutral mediators to IEP teams to facilitate helpful, productive IEP meetings. - 12: FAQ with the Office of Civil Rights
A document made in 2009 to clarify the requirements of Section 504 in the area of public elementary and secondary education - 13: The Inclusive Classroom as the Best placement
A thoughtco article detailing how inclusive classrooms can be beneficial as well as factors that seem to be very beneficial in determining that success - 14: Guiding Questions to Navigate Your Journey to Inclusion
An article for parents & educators listing considerations to guide conversations about inclusivity. - Bullying: 15: PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center
Resources from another Parent Training Center for parents and youth to better understand and address bullying. - 16: StopBullying.gov
An article for parents of children with special needs providing more information on what bullying looks like and what parents can do to support their child - Charter/Private School: 17: Know Your Rights: Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools
A document designed to help parents, students, and the charter school community better understand the rights of students with disabilities under Federal disability-related laws - 18: Equitable Services Requirement: Special Education for Parentally Placed Private School Students
Information on the rights of a student to receive services through IDEA in a private school
Transition to Adulthood
- Preparing for transition with the IEP team: *1: Transition Goals in the IEP
A resource from the Center for Parent Information & Resources that breaks down what transition goals in the IEP look like, when they should be written, etc. - *2: 10 Ways to Involve Young Adults in their IEP Meetings
An article from Pathway2Success with tips on helping young adults get involved with their IEP meeting. For a youth, getting involved in their IEP meeting is a great step toward self-determination and future independence. - *3: Whose Life is It Anyway? How One Teenager, Her Parents, and Her Teacher View the Transition Process for a Young Person with Disabilities
A book detailing the transition process for students with disabilities and their families to get a sense of what successful transition can look like. - *4: People Make It Happen
A booklet describing the roles of IEP team members in a young person's transition, with suggestions for how different members of transition teams may participate in the transition process - Employment: *5: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Vocational Rehabilitation Agency helps persons with cognitive, sensory, physical, or emotional disabilities find employment and achieve independence. Due to waitlists, it is best to explore options with DVR before your child is 18. - *6: OneStop: Access for All in the Workforce Development
A site from the National Center on Workforce and Disability, under Access for All in the Workforce Development that offers information on topics for people with disabilities obtaining employment in the workforce - *7: Youth Rules! From the US Department of Labor
A website focused on teaching legal rules and rights for youth under 18 who are employed - Post-Secondary Education & Training: *8: Think College Learn:
An overview of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities in accessing college, with resources on how to make college a reality for people with intellectual disabilities. - *9: Accommodations on the ACT
information from ACT.com on how to request accomodations for the ACT - 10: Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
A collection of scholarships from AffordableColleges.com, organized by diferent eligibility requirements. - 11: College Prep for Students with Learning Disabilities
A Collection of articles from LD Online in different topics related to having a learning disability as a college students and ways to support college students with learning disabilities. - 12: Supports for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Information on college programs, funding, and other key resources to ensure success for a student with DD or ID to access college. Has an interactive map with a list of some of the programs available in Wisconsin. - Getting Ready for the Age of Majority: 13: Person-centered Planning
Person-centered planning is a process-oriented approach to empowering people with disabilities - developing a "toolbox" of methods & resources that enable people with disabilities to choose their own pathways. This resource provides more information on what person-centered planning is, and how it can be achieved. - 14: Self Determination/Guardianship
A webpage from Disability Rights Wisconsin outlining legal options after age 18 with relevant links to find more information - 15: Supported Decision-making
Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship that allows a person with disabilities to have more control and autonomy over their life - 16: Guardianship Support Center
Wisconsin-specific information and assistance on issues related to adult guardianship.
