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. Please share with others! Topics and dates (4:00-5:00pm):   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. Feb 3 — Ready to Work: Finding and Keeping Integrated Employment (Recording and resources); Feb 17 — Health Care Transition (Recording and resources) Share the flyer with families and others — 2026 Transition Talks Tuesdays Flyerpost

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

Upcoming Events as of Feb 26

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

What is Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS) and How to Use It (on-line) Mar 2, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living – APRIL’s Youth Programs and Outreach Webinar Mar 2, 1:00-2:00 Se ofrecerá interpretación al español y ASL (lenguaje de señas americano)

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

Health Care Transition Research Consortium (online) Mar 2, 4:00-5:00pm

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):   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. Feb 3 — Ready to Work: Finding and Keeping Integrated Employment (Recording and resources); Feb 17 — Health Care Transition (Recording and resources)

Love Shouldn’t Hurt (inperson) Mar 3, 9:00am-11:00am (deadline to register is Feb. 27) Talking to Neurodivergent Youth and Adults About Relationships, Abuse, and Reducing Risk of Exploitation Held at UW South Madison Partnership with Community Outreach Wisconsin. There is a fee.

Understanding Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): Support & Resources for Students & Families (on-line) Mar 4, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

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

SPAN Youth Chat (online) ages 14-26 Mar 4, 3:15-4:00pm

Fun with Art (in-person) Mar 4, 3:30-5:00pm For adults with IDD There is a fee. Held at The Village on Park (Madison) from Community Outreach Wisconsin

Tu participación cuenta: Estrategias para ser un miembro activo del grupo de toma de decisiones (Parte 4&5) (on-line) Mar 5, 12:00-1:00pm from WI FACETS

From Awareness to Action: Creating a Culture Shift for Youth with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs  (online) Mar 5, 12:00-1:30pm hosted by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) – Texas Chapter, and Integral Care

Assistive technology for early childhood (virtual) Mar 5, 12-1pm from PACER Center (some information may be Minnesota specific)

Families As Partners (virtual) Mar 5 & Mar 19, 5:30pm-8:30pm This series of 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)

Addressing Feelings of Guilt and Regret: Strategies to Employ as a Caregiver (online) Mar 5, 7:00pm from Courageous Parents Network

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

Other information as of Feb 27

WI AAC Winter Newsletter

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

• Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Regional Support Centers (RSC): A framework for effectively engaging stakeholders
• Preparando para Su Edad y Su Futuro: Latina Mothers’ Perspectives of Navigating Postsecondary Transition for Autistic Youth
• Parents’ Lived Experiences with Competitive Integrated Employment for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability

The 2026 Mental Health Month Planning Guide is now available in English and Spanish! May is Mental Health Month — time to prepare!

Taking Autism To The Sky (TATTS) Summer 2026 registration will open soon. TATTS uses drones to develop social and employment skills for autistic individuals

Congenital Heart Defects Day with the Experts at the Waisman Center video recordings are now available.

From the WI DPI School Nurse Update: Getting READDY at School: Collaborating with School Nurses for Diabetes Transition Success. UW Pediatric Grand Rounds of interest to school nurses has been posted. Speakers: M. Tracy Bekx, MD, professor, Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, UWSMPH, Kari Weier, NP, nurse practitioner, Division of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, UWSMPH, Victoria Nicksic, MD, clinical instructor, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, UWSMPH, Tim Markle, director, Health Transition Wisconsin, Gretchen Forbes, RN, nurse, Memorial High School, Madison Metropolitan School District, and Laurel Cornelius, nurse coach, Madison Metropolitan School District.

Managing chronic health issues at school: for families from Attendance Works

Wisconsin Safe and Health School Center Wish List

• New Vaping and Nicotine Resources
• Spring Restorative Practices Community of Practice
• Evidence-Based Substance Use Prevention in Action for Wisconsin Schools–Free Webinar Series | Practical Strategies | Designed for Educators
• Foundations in Substance Misuse Prevention Webinar Series from Great Lakes PTTC
• New Wisconsin K-12 Health Education Standards Released

Toolkit for Strengthening Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Councils

Neurodiverse Couples: Relationships and Childrearing video recording is available from the Atlanta Autism Consortium

Unleashing Value and Talent: JAN and EARN Resources for Today’s Workforce recording is available

Medical Disenrollment Among Young Adults With and Without Complex Medical Conditions Eligibility for health insurance shifts as children transition to adulthood, creating risk of coverage loss and disruption. For youth with complex health needs, this instability can be especially harmful. Also see a summary of the study from the University of Chicago.

Empowering Youth Through CTE from NTACT:C

• Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• CTE for Students with Disabilities: A Framework for Understanding (CTE Series 1)
• Career and Technical Education Annotated Bibliography

Mini-Module: Using Person-Centered Planning for Transition

My Next Move: Free career exploration site linking student interests to careers and CTE pathways for planning and decisions in school settings

Explore Work: Free web modules building Pre-ETS skills, career exploration, self-advocacy, and job readiness for students

RAISEing Up Resources Transition to Adulthood

• Creating Accessible Excel Documents
• Resources for Youth Experiencing Foster Care
• Ready to Make My Own Decisions: How Families can Support Student Self-Determination

SPAN Youth Hub Making a Difference: The Power of Youth Volunteering

• How can volunteering help youth break free from social media? (YouTube)
• Community Service Ideas

National Child Exploitation Prevention Planning archived recording

Parents with Disabilities are More Likely to Rent and Suffer Housing Cost Burden

In a recent episode of the UpEnd podcast, Dr. Robyn Powell, Senior Research Associate at the Lurie Institute, discusses how the child welfare system discriminates against parents with disabilities and perpetuates stigma around mental health.

Racial and Ethnic Variation in the Prevalence of Long-Term Services and Supports Needs

Parents with Physical Disabilities and Their Parenting Experiences: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies

Money Follows the Person and LTSS Rebalancing Webinar: Recording and Summary Resource Now Available!

Other information as of Feb 20

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

Conflict resolution in special education: solving disagreements with the school

• Read about Conflict Resolution
• Lea sobre la resolución de conflictos

How to be a great advocate for your child with disabilities

• Read the Blog
• Lee el blog

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.

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/

Beyond the Screens 3-part LIVE webinar on March 11th, March 18th and April 1st from 12-1pm. There is a fee. Offered by Thriving Parents Collective

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?

Other information as of Feb 13

Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health Feb Newsletter highlights (To contact OCMH, email OCMH@wisconsin.gov.)

• Read the Middle School Mental Health Fact Sheet.
• OCMH’s newest Showcasing Solutions Girls on the Run’s Heart and Sole
• February Children’s Mental Health Network meeting: Profile of Today’s Youth — Beyond the Headlines
• Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black individuals and communities and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The 2026 theme is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Learn more.
• Play While You Wait Toolkit for Public Spaces provides easy‑to‑use materials for clinics, offices, and locations where families wait to help parents and caregivers engage with their children while waiting for appointments rather than turning to technology and media. Access the toolkit here
• The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) released a Digital Safety toolkit to educate people on image-based sexual abuse and sextortion

Permission to Play from Proof Positive Autism Wellbeing Alliance

Unite Us is a free, web-based community solution open to all Rock County serving non-profits who send and receive referrals or have resources and programs to share with other case managers. Unite Us is currently used by SSM Health, ECHO, and Janesville Community Center in Rock County, with more organizations being onboarding into the platform. If you would like to learn more about Unite Us, you can watch a short demo of the platform in action here or contact christine.gunn@co.rock.wi.us.

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