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

Transition Talks Tuesdays  Wisconsin Autism Transition Demonstration (WAuTD) is partnering with the School District of Janesville for the next Transition Talks Tuesdays (TTT)! TTT is series of virtual presentations highlighting different parts of the transition to adulthood journey. All talks will be 4:00-5:00pm, will be recorded and a resource sheet developed. Registration is now open! TTT is designed for educators, family members, school nurses, county workers, medical workers, social workers — anyone interacting with youth transitioning to becoming adults and who want to learn more about integrating the transition journey. Topics and dates (4:00-5:00pm): Feb 3 — Ready to Work: Finding and Keeping Integrated Employment; Feb 17 — Health Care Transition (health care changes too!); Mar 3 — What is the purpose of the Post-Secondary Transition Plan?; Mar 17 — Getting Help as an Adult: Aging and Disability Resource Centers; Apr 7 — Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program; Apr 14 — Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making (Process and Steps). Any questions — tmarkle@wisc.edu.

Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Congenital Hearth Defects (Free inperson or virtual) Feb 7, 9-11:15am Held at the Waisman Center or virtual DWECongenital Heart

Upcoming Events as of Feb 3

Recipe for Success: Cooking up a Great Transition Plan (virtual) Feb 3, 6:00-8:00pm Spanish Flyer recipe-for-success-february-2026

Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference 2026 (online) Feb 4, 9:00am-4:30pm

Social Security Disability Benefits: Everything You Need to Know (Spanish interpretation available) webinar Feb 4, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Recipe for Success: Cooking up a Great Transition Plan (virtual) Feb 5, 12:00-2:00pm Spanish Flyer recipe-for-success-february-2026

Finding My Place Among Different Decision-Making Groups (Part 2)(Spanish) webinar Feb 5, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Wellness apps for calm and healthy habits (virtual) Feb 5, 1:00-2:00pm from PACER Center

Families As Partners (virtual) Feb 5 & Feb 19 & Mar 5 & Mar 19, 5:30pm-8:30pm This series of four educational and leadership sessions for families is focused on building relationships with school staff and other supportive individuals in order to enhance student outcomes. Attending all four meetings is strongly encouraged. Families-as-Partners-spring-2026 Spanish Flyer (Families as Partners)

Thriving Together: A family’s guide to navigating disability services (virtual) 6:30-8:00pm this is from PACER’s Health Information Center and will be focused on Minnesota, but some of the information may be helpful. 2/5: Family stories of resilience; 2/12: Navigate health care systems with confidence; 2/19: Managing health needs in school; 2/26: Public insurance and county service; 3/5: Build belonging and advocacy.

The first Children’s Mental Health Network meeting of 2026 is next Friday, Feb. 6th (10 am-12 pm, virtual) Sign up to be included on the Children’s Mental Health Network distribution list here. By doing so they will receive notice of these quarterly meetings and the Zoom connection information.

Join Arts for All Wisconsin for our next Friday Night Dance Party on February 6 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Madison Youth Arts Center. This dance’s theme is Hearts and Happiness, so get ready for a night full of joy! Friday Night Dance Party is open to people 16 and older with and without disabilities. You can reserve or buy your tickets online ahead of time by visiting https://artsforallwi.org/fndp-tix . As usual, we will have a DJ who takes song requests, stellar mood lighting, and light refreshments to keep up your energy. We hope you’ll come and party with us!

Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Congenital Hearth Defects (Free inperson or virtual) Feb 7, 9-11:15am Held at the Waisman Center or virtual DWECongenital Heart

Empowering Black Parents to Build Healthy Communities and Connections (virtual) Feb 9, 2:00-3:00pm from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

IEP Checklist Webinar Feb 10, 12:00-12:30pm from WI FACETS

National Child Exploitation Prevention Programming (webinar) Feb 10, 12:00-1:00pm from Children’s Safety Network

Managing Threatening Conversations Feb 11, 9:00am-3:00pm in-person at UW South Madison Partnership (there is fee) from Community Outreach Wisconsin-Waisman Center

