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

Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome (in-person and virtual) Mar 7, 9:00-11:30am Free event

Finding Your Way (virtual) 12:00-1:00pm Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19 Join Connecting Families and the Children’s Resource Center-South for a casual chat with local Resource Guides and fellow families. Zoom Link: go.wisc.edu/FindingYourWay  Connecting Families – Spring 2026

A Gathering for Parents of Children in Complex Care (online) 6:30-7:45pm Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21 This six-week parent support group is part of Connecting Families, a network of peer support for families of children and youth with special health care needs in southern Wisconsin. Complex Care Group – Spring 2026

Peer-Led Learning Circle (virtual) 6:30-7:30pm  Mar 19-Family Dynamics; Apr 16-Dealing with the Day-to-Day; May 21-Making Plans for Summer Zoom Link: go.wisc.edu/PeerLedLearningCircle Connecting Families – Spring 2026

Upcoming Events

Join Arts for All Wisconsin March 6, 4:00-7:00pm for the free opening reception of the 2026 Creative Power Showcase. This is a night to celebrate the submitting artists to our Creative Power showcase, which features almost 200 pieces by Wisconsin artists with disabilities ages five and older.  Cast your vote for the Audience Favorite award as you enjoy light refreshments and peruse three floors of artwork. For each purchase, 70% is directed to the artist, and 30% supports our statewide arts programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Down Syndrome (in-person and virtual) Mar 7, 9:00-11:30am Free event

Sibshops: Whimsey in Motion Mar 7, 1:00-4:00pm designed for kids 6-12 who have a sibling with a disability. Will be held at MYArts in Madison. There is a cost. Registration is required. Whimsy in Motion

Family and Youth Engagement in County Communities on Transition (CCoTs) (online) Mar 10, 8:00-9:00am from the Transition Improvement Grant. Registration is not required. Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82299468518

Section 504: What Students and Parents Need to Know (on-line) Mar 10, 12:00-12:30pm from WI FACETS

Future Planning Webinar Series 12:00-1:00pm  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

Self Determination: Choice Making Skills for All Ages (Spanish translation available) Mar 11, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Family ECHO Feeding (virtual) 3:00-4:00pm Mar 11 Growth and Nutrition; Apr 1 Feeding and Oral Motor Skill Development; Apr 11 Variety and Diet in Younger Children; May 13 Variety and Diet in Older Children

March LOV, Inc Night: Un-Birthday Karaoke Party (inperson) Mar 11, 6:30-8:30pm Wil-Mar Center, Madison

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

Young Adults with IBD online Mar 11 & 25 from Generation Patient

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]

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

Healing Ableism-Stories about Disability and Religious Life (virtual) Mar 12, 12:00-1:00pm from Faith Inclusion Network

Beyond What You Can See: Understanding and Accommodating Workers with Nonapparent Disabilities Webcast Mar 12, 1:00pm from Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

Building Communication and Advocacy Skills (online) Mar 12, 5:00-6:00pm from PEATC

Building Your Village: Creating Empowering Communities for Children and Families (virtual) Mar 12, 6:00-7:00pm with Dr. Kayla N. Allen-Young and Wisconsin Family Ties

Deadline for Youth Leadership Forum: Applications June 28-July 3 at Edgewood College, Madison for High School Students with a disability who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) up to age 21. (deadline is March 13) ALSO looking for staff. More information.

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

Higher Ed/Student Support Group online (for young adult patients in college/graduate school) Mar 16, 7:00pm from Generation Patient

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. Please share with others! Topics and dates (4:00-5:00pm):  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. Feb 3 — Ready to Work: Finding and Keeping Integrated Employment (Recording and resources); Feb 17 — Health Care Transition (Recording and resources); Mar 3 — What is the purpose of the Post-Secondary Transition Plan? (Recording and Resources coming soon) Share the flyer with families and others — 2026 Transition Talks Tuesdays Flyerpost

Finding Your Way (virtual) 12:00-1:00pm Mar 17, Apr 21, May 19 Join Connecting Families and the Children’s Resource Center-South for a casual chat with local Resource Guides and fellow families. Zoom Link: go.wisc.edu/FindingYourWay  Connecting Families – Spring 2026