Community Life
- Independent Living: *1: Wisconsin Independent Living Network
The Wisconsin Independent Living Wisconsin is a statewide network that provides resources to help people with disabilities live independently. - *3: Aging and Disability Resource Centers Consumer Page
Links to more information on what services are provided through ADRC for adults with disabilities - *5: Programs for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities - DHS
Links to more detailed information on the Family Care and IRIS programs available for adults with disabilities - *6: Independence First
IndependenceFirst is Metro Milwaukee's FIRST resource when people have questions regarding access and disability. "We offer over 20 Programs & Services for people with disabilities of all kinds, in all age groups and provide programs on disability awareness and access to the general community. Over 50% of our staff, managers and Board have disabilities themselves and this peer approach leads to excellent outcomes." - *7: Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities: Recreation for People with Disabilities
Milwaukee County sponsors recreational activities designed for people with disabilities throughout the county. - Transportation: *9: Equal Access to Transportation (from Transportation.gov)
Information on access to transportation policies in terms of ADA laws and regulations - 11: Non-emergency Medical Transportation
As the state of Wisconsin’s non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) manager, MTM, Inc. arranges transportation for eligible Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members throughout the state to their covered preventative and life-sustaining medical appointments. - Adaptive And Accessible Living12: Disability Rights WI: Housing
Information on funds and resource programs for homepurchases, owner-occupied rehabilitation and improvements from Disability Rights Wisconsin - 13: Access Mainstreet
The ACCESS Main Street Website presents resources, information, tools, products, examples and strategies for the universal design of communities and for the inclusion of all members of the community, gathered from a host of sources: employers and restaurants, businesses and schools, builders and service providers, media and informational technology consumers, employees and shoppers and every other member of the community interested in community accessibility. - 14: ADA Resource Page
Updated ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines
Information About Specific Disabilities
- Autism*1: Autism Society of America
"The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates." - *2: Autism Society of Wisconsin (ASW)
"The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin exists to provide a community for individuals affected by autism, their families, and professionals who serve them" - ADD/ADHD*4: Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD is a national organization that prioritizes information, support, and advocacy for children and adults with ADHD - *5: ADDitude
An online publication focused on topics in ADHD in all ages, offering research-based information to help parents support their children with ADHD. - Blindness*6: National Association of Blind Students
The National Association of Blind Students provides support, information, and encouragement to blind college and university students. - *7: Family Connect
A site for parents of children with visual impairments with resources on parenting, assistive tech, and more - *8: National Library for the Blind
NLS is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. Through a national network of cooperating libraries, NLS offers books the way you want them: in braille or audio, mailed to your door for free or instantly downloadable. - *9: American Foundation for the Blind
AFB advocates for better policies that promote accessibility, equality, and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired. - 10: Hear Wisconsin
Hear Wisconsin is a nonprofit that helps infants, children, and adults with hearing loss by eliminating communication and language barriers through personalized services, technology, and education. - Learning Disability: 11: National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities - 12: Learning Disabilities Association of America
LDA visualizes a world in which learning disabilities are universally understood, so all individuals are accepted, supported and empowered to live a self-determined life. LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education and advocacy. - 13: Learning Disabilities Association of Wisconsin
LDA-Wisconsin provides resources (online and in-person), education, and referrals to additional assistance in order to support to children and adults with learning disabilities - Down Syndrome14: National Down Syndrome Society
The National Down Syndrome Society is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. - 15: Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW)
The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin's mission is to provide support to Wisconsin families and individuals with Down syndrome through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences. - 16: Developmental Delay Resources
DDR is dedicated to meeting the needs of children with developmental delays in sensory, motor, language, social, and emotional areas. DDR strives to integrate conventional and holistic approaches for parents and professionals who support children with special needs. - 17: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system. The Board’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. - Cerebral Palsy18: United Cerebral Palsy
UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living, and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. - 19: Cerebral Palsy Group
Cerebral Palsy Group is a national organization that was created so that it may serve the individuals and families who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. "We are here to provide information and support so that we may help provide resources and education to those affected by CP." - Other: 20: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
PWSA (USA) was organized in 1975 to provide support for individuals, families, professionals and organizations and to be a resource for education and information about Prader-Willi syndrome. - 21: Spina Bifida Association of America (SBAA)
"Fueled by dedicated health care providers, parents, adults, caregivers, and others, we are committed to helping people live longer, healthier lives through research, advocacy, education, support" - 22: Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA)
"We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field." - 23: Hydrocephalus Association
The Hydrocephalus Association serves as the primary nexus for research on hydrocephalus, a condition defined by an abnormal, excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the cavities of the brain - 24: Epilepsy Foundation of America
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with over 50 local organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968. "We are an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. We work to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community services, public education, federal and local advocacy, and supporting research into new treatments and therapies." - 25: Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin
A state-wide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by brain injury, offering Information & Resources, Education, Advocacy, Prevention, and Support Services - 26: National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)
NOFAS works to prevent prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and other substances known to harm fetal development by raising awareness and supporting women before and during their pregnancy, and supports individuals, families, and communities living with fetal alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) and other preventable intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Parent & Family Support
- 10: Serving on Groups that Make Decisions
Serving on Groups That Make Decisions: A Guide for Families is a tool developed by WI FACETS and partners in response to feedback from parents who were looking for the tools to gain more confidence in participating in IEP meetings, parent teacher organizations, and more. The result is a guide that focuses on developing specific skill sets using research-based strategies while being broadly applicable to a diverse audience for a more effective and robust decision-making group. Serving on Groups applies to all decision-making groups, not just in education or specifically to one state. Serving on Groups is a guidebook as well as a training available in online modules, webinars, and in person.
