Children's Resource Center-South

Resources for children with special health needs and the families who care for them

Don’t worry about calming the storm. Calm yourself; the storm will pass. -source unknown

Featured Resources and Events

Fall 2025 Transition Talks Tuesdays  Nov 25 — How does Wisconsin’s Juvenile Justice System Support Youth Moving into Adulthood? All sessions will be at noon. More dates and topics are on the webpage and registration is open! Flyer TTT Fall 2025 Sep 23  What’s After High School? (Recording and Resources); Sep 30 — How do the Wisconsin Technical Colleges Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families? (Recording and Resources);  Oct 7 Supporting Students with Disabilities in Transition to Adulthood (WI FACETS) (Recording and Resources) Oct 14 — How does the Youth Health Transition Initiative Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families? (Recording and Resources) Oct 28: How does the Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families? (Recording and Resources) Nov 18: How does the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families? (Recording and Resources)

Transition Care Mapping (inperson) 6:00-7:00pm Dec 3 Hedberg Public Library in Janesville (Friends Community Room) A Care Map is a visual way to show all the people and services involved in caring for and supporting your child. In this session, family members and self-advocates can visually map out their current people, services, and supports and then ask themselves what is going to change at age 18 or after high school and consider steps they need to take to ensure a successful transition.

Moms of Children with Complex Medical Needs (in-Person) 6:00 – 8:00pm every third Thursday of each month, 12/18, ; No registration is needed! You may drop in at anytime and stay for as long as you are able at GlouGlou Wine Bar, 11 N. Allen St., Madison WI 53726 – Connect in-person with other moms on a similar journey (All mothers, grandmothers, and other female caregivers of children are welcome) from Connecting Families Network

Living with Grief 12/18 6:00pm (Holiday Grief) All sessions will be held via Zoom. Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/LivingWithGriefGroup Drop in for just one session, or attend as many as you’d like! All are welcome. Grief is not only experienced when a person passes away. Grief accompanies all types of loss. Join us for this four-part series on grief for parents and other family caregivers of children with disabilities, medical complexity, and other special health care needs. From Connecting Families Network. Living with Grief_Flyer

Statewide Transition Table Talks 7:00-8:00pm Second Tuesdays & Noon on the 3rd Wednesdays 12/9 & 12/17–Holiday Harmony; a casual, low-pressure Zoom Chat where parents and caregivers can connect, shared what’s working, exchange ideas, ask questions, and support each other through the ups and downs of raising kids. No experts, no lectures-just families helping families.

Upcoming Events as of Nov 21

Proposals Deadline for 2026 Annual Conference is Nov 21st! from Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin April 23-25, 2026 at the Kalahari

Fall 2025 Transition Talks Tuesdays All sessions will be at noon. Registration is open! Nov 25 — How does Wisconsin’s Juvenile Justice System Support Youth Moving into Adulthood? More information on the webpage and  Flyer TTT Fall 2025 Recordings and Resources from previous sessions are available.

2025 Gillette Children’s Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative ECHO Series (online) 12:15-1:15pm  12/1 Putting the good in goodbye during HCT; 1/26/26 Addressing Ableism and Health Equity during HCT; 3/23/26 Preventive care for adolescents/young adults (AYA) during HCT

In-person Transition Planning Workshop for Dodgeville area students and families Dec 1, 6:00-7:30pm Dodgeville High School Commons, Meal and Presentation included but you have to register before November 21. Transition Planning Workshop

Rural Resilience Virtual Group 12:00pm-1:00pm Dec 3 from Connecting Families Flyer has more information

Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans for Students with IEPs (Spanish interpretation available) Dec 3, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Fun with Art (inperson) Dec 3, 3:30-5:00pm  Fun with Art is a sensory friendly workshop for adults with IDD that meets once a month to work on a variety of art projects that will engage the senses and creativity. Support workers MUST attend and actively support participants throughout the activity. There is a fee. From Community Outreach Wisconsin

Transition Care Mapping (inperson) 6:00-7:00pm Dec 3 Hedberg Public Library in Janesville (Friends Community Room) A Care Map is a visual way to show all the people and services involved in caring for and supporting your child. In this session, family members and self-advocates can visually map out their current people, services, and supports and then ask themselves what is going to change at age 18 or after high school and consider steps they need to take to ensure a successful transition.

Partnering with Schools on Behavior and Discipline for Students with IEPs (virtual) Dec 4, 9:00am-11:00am This workshop will help participants understand how all policies apply to all children, including those with disabilities; build awareness of IDEA protections for students with disabilities in regard to discipline; and understand dispute resolution options in Wisconsin. From the WSPEI project

Eating Disorders and Autism: Understanding the Overlap and Supporting Recovery (online) Dec 4, 9:00am-12:00pm from Autism Society of Minnesota There is a fee involved.

