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This is where we post workshops / activities / opportunities / resources that are not only local but regional & statewide.  
Please go to our agenda or interactive calendars if this page is too busy for you!

Planning for the Future Series ~ Community Connections -Supporting your  individual with unique needs
Will start back up in the Fall!  Questions? Please contact Pam 715-423-7182
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6/17 Achieving Inclusion: What Every Parent and Educator Should Know When Advocating for Students - https://www.dsaw.org/events/kasawebinar2
Don't forget that DSAW has a library of recorded webinars that can be watched any time. Topics include IEPs, speech therapy, transportation, caregivers, supplemental trusts, ABA therapy, and more.  https://www.dsaw.org/webinars
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Upcoming events and trainings - through Department of Health Serivces Questions: dhsdcts@dhs.wisconsin.gov
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6/18 Growing School Mental Health Summit- Coalition for Expanding School-Based Mental Health
Stevens Point
www.schoolmentalhealthwisconsin.org
Phone: (608) 257-5939
 info@schoolmentalhealthwisconsin.org
Equity in School Mental Health Work
In-Depth Quality Improvement & Implementation Support (SHAPE System)
Evidence-Based Practices in School Mental Health

This is an opportunity for stakeholders from around the state in all facets of school and mental health services to come together for one day to learn and share best practices in creating comprehensive, sustainable, school-based mental health systems.
Models and best practices around school mental health systems from the state of Wisconsin!
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6/24 Trauma and Kids- Gretchen Hintz, 
Oak Room at the Ascension Building, 2501 Main Street, Stevens Point
6:00–7:00 p.m. 
         • June 24—Resiliency & Self Care by Lisa Grasshoff   
         • July 29—Taking Care of You by Sherry Daniels   
         • August 26—Forgiveness by Julie Hintzman   
         • September 23— Key Needs by Wade Rasmussen   
         • Oct. 28—“In Our Own Voice” presentation & video by NAMI Portage-Wood Counties   
​         • November 25—Trauma by Ron Matthew
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6/25 &-27 S.M.A.R.T. ~ Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training Provided by: A Chance to Grow
Apply brain stimulation exercises to your Pre-K curriculum!
Are you an early childhood, Head Start, preschool, childcare teacher or paraprofessional?  Do you work with 3 to 5-year-olds?  Join us for this highly engaging workshop with lots of hands-on activities that make it easy to start S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K immediately!
          At this three-day workshop you will:
  • Learn how the brain typically develops and what might interrupt that development
  • Experience the S.M.A.R.T activities, which are movement-based, fun for children and easily incorporated into the day
  • Understand how to look at students developmentally
  • Create the materials you need to immediately implement S.M.A.R.T
  • Become re-energized as educators and ready to create your own S.M.A.R.T classrooms!
REGISTRATION: https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=22814
Registration fee: $600 per person
We highly recommend teams of 3 or more in order to share and implement strategies and techniques learned during training.
Fee includes all materials, breakfast, lunch, snacks and certificate of completion from CESA 5.
Registration or event questions contact: Rachelle Bacon, 608-745-5478 (baconr@cesa5.org) or Julie Beckwith, 608-745-5472 (beckwithj@cesa5.org)
Registration deadline: 6/11/19 (Please register ASAP, as space is limited!)
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6/27 Webinar: Approaches to Evaluating Services for Youth and Young Adults of Transition Age10:30am – 12pm PT, 1:30pm – 3pm ET
For this webinar, hosted by Westat, Janet Walker, Director of the Pathways Research and Training Center, will describe strategies for assessing services, supports and systems that serve older youth and young adults with significant mental health needs. The focus will be on assessment tools and strategies that are sustainable and efficient, and that produce data that is useful to stakeholders. An example of this kind of approach will be presented by Pnina Goldfarb, a research associate and the evaluator for Wraparound Milwaukee's OYEAH program, which focuses on improving outcomes for young adults who experience serious mental health conditions. Pnina will describe assessment strategies that OYEAH uses, present examples of findings, and discuss how this information has been used to support efforts to improve and sustain services and systems.
https://westat.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?nomenu=true&siteurl=westat&service=6&rnd=0.5355777740824854&main_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwestat.webex.com%2Fec3300%2Feventcenter%2Fevent%2FeventAction.do%3FtheAction%3Ddetail%26%26%26EMK%3D4832534b0000000448fde271b452223db76ec13a0d29768d2c22a2f3aa2a8cbf480eb6c4e9651836%26siteurl%3Dwestat%26confViewID%3D126353431041440010%26encryptTicket%3DSDJTSwAAAAQp2Y1UF5RoD4eeW6YR0rrC4MuIHIQ2fMg8Jf7IkgHcng2%26&utm_source=rtcUpdates%3A+Pathways+RTC+News&utm_campaign=7bbce8e9e3-2019-06-13-rtcupdates-webinar-announcement&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b18385e68b-7bbce8e9e3-244765837
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DSAW Parent Sessions with Dr. Skotko! The Parent Sessions will focus on Dr. Skotko's Brain Train Course objectives and smart actions to boost cognition. These sessions are FREE! 

