Children's Resource Center-South

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Children's Resource Center - South is a member of the Wisconsin Wayfinder Children's Resource Network

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Contact Us

Southern Regional Center logoCall: 1-800-532-3321 or 608-265-8610

Please leave a message. Please spell out your email address in your message, that will help us to follow up with you more quickly.
We use an interpreter service for translating languages other than English.

Email: crcsouth@waisman.wisc.edu

Other ways to stay updated, informed and involved:

Map of Wisconsin with the 14 counties that are served by the Children's Resource Center South highlighted

The Children’s Resource Center-South is dedicated to supporting all families with children and youth with special health care needs/disabilities and the providers who serve them. We are parents and professionals who can help get answers, find services, connect you to community resources, provide trainings, and support you on your journey. Our Center serves the following counties: Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Richland, Rock, Sauk, and Vernon, shown in orange on the map.

Contact information for the other Children’s Resource Centers (CRC)

CRC-Southeast
414-266-6333/800-234-KIDS(5437)
www.southeastregionalcenter.org
email: CRCsoutheast@childrenswi.org

CRC-Northeast
920-969-5325/877-568-5205
www.northeastregionalcenter.org
email: infonerc@chw.org

CRC-North
715-261-1906/866-640-4106
www.crcnorth.org
email: crcnorth@co.marathon.wi.us

CRC-West
715-726-7907/800-400-3678
www.co.chippewa.wi.us/crcwest
email: crcwest@co.chippewa.wi.us

Click to go to: Upcoming webinars/trainings/conversations/gatherings

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Featured Resources and Events

Young woman in a wheelchair wearing a yellow shirt surrounded by the title of the book Sitting Pretty: the view from my ordinary resilient disabled body

September Recommended Book of the Month — UW Madison’s Go Big Read 

Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig

Growing up as a paralyzed girl during the 90s and early 2000s, Rebekah Taussig only saw disability depicted as something monstrous (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), inspirational (Helen Keller), or angelic (Forrest Gump). None of this felt right; and as she got older, she longed for more stories that allowed disability to be complex and ordinary, uncomfortable and fine, painful and fulfilling.

Author Keynote Event

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Union South — Varsity Hall, Section II (Free and open to the public. No tickets required) CART Captioning and ASL Interpreters available. Please email gobigread@library.wisc.edu or bwillig@wisc.edu to request other accommodations. More Big Read events at https://gobigread.wisc.edu/events/

Find it at your local library: Monarch Library System, Prairie Lakes Library System, South Central Library System, Southwest Library System, Winding Rivers Library System, Wisconsin’s Digital Library

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Events

There are no upcoming events.

What's New?

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 – Friday, September 13

Build Your Bridge (Transitioning to Adult Health Care) Virtual Sep 16, 12:00-1:00pm in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation to help guide families through the transition from child-centered to adult health care systems. Youth and families are often overwhelmed and under-prepared for the transition to adult health care. This presentation will introduce and discuss when to start thinking about health care transition as well as provide helpful tools and resources. Registration is required. The CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshop Series is focused on Health Care Transition and Communicating with Your Health Team and other Partners. Registration for one or more workshops is open. Fall2024flyerfinal

Build Your Bridge (Transitioning to Adult Health Care) In-person Sep 16, 6:15-7:15pm at Madison Goodman South Library in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation to help guide families through the transition from child-centered to adult health care systems. Youth and families are often overwhelmed and under-prepared for the transition to adult health care. This presentation will introduce and discuss when to start thinking about health care transition as well as provide helpful tools and resources. Registration is required. The CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshop Series is focused on Health Care Transition and Communicating with Your Health Team and other Partners. Registration for one or more workshops is open. Fall2024flyerfinal

What’s After High School? (Virtual) Sep 17, 6:30-7:30pm with Family Voices of Wisconsin. Transition Talks Tuesdays runs through Dec 10 on select Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30. Learn about the different pieces that comes together so every child can become a successful adult. Register for one or more sessions. Go to https://go.wisc.edu/3967n5 for more information on each session. TTTFall2024flyerfinal TTT Fall 2024 is sponsored by Wisconsin Youth Health Transition Initiative in partnership with Children’s Resource Center-South and the three Autism Society Wisconsin Affiliates (Greater Wisconsin, South Central Wisconsin, Southeastern Wisconsin)

Discover Madison’s Disability History with the Center for Campus History and Go Big Read (Blog Post)

Maternal and Child Health, Title V Needs Assessment

DHS launches maternal and child health needs assessment to gather community feedback – we want to hear from you.