Family Led Grand Rounds (virtual) 12:00pm-1:00pm  Dec 4. Registration Jan 16 recording; Mar 13 recording; May 29 recording; Sep 25 recording

AT to support executive function in early childhood (online) Dec 4, 12-1pm from PACER Center

South Central Sibshop Dec 6, 1:00-4:00pm Madison Public Library-Central Story Explorers (Sibshops are for kids ages 6-12 who have a sibling with a disability.) There is a fee.

Addressing Youth Vaping and Best Practice Solutions (virtual) Dec 8, 9:00am-11:00am from Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center

An Introduction to the Children’s Long-Term Support Program (virtual) Dec 8, 5:00-6:00pm This session offers an introduction to Wisconsin’s Children’s Long Term Support (CLTS) Program. It has ideas to prepare your family to get the most out of this valuable program. Family Voices of Wisconsin in partnership with Children’s Resource Center-South. Introduction to CLTS Dec 8 2025

IEP 10: Parent Rights (Pre-recorded) Dec 9, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

AI Guidance and Special Education Dec 10, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Statewide Transition Table Talks 7:00-8:00pm Second Tuesdays & Noon on the 3rd Wednesdays 12/9 & 12/17–Holiday Harmony; a casual, low-pressure Zoom Chat where parents and caregivers can connect, shared what’s working, exchange ideas, ask questions, and support each other through the ups and downs of raising kids. No experts, no lectures-just families helping families.

Bridging Language Gaps: Effective Support for Non-English Speaking Families (online) Dec 10, 11:00am-12:00pm from Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition

An Introduction to the Children’s Long-Term Support Program (virtual) Dec 10, 5:30-6:30pm from Family Voices of Wisconsin in partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse Madison

LOV Inc. Night: Holiday Lego Party (In-Person) Dec 10th 6:30-8:30pm at the Wil-Mar Center Madison WI; LOV Inc. Nights are monthly social events for individuals with disabilities (ages 16 or older) to connect with their peers, participate in activities, and enjoy great company. Click here to register now!

Family Support Community (virtual) 7:00-8:00pm 12/10; 1/14; 2/11; 3/11; 4/8; 5/13 A monthly learning opportunity designed for families and other caregivers supporting a child(ren) with a disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities and mutual support. From the WSPEI project

Teaching Neurodivergent Kids, Teens and Adults About Consent (in-person) Dec. 11 9:00am-11:00am held at UW South Madison Partnership center in the Villager Mall at 2238 South Park Street. There is a fee. You must register before December 10. From Community Outreach Wisconsin

Introduction to ABLEnow (Webinar) Dec 11, 9:00am-10:00am More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life – that’s the future ABLEnow is building. Join us for a free information session to discover the advantages of ABLE accounts and the national ABLEnow program. from ABLEnow

From School to Adulthood: Collaborative Strategies for Successful Transitions (online) Dec 11, 12:00-1:00pm from Family Support Research & Training Center

Care Coordinators Collaborative (online) Dec 11, 12:00-12:45pm hear from Sarah Arndt with Migraine at School sponsored by Wisconsin Medical Home

¿Qué es la mediación en educación especial? (Spanish) Dec 11, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Family Support Community (virtual) 12:00-1:00pm 12/11; 1/15; 2/12; 3/12; 4/9; 5/14 A monthly learning opportunity designed for families and other caregivers supporting a child(ren) with a disability. Our supportive community meetings provide valuable learning opportunities and mutual support. From the WSPEI project

From Intention to Impact: Implementing the Adult Ally Toolkit (De la intención al impacto: Implementación del kit de herramientas para aliados adultos) Dec 15, 1:00-2:00pm from RAISE Se ofrecerá interpretación al español y ASL (lenguaje de señas americano)

IEP 11: Resources (Pre-recorded) Dec 16, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Speak Up! Finding Your Voice (virtual) Dec 17, 11:00am-12:00pm Last Wednesday from Family Voices of Wisconsin

Self-Empowering Students: A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Directed IEPs Dec 17, 12:00pm  from WI FACETS

What’s After High School? Focus on Employment (virtual) Dec 17, 5:00-6:00pm from Family Voices of Wisconsin in partnership with TMG

Moms of Children with Complex Medical Needs (in-Person) 6:00 – 8:00pm every third Thursday of each month, 12/18, ; No registration is needed! You may drop in at anytime and stay for as long as you are able at GlouGlou Wine Bar, 11 N. Allen St., Madison WI 53726 – Connect in-person with other moms on a similar journey (All mothers, grandmothers, and other female caregivers of children are welcome) from Connecting Families Network

