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                                                                       Newsletter                                  
Are you looking for work?  Are you looking for providers to help with respite, personal care, special needs childcare? 
                   Online state-approved training for people who would like to be providers of support. 
                   Access a registry of trained providers.
                   Could you use fiscal assistance to hire a friend, family member, or neighbor to help you with primary caregiving duties?
                    https://respitecarewi.org/live/      *info@respitecarewi.org​         * phone: 608.222.2033               * fax: 920.993.3335 
​
                                  ====================================================
Make sure you understand accommodations  and supports for our children and youth who have  needs for learning support! 
Check out learning supports here in Wisconsin. 
                                        WI FACETS learning opportunity calendar   https://wifacets.org/events .                                                       
                                        Searches within your local CESA 's  https://dpi.wi.gov/cesa
                                        Search the Department of Public Instruction website. https://dpi.wi.gov/sped
                                  ====================================================
The Arc's Center for Future Planning offers free resources to help self-advocates, families, professionals, and others, tackle all aspects of future planning, including housing, finances, employment, support services, and more. 
  • Get tips on how to start planning
  • See how others have planned
  • Decide where to start
  • View archived webinars 
 
When you're ready to start building a plan, use Arc's Center for Future Planning free tool, which will guide you through each step of the process.
                                  ====================================================
So many questions, too many options... Guardianship, Supported Decision Making, Power of Attorney.... Check out this great tool!
                                                   http://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/supporteddecision-making/
                                  ====================================================​
Finding Your Way (Navigation Guide for WI families who have children and youth with
special health care needs and disabilities)
--  https://ucedd.waisman.wisc.edu/fyw/ 
             A .pdf version of the guide is available at https://go.wisc.edu/finding-your-way.pdf 
             A printed version of the guide will be available at low-to-no cost in 2021. 
             A Spanish-language version is scheduled to be completed early in 2021. 
            Questions: Tim Markle, tmarkle@wisc.edu 
                               

         Trainings and Workshops
               Local and Statewide

*******************************​*


​Wisconsin FACETS Webinars
Most
webinars 12:00—1:00 PM
             https://wifacets.org/events 
             Sandra: 877-374-0511

3/8  Self Compassion
4/12 Our Locus of Control
5/10 Compassionate Boundaries
6/14 Expectations and Affirmations
7/12 Wellness Strategies
8/9 Connecting to Our Purpose
​-------------------------
 Living Well Wednesdays - for Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. 
        9am on Facebook and Zoom! 
  
You can join us on Facebook Live at: https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinBPDD/ 
 
 Or register to join our Zoom Living Well Wednesdays here:  
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAqde6hqTgpH9DzJDJD30itgZv3weWt0Fwk
  
Contact Sally Flaschberger sally.flaschberger@wisconsin.gov
 ----------------------------
3/4   Autism  Support Group Meeting - 
6:00 PM 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81601136316...
Meeting ID: 816 0113 6316
Passcode: ASCW
-----------------------------
3/4&5,  3 Sessions related to Autism, Challenging Behaviors, and Difficult Conversations,by Jason Rahn.
 
This conference is being offered FREE of charge to: 
  • Tribal child care providers throughout Wisconsin
  • Child care providers/early childhood educators in the NCFR service delivery area.
 
Others may attend with a registration fee of $25.00 (no refunds will be given)
 
To ensure you receive the zoom link and conference information please register by February 24, 2021.  
 email  nwconnection@ncfrwi.net. for a registration form... (800) 733-KIDS or (715) 634-2299 for Paypal information.
 
Virtual Spring Conference by
Northwest Connection Family Resources (NCFR)
-----------------------------
3/11 Adapting Health Transition Services for Youth with Special Health Care Needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Describe a model Transition Program at the Emory University Cystic Fibrosis Care Center.
  2. Discuss adaptations in health care transition processes during the move to telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  3. Apply lessons learned to planning how health care transition services will be implemented in the future.

12:00pm-1:00pm
Registration

Strategies and lessons learned for engaging youth with complex health conditions, who are transitioning to the adult health care system, and their families during COVID-19 and beyond. 