This is an opportunity for individuals and families to influence the priorities and focus of maternal and child health programs in the state, and is part of a comprehensive, statewide assessment the program conducts every five years as part of federal Title V funding. The survey covers a range of topics, including prenatal care, access to health care services, maternal mental health, child and infant health, birth outcomes, and community resources. The survey will be open into September 2024.

Individual Survey    Organizational Survey

If answering for yourself or your family, use the Individual survey. If answering for an organization, please use the organizational survey.

Note: The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. La encuesta está disponible en inglés, español y hmong. Daim ntawv ntsuam xyuas no yuav muaj ua lus Askiv, lus Mev thiab lus Hmoob. If you need these translated into another language, let us know by emailing dhstitlevneedsassmt@dhs.wisconsin.gov. More information.

September  & October Recommended Book of the Month — UW Madison’s Go Big Read 

Young woman in a wheelchair wearing a yellow shirt surrounded by the title of the book Sitting Pretty: the view from my ordinary resilient disabled bodySitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig

Growing up as a paralyzed girl during the 90s and early 2000s, Rebekah Taussig only saw disability depicted as something monstrous (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), inspirational (Helen Keller), or angelic (Forrest Gump). None of this felt right; and as she got older, she longed for more stories that allowed disability to be complex and ordinary, uncomfortable and fine, painful and fulfilling.

Author Keynote Event

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Union South — Varsity Hall, Section II (Free and open to the public. No tickets required) CART Captioning and ASL Interpreters available. Please email gobigread@library.wisc.edu or bwillig@wisc.edu to request other accommodations. More Big Read events at https://gobigread.wisc.edu/events/

Find it at your local library: Monarch Library System, Prairie Lakes Library System, South Central Library System, Southwest Library System, Winding Rivers Library System, Wisconsin’s Digital Library

Upcoming Events as of Monday, Sept 16th

Build Your Bridge (Transitioning to Adult Health Care) Virtual Sep 16, 12:00-1:00pm in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation to help guide families through the transition from child-centered to adult health care systems. Youth and families are often overwhelmed and under-prepared for the transition to adult health care. This presentation will introduce and discuss when to start thinking about health care transition as well as provide helpful tools and resources. Registration is required.

Build Your Bridge (Transitioning to Adult Health Care) In-person Sep 16, 6:15-7:15pm at Madison Goodman South Library in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation to help guide families through the transition from child-centered to adult health care systems. Youth and families are often overwhelmed and under-prepared for the transition to adult health care. This presentation will introduce and discuss when to start thinking about health care transition as well as provide helpful tools and resources. Registration is required.

The Youth Engagement Now Project: Practical Youth Engagement Tools for Parent Centers virtual Sep 16, 1:00pm

WI Disability Vote Coalition Lunch & Learn Webinar Sep 17, 12:00-12:45pm

IEP 3: Evaluation & Eligibility in the IEP Process Virtual Sep 17, 12-1pm from WI FACETS

What’s After High School? (Virtual) Sep 17, 6:30-7:30pm with Family Voices of Wisconsin part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Pediatric Palliative Care Webinar Series — There is a registration fee. (9/17; 10/15; 11/19)

Meaningfully Engaging Young People: Principles, Strategies, and Success Stories Webinar Sep 18, 11:00am from the Parent Center Hub

Sankofa Midwest is a peer support group designed by and led by Black parents for Black parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm CST. Meetings are free and open to all parents of Black children with disabilities. Typically, these meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of the month beginning again in September (9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18) Contact SankofaMidwest@gmail.com for more information!