Disability Vote Coalition Lunch and Learn (online) Mar 17, 12:00-1:00pm

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)

A Gathering for Parents of Children in Complex Care (online) 6:30-7:45pm Mar 17, Mar 24, Mar 31, Apr 7, Apr 14, Apr 21 This six-week parent support group is part of Connecting Families, a network of peer support for families of children and youth with special health care needs in southern Wisconsin. Complex Care Group – Spring 2026

Eyes Wide Open: Technology for the Blind and Visually Impaired that Redefines Possibility (on-line) Mar 18, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Family ECHO: Understanding Autism Research–Why It Matters and How Families Can Get Involved (on-line) Mar 18, 3:00-4:00pm from Nationwide Children’s

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

Medical and Biological Aspects of Autism (on-line) Mar 19, 9:00am-11:30am from the Autism Society of Minnesota (there is a fee)

Familias como líderes: Colaborando y generando impacto en los grupos (on-line) Mar 19, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Peer-Led Learning Circle (virtual) 6:30-7:30pm  Mar 19-Family Dynamics; Apr 16-Dealing with the Day-to-Day; May 21-Making Plans for Summer Zoom Link: go.wisc.edu/PeerLedLearningCircle Connecting Families – Spring 2026

General Peer Support Group online (for all young adult patients) Mar 19, 7:00pm from Generation Patient

International Day of Happiness with Proof-Positive Mar 20 Celebrate with the What Kind of Happy Are You? Activity

Java Abilities Coffee Gathering for Moms in Monona Mar 21, 12:30-1:30pm from Family Voices of Wisconsin and Nurture Network Nurture Network March and April Events (1)

Thinking About Supported-Decision Making (on-line) Mar 23, 11:30am-12:30pm with Family Voices of Wisconsin and the Children’s Resource Center-South Thinking about SDM 3.23.26 with CRC South

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

Up to Me Training of Facilitators (Comprehensive) Mar 24 & 26, 12:30-4:00pm from WISE

Understanding special education for your Native American child (virtual) Mar 24, 5:00-6:30pm from PACER Center (some information may be Minnesota specific) To create a safe space for families to voice their questions, we kindly ask that only those that identify as a parent, guardian, or family member of Native children in special education attend this session.

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

Executive Functions: The What, the When, and the How (Spanish translation available) (on-line) Mar 25, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Speaking Openly About Child Sexual Abuse (online) Mar 25, 2:00-3:00pm free from Brazelton Touchpoints Project

Sección 504: Cómo Ayuda a Estudiantes con Discapacidades (on-line) Mar 26, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Opening Doors: Empowering the Disability Talent Pipeline through Apprenticeships Webinar Mar 26, 12:30-2:00pm from Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth

Sustainable Collaborations: Connecting State Vision, Local Practice, and Youth & Family Leadership in Secondary Transition Webinar Mar 26, 1:00pm

Planning for Your Loved One with Disabilities Future Webinar Mar 25, 6:00-7:00pm

Friendship Cafe Coffee Gathering in Fox Point for Moms Mar 31, 12:30-1:30 from Family Voices of Wisconsin and Nurture Network Nurture Network March and April Events (1)

Implementing a Statewide Telehealth Autism Diagnostic Model in Partnership with Early Intervention: Outcomes and Stakeholder Experiences Webinar Mar 31, 5:00-6:00pm from Atlanta Autism Consortium

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

Understanding the Links Between Feeding and Sleep Problems in Children on the Autism Spectrum (online) Apr 1, 12:00-1:00pm from Healthy Weight Research Network

Grief Talks Educational Webinars 1:00-2:30pm Apr 1, May 6, Sep 3, Oct 7, Nov 19 from Highmark Caring Place

Family ECHO: Feeding and Oral Motor Skill Development (virtual) May 1, 3:00-4:00pm from Nationwide Children’s

ECHO Autism Communities Symposium (on-line) Apr 2, 8:00-3:15pm Free

Neurodivergent Teen In-person Group in Madison begins Apr 2 and runs 8 weeks (Thursdays, 3:450-5:00pm) from Place of Mind. for 14-18 year olds. There is a fee. NEW Madison NEA Group Flier 2026 Planning (3) (1)