Sign up for list-serv here

If you have any questions, email
​ 
healthtransitionwi@waisman.wisc.edu.
-----------------------------

3/15 to 6/4 ~ The Explosive Child – Book Study featuring Ross Greene “How do I know if my child is explosive?” There's no blood test, of course. “Explosive” is just a descriptive term for kids who become frustrated far more easily and more often, and communicate their frustration in ways that are far more extreme (screaming, swearing, spitting, hitting, kicking, biting, cutting, destroying property) than “ordinary” kids. 
Cesa 9 event - Lehman, Heidi 715-453-2141 ext. 1390 hlehman@cesa9.org

  • https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=28661

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​The Arc Wisconsin Academy
​https://arcwi.org/the-arc-wisconsin-academy/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=academy
Classes starting in April 2021HealthMatters™
Adults with disabilities are three times more likely than people without disabilities to experience heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. HealthMatters™ is an evidence-based class for people with disabilities that will help you increase get control over your health and learn to make healthier choices.
  • Lesson 1: What Does It Mean to Be Healthy?
  • Lesson 2: Step Into Exercise
  • Lesson 3: The Fab Five
  • Lesson 4: How Much Food Is Too Much?
  • Lesson 5: Benefits Healthy Eating Has on Our Bodies
  • Lesson 6: Healthy Lifestyle Review
Tuition: $240
Tuition payment is due by April 1, 2021
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Putting the Units of Study to Work           3 Day Virtual Series 

Workshop participants will dive deeply into the Units of Study for Phonics, Reading, and Writing over the course of this series. Each workshop will take participants through the content and methods of the Units of Study with specific recommendations for successful implementation in schools and online.
Please register for each session separately. Click on session date to register.
       
         Session 3: March 11, 2021 Writing                       Units of Study
1:30pm-4:30pm
https://www.smore.com/unr30-putting-the-units-of-study-to-work?ref=email-content#w-2679889728
Registration Fee Per Session:
$50 for CESA 5 School Improvement Services Members
$75 for Non-Members
-----------------------------
4/21-24 Inform, Influence, Innovate Together -   virtual conference - Temple Grandin as a keynote speaker.
Autism Societies  of  Wisconsin and Minnesota
​

Featuring dozens of livestream breakout sessions, virtual exhibit booths, an autism resources bookstore
 
https://autismgreaterwi.org/Inform- Influence- Innovate-Together
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6/22-25 2021 International Respite (Short Break) Conference in Madison, Wisconsin 
​
http://www.isba.me/registration/
​===========================
      Grandparent~
  Relative caregivers

Upcoming Online Kinship Workshop Series
November 16th: How to effectively communicate with social workers English 5pm, Spanish 6pm
December 11th: What is child abuse and neglect; know the laws, English 5pm, Spanish 6pm
January 13th: Kinship Caregiving 101 will cover a variety of topics such as court navigation, protecting yourself, advocating and finding resources. English 7pm, Spanish 8pm


These workshops are geared toward caregivers and they can attend no matter where they live. For more information, contact Jennifer Odum, Grandparents As Parents Program Manager: jodum@ONEgeneration.org. 
     ------------------
Also see: Grandparenting Tab 
​
Grandparents & Other Relatives as Parents (GORP) 
– outreach: quarterly newsletter, warmline (not crisis line but more about finding resources) and community presentations on topics that resonate with relative caregivers.

For more information, contact Serena at referrals@therainbowproject.net or (608) 255-7356.
            -------------------------
Changing relationship from relative to parent. 

When a child cannot live with their parents often times the next best alternative is living with a relative.  While this can mean less change and trauma for the child, it can also mean role changes and new family challenges the relative hadn’t considered.  Join us for a brief overview of the challenges relative caregivers face in their new role and a discussion of how you can provide support to relative caregivers while they get adjusted.  

Presenter Tiffany Meredith, the founder of Tiffany L. Meredith Consulting. 
Tiffany is a former relative caregiver with over twenty years of experience in child welfare, foster care, and adoption.  