Family Engagement Community of Practice & Learning Virtual 3rd Wednesday 4:00-5:30pm from WSPEI 9/18 (The Real Story: What Families say about Special Ed & Partnering with Schools); 10/16; 11/20; 12/18; 1/15; 2/19; 3/19; 4/16; 5/21

Engaging and Supporting Families Through Groups & Networks Virtual 4-part workshop series from WSPEI 9am-11am 9/19; 9/26; 10/3

Blueprint for Change Title V Virtual Cafés Transition: Health Care and Special Education Alignment  Sep 20, 11:00am

Palliative Care: Understanding How it Can Provide Comprehensive Support to CYSHCN and their Families Webinar Sep 23, 11:30-12:30 from Florida Family Leader Network

Bridging the Gap (Integrating Health Care Transition) Virtual Sep 23, 12:00-1:oopm in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation and is for community members (educators, employers, care managers, families, etc.) to learn what Health Care Transition is, how health care impacts other areas of transition, and what skills can be learned before adulthood. Registration is required.

Bridging the Gap (Integrating Health Care Transition) In-person Sep 23, 6:00-7:oopm at Madison Hawthorne Library in partnership with WI Youth Health Transition part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops This is a free presentation and conversation and is for community members (educators, employers, care managers, families, etc.) to learn what Health Care Transition is, how health care impacts other areas of transition, and what skills can be learned before adulthood. Registration is required.

IEP 4: Reevaluation & Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) Virtual Sep 24, 12-1pm from WI FACETS

Preparing to Succeed at Higher Education (Virtual) Sep 24, 6:30-7:30pm  with Kay Eibl from WCTC part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

“Sounding Board Tuesday” Sept 24th, 6:30-7:30pm This time gives you an opportunity to listen and talk with others about the delights and challenges of parenting children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafplus. cstevens4@wisc.edu

Choking Prevention and Response in-person training Sep 25, 9:00-11:ooam at South Madison Partnership from Community Outreach Wisconsin, Waisman Center There is a fee to attend.

Creating Healthy, Safe, and Connected Communities: The Living Well Blueprint Webinar Sep 25, 2-3:30pm

Empowering Youth Voices: Strategies and Resources for Self-Determination, Advocacy, and Leadership online Sep 26, 1:00pm from NTACT:C

Exploring Care Mapping Sep 25, 6:00-7:00pm in person at Madison Goodman South Library part of  CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops A hands-on opportunity to create a care map of your family’s strengths. A Care Map is a visual way to show all the people and services involved in caring for and supporting your child. Each family’s care map may look different; you decide how many details to include.  Handouts and materials are available at the Wisconsin Medical Home Initiative. Registration is required.

Looking Under the Surface of “Challenging Behavior” Virtual Sep 26, 9am-12pm Learning Session; 12:30-2:30 Community Conversation Luncheon (virtual)

IEP 5: Redaccion del IEP – Parter 5 Virtual Sep 26, 12-1pm from WI FACETS

Serving on Groups — Processes Groups Use (Part 3) Virtual Sep 26, 12-1pm from WI FACETS

Assembling a Care Notebook & Requesting a Shared Plan of Care Sep 26, 6:00-7:00pm at Oregon Public Library part of CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops Care Notebooks are a way to organize your child’s medical records, resources and educational information. Join us to learn ways to assemble and organize a Care Notebook and the benefits of using it to coordinate care. What is a Shared Plan of Care? A Shared Plan of Care is a summary of your child’s medical and non-medical information and may be used as a tool for communication. Learn more about the benefits of having one and how to work your provider to develop one. Handouts and materials are available at the Wisconsin Medical Home Initiative. Registration is required.

Turtle Talk: Collectively Raising Indige-Babies 2-3:30pm 9/27 & 10/18 virtual series from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

10th Annual Waisman Whirl Run, Walk, and Roll for All Abilities Sept 29 Proceeds benefit individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases FREE registration to anyone with a disability — use code RWR24.