Two of the most common, yet challenging, questions that Dr. Skotko is asked by caregivers: (1) How can you prevent Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome? (2) How might we boost their cognition? While exciting research is unfolding in laboratories across the world, there are strategies that caregivers can take right now in respect to these two questions. In this presentation, Dr. Skotko reveals his recommendations, which must meet all of the following criteria: (a) supported, in part, by quality science, (b) have practical applications for home, (c) be adaptable to people with Down syndrome, and (d) pose no risk to people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation on how best to educate people with Down syndrome. This is not a presentation about supplements or nutraceuticals. Instead, Dr. Skotko provides a set of actions that caregivers can take that might improve the long-term wellness for their loved one with Down syndrome. Attendees will come away with immediate steps that can be implemented in their homes.
7/24 MILWAUKEE
11:30am - 12:30am 
Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin Office
https://www.dsaw.org/events/parentsession-southeastern
7/25 LA CROSSE
2pm - 3pm
Gundersen Health System - Rasmus Center
https://www.dsaw.org/events/parentsession-lax
 
7/26 MADISON
10am - 11am 
Waisman Center - Room TBD
https://www.dsaw.org/events/parentsession-madison
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7-25  Meet and Greet, For Parents/Caregivers/Families with hearing loss - All Ages -All Stages
Stevens Point Children's Museum! Fun for the whole families!  5:30-7:30 RSVP Lisa Kujawa kujawal@co.portage.wi.us or 715-345-5979
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7/27 Parent to Parent Support Training.  Connecting with another parent who has a child with a similar disability or special needs can be one of the most helpful resources a parent will have – it can help make their journey a little easier.
 
Trainings prepare you to give support to another parent who is parenting a child with special needs.
 
Join us for our Support Parent Training and help us meet the increasing need for peer support by becoming part of Wisconsin’s Network of Support Parents.
The trainings are free and lunch is provided
Space is limited Please register by July 20th for the training listed below!
9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Deb’s Café, 1120 122nd Street,  Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Register: https://tinyurl.com/P2P7-27-19
Call:      715-361-6307               833-361-6300
Email:   Get-Connected@p2pwi.org
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7/29-31 State-Wide Institute on Best Practices in Inclusive Education & Pre-Conference - 2019
Summer will soon be here and it is time to register for the 26 th Annual State-Wide Institute on Best Westwood Conference Center in Wausau

Institute Staff & DPI Consultants are available to assist you and your colleagues in planning & problem-solving.
7/29  Focus on teaching students with significant supports needs.  Aliza Claire Bible.Claire is an active advocate in the Disability Rights Movement and is passionate about empowering Claire’s keynote address will inspire participants to broaden their expectations and plans for students with Intellectual Disabilities.
Topics, including: Co-Teaching; Universal Design for Learning; Leadership for What Success Looks Like in Action; Assistive & Inclusive Technologies; Equity in Literacy Instruction; Strategies for Developing and Implementing Inclusive Practices; Supporting Students with Mental Health Needs in Inclusive Classrooms; Paraprofessionals as Partners; High Quality Inclusion for Young Children; Teaching & Supporting Social & Emotional Competence & more.
Early Childhood strand of forums.