You may view this at: 
https://zoom.us/rec/play/cyyZ0gNEuYFTthTywHQAkJ148duWuFUGTqgXzv57ruVbrb3dIwP8UMFYbqPIJ8SwiUmr0H0rfGLscR5n.pucGXuG1AuhOC7vR?continueMode=true
 ------------------------------------------
WI Adoption & Permanency Support shared this link for Virtual Support Groups for Relative Caregivers:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-support-group-for-relative-caregivers-tickets-114153498186

============================
      Caregiving 
Caregivers with adult children with I/DD  
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/caring-for-an-adult-child-with-disabilities-in-retirem

Caregiving versus parenting:
https://centerforfamilyinvolvementblog.org/2019/11/22/caregiving-and-parenting-are-not-the-same/
Print and share with your school or circle of family and friends!
  Family Caregivers/Providers 
      
 *Funding for Respite!  
         *Find a Provider
         * Be a Provide
r
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin    Please go to:  https://respitecarewi.org/live/our-programs/   for their most current forms and application process. 
   
Respite Care of Wisconsin also has 
resource for:

           Caregivers of Elderly
           Caregivers of Adults
           Caregivers of Children 
                        and 
           Respite Care Worker
           https://respitecarewi.org/
---------------------------------------------------

  Mental Health 
Telehealth for Transition Age Youth and Young Adults Privacy, Emotional Safety and Welfare
https://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/telehealth-tip-sheet.pdf


Contact your local CAP services - they have Mental Health Navigators!
https://capservices.org/who-we-are/

Rogers Behavioral Health - trainings            https://rogersbh.org/resources

Accessing Telehealth - 
​ForwardHealth allows coverage for behavioral health services delivered via telehealth, including over the phone, during this public health emergency.   https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov/kw/pdf/2020-12.pdf      


Crisis Card - Please access the  PDF you can download:
https://children.wi.gov/Pages/Integrate/Youth-Mental-Health-Crisis-Plan-Card.aspx

​Develop a card for your community - school - agency or work place!

 Wisconsin Addiction Recovery 
​ Helpline: 
https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/addiction-helpline
​

This website also has a list of other helplines, hotlines, and virtual meetings for people with substance use concerns. There are also self-care tips on our website for consumers and professionals.

Behavioral Health/Mental Health Online Database: 
www.mch-hotlines.org/wisconsin-first-step

2-1-1 Your local United Way Website!

----------------------------------
​ Learn more about       these resources!!!! 
               +++++++++++++++
WI FACETS 

​            – www.wifacets.org
Family Engagement Newsletter –
     Education support and resources 


​November: Emotional Behavioral
                    Disabilities
December: Communication

January: Transition


February: Intellectual Disabilities

​         Family Voices -
http://www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com 
FACT sheets on everything you need to understand regarding your child, youth or adult with special needs!   Factsheets also in Spanish!!!!

             Each family has a voice ~
      Together, our voices will be heard

 * Your link to statewide resources https://familyvoiceswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Wisconsin-Resource-Orgs-2020-compress-1.pdf

Preparing for emergencies:
 https://mailchi.mp/fvofwi/family-voices-of-wisconsin-spring-newsletter?e=52afc598d7

Fact sheet on Preparing for emergencies:
    https://familyvoiceswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Preparing-for-Emergencies-compress.pdf         ​

          Virtual Trainings
         Catholic Charites
         Down Syndrome
               Activities
​
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Foster or Adoption networking
​                 & support

Down Syndrome Opportunities  

Grandparent~ Relative caregivers
Caregiving


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Check out voting  resources at disabilityvote.org/ and follow us on Facebook

2021 Spring Elections and Special Legislative Elections

2021 Spring Election: April 6,
​
2021
State offices to be elected are
   State Superintendent of Public        Instruction,

   Court of Appeals Judge,       
   Districts I, II and III, and
             Circuit Court Judge.
    Representative to the Assembly
           - District 89

      State Senator - District 13


            Virtual Training             
            Opportunities! 


Family Voices of Wisconsin, Training sessions are FREE and online!
 
Trainings are for family members, self-advocates, educators and professionals.
 
For registration information go to familyvoiceswi.org/learn.
 