Somos Latine Families 2-3:30pm 9/30; 10/28; 11/18; 11/25; 12/2 from Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (Your Next Step Partner) (Virtual) Oct 1, 6:30-7:30pm  with Sauk County ADRC part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Community Health Annual Meetings Virtual Events Oct 2-3 from Wisconsin Rural Health and Wisconsin Health Education Network

Sankofa Midwest is a peer support group designed by and led by Black parents for Black parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Wisconsin’s Warm Wednesdays is a chance to connect with local folks virtually via Zoom. Typically, these meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm CST(10/2, 11/6, 12/4) Contact SankofaMidwest@gmail.com for more information!

Parents of Children with Complex Medical Needs Connect in person with other parents who are on a similar journey. Parents of children who are frequently in the hospital or managing a number of medical conditions are all welcome. 1st Wednesday of every month (10/2; 11/6; 12/4) 6:0opm- 8:00pm at Cafe Domestique (1408 Williamson St in Madison) for more information contact connectingfamilies@waisman.wisc.edu. This group offers a safe space to connect with other parents who understand. Together we will: Combat isolation; Reflect on shared experiences; Build resiliency. Connecting Families Monthly Meetings Flyer

Family Support Community for families and other caregivers supporting a child(ren) with a disability Virtual monthly on the 1st Wednesday from WISPEI 7:00-8:00pm 10/2; 11/6; 12/4; 1/8; 2/5; 3/6; 4/2; 5/7

Family Support Community for families and other caregivers supporting a child(ren) with a disability Virtual monthly on the 1st Thursday from WISPEI 12:00-1:00pm 10/3; 11/7; 12/5; 1/9; 2/6; 3/6; 4/3; 5/1

Navigating Resources, Support, and More Family Connections Oct 3, 12:30pm online from NFF

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) Open House Oct 4, 5-7 1009 Main St., Sun Prairie

Children Come First 2024: From Surviving to Thriving Oct 7-8, Kalahari presented by WI Family Ties and is dedicated to addressing the pressing needs of children and families living with mental and behavioral health issues. The Children Come First Conference brings together a diverse audience, including parents, caregivers, social workers, educators, school support staff, and various professional service providers from communities throughout the state.

#ForKidsHealth Summit Oct 7-8 Joining voices for health equity held at the Brookfield Conference Center presented by Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin

Exploring Care Mapping In-person Beaver Dam Community Library October 12, 10:00am-11:00am Registration is required A hands-on opportunity to create a care map of your family’s strengths. A Care Map is a visual way to show all the people and services involved in caring for and supporting your child. Each family’s care map may look different; you decide how many details to include. Wrap up the session with tying things missing in your family’s Care Map to what is available in your local area. Hand-outs and materials are available at the Wisconsin Medical Home Initiative. Part of  CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops

Go Big Read: Panel on Disability at Madison Public Library Oct 12, 2:00-3:30pm Madison Public Library Central Room 301 & 302

Supported Decision Making and Guardianship (Virtual) Oct 15, 6:30-7:30pm  with George Zaske (parent/advocate) part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

The Family’s Role in the College and Career Ready IEP Process Virtual 3-part Workshop from WSPEI 6:00-7:30pm 10/15 (Beliefs, Tools, Resources); 10/22 (Family Role in the 5 Step Process); 10/29 (Special Factors, Disputes, and Resources) Deadline to register is 10/1.

Go Big Read: Panel on Disability on Campus w/ Rebekah Taussig Oct 15, 4:00-5:30pm Symphony Room, Gordon Dining and Event Center

PTP In-Person for New and Emergency Licensed Educators Oct 15 in Whitewater from TIG Register by 10/10

PTP In-Person for New and Emergency Licensed Educators Oct 17 in Stevens Point from TIG Register by 10/10

Online Book Discussion for families and educators — Powerful Partnerships by Karen Mapp 4:00-5:30pm 10/16; 10/30; 11/13. Registration deadline 10/2

Caring for the Whole Family Oct 16, 6:00-7:00pm at Madison Pinney Library Part of  CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops When you discover that your child is growing differently than other kids, you may experience a wide range of emotions as your world begins to change. Join us as we explore those emotions and the realities of raising a child with a special health care need or disability. Learn about resources and supports available for your whole family. This discussion is for families who may be new to the world of special health care needs and disabilities. Handouts and materials available at the Wisconsin Medical Home Initiative. Registration is required.