Complex Care at Home: Finding the Right Supports When it Matters Most (online) Feb 11, 11:00am from PPCC Firefly Chat

Bridging the Transition Abyss: Person-Centered Strategies for Holistic Planning Webinar Feb 11, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Clinicians Webinar – From Conflict to Collaboration: Making Parents True Partners in Treatment Feb 11, 1:00-2:00pm from WI Family Ties with Megan M. Hamm

Family Support Community (virtual) 7:00-8:00pm 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

Leadership in Action: Finding the Leader in YOU! (virtual) Feb 11 & Feb 18, 6:00-8:00pm From WSPEI and WI FACETS Information Information Flyer in Spanish Registration

February LOV Inc Night: Art Night Feb 11, 6:30-8:30pm at the Wil-Mar Center in Madison. This event is for individuals with disabilities (ages 16 plus) to connect with peers, engage in a variety of activities, and have fun. In February, join us for coloring and creating cards.

When can the IEP be changed? And what is ESY? IEP 9 (Pre-recorded) (Spanish) Feb 12, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Family Support Community (virtual) 12:00-1:00pm 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

Unleashing Value and Talent: JAN and EARN Resources for Today’s Workforce (webinar) Feb 12, 1:00-2:00pm JAN is the Job Accommodation Network and EARN is Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability

How to use Switch Control for iPads (virtual) Feb 12, 1:00-2:00pm from PACER Center

24th Annual Transition Conference Feb 12-13 at the Kalahari

Adolescent Health Symposium (Virtual) Feb 12-13 (there is a fee) Building a Mindset for Prevention and Collective Health Promotion in Our Youth Opening Keynote: Mother Nature’s Prescription for Mental Wellbeing: The Power of Play and Other Self-Directed Activity with Dr. Peter Gray will be free!

Proposals due for the virtual Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Conference (Jun 16 & 17) are due Feb 13

Madison Area Sibshop (inperson) Feb 13, 9:00am-12:00pm at the Oregon Youth Center (there is a fee) Sibshops are for kids ages 6-12 who have a sibling with a disability

Reunión FUNNE/FUNNE Meeting Feb 14, 9:00-11:00am at the Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison. FUNNE ofrece grupos de apoyo mensuales y reuniones educativas en español para familias con niños con necesidades especiales. Durante la reunión se proporciona cuidado de niños con discapacidades. Para más información, comuníquese con Alejandra Espejo al 608-576-2683 o alejandra@lovinc.org.

Building Resilience in Families of Children with Disabilities Webinar Feb 18, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Family, Youth & Community Engagement (virtual) 4:00-5:30pm  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

What’s After High School?-Education and College Options (5 of 7) (virtual) Feb 18, 5:30-6:30pm A broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs for families with children ages 14 – 21, and the educators and providers who support them. We’ll cover continuing education choices for young adults. This workshop is hosted by Family Voices of Wisconsin is presented in partnership with Waukesha County Transition Advisory Council.

Parents + Caregivers Webinar – No More Guessing Games: Clear Steps to Handle Meltdowns with Compassion Feb 18, 6:00-7:00pm from WI Family Ties with Megan M. Hamm

Parent Wellness Summit for parents of children with visual impairments (inperson) Feb 19, 9:30am-2:30pm at Vision Forward 10150 W National Ave, West Allis, WI Wellness Event for Parents-4

How Are Decisions Made and How is Work Organized Within a Group? (Part 3) (Spanish) Webinar Feb 19, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Sorry/Not Sorry: Identifying Emotions in Ourselves to Deepen Compassionate Communication with Others (virtual) Feb 19, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

WiFLI (Wisconsin Family Leadership Institute (Foundations) Feb 20-21; Mar 7; Mar 12; April 10-11 from Family Voices of Wisconsin

Afrofuturism as a Space of Black Parental Socialization (virtual) Feb 23, 2:00-3:00pm from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Save the Date! Community of Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities in partnership with Wisconsin Autism Transition Demonstration Project Coalition will be hosting a free, virtual gathering around moving from adolescence into adulthood Feb 24, 9:00am-11:00am. More information will be at Connections. CoPWAuTD_STDFeb2026

Navigating Conflicting Information (and Misinformation) on Today’s Digital Landscape Feb 24, 5:00pm from the Atlanta Autism Consortium

5th Annual Dual Diagnosis Virtual Conference (online) Feb 25, 10:00am-4:00pm Examining the whole-person care model as it relates to dually diagnosed (MH/IDD) individuals. This is a free conference with CEUs available.