What's After High School? This training is an overview of the transition to adult life for young adults with disabilities and/or special health care needs. It’s perfect for families with children ages 14-21 and the providers and school staff who work with them. Of course, youth are welcome! We’ll cover: Planning for the future; Your school’s role; Long-term supports; Vocational resources; Moving to adult health care; Supported decision making and guardianship; and, Self-Determination basics.

Medicaid Made Easy will give you a solid understanding of Medicaid programs for children and how they’re funded. Most importantly, it’s focused on how these programs work for Wisconsin families. We’ll cover: Doorways to Medicaid; Medicaid funded programs; Uses for the ForwardHealth card; and, Next steps with resources.

Did You Know? Now You Know! Learn about all the resources and services for children with disabilities and special health care needs from birth through young adulthood. Topics include private health insurance, Medicaid, long-term supports, how to coordinate services and so much more.
​------------------------------
Parent to Parent  is going virtual with Parent trainings.  Help another parent's journey and make it a little easier! To learn more, go to https://p2pwi.org/P2P/Trainings.
------------------------------
The Arc Wisconsin Academy
https://arcwi.org/the-arc-wisconsin-academy/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=academy
Self-Advocacy Leadership in Action
This series will help you learn how to make good choices, stand up for yourself, and be more independent.
  • Lesson 1: Understanding Disability History and Learning Self-Advocacy Skills
  • Lesson 2: Knowing What You Want For Your Future
  • Lesson 3: Learning to Take Safe Risks
  • Lesson 4: Accepting Help From Other People
  • Lesson 5: Speaking Up For Yourself
  • Lesson 6: Being Proud of Who You Are and Teaching Others
  • Lesson 7: Knowing Your Policymakers
Tuition: $240
Tuition payment is due by October 1, 2020
=============================
Family caregivers please check out this is a new free online educational tool for family caregivers across Wisconsin. Learn about health issues, care techniques, and managing care for loved ones during flu season.   http://WisconsinCaregiver.org/virtual-events-for-caregivers
`Virtual -Support Groups, Memory Cafes,  Events, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes  
Let’s Get Away, Together: Winter Series explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community. 
Interactive travel and culture activity sessions
Incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft.
Dementia 101- increase your knowledge of dementia
Ask A Dementia Care Specialist
Caregiver Rest and Restore –
Boost Your Brain and Memory
Online Book Club
Ask A Dementia Care Specialist
The Caregiver Experience:  Tools to Assist in the Journey
Caregiver Teleconnection Program 
Wisconsin Adoption & Permanency Support  for Grandparents and Relative Caregivers.
Caregiver Coffee Hour 
Northeast WI Telephone Support Group
Caregiver Support Group
Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia in the Early Stages
Caregiver Friends Support Group
Let's Talk Over Coffee
Alzheimer's/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Caregiver Support Group
Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia in the Early Stages
Dependable Friends Virtual Support Group
For Persons Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Male Caregiver Support Group
Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD)
Family Caregivers for a Loved One with Dementia Living at a Facility
Wacky Wednesday for Fun and Socialization

Knowledge is Power Hour - Educational Programming
Webinar Wednesdays- re: respite care in Wisconsin. https://www.respitecarewi.org 
Outagamie Caregiver Coalition Chats
Virtual Pizza & Trivia
MEMORY CAFES(Memory Cafes provide a way for persons with memory loss and their care partner to socialize with other people going through similar journeys.)
 
POWERFUL TOOLS FOR CAREGIVING VIRTUAL CLASSES 
Check the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging website for other classes in your area. 
 https://wihealthaging.org/workshops
​=============================
             Catholic Charities Adoption Opportunities for foster and adoptive families!
        