7/30  -Inclusive education consultant, Jennifer Sommerness works with teachers, families and administrators to collectively find engaging and respectful ways for all learners to access general education environments and curriculum, regardless of ability. Jennifer will provide specific tools and strategies that can be immediately implemented for any student, no matter how complex their learning or behavioral needs may be.  Thinking, Talking, Writing and Acting in strength-based ways; writing a “Working IEP” which is educationally relevant and departs from the deficit-model of practice; and the creation and maintenance of truly collaborative teams.

7/31 YES! (Youth Emotional Stability). Keynote Jessie Benash. “Limb, Laugh, Love,”
 
General & special educators, administrators, DPI consultants, self-advocates, parents, and other professionals will be presenting forums on: Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy; Differentiation; Best Practices for Early Childhood; Augmentative & Alternative Communication Devices; Trauma-Informed Care; Intelligent Lives; and Social & Emotional Supports. There will be several opportunities for administrative, team, coteacher & individual planning, as well as networking with other professionals, DPI consultants, presenters & colleagues.
Qustions: Kim at Beloin@att.net, 414.881.8101, BeloinandBrandl.com.
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7/29 to 8/2 American Indian Studies Summer Institute  Red Creek Elementary School in Black River Falls, WI. The summer institute is offered in partnership among the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction American Indian Studies Program, the Ho-Chunk Nation and the School District of Black River Falls.

https://dpi.wi.gov/amind/summer-institute

The annual Wisconsin American Indian Studies Summer Institute is an active, highly participatory, week-long workshop designed to increase participants’ understanding of issues related to the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the eleven federally-recognized American Indian nations and tribal communities in Wisconsin.

The goals of the summer institute relate to both American Indian Studies and the education of Native American students. The summer institute aims to improve teaching and learning and to enrich student services, resulting in educators and stakeholders becoming more culturally responsive. Participants will learn how to adapt or develop new techniques best suited to their unique circumstances.
Anyone with a personal or professional interest in American Indian Studies or Native American education is welcome to attend.
Activities and programming include classroom sessions that use a variety of teaching methods and provide opportunities for both presenters and participants to share information, resources, best practices, and model programs. A community tour of the Ho-Chunk Nation and other sessions outside the classroom provide opportunities for experiential learning. Participants will have the opportunity for rich discussions, allowing everyone to share insights and reactions.

Registration is $250 per person if registered by Monday, June 17; $325 if registered by Monday, July 15; or $400 onsite at the summer institute.  https://widpi.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=14938

Discounted group rates are also available. Contact Jonas Meyer at jonas.meyer@dpi.wi.gov if you have three or more people registering from the same district or organization to receive the discount code.

For questions about the summer institute and programming, please contact David O’Connor, American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at david.oconnor@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 267-2283.
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7/31  Implementing Strategies to Prepare for Your Best Year of Teaching, Wis Dells
9-3pm  Featuring:Kristin Anderson & Michelle Trujillo
Kristen Anderson - Changes in Classroom Practices that Will Improve Student Achievement
                              Do/Don't Do This School Year to Raise Student Achievement   
Michelle Trujillo - Hope - It Can Carry the Classroom
Take Care of Yourself So You Can Care for Students
Registration Fee: $149 per person   https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=23393
Contact Rachelle 608-745-5478 
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8/1,2&3 Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities- an  Endless Possibilities Conference:
Shawn Robinson, Ph.D. keynotes August 2, Transforming the Impossible to Possible—Journey from Special Education to Ph.D.
He is the author of Dr. Dyslexia Dude.