The New WiTransition App for Transition Planning Webinar Feb 25, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Working as a Team: Your Rights as a Parent in the IEP IEP 10 (Pre-recorded) (Spanish) Feb 25, 12:00pm from WI FACETS

Get Started: Navigating Systems of Support (online) Feb 25, 5:30-6:30pm This session guides you through the landscape of programs when your child has a disability or special health care needs. Learn about Medicaid, Katie Beckett, Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS), private insurance, taking care of yourself and more. Last Wednesday Series by Family Voices of Wisconsin

Your Voice Matters: Becoming a Family Leader (online) Feb 26, 11:30am-12:45pm You already advocate for your own child. Learn how you can take the next steps and become an advocate for your community and impact programs and services for all children. This session is hosted by Nurture Network of Southeast WI Families and presented by Family Voices of Wisconsin.

Feb 28: Rare Disease Day is a global initiative to raise awareness and generate support for everyone who is on a rare medical journey.

Supporting Black Children’s Agency and Self-determination (virtual) Mar 2, 2:00-3:00pm from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Love Shouldn’t Hurt (in-person) Mar 3, 9:00am-11:00am Talking to Neurodivergent Youth and Adults About Relationships, Abuse, and Reducing Risk of Exploitation with Ellen Merker, M.S. LPC in partnership with Community Outreach Wisconsin (Waisman Center) There is a cost. Registration closes 2/24 at 4:00pm

Future Planning Webinar Series 12:00-1:00pm 3/4 (Supported Decision-Making and Alternatives to Guardianship); 3/11 (Lived Experience with Decision-Making: Young Adult Panel; 3/25 (Financial Planning for People with disabilities and Family Members); 4/1 (Understanding Work and Benefits) From the WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

Advocacy for Change (Virtual) Mar 12, 9:00am-12:00pm Parents/caregivers of children with disabilities and special health care needs age 0 to 21. There is no cost to participate. Learn More and Application: Family Voices of Wisconsin » Advocacy for Change – Family Voices of Wisconsin Flyer: AFC_Flyer_2026[1]

Deadline for Youth Leadership Forum: Applications June 28-July 3 at Edgewood College, Madison (deadline is March 13) ALSO looking for staff

AAIDD Wisconsin 2026 Pathways to Inclusion: Unpacking HCBS (Hybrid — virtual and in-person options) Mar 13 In-person at UW River Falls presented by American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Wisconsin Chapter

The Calm and the Storm: Hypothermic Dysautonomia through a Palliative Care Lens (virtual) Mar 17, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

What’s After High School?-Employment & DVR Services (6 of 7) (virtual) Mar 18, 5:30pm-6:30pm A broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs for families with children ages 14 – 21, and the educators and providers who support them. We’ll explain what the DVR does and how it can help your young adult with employment. This Family Voices of Wisconsin workshop is presented in partnership with Waukesha County Transition Advisory Council.

Wisconsin Disability Advocacy Day, Mar 19 at the Madison Capital (Register before March 2) with the Survival Coalition

National Disability Policy Seminar Mar 23-24, Washington, D.C. There is a fee involved

Early Choices Matter (virtual) Mar 25, 12:00-1:00pm For young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities practicing choice-making is especially important because it can lead to a more self-determined life as an adult. This means an adult with connections to the community, a sense of empowerment and a sense of safety because they know their opinions matter. We have everything you need to start choice-making for your child. Last Wednesday workshop from Family Voices of Wisconsin

Guardianship and Government Benefits Webinar Apr 1, 11:00am-12:00pm from A Special Needs Plan

What’s After High School (virtual) Apr 6, 6:00pm-7:30pm A broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs for families with children ages 14 – 21, and the educators and providers who support them. Attendees will learn about the role of schools, employment, long-term support, supported decision-making, and other legal options, and how youth can be fully engaged in their community. This session presented by Family Voices of Wisconsin and is hosted by Nurture Network of Southeast WI Families.