***Registration required
|833.WIS.APSP | info@wisapsp.org |    
​                 https://wisapsp.org

www.eventbrite.com/o/wisconsin-adoption-amp-permanency-support-987835783
 
1/21  Virtual Support Group: Caring for the Caregiver Tickets, Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite
            6:30 pm
 
1/24 Family Fun Tubing: Wausau
     1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
     Sylvan Hill Park,\1329 Sylvan Street
             Wausau,
Family Fun Tubing: Wausau Registration, Sun, Jan 24, 2021 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
​
 
2/18  LIVE WEBINAR: Emotional Regulation       7:00-8:00 pm
 
3/2  LIVE WEBINAR: On Adoption and Addiction    6:30-8:00 pm

The Power of Play
Pre-Recorded
 
Here Be Dragons
Pre-Recorded
 
Beyond Picky Eating
Pre-Recorded

Understanding Historical Trauma
Pre-Recorded
​
Virtual Groups:
  

Parents of  Older Youth
Waiting to Adopt
Birth Parent Support
Caregiver of young children
 Relative Caregivers
Connected Parenting
Adult Adoptees
Adoption Triade Circle

Questions? Contact ~
Eau Claire - Anne Rozeboom - anne@wisapsp.org - 608-519-8065
Green Bay - Heather Hansen - heather@wisapsp.org - 920-272-8240
La Crosse - Susan McParker - susan@wisapsp.org - 608-519-8023
Madison - Jessica Wright - jessica@wisapsp.org - 608-692-2910 
Milwaukee - Pattie Godsell - pattie@wisapsp.org - 414-369-7489
Wausau - Chelsey Zommers - chelsey@wisapsp.org - 608-519-8068
 
You may also continue to reach us via phone or text with our 24/7 warm-line at 1-833-WIS-APSP.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
   Down Syndrome

1/7 Zoom Family Bingo night for parents, families, and self-advocates STATEWIDE! Bingo starts at 7 

Statewide Family Bingo Night hosted by MADSS — Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (dsaw.org)
                 -----------------
1/18  Webinar With Dr. Cami Matthews 
 
Join us from the comfort of your home for a discussion about what is sleep apnea in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). Dr. Cami Matthews' presentation will include an overview of symptoms of sleep apnea, evaluation of sleep apnea, and treatment options across different ages. Parents, industry professionals, and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are welcome to attend. There will be time allotted at the end for Q&A. 
 
Please register for the webinar in advance, even if you may not be able to attend. A recording of the session will be sent to registrants post webinar.
 
12-1 PM
MADSS Sleep Apnea & Ds Webinar — Madison Area Down Syndrome Society
                 ------------------
1/21 DSAW Karaoke Night 
  7 PM.
Participants are invited to sing, dance, or just enjoy the music while hanging out with friends! DSAW will be taking song requests and sharing lyrics on the screen during the program. This is a free program for self advocates and families affiliated with any DSAW chapter or MADSS!
DSAW Virtual Karaoke Night — Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin 
                     ---------------
DSAW Friends For V-Day Fun
       On February 12th! 
​
 
DSAW Virtual Valentine's Party — Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin

This lovely evening event will help you get in the V-Day spirit! DSAW's Virtual Valentine's  Party is an evening program that will include a guided craft, time to work on your valentines for loved ones, a festive game, and a showing of "A Charlie Brown Valentine" at the end. Families, children/siblings, and self-advocates of all ages are welcome to join us! 

Event Activities: 
·        Love Bird Craft OR Make Your Own Valentines! 
·        Valentine's Trivia (Kahoot) 
·        Showing of "A Charlie Brown Valentine" 
When:  Friday, Feb 12th 
Time: 6-7:30 PM 
Who: Families and Self-advocates
Cost: FREE 
                     ----------------
2/25 Become a Support Parent! 
Statewide VIRTUAL Parent's First Call Support Parent Training — Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (dsaw.org)

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) partners with Parent to Parent of Wisconsin (P2P) to train support parents and match them with new and expectant parents who are looking for resources and support. Trainings prepare you to give support to another parent of a child with Down syndrome.
 
Time: 6 - 9pm
6:00 PM - 7:45 PM:
            Parent's First Call Training
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM:
             Prenatal Training
Location: Virtual training via Zoom
contact Lori Albers.
               --------------
DSAW Connects: Virtually
See, link, register to more opportunities!
All classes take place over Zoom. Zoom will work on computers, tablets, and phones.
Check out: 
https://www.dsaw.org/dsawconnectsfall
For the below opportunities and more! 
Please note: For paid classes, we will be accepting IRIS or DSAW's "Pay-What-You-Can" options as payment for our courses.
                  ---------------
Move & Groove
Get your sweat on while having fun! We will learn new moves and dance to your favorite music

Body Blast
A modified and inclusive fitness class for all abilities! Fun workout music and socialization with friends will enhance your experience and keep fitness fun!