Pre-conference, 8/1, is Youth Mental Health First Aid. &  Serving on Groups Training of Trainers

UW-Whitewater
Topics:
      Compassion Resilience
      Reading Drives Achievement
     Building Supports for Students with Learning Disabilities
     Orton-Gillingham Approach to Reading and Spelling
     Preventing the School to Prison Pipeline
     Visual Resumes
     Individualized Education Programs 
     Building the Foundations for Literacy through Music
     Movement and Play

​https://www.uww.edu/ce/workshops/professional-development/endlesspossibilitiesconference
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8/1 Dunstan Baby Language
10:00am-11:30 am
Facilitated by Anna Schuld, RN and Lactation Consultant
Neh? Eh? Eair? Heh? Owh? These are the sounds made by infants birth to 3 months.
During this session we will look at 5 different cries an infant has and how we can help meet their needs.
Infants are welcome. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org   chw.org/communityservices 
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8/14-16 An Orientation to Touch Signal Communication
 Chula Vista Resort - Wisconsin Dells
Touch Signals are used to convey visual, social and environmental information discreetly and in real-time to a person who is deafblind. Participants will:
• Learn how visual and environmental information can be shared with people who are deafblind
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of communication partners.
• Develop skills to use touch signals in a variety of situations and environments

Registration is limited and will close when capacity is reached or by July 26th, class fee is $50.

To register go to: https://forms.gle/LAtcdofRDyMWZF9y6
Contact Jenny (608)356-2023 or jennifer.hudson-stanek@wesp-dhh.wi.gov
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8/15/19 Literacy workshop For Passionate Readers: The Art of Engaging and Reaching Every Child.
Speaker: Pernille Ripp  9-3 Wis Dells
For more information and/or to register!
https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=22314
Cost    Contant Liz   608-745-5472 or graffe@cesa5.org
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8/15 Baby Sign Language 
10:00am—11:30 am 
Presented by Marisa Doll, Marshfield Family Resource Center  
Baby sign language allows babies as young as 6 months old to begin to communicate their needs without crying. Learn how to sign with your baby. Take home a cheat sheet to use with other family members/caregivers.  715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org                                  Visit us at chw.org/communityservices 
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8/29 Storytelling/Infant and Child Massage
10:00am—11:30am
Presented by: Natasha Garbe, Certified Massage Therapist Join us as we learn how to connect with our baby through stories and massage. You will be able to bring the techniques into your home to utilize with your other children.  715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org              chw.org/communityservices
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September -  INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE Wood County Children's Advisory Committee Meeting
Wood County Human Services Dept. / Children’s Unit  10am -12pm
Riverblock in Wisconsin Rapids and Cornerstone in Marshfield.

The Wood County Children's Advisory Committee would like to invite families who have children currently being served or are on either Wood County Children's Waivers or CCOP waiting list to become a member of the Wood County Children's Advisory
“The purpose of CCOP advisory committees is to assist in developing, reviewing and approving the local CCOP plan and to monitor the program.” Your participation will help shape future children’s services within Wood County.  What works? What do you need? How can we improve?
 
The members of this committee include parents, community partners and county staff.  The committee members meet Quarterly to assist in the establishment and operational policies that guide WCHSD in administering government funded services to the children and  youth of Wood County with multiple, often serious needs who meet the eligibility for County programs.
 