Living with Grief 12/18 6:00pm (Holiday Grief) All sessions will be held via Zoom. Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/LivingWithGriefGroup Drop in for just one session, or attend as many as you’d like! All are welcome. Grief is not only experienced when a person passes away. Grief accompanies all types of loss. Join us for this four-part series on grief for parents and other family caregivers of children with disabilities, medical complexity, and other special health care needs. From Connecting Families Network. Living with Grief_Flyer

Proposals due for the Family Voices Leadership Virtual Conference Dec 19, conference is being held April 13-16, 2026

Become a Youth Mental Health “First Aider” Join WISH January 22 for free online training!

Proposals due on Jan 5, 2026 for the NAMI Wisconsin Conference being held April 10-11 at Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Diagnosing & Treating Autism & ADHD: Scientific Advancement and Best Practices (online) Jan 14-15, 2026 through UW-Green Bay Behavioral Health Training Partnership There is a fee involved

Finding Children with Disabilities: What School Districts, Families, and Agencies Need to Know (virtual) Jan 20 6:00-8:00pm OR Jan 21 11:00am-1:00pm This workshop will help participants understand the responsibility of school districts to locate, identify, and evaluate all children suspected of having a disability under IDEA and the Child Find Law. And define the rights of families if they believe their child may have a disability requiring special education services. From the WSPEI project.

Family, Youth & Community Engagement (virtual) 4:00-5:30pm  1/21; 2/18; 3/18; 4/16 The Family , Youth & Community Engagement Network is for educators, families, caregivers, and others who want to see improvement in family engagement across the state of Wisconsin. Learn from each other and experts in the field. Come join us! From the WSPEI project

Quarterly Convening WI School Mental Health(virtual) 2:30-4:00pm Jan 26: Family Foundations; May 18: Crisis, Care & Connection

Save the Date NAMI Wisconsin Conference being held April 10-11, 2026

Save the Date Family Voices Leadership Conference (virtual) April 13-16, 2026

Save the Date Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin April 23-25, 2026 at the Kalahari

Save the Date Crisis Prevention Summit Apr 23 Alliant Energy Center (Madison)

Save the Date Circles of Life Conference May 14-16, Stevens Point

Save the Date Institute on Theology and Disability June 15-17, 2026 (probably Twin Cities)

Other information as of Nov 24

A new article has been added to the Wisconsin School Nurse Updates file on the Wisconsin School Nurses page

Health Transition Learning Community Previous recordings and slides: 2/27/25 — Transition Support Tools and Practices for those with Complex Medical Needs; 4/24/25 — Insuring Improved Health Care Transition for Wisconsin’s Survivors of Congenital Health Disease (HEART-WISE); 9/25/25 — Health Integration with Special Olympics Wisconsin; 11/20/25 — Healthcare Transition for Pediatric Patients with Diabetes: Getting READDY at School — JUST ADDED!

Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges 2025 Episode 3: A Mother’s Perseverance Against All Odds (recording)

Dane County Community on Transition has built a Transition Resource Map to help people know about and find resources.

Lucille Packard Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Newsletter

• Playbook for Engaging, Supporting, and Sustaining Caregivers and Advocates
• Resources and Provider Training to Strengthen the Respite Care Workforce
• Tribute to Disability Rights Leader Alice Wong
• Final FLAG Rounds Focus on Dismissal and Devaluing Families’ Voices
• Patient Safety in Transition from Pediatric to Adult-Centered Care
• New Article Analyzes Translation of Patient Discharge Instructions
• New Report on Gaps in School-based Mental Health Services for CYSHCN

RAISEing up Resource Newsletter

• Adult Ally Podcasts
• Independent Futures that Work College Ready, Here We Come!
• MPACT Resource Mapping & Flow of Services – A Recipe for Regional Transition Network Success

Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research Newsletter

• S.T.A.Y. Podcast — Overcoming Systemic Barriers in Mental Health and Education with Ty Smith
• New Resource: Civic Advocacy Workshop Series Facilitator Manual Available Upon Request

HEART Consulting Newsletter

• Want to be a part of reducing stigma around neurodiversity and sexuality? Be a part of an interview
• Know Your Rights: Title IX — schools, Title IX, disabilities, rights, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex discrimination, neurodiversity
• Caregiver Training

Exceptional Lives — Early Childhood: Support for Your Youngest Learner English and Espanol

• What are Early Intervention Services? Can they help my child?
• Early Childhood FAQ: Why does my child need a special education evaluation?
• Many parents wonder what their childcare provider’s role is in helping support their child’s development

Mental Health America developed our Rural Mental Health Resource Center

Disability Rights Wisconsin needs your opinion! Disability Rights Wisconsin is asking people to tell us what they think of the proposed Protection & Advocacy priorities for 2026.  We are hoping to hear from as many people as possible by November 24^th!