Go Big Read: Author Keynote Discussion Oct 16, 7:00-8:30pm Union South-Varsity Hall

Online Book Discussion for families and educators — Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High 9:00am-10:30am 10/17; 10/31; 11/14

Third Thursday Book Discussion: Sitting Pretty (2024-25 UW Go Big Read selection) Oct 17, 2:00-3:00pm Madison Sequoya Library

Blueprint for Change Title V Virtual Cafés Engaging Emerging Family/Lived Expertise Leaders  Oct 18, 11:00am

Goodman South Madison Book Club — Go Big Read Oct 19, 1:30-3:30pm Goodman South Madison

Transition Care Mapping Oct 24, 6:00-7:00pm at Madison Sequoya Library Part of  CRC-South Fall 2024 Workshops 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. Registration is required.

Special Needs Financial Planning (Virtual) Oct 29, 6:30-7:30pm  with Special Needs Financial Planning part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

‘The Future of Care for Children with Medical Complexity’ Virtual Café Series from Boston University Café #1: Where We Are Now & Where We Need to Go (recording); Café #2: Humanism in Clinical Care to Meet Whole Child/Family Needs  (recording); Cafe #3: Policy Opportunities (recording coming soon); Café #4: Family-Driven Approach to Understanding Family Well-Being and Its Facilitators (recording coming soon); Café #5: Health Equity and Anti-Ableism Through Family Partnership Oct 30, 3-4pm; Café #6: Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships  Dec 4, 3-4pm.

Health Care Transition from Adolescent to Adult Health Care (Virtual) Nov 5, 6:30-7:30pm  with WI Youth Health Transition Initiative part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Wisconsin’s Social Isolation & Loneliness Awareness Week is November 10-16, 2024 The Wisconsin Coalition for Social Connection will be hosting a virtual Awareness Week Summit during that week with lunch & learn webinars Monday-Friday (11th-15th) from noon to 1:30pm.

Online Book Discussion for families and educators — The Explosive Child by Ross Green 7:00-8:00pm 11/13; 12/11; 1/8.

Navigating Special Education Resources Virtual 2-part series from WSPEI 11:30am-1:00pm 11/14 and 11/21 Registration deadline is Nov 7

Blueprint for Change Title V Virtual Cafés Understanding and Aligning CYSHCN Frameworks   Nov 15, 11:00am

Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health Nov 19, 9:30-11:30am (Virtual) WISE Coalition

Work Incentive Benefits Counseling (Virtual) Nov 19, 6:30-7:30pm  with WIBC/ERI part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Book Discussion of UW-Madison’s Go Big Read Sitting Pretty Nov 20, 7:00-8:30pm Madison Central Public Library Conference Room 104

Book Discussion of UW-Madison’s Go Big Read Sitting Pretty Nov 25, 4:00-5:00pm Madison Meadowridge Library

Independent Living Centers (ILC) and the WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) (Virtual) Nov 26, 6:30-7:30pm  with Jason Glozier (ILC) and Jeremy Gundlach (BPDD) part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Finding and Keeping a Job with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Virtual) Dec 3, 6:30-7:30pm  with DVR part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Go Big Read Book Discussion Dec 7, 1:30-3:30pm Madison Monroe Street Library

Post-Secondary Transition Plan and Beyond 18 (Virtual) Dec 10, 6:30-7:30pm  with WI Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) part of Transition Talks Tuesdays

Blueprint for Change Title V Virtual Cafés Medical Home Financing Strategies Dec 13, 11:00am

Other information for the week of Sep 9

“September is the other January.” ~Gretchen Rubin

National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) Sept 12, 2024

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (Fall 2024 Issue)

Buzz from the Parent Center Hub (Sept 2024)