Please join us for the next meeting of the Advisory Committee!
Video conference if available in both Wisconsin Rapids  and Marshfield (511 East 4th Street Marshfield). 
Or Call Denise and participate via "Youbuyity"  You may phone in or appear by video!  You will need to set up ahead of time!  2 weeks if possible! Denise dklosinski@co.wood.wi.us  715-421-8848 –phone
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Sign Language Class 
Tuesdays September 10 to October 29, 2019
Free!
*4:30 – 5:00 eat and review alphabet/numbers all while working on ASL and manners.
*5:00 – 6:00 Class will direct needs
*Feel free to come at 4:30 or 5:00, whatever works best for you.
This opportunity is for: Families, Professionals you all our "Community!"
Faith Lutheran Church. 
207 South Cherry Ave. (Marshfield
Questions?  Pam 715-423-7182  ironkids@hotmail.com
               St. John The Baptist Catholic Church 
              & Parents Information and Education Resource (PIER)    
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9/23-24 Healthy Minds, Behaviors, & Schools ~ Wis Dells
​https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=22075Strategies and techniques to assist with behavior management and mental health issues in the school setting. Network and collaborate around behavioral and mental health needs of students as well as practice self-care and compassion.
Breakout sessions from local experts in the field, and offers specific strategies and information for you to bring back to your district and classroom.
$250 for 2 days of keynote speakers and breakout sessions!
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10/3 To Infinity and Beyond: Preparing Adolescents to Launch into the Real WorldLearn about their own executive functioning, sharpen their perspective taking, and begin to manage their own social lives. https://76148.blackbaudhosting.com/76148/2019-Fall-Conference
Presented by Nancy Clements
The Florian Gardens Conference Center 
This course translates peer-reviewed published research on adolescent psychology, motivation, self-awareness, cognitive behavioral treatment, social learning challenges, acquiring independence, and more into hands-on strategies, clear frameworks, and concepts you can use immediately. Taking into consideration that the adult world focuses on access rather than success, we’ll explore job coaching strategies for literal-minded individuals, strategies for becoming more independent, and how interventionists can help prepare our persistently self-protective/resistant students. We’ll also share successful strategies for guiding our more sophisticated individuals in developing their own public relations and self-management campaigns. This workshop is packed with information!
Participants will be able to:
1.   Describe how to use the Learning Strengths and Weaknesses visual guide to encourage conversations about treatment direction with older students and adults.
2.   List the four steps of Social Thinking’s Social Competency Model
3.   Describe two or more types of situational conformity and the importance of executive functioning in meeting our social goals.
4.   List at least four stages in the Levels of Independence that are needed to manage oneself in late adolescence and young adulthood.
5.   Describe three or more behavioral and learning characteristics of individuals who are Resistant/Self-Protective Social Communicators.
6.   Explain why it is important for students to learn social competencies as part helping them manage their social anxiety.
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10/ 14-16   2019 Self-Determination Conference.
Back to the Future-Self-Determination: Powered by Innovation  
Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI. 
​ 
The Wisconsin Self-Determination Conference empowers people with disabilities to have more control over their lives. Each year, people with disabilities, their families and people who support them participate in the conference to learn more about self-determination and self-directed supports so they can live more independently, actively participate in their communities, and use public funds efficiently.
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Calling all Wisconsin organizations that support self-determination and self-directed support in Wisconsin. We encourage you to submit an application. Space is limited and only applications from exhibitors that directly support self-determination and self-direction in WI will be accepted. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected based on interest, needs, variety and mission of the conference. We are particularly interested in having exhibitors with innovative approaches to services and supports for self- direction including the use of technology to help people with disabilities live full and inclusive lives.  Exhibit tables are open Oct. 15-16, 2019.

Calling all Micro-business owners! If you are a person with a disability and own your own micro-business apply to share your gifts and talents with over 800 people this October? Be an exhibitor at the 2019 Self-Determination Conference!
 
https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SDC-Exhibitor-Form-2019-printable.pdf
 
SPONSOR
Do you Support Self-Determination in Wisconsin? We need your Support!

We are accepting sponsorship to the 2019 Self-Determination Conference. Conference sponsorship provides scholarships to individuals with disabilities and their families to attend the conference. Scholarships provide to people with disabilities and their families registration and lodging assistance, and help to keep conference fees are low as possible.
Your contribution will help us continue to empower self-advocacy and self-direction in Wisconsin.
 