Building the Second Support Team Webinar Apr 9, 11:00am-12:00pm from a Special Needs Plan

NAMI Wisconsin Conference April 10-11 Hilton Appleton Paper Valley (Registration closes March 15th or when full)

Partnering with Schools on Behavior and Discipline for Students with IEPs Apr 10, 9:00-11:00am Partnering-with-Schools-april-2026 Spanish Flyer (Partnering)

What’s After High School?-Life in the Community (virtual) Apr 15, 5:30-6:30pm A broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs for families with children ages 14 – 21, and the educators and providers who support them. Community living includes housing, recreation and friendships. It’s what makes life enjoyable and it’s important to make sure that your community is a place your young adult wants to be. This Family Voices of Wisconsin workshop is presented in partnership with Waukesha County Transition Advisory Council.

Minnesota Autism Conference Virtual Apr 15-16

Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts Webinar Apr 22, 11:00am-12:00pm from A Special Needs Plan

37th Annual Autism Conference April 23-25 Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Adolescent Palliative Care: Who Decides? (virtual) Apr 23, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

Banking on Their Futures: Financial Planning for Special Needs Caregivers (in-person) Apr 26, 12:00pm-3:00pm BPN’s Kasieta Center (1200 E. Verona Ave, Verona)

The Family’s Role in the CCR-IEP Process (virtual) Apr 28 12:00-2:00pm family-role-in-the-ccr-iep-spring-2026 Spanish

An Introduction to the Children’s Long-Term Support Program (virtual) Apr 29, 12:00-1:00pm An introduction for families of young children to the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) program including steps to get the most out of CLTS. We discuss the screening process, the role of Support and Service Coordinators, and the experiences of families. Last Wednesday Series by Family Voices of Wisconsin

Boys, Fathers, and the Myths of Masculinity (virtual) Apr 29, 2:00-3:00pm Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change from Brazelton Touchpoints Learning to Listen webinars feature live Spanish language translation and captioning.

The Family’s Role in the CCR-IEP Process (virtual) Apr 30 6:00-8:00pm family-role-in-the-ccr-iep-spring-2026 Spanish

4th Annual Gillette Healthcare Transition Summit May 18, Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN

Quarterly Convening WI School Mental Health(virtual) May 18. 2:30-4:00pm: Crisis, Care & Connection

Empowering Youth and Families for Complex Transitions from Pediatric to Adult Care: A Palliative Care Lens (virtual) May 19, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

Q is for Questioning (virtual) May 27, 2:00-3:00pm Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change from Brazelton Touchpoints Learning to Listen webinars feature live Spanish language translation and captioning.

Anti-Racism and Health equity in Pediatric Serious Illness: Next Steps in Maintaining Commitment (virtual) Jun 16, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

Improving Pediatric End of Life Legacy Building at Home (virtual) Aug 20, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

Emotional Toll: Caring for the Caregiver (virtual) Sep 15, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

The Promise of Supported Decision-Making: From Practice to Legal Instrument (virtual) Oct 20, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

Integrating Trauma-Informed Practices: Compassionate Care for Others and Ourselves (virtual) Nov 17, 2:00-3:00pm Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Care Series (there is a fee)

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

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

Save the Date Circles of Life Conference May 14-16, Stevens Point (Registration opens Feb 1)

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

Save the Date Prevent Suicide Wisconsin Virtual Conference June 16-17

Save the Date Autism Exchange Annual Conference and Staycation July 10-11, Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Save the Date WI FACETS Endless Possibilities Aug 7 Conference Waukesha Technical College, Pewaukee