• We need your help to achieve our goal of hearing from people with lived experience from all over Wisconsin!
• Please share this information with your personal and professional contacts.

Where can I view the priorities?  Click on the link below or view the accessible attachment. Public Comment: Protection and Advocacy Goals and Priorities for 2026 – Disability Rights Wisconsin
Here are three ways to share your comments-Due by Monday, November 24^th:

 You can comment on this plan by email, mail, or call us for accommodations:

1. Email:  To comment by email, contact Melanie Cairns at melanie.cairns@drwi.org with “P&A Goals and Priorities” in the subject line.

      2. Mail

To comment by regular U.S. Mail, address comments to:

Disability Rights Wisconsin
ATTN: Melanie Cairns
1502 West Broadway, Suite 201
Madison, WI 53713

1. 3. Need accommodations to comment?  If you need accommodations to comment, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin at 800-928-8778 to arrange any accommodation you may need.

Research Opportunity – Autistic Family Engagement: A new study called Autistic Family Engagement in ECE: Explorations Using Educational Journey Mapping is recruiting participants. The study is about the school experiences of Autistic adults and how these experiences inform the ways they engage with their child’s early childhood education. Research activities include creating an educational journey map (an arts-based diagram) and a 90-minute follow-up interview. Eligible participants must identify as Autistic (self-diagnosed or medically-diagnosed), have at least one child between the ages of birth and 8 years old, and reside in the Midwest. If you are interested in participating, or would like additional information, please email Christina Ihnen at ihnen@wisc.edu.

Other information as of Nov 17

The two Autism Affiliates in Wisconsin have Newsletters with great information! Greater Wisconsin, South Central Wisconsin

Are you a disabled parent, or a professional that serves disabled parents? The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities wants to hear from YOU! We are doing a survey to learn about the needs of disabled parents. Please answer a few questions about how we can best support disabled parents and professionals who serve them. https://brandeis.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5zGGLtaKiRUbOfk

Arts for All Wisconsin is holding their annual Creative Power Call for Art. All Wisconsin residents ages five and older who identify as having a disability are strongly encouraged to submit art. All Call for Art submissions are displayed in the Creative Power Showcase in the Madison Youth Arts Center. Judges award prizes to pieces from the showcase. Ten award-winning pieces join the Creative Power Collection, a traveling exhibition that tours Wisconsin. We honor all Call for Art submitters and award winners at the annual Creative Power Celebration on April 18, 2026. Learn more about this Call for Art, and how to submit, by visiting www.artsforallwi.org/creative-power

The Family As The Foundation: Empowering Caregivers in Autism (Atlanta Autism Consortium) recording

Registration is now open for the 2025 Gillette Children’s Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative ECHO Series by Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare | iECHO The Minnesota Health Care Transition Learning Collaborative (HCT LC) is a groundbreaking project aimed at advancing pediatric to adult health care transition for children and youth with special health needs. By attending the ECHO sessions, participants will examine evidence-informed pediatric to adult health care transition practices and case presentations and translate pediatric to adult health transition learning and peer-to-peer support to clinical practice. The series is open to anyone interested in transforming pediatric to adult health care transition. Meetings are 12/1; 2/26; 3/23 12:15-1:15pm

SPAN Youth Hub

• Honest Advice To Someone Who Wants to Learn a Language
• The UNC (University of North Carolina)’s blog post, “Learning Languages“, gives clear, research-based tips for learning a new language.
• Stronger Together: Finding Strength in Shared Journeys, featuring Growing Up Online
• Beyond the Beat: Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities, featuring Elevatus Training

WI Office of Children’s Mental Health Newsletter

• Helping Kids Craft a Healthy Relationship with Tech
• Youth Mental Wellness Champions Launched
• Social Connections – Focus for November: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023; Social Connection Awareness Week is November 9-15, 2025. The Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection offers many resources for Social Connection Awareness Week. See those here. 
• Gun Safe Storage Protects Children – OCMH’s Newest Data Bite
• Reducing Access to Lethal Means Can Save Lives
• Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Focus of OCMH Meeting – Recording Available
• Legislative & Policy Update: Wireless Devices at School. 2025 Act 42 (AB2); Sextortion. AB 201; Telehealth by Out-of-State Providers. SB 214; Speaker’s Task Force on Protecting Children. task force
• November Awareness Months: National Family Caregivers; Early Childhood Mental Health; Native American Heritage
• International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day Nov 22
• Support the Young People in Your Life