Let's Get Connected 
Learn how to make new friendships while strengthening current relationships!

Navigating Our World
In today's ever changing and challenging times navigating our world can be difficult. Explore ways to communicate and cope with problematic changes and emotions through mindful and creative outlets. 
Course Objective: Emotional health, communication skills, encouraging self-expression and creativity, exploring individuality

Boost your Brain                      
School may be out, but learning is always in! From mindful meditation to crossing the midline, learn a variety of activities that will teach you brand new ways to boost your brain! 

Media Madness                        
Explore challenges and benefits associated with technology and our expanding social network all while enjoying popular media.
 
Young Leaders Academy
    
        
(18+ session ONLY)
Young Leaders Academy Westside: Second and Fourth Thursday from 6pm-7pm

Young Leaders Academy East Side and Beyond: First and Third Thursday from 6pm-7pm
We're taking our Young Leaders Academy online! This will be a continuation of the in-person classes we were offering at DSAW's office (west side) and on the east side, but we are welcoming new registrants as well!

Back To Work
**Option to supplement with a 1:1 session
This class will explore safe and appropriate ways to prepare for the workplace.
Course Objective: Safe work habits, attitude, communication, interpersonal/social skills, professionalism, teamwork

Life Skills and Laughter
Join DSAW for a class that combines Life Skills and Stream Team classes. The first hour is designed to develop life skills while the second hour offers a variety of fun games, online exploration, trivia, relationship building, and lots of laughter! 
Course Objective: Life skill development, strengthening communication, relationship building, positivity 

​Statewide calendar of events! 
Register or for more info go to:
https://www.dsaw.org/statewide-events  


Downs Syndrome Awareness Walks Around the State
Sheboygan (10/24)

 
​============================
Please support PIER by:
     *  Shopping Amazon Smiles  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-2004868
          
     * Purchasing Kwik Trip Gas cards  
                       Contact  Pam
               ironkids@hotmail.com


       * Purchasing a bag of Coffee from
                       Blu Play

          
        * Sending donation to: 

                PIER, c/o Pam Ironside,
               6211 North Park Road,
               Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494


        * Join our PIER board

 
      *Help update and edit website          

​Disclaimer: These activities and information in this document are not sponsored nor endorsed by the agency, organization or school district sharing forward this information. Neither do they assume responsibility for the conduct during or safety of the activities. The above (or forwarding party) shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court of administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials including attorney’s fees and judgments or awards. ​      ​
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​       Fun stuff!
      Autism group/networking
      Sibling opportunities
      Mental Health
      Resources you need to know


​          Fun Stuff!
​​ ******************************
Outdoor Adventure – Nature walks around the area. We believe that getting outdoors and moving our bodies is a great way to alleviate stress, release pent up energy and allow us to safely be in community together. Please let me know if this is of interest to you (to give us an idea regarding numbers). I will let people know days, times and locations as soon as possible.
 
Family Fun Hour/Tiny Bonfire – Picture this: An hour of scavenger hunts, funny stories, possible sing-alongs, science/art projects and marshmallow roasting all from the comfort of your home – via zoom. We can work on socialization and have fun. I’ll need to know who is interested – I’d like to hold the first one January 23rd, but will need addresses to send out bonfire packets. This will be super fun – you won’t want to miss it!! More info to come!
 
Encouragement Hour – This one's for parents and will also be on zoom. We’ll bring in some guest speakers who can offer advice and encouragement. We will also allow time for parents to chat and talk about their most pressing needs and use each other as resources.
 
We’ll be posting days and times for all these things on our Facebook page (over the weekend) so be checking for those!
 
Debra Adams ~ Gracie's Place
Hope for families and help for kids with special needs
phone: 715-966-6474 / fax: 844-264-9214 / www.gracies-place.org
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Remember to  connect with your local library to see how they are providing activities and resources.
 