Save the Date Gatlinburg Conference: AI in IDD Research Oct 6-9, Minneapolis, MN

Save the Date NADD Annual Conference Oct 7-9, Pittsburgh, PA

Save the Date Health Care Transition Research Consortium Oct 21, Houston, TX

Other information as of Feb 6

Recordings and Resources from Fall 2025/Winter 2026 Transition Talks Tuesdays: Sep 23: What’s After High School?; Sep 30: How do the Wisconsin Technical Colleges Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families?;  Oct 7: Supporting Students with Disabilities in Transition to Adulthood (WI FACETS); Oct 14: How does the Youth Health Transition Initiative Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families?: Oct 28: How does the Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families?: Nov 18: How does the Wisconsin Transition Improvement Grant Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families?: Nov 25 — How does Wisconsin’s Juvenile Justice System Support Youth  Moving into Adulthood?: Jan 20: How do the Wisconsin Independent Living Centers Support Youth Moving into Adulthood and their Families?: Jan 27 12:00-1:00pm How does Wisconsin’s Foster Care System Independent Living Program Support Youth Moving into Adulthood?

WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Boletín informativo de BPDD de Wisconsin – Febrero de 2026

• Youth Leadership Forum: Applications Open June 28-July 3 at Edgewood College, Madison (deadline is March 13) ALSO looking for staff
• WI Disability Policy Leadership Program: 2026 Interns Announced
• Self-Determination YouTube Channel

Other information as of Jan 30

HEART Consulting it beginning some virtual groups

• A “Teen Talk” for neurodivergent teens, ages 13-17, to talk about relationships and what they mean to you. The Teen Talk on relationship goals will be held on Monday February 23, 4:15-5:15 on Google Meet.  It can be funded by Wisconsin County CLTS waivers or private pay.  For more information check out our website, and click here to register.
• Another virtual workshop, this one is for neurodivergent adults (ages 18+) who want to learn more about healthy and safe sexuality. The group is sex positive and neurodivergent affirmative, and will include discussion of evidence-based safe sex practices.  For more information please visit our website and complete this form to register.

Young Exceptional Perspectives

• Your Voice Matters: Self-Advocacy for Students with Disabilities
• Self-advocacy starts with knowing yourself, and we want to hear from you!
• American Association on Health and Disability Scholarship Program

National Disability Leadership Series A 100% virtual training series on disability advocacy and action for inclusion in school, work and community. It will be held from May 2026 to February 2027 with 100 people: young disabled adults, educators, professionals, and family members. Eligibility: A disabled young adult (age 18-30); A family member or legal guardian of a disabled youth/young adult (age birth to 30); An educator, transition professional, non-profit staff, or other professional who works with disabled youth/young adults. Deadline 2/15/26.

Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition Newsletter

• Speaking for Safety: The Interpreter’s Perspective on Language Access
• Creative Expressions Toolkit — Play: Paper Toss & Sensory Bags
• PPC Archived Webinars — Parents and students can receive any archived webinars for FREE by sending a request to info@ppcwebinars.org
• PPCC Briefs — Communicating with Adolescents: Lessons Learned from Motivational Interviewing
• PPCC Firefly Chats — Bridging Language Gaps: Effective Support for Non-English Speaking Families

The SPAN Youth Hub

• What Motivates Young People to Volunteer? You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bm2RH4EKjY
• A Guide to Internships for High School Students You can check out the full blog post here: https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/internships-for-high-school-students

Exceptional Lives

• Read about the Special Education Evaluation Process
• Lea sobre el proceso de evaluación de educación especial
• Finding support for parents of a child with disabilities

Rare Disease Day is a global initiative to raise awareness and generate support for everyone who is on a rare medical journey. It takes place on the last day of February, which this year is February 28th. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is the trusted voice of the more than 30 million Americans living with a rare disease. We are proud to be the official U.S. partner for Rare Disease Day. We invite you to read on to learn how to #ShowYourStripes in support of those with a rare disease. https://rarediseases.org/rare-disease-day/