Nationwide Hospital Project ECHO Educational Programming 2026 Quarter 1 Series

• Professional Series: Feeding Foundations–Starts January 8
• Professionals Series: Behavioral Health in Primary Care Foundations — Starts Jan 13
• Professionals Series: Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Primary Care — Starts Jan 15
• Professionals Series: RUBI Integrated Care — Starts Jan 16
• Professionals Series: Pediatric Pain Continuity — Starts Feb 5

BUZZ from the Parent Center Hub 

• Holiday Overwhelm: Resources for Families and Providers
• Early Childhood: Could Assistive Technology Help Your Child?
• U.S. Department of Education Announces Release of Record $500 Million for Charter Schools Programs
• Resources for Your Teen, from 14 to 21 Years: Overview
• Supported Decision Making
• Cultivating Leadership: Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

Exceptional Lives: Early Childhood-Understanding Milestones and Next Steps

Our Clear Guide to Milestones and Delays

• View the Milestone Guide
• Ver la Guía de Hitos

Is my Child a Later Bloomer?

• Read the Blog Here
• Leer el blog aquí

Early Childhood FAQ: What if my baby is behind on milestones?

• Learn more information here
• Aprende más información aquí

The Small Talks campaign aims to prevent underage drinking by providing adults with the information and resources they need to connect with kids early and often on issues related to alcohol use.

Autism Society of Minnesota has put together an Autistic Self-Care Toolkit Toolkit

Division of Care and Treatment Services is seeking applications for funding to support recovery housing for adults 18-24 who have an opioid and/or stimulant use disorder. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. December 9, 2025.  View more information about this funding opportunity.

WISH (WI Safe and Healthy Schools) Newsletter

• Online Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
• Foundations in Substance Misuse Prevention Webinar Series from Great Lakes PTTC
• New Mental Health Resources
• Mental Health Literacy Online Professional Development

Disability Culture Spotlight

• Crip Wisdoms is available in print, digital, and an accessible Braille and tactile format from Clovernook Prints. All proceeds go to the Disability Visibility Project.
• Check out a new interview with Emily and Miso from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Things to Remember

• The transition from youth to adult services can be a big change. Your ADRC (aging and disability resource center) or Tribal ADRS (aging and disability resource specialist) is here to help make it easier for you and your family. This guide is a place to start. It has details about these topics: Getting Ready; Youth in Transition Timeline; ADRC, Tribal ADRS, and disability benefit specialist; Transition Partners; How to Make Legal Decisions; Health Care Transition; Social Security Benefits; Public Benefits; Jobs and Employment; Housing; Advocacy; Adult Long-Term Care Programs. View and download the guide at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p00413a.pdf
• The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW), launched a toll-free ADRC and Tribal Nations Partner Agency Locator Service on February 3. The toll-free phone number, 1-844-WIS-ADRC (1-844-947-2372), provides another way for residents to connect with their local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) or Tribal Nations partner agency.
  ADRCs provide Wisconsin residents with unbiased information related to aging or living with a disability. The ADRC’s goal is to connect residents with the right resources for their aging and disability needs. ADRCs are located in all 72 counties in Wisconsin. Most Tribal nations have dedicated Tribal aging and disability resource specialists (ADRS). Tribal ADRS help Tribal members get information in a way that is culturally responsive. They also help members access long-term care services. Tribal members have the option to work with the local ADRC or a Tribal ADRS where available
• Wisconsin Birth to 3 Program is committed to serving children under the age of 3 with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. We value your family’s primary relationship with your child and work in partnership with your family. We work to enhance your child’s development and support your family’s knowledge, skills, and abilities as you interact with and raise your child. Learn more at Wisconsin Wayfinder.
• Katie Beckett Medicaid provides access to Wisconsin Medicaid services for children with disabilities, mental illness, or complex medical needs. Katie Beckett helps some children whose parents have too high of an income for Medicaid, and those covered by private insurance, get a ForwardHealth Medicaid card so they can receive needed services and equipment that might not otherwise be covered. They will be connected with an eligibility specialist who will explain the Medicaid benefit and help the family decide if they want to pursue enrollment. Learn more at Wisconsin Wayfinder.
• Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center — If you, someone you care about, or someone you are working with needs help finding mental health and/or substance use services in Dane County. The BHRC phone line is available Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm at (608) 267-2244; Email the BHRC at BHRC@countyofdane.com