Wisconsin Rapids McMillan Library –  Monday-Friday 9 to 6,
   *curbside pickup also available;              *computer use is allowed with a time
​            limit of one hour. 
    * Children’s programming continues 
             virtually:
     *Story Time through Facebook
               live, 

     *Activity kits available for pickup
                will resume in fall,
     *Tuesday evenings will include
               family night at home concept        *Saturday cooking program.
       * kits biweekly; hands on components which are then paired with a Zoom session (target age- Elementary).  Families must register to receive & pickup their kit; registration is found under the Library Events tab, then access each link on the calendar. 


From Children's Museum
Follow on FB! https://www.facebook.com/Central-Wisconsin-Childrens-Museum-CWCM-17911389555

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Autism Opportunities           (ASCW) 
    ​On line opportunities! 

1/13 Trivia Night
 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Join the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and the Fox Valley affiliate for a night of Winter & Star Wars themed trivia questions!

he event will begin at 6:30pm over Zoom. Individuals and families are welcome! There will be a maximum capacity of 20 participants. RSVP is required – please use the link below to register.

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Questions? Email kbrodhagen@autismgreaterwi.org
                     --------------
​

 Online Teen Hangout
             6:00 – 7:00 PM
 
Teens with autism are welcome to join us online to chat and play games!
​Meeting Registration - Zoom

 PC Minecraft Party   7:00 PM

This event is for people ages 8-17 with the Java version of Minecraft on their PC who would like to play online with friends in creative mode. Up to 20 players allowed on the private server. Please sign up to receive the private server information

 Learn More
​               ======
NEW- 
Transition to Adulthood           Discussion Series
Third Wednesday of every month                    6:00 – 7:00 pm
https://www.autismgreaterwi.org/transition-to-adulthood-discussion-series/

3/18 Autism & Housing -
         tentative topic

        -------------------------

 New to Autism Virtual Group
 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The New to Autism Group is a monthly virtual group for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism. Join us to connect with other parents for a casual discussion about shared experiences, community resources, and to learn more about the Autism Society.
 
Learn More
            -------------------------

​
Supporting Neurodiverse Students Professional Learning System has new virtual options 
https://tinyurl.com/SNSVirtualWI

Support Group Meetings -6:30 pm   FREE   autismsocietycw@gmail.com

AUsome Tweeners Social Group
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Suggested ages 8-17.
autismsocietycw@gmail.com

Adults with Autism Support Group Meeting -  10:00 am – 11:30 am  A peer support group for adults on the autism spectrum.  autismsocietycw@gmail.com


Autism Society of Wisconsin!​               https://www.asw4autism.org/resource-guide/getting-started/

 Autism Societies
Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin    1-608-630-9147
                     

Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin   414.988.1260

Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin  920-558-4602
​​ ​
Community of Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities,
The recordings of the March 10th CoP ASD/DD are available on th
e WI CoP ASD/DD YouTube Channel.
The handouts are now available on the Connections website on the past meetings page:  https://connections.waisman.wisc.edu/past-meetings/
​===========================
 Resources for Talking to            Students About Race   
https://dpi.wi.gov/news/dpi-connected/resources-talking-students-about-race
================
       Reminders

Office of Children's Mental Health

https://children.wi.gov/Pages/ResearchData/FactSheets.aspx
FYI sheets on: 

​​​​​Building Social & Emotional Skills

Prioritizing Children's Mental Health; Spanish Version​

Preventing Underage Drinking

Bullying Prevention​​

Healthy Use of Screen Time
​
Child Maltreatment and Out-of-Home Care 

Children’s Demographics and Well-Being

Children’s Medicaid Funded Mental Health Services

Crisis Intervention Services for Children on Medicaid

Mental Health Services in Schools

Opioid and Methamphetamine Use

​
Outpatient Mental Health Service Data for Children on Medicaid

Psychotropic Medication Prescribing for Children on Medicaid

Resilience

School Outcomes Services for Children with Delays or Disabilities

Youth Justice

Youth Psychiatric Hospitalizations, Readmissions, and Emergency Detentions

Youth Suicide and Self Harm

​
https://children.wi.gov/Pages/ResearchData/FactSheets.aspx
                 -------------
​ Resilient Wisconsin -   helps you understand the causes of toxic stress and trauma and how to manage the related harms to help you live your best life. Take a closer look at resilience 