  • Joint Dear Colleague Letter on Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) and Part C Programs
  •  A Practical Guide for State Teams to Increase Inclusion in Early Childhood Programs
  • Bullying and Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs, specifically for how to support youth with disabilities and special health needs
  • The Child Mind Institute’s Technology and Youth Mental Health webinar series brings together researchers, advocates, and tech thinkers to explore crucial questions, such as: What is the relationship between social media and mental health? How can we advance research on this relationship using real world data?  Click here to watch the webinars and interviews in the series.
  • My Life is Worth Living includes five powerful stories told over 20 episodes. In each episode, relatable teen characters wrestle with challenges that are all too familiar for many viewers and discover strategies to cope when it feels like their own thoughts are against them. Over the course of each character’s journey, they realize that life is worth living. Watch the videos here.
  • MCH (Maternal and Child Health) Bridges: The official podcast of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) Episode #15: Youth Perspectives on Mental Health: Supporting the Next Generation
  • Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents
  • How to Talk About Mental Health

Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health Sept 2024 Newsletter

  • K4-K5 and Grades 1-2 Activities for Building Mental Health Literacy – New
  • U.S. Surgeon General – New Advisory on Parent Stress
  • Psychological and Physical Safety in Schools – Recording Available
  • Lived Experience Partner (LEP) Insights with Angela Clements
  • Showcasing Solutions – Philanthropic Support of School-based Mental Health
  • Children’s Mental Health Fact of the Month — Suicide by Firearm
  • OCMH Partner Reflections with Pablo Navarro and Kathy Markland
  • Healing Centered Engagement – Take Collective Action in Communities where Young People Live
  • September is Suicide Prevention Month
  • Self-harm and Wisconsin Youth
  • Parent Peer Supports in Youth and Family Crisis Continuum Grant Opportunity
  • What to do when you have Anxiety – Infographic
  • Mental Health America (MHA) Resources to Support Young Minds
  • Additional Back to School Resources
  • September is National Family Meals Month

September is National Recovery Month — With the right treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible for everyone.

Other information for the week of Sep 2

Go by Metro Fast Fare Events – Uriel, Metro’s bilingual outreach specialist, will be holding events throughout the community over the next several weeks. He will be saving the day… providing information and assistance, and handing out new Fast Fare cards to Metro riders for the upcoming Rapid Route A launch on September 22!

At any of the events below, riders can pick up their Fast Fare card, get help setting up their online account, and show proof for any half fare price eligibility, if applicable.

This list is updated daily – sharing new events, pop-up locations and any live updates.

Care Mapping for Children with Medical Complexity — article and recording from PPCC

Discover Madison’s Disability History with the Center for Campus History and Go Big Read (Blog Post)

GiGi’s Playhouse in Madison announces their Fall Fun Programs

WI Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD) September 2024 Newsletter  Boletín informativo de BPDD de Wisconsin – Septiembre de 2024

City of Madison –  Inspiring Student Professionals in Residence (INSPIRE)

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) observed each October, the City of Madison is hosting  Inspiring Student Professionals in Residence (INSPIRE).  INSPIRE is a job-shadowing and career exploration program that gives students with disabilities of all ages an opportunity to explore careers in public service.  Students will be matched with a City staff working in their area of interest for a day of job-shadowing on either October 23th or 24th (hours are flexible).

Students and staff are also invited to attend a networking day on October 24th.  This will include meet and greet with City staff, Disability Jeopardy – a fun and interactive way to learn about disability history and culture, and an interactive panel that will touch on topics like when and how to disclosure disability at work, self advocacy and accommodations, how to apply for jobs and internships at the City of Madison and more.  Students who participate receive a certificate and, of course can include this experience on their resume. Applications Due Sep 29.

Thank You for Your Input on the IRIS Program. Your ideas will make the waiver renewal application better. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has gathered input on the IRIS program as we look to renew the waiver. We heard from: Nearly 151 webinar attendees during two online public input sessions in July. More than 2100 survey respondents from July to August. IRIS participants, families, caregivers and providers, IRIS contract staff, advocates, and other partners gave us their input. Thank you to those who shared their input and helped spread the word!