Arts for All Wisconsin’s Creative Power Call for Art submissions will close on February 14, 2026 at 5:00 pm CST. This Call for Art is for Wisconsin artists five and older who identify as having a disability. Each artist can submit up to two pieces of art and all eligible artwork will be displayed in our Creative Power Showcase. This call for art is free to enter and each award winner is provided a cash prize and free tickets to our Creative Power Celebration in April. To submit art, visit https://www.artsforallwi.org/creative-power . For any questions, please call 608-241-2131 or email info@artsforallwi.org. General Flyer Call For Art_FY26

The Role of Healthcare Financing and Delivery Systems to Promote Health for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 

Children’s Long-Term Support Waiver Program Update

• Program Information for Families Families can learn more about the resources available in the CLTS Program on the Program Information for Families webpage.
• Provider Quality for Counties This new page walks you through the county waiver agency’s (CWA’s) role in making sure families receive quality services and providers meet program standards.
• What are the rules providers must follow when delivering services? This new page walks you through provider responsibilities when delivering services and when to report health and safety issues.

Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities: Advancing Mental Health in Intellectual Disabilities and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions

The Link Center has launched a new website designed to improve access to coordinated, effective supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), brain injuries, and other cognitive disabilities who also experience mental health conditions.

The LOV Inc Board of Directors is currently seeking new members who would like to get more involved with LOV Inc. and contribute to our mission. If you’re interested in learning more about the LOV Inc. Board Member role or want to nominate someone else to the board, please contact our Executive Director, Stefanie Primm, at stefanie@lovinc.org. If you would like to apply to become a LOV Inc. Board Member, please click here to complete a short online interest form.

A long-time disability rights activist Bob Kafka, who founded the Rev Up and led the ADAPT of Texas, passed away on December 26, 2025. Learn more about his work from the articles below and consider joining the celebration of his life.

• Statement from the American Association of People with Disabilities
• Article from NPR
• Join the celebration of Bob Kafka’s life on January 31, 2 PM on Zoom

Other information as of Jan 23

The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin are coming together to form one statewide organization — the Autism Society of Wisconsin. ASWannouncement

What’s the most important move you can make this New Year? Not a bigger goal. Not a better plan. Not more discipline. Fill your cup. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7411080050495844352

Transformed and Transformation Podcast Faith and Disability with Dr. Erik Carter

One Question I Wish Every Doctor Asked from Imagining the Good Life (The questions we ask reveal the assumptions we’re making.)

HealthWatch Wisconsin’s Pulse (Jan 2026)

• The feds have released the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines We explain.
• Open AI launched “ChatGPT Health,” a new feature that connects its artificial intelligence chatbot with user medical records. We explain
• A federal judge ruled that Medicaid can resume sharing personal data of Medicaid enrollees with Homeland Security​. We explain.
• Congress has a lot on its plate in January including health care affordability and only a few weeks to pass funding bills to avert another government shutdown​. We explain.
• Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services expects Medicaid GPR spending to come in $213.2 million higher than originally projected 6 months ago. We explain.
• Community Shares of Wisconsin’s first Backyard Hero of 2026 is Robin Conkey. Robin dedicated more than 13 years of volunteer service to the ABC for Health, Inc. board of directors, including nearly a decade as Board President.

RAISE the Standard

• Wellness
• Predictable Routines for a Healthier Life
• Rest to Be Your Best
• Safe Foods, Strong Bodies
• Mindful Making: How Creativity Calms and Connects

RAISEing Up Resources: Transition to Adulthood

• Independent Living Resources
• PACER Center–Self Reliance for Youth Experiencing Foster Care
• TransCen–Supporting Families to Encourage Student Growth through Self-Determination

What to know about ABLE accounts (from Exceptional Lives):

• Learn more about the ABLE account
• Obtenga más información sobre la cuenta ABLE

10 tips for Financial Planning (from Exceptional Lives)

• Read the 10 tips here
• Lea los 10 consejos aquí

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