- 1: TASH
TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates. The inclusive practices TASH validates through research have been shown to improve outcomes for all people. - 3: Family Voices of WI
Family Voices is a national family-led organization of families and friends of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and disabilities. "We connect a network of family organizations across the United States that provide support to families of CYSHCN. We promote partnership with families at all levels of health care–individual and policy decision-making levels—in order to improve health care services and policies for children." - Parent Support Organizations: 4: Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones
ALAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the independence of families of children and youth with diverse abilities in Milwaukee by providing educational workshops, parent support groups, family events, community building activities, and service referrals amongts other services and supports. - 6: Wisconsin Families Ties
Wisconsin Family Ties (WFT) is the only statewide, parent-run organization in Wisconsin working with families that include children with social, emotional or behavioral challenges. "We walk beside families to provide emotional support while helping to navigate the complex service and treatment systems with which they are involved." - Respite7: ABCs of Respite: A consumer Guide for Family Caregivers
A resource from Arch, the National Respite Network & Resource Center, providing some guidance to understanding what respite is & how to access respite services - 8: Respite Care Association of Wisconsin
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin manages a statewide “Caring Network” of trained respite care providers who will have the required skills to provide in-home respite care for individuals with a variety of disabilities, including highly challenging behaviors, and basic medical and personal care needs. - 9: Easterseals Wisconsin
Easter Seals Wisconsin provides a variety of programs for people with disabilities including vocational rehavilitation, respite services, camping & recreation, information & referral, and public education. Services are designed to help people with disabilities live independently, become self-sufficient and enjoy life more fully.
Medical Information
Mental Health
- 1: NAMI
NAMI Wisconsin is a state organization of NAMI. The mission of NAMI Wisconsin is to improve the quality of life of people affected by mental illness and to promote recovery. NAMI Wisconsin will accomplish its mission through promoting public education and understanding of mental illnesses; advocating at all levels of government and throughout the public sector to improve mental health care in Wisconsin; supporting affiliates by providing follow-up advice and counsel; educational and training programs and materials; access to financial resources as appropriate; and by offering conferences, seminars, and presentations; and establishing and strengthen local affiliates to keep with NAMI’s principles and guidelines. - 2: Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. "Our teams work every day to deliver the highest standards of care, advance the science of the developing brain and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to support children when and where they need it most."
Advocacy
- National1: Autcom (Autism National Committee)
AUTCOM is an autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision - 2: The Arc National
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. - Local: 3: The Arc Wisconsin
The Arc Wisconsin works to develop programs and advocate for public policy giving people with I/DD the opportunity to learn, live, and work inclusively in their communities. - 4: Disability Rights WI
Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise. "We regularly challenge systems and society to create positive change and improve the lives of people with disabilities." - 5: Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WBPDD)
The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities was established to advocate on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, foster welcoming and inclusive communities, and improve the disability service system. The Board’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities become independent, productive, and included in all facets of community life. - 6: KidsForward.net
Kids Forward aspires to make Wisconsin a place where every child thrives by advocating for effective, long-lasting solutions that break down barriers to success for children and families. Using a research and a community-informed approach, Kids Forward works to help every kid, every family, and every community.
Assistive Technology
- Understanding Assistive Tech: 1: ADA regulations: Auxiliary aids & services
Information taken from ADA Title III on what is defined as an auxiliary aid and service for public accomodation - 2: National Disability Navigator: Guide to Auxiliary Aids & Services
A collection of resources to help finance assistive technology in the United States. - Accessing Assistive Tech: 3: International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet: Financial Aid Resources for Purchasing Assistive Technology
A collection of resources to help finance assistive technology in the United States. - 4: AEM Explorer
The AEM Explorer is designed to be used by a reader working collaboratively with an educator, tutor, parent, or assistive technology specialist as a guide. The AEM Explorer is a free simulation that combines grade-leveled digital text with access features common to most text readers and other supported reading software. Magnification, custom text and background colors, text-to-speech (synthetic and human), text highlighting, and layout options are presented in a logical sequence to help struggling readers decide which of these supports might help them to access and understand text.
- 6: Microsoft Accessibility
Information from Microsoft on accessibility functions on Microsoft products - 7: Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative
It is the mission of the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry to help ensure that the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities. - 8: LD Online: Auxiliary Aids and Services
A resource page with links to additional information on finding and accessing assistive technology