What’s next–DHS will use the input we received to draft changes to the IRIS waiver. We will reach back out to you in May of 2025. At that time, you’ll have a chance to see the waiver renewal application and submit comments during a 30-day public comment period. How can I stay up to date? Visit our website for more information about the waiver, the renewal process, and the timeline.

Things to Remember

  • 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
  • Vernon, Crawford, Grant, Richland, Iowa, Lafayette, Juneau, Adams, Sauk, Columbia, Green, Rock— Did you know the Early Childhood Health Consultation (ECHC) is a free program that provides Wisconsin’s early childhood care and education providers with information on best practices related to child health and safety? Through this program, early care and education (ECE) providers can receive free health consultations, on-demand training, and tailored resources surrounding best practices for health and safety needs at their child care facilities. For more information we invite you to visit the ECHC website, webinars, and podcasts.
  • Disability Information and Access Line Help with COVID-19 vaccinations for people with disabilities from Administration for Community Living

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Interested in participating in research?

 Research Studies: Up to date listing of Waisman Center studies that are currently recruiting

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School Information, Guidance and Resources for COVID-19–now on our School/Special Education Page

For more information please go to our School/Special Education page.

Waisman Center Resources and Updates for COVID-19

WI DHS Higher Risk/Families with CYSHCN Resources for COVID-19

Here are some current updates:

Several new versions of the family decision making tool available via our ReSET webpage (www.reset4kids.org):

  • a Spanish version
  • a fillable Word document that is more user-friendly

As you all are experiencing, the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a media briefing on Friday, February 25, 2022 has dramatically changed the COVID mitigation landscape, including how to mitigate the spread of infection in schools. At this time there is no targeted guidance from the CDC other than the media briefing and this new COVID-19 Community Levels webpage.

DPI’s COVID-19 Infection Control and Mitigation Measures for Wisconsin School 2021-2022 is pulled from access. The document will be revised in the next few days, hopefully with more direction from the CDC. Resources below will hopefully be updated in the near future. For now, they are for historical reference.

COVID-19 Webinar for Local Public Health and School Stakeholders (1.26.22)

WI Department of Health Services Clinical Guidance for vaccinating 5-11 year olds (11.5.21)

Safe, Strong & Healthy Schools with Wisconsin doctors, educators, scientists, and leaders exploring the ways that schools and districts can build and maintain “Safe, Strong & Healthy Schools”

ReSET (Restarting Safe Education & Testing) for Children with Medical Complexity from Healthy Kids Collaborative Dane County

Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html

Overview of COVID-19 Isolation for K-12 Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/about-isolation.html

Overview of COVID-19 Quarantine for K-12 Schools (1/6):  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/about-quarantine.html

Responding to COVID-19 Cases in K-12 Schools: Resources for School Administrators (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/k-12-contact-tracing/guide.html

What You Should Know About COVID-19 Testing in Schools (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/what-you-should-know.html

Schools, Child Care, and Colleges (1/6): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html

Wisconsin Well Badger Resource Center is a statewide public health Information and Referral (I&R) service and resource program offering a toll free phone line and website for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs and more. Well Badger is staffed to provide information and referrals with a deliberate focus to engage high-risk populations and for those with special needs.

The WI Children’s Mental & Behavioral Health Navigator is a free, confidential, online tool designed to help parents, caregivers and professionals in Wisconsin navigate (find, access, pay for) mental and behavioral health services and support for children, adolescents and young adults under the age of 21. Just answer a few questions about the child, and the Navigator provides a customized guide to connect kids and families with the resources and support they need and deserve.

Website: https://wellbadger.org/
Phone: 1-800-642-7837

The Southern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs tries to help families, and the professionals who support them, through providing current resources, news articles, interesting items and more. We post “What’s New” on our home page each week. We regularly post this content and more on our Facebook page. We send out a weekly Resource Round-up on Fridays (send an email with Weekly Resource Round-up in the Subject Line to cyshcn@waisman.wisc.edu to join).We bring together the “What’s New” resources by topic and place them on the Resources page. We hope you can find some help, encouragement, or just information on this page. New content is added regularly.