The Hub/Social Brews Coffee Gathering in West Bend Apr 4, 11:30am-1:00pm from Family Voices of Wisconsin and Nurture Network Nurture Network March and April Events (1)

Power & Control: Recognizing Power Dynamics (Virtual) Apr 6, 9:00am-12:00pm with Amanda Pandl and Community Outreach Wisconsin

WisCare: A Path to Expanded Health Coverage (inperson) Apr 6, 1:30-3:30pm at the Madison Public Library on Mifflin. Hosted by ABC for Health and HealthWatch WI. Registration is required for this free event. (Deadline to register is March 20)

We are AANHPI Families A Family-to-Family Real Talk Series online (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) Apr 6, Apr 27, May 18, June 22 at 2:00-3:00pm FREE from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

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. Nurture Network March and April Events (1)

Community Job Fair Apr 8, 4:00-8:00pm at Madison College Goodman South Campus

LOV Inc. Night Board Games and Trivia (in-person) Apr 8, 6:30-8:30pm at the Wil-Mar Center, Madison

Sexting, Porn, and Online Dating, Oh My! Empowering Neurodivergent Teens and Adults in Safe Online Experiences – In Person Training Apr 9, 9:00-11:00am at the UW South Madison Partnership from Community Outreach Wisconsin (Registration close on Apr 4) There is a fee.

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

Exploring Chromebook Accessibility (on-line) Apr 9, 12:00-1:00pm from PACER Center

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)

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

Overcoming barriers to communication with your child’s IEP team (online) Apr 15, 12:00-1:00pm from PACER Center

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

SibConnect Overnight Camp Apr 17-19, Easterseals WI Respite Camp from DSAW Sibshop A weekend of activities for kids and teens who are a sibling of someone with a disability. SibConnect

2026 Creative Power Opening Reception—Saturday, April 18 from 2:00-5:00pm  Join us as we celebrate the talents of Wisconsin artists with disabilities. Tickets include entertainment by performing artists with disabilities, complimentary refreshments, art-making activity, and opportunities to support AFA. We will present this year’s Creative Power and Merit awards during the celebration from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, with a reception to follow from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Full details are listed at https://www.artsforallwi.org/events/2026-creative-power-celebration

10th International Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Integrating Research, Practice, and Policy Around the World Apr 19-21, Seattle, WA

Up to Us Apr 21, 28, May 5 6:00-7:30pm This educational group supports people with loved ones facing mental health and/or substance use challenges in reflecting on the story they tell themselves, and others, about their loved one. Join us for this free opportunity. From WISE

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

Crisis Prevention Summit Apr 23, Alliant Energy Center (Madison) There is a fee

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) Banking_on_their_futures_flyer

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

Up to Me May 9 & 16, 10:00am-1:00pm This group guides individuals with lived experiences through a process of learning and applying principles of self-disclosure towards their mental health and/or substance use recovery story. Join us for this free opportunity. From WISE

Compassion Resilience Training of Facilitators May 12 & 14; June 16 & 18 12:30-3:30pm from WISE There is fee and you need 2+ people to attend.

CLTS Support and Service Coordinator Professional Development Day May 13, Holiday Inn, Stevens Point On the Path Together: Strengthening Family Relationships. A Circles of Life Pre-Conference. CEH’s available. There is fee. Professional Preconference flyer

Circles of Life Conference May 14-15, Holiday Inn, Stevens Point Registration is open! Attendee Registration Now Open flyer 2.3.26

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)

Up to Me Training of Facilitators (Essentials) May 21, 9:00am-12:00pm from WISE

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.

Learn Together Play Together June 12-14 UW Whitewater Building language, making connections! This is a Multiday camp focused on fun and practical strategies to promote communication skills in kids, ages 0-5, who are deaf or hard of hearing and the people who love them. This is an inclusive experience meant for families including siblings and extended family too! Visit uww.edu/ce/wisconsinsoundbeginnings. Family Event_2026 Spanish.Family_Event_2026

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)

SibDays Day Camp July 27, 28, 29 (10am-3pm daily) for kids who are a sibling of someone with a disability Lunney Lake Farm County Park Site #3 from DSAW Sibshops contact Alley at amcguane@dsaw.org SibDays Flyer

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)

National Federation of Families National Conference Oct 13-15, Orlando, FL

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 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

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