For additional information please contact Fil Clissa at fil.clissa@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-5395.
See you at the Conference: October 14-16, Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI.
 https://wi-bpdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/SDC-Exhibitor-Form-2019-printable.pdf
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10/17 Beyond Behaviors: Understanding and Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Autistic Individuals
Presented by Sharon Hammer and Lisa Hoeme
The Osthoff Resort,  Elkhart Lake, WI
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/event-cal/2019-mental-health-conference/

​Mental health concerns are common for individuals on the autism spectrum, yet their struggles in this area often go overlooked and untreated. In this training, we will explore what individuals with autism share about their experiences and the impact living with autism has on their mental health and well being. We will explore the myths and realities of autism and mental health, with a focus on building understanding around the complexities of how these two areas intersect for individuals.

This training will provide specific resources for those looking to learn more about the complexity of helping a person manage multiple conditions, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. This training is designed for individuals on the spectrum, parents, teachers, and other professionals that work to support the mental health of autistic individuals.
 
Back by popular demand, this workshop will be similar to last year's November conference, with updated information and a focus on providing information for parents and families.
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11/8 Youth Transition Conference
YOUR Journey      YOUR Choices        YOUR Futrure
Mid-State Technical College, Wisconsin Rapids
 
Please join us for a daylong conference focused on youth with disabilities transitioning to the future.
 
Conference Sessions are focused on one of four primary themes:
  • Independent Living: including skill development, accessing social and recreational opportunities, as well as learning transportation options, financial skills, and technology to be as independent as possible.
  • Employment: accessing supports and services including work incentives benefits counseling, job placement and development, unique sessions on careers, and personal experiences finding employment.
  • Self-Advocacy: activities and exercises that support youth with disabilities to learn how to navigate life paths and develop the skills to advocate for themselves.
  • Post-Secondary Transition and Training: for high school students with disabilities seeking both a traditional college experience as well as alternatives like Think College programs. Presentations can include information on support services, academic preparation, and health and safety away from home.
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11/11 & 12 "Cooperation"Children Come First Conference
Grand Canyon Lodge - Wis Dells
www.ccfconference.org
Register - https://forms.gle/Me86VUvMpoQDRVHKA
The largest youth and adolescent mental health conference in Wisconsin.
Call for Presenters - https://goo.gl/forms/3Zs0xbXr7PLseK0D3
Deadline May 17th 
Contact Alison with questions - alison@wifamilyties.org or 262-617-6775
Wisconsin Family Ties
16 N Carroll St Suite 230
Madison Wisconsin 53703
United States
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11/14 & 15 State Superintendent’s Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership
Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
A keynote speaker this year is Jose Martin (Richards Lindsay & Martin LLP). 
 
Conference, registration and lodging information is available at https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/educators/consultation/leadership/fall-leadership-conference.

The registration fee is $100. Registration will close on Friday, November 1, 2019. On-site registration is $140 and is limited. No refunds are issued, though substitutions are accepted. Please note the discounted hotel rate ends October 13, 2019.  
 
Please contact Lee Sippola at lee.sippola@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 267-9175 with any questions.
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3-21 Extrava- Gala – A world Down Syndrome Day Party so hot we’re giving you plenty of time to plan!  30th Anniversary Party!  Milw.  https://secure.qgiv.com/for/d3ae/
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​PIER is an informational site.  It is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation.  Any information contained on this site is not intended as legal or medical advice but only as an informational resource.   This web site was created to inform and educate. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, recommendations, diagnosis or treatment.

You are encouraged to confirm all information with other sources and a physician. If you have health concerns, please call or see a qualified health care provider without delay. . 

We do not endorse any treatments, providers, or product information in this site.    

As with any program - we strongly encourage you to thoroughly check out references.