Trauma- informed practices
Social Determinants of health
Trauma and toxic stress
Adverse childhood experiences
Risk and protective factors


New resources
Building Resilience During Winter Celebrations 
In This Together: Understanding the Effects of Collective Trauma
​=========================
Accommodating Patients with Disabilities During COVID-19 Pandemic Today, in response to the first federal complaint challenging discriminatory hospital “no-visitor” policies, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced a resolution making clear that federal law requires hospitals and the state agencies overseeing them to modify policies to ensure patients with disabilities can safely access the in-person supports needed to benefit from medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/09/ocr-resolves-complaints-after-state-connecticut-private-hospital-safeguard-rights-persons.html
 
Strict no-visitor policies put in place at hospitals have prevented patients with disabilities from safely receiving support from family members or staff necessary for them to effectively communicate with medical personnel or otherwise receive equal access to medical treatment. No-visitor policies have disproportionately impacted Black people with disabilities, who have higher rates of infection and hospitalization. Accommodations to these policies are required by federal civil rights laws.  
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6918e1.htm?s_cid=mm6918e1_w
===========================
​Wisconsin of Public Instruction Website (DPI) Extended School Closure for Students with IEPs due to COVID19Special Education Question and Answer Document
https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sspw/pdf/Extended_School_Closure_due_to_COVID_Revised_3-20-2020.pdf
 
U.S. Department of Education Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children With Disabilities During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/memosdcltrs/qa-covid-19-03-12-2020.pdf
 
Supplemental Fact Sheet Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (March 21, 2020)
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/faq/rr/policyguidance/Supple%20Fact%20Sheet%203.21.20%20FINAL.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
 
 
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=&v=DCMLk4cES6A
 Ensuring web accessibility for students with disabilities for schools utilizing online learning during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
 
Fact sheet for education leaders on how to protect students' civil rights as school leaders take steps to keep students safe and secure.
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-coronavirus-fact-sheet.pdf
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Home Alone –Preparing Children For Self Care
These videos are for parents and their children who are getting ready to stay home alone. Parents and children should watch the videos together and use the short activities after each video to discuss your plans to stay safe.  https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/homealone/
​
Looking for child care?
Watch this video to learn about how Child Care Resource & Referral agencies and local Referral Specialist staff are just a phone call away to support you in your child care search. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0zBScoPt2E&feature=youtu.be

 --------------------------------------------
     Wisconsin Sibs  
          Activities
       
www.wisconsibs.org
                         or call    
                    920-968-1742

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This newsletter is compiled through a variety of list serves including but not  limited to:

Waismen Center Healthy Ready to Work
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)

Family Voices of Wisconsin
DPI Connection
Family Assistance Center for Education Training and Support 
             (FACETS)  http://www.wifacets.org
 Public Access to Court  Electronic Records (PACER)
Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA)
Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative  (WSTI) 
             http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/parent.html
Parents
Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
DAWN - Disability Awareness Wisconsin Network
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
             http://www.ncset.org/enews/.
Wisconsin Children and Families - WisKids Journal -       
             http://capwiz.com/wccf/mim/signup/.
The Catalyst Center http://hdwg.org/catalyst/.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition  
                http://www.ncset.org/enews/.

WSPEI and WI FACETS to share statewide information
regarding parent leadership and family involvement.

Parent Leadership Hub:http://wispdg.org/pl/e-news.html
 Just in Time Information (JITI):
                                          http://wispdg.org/pl/res_jit.html
Resources: http://www.wispdg.org/pl/resources.html*
Calendar of Events: 
http://wispdg.org/int/pl-cal.html
Multi-Media Workshops, Video and Webcasts: 
                                   
http://wispdg.org/pl-multi.html
Product Order Form:  http://wispdg.org/pl/Revised_Parent_Leadership_Hub_Order_Form-9-08.pdf
 The Parent Leadership Hub supports parents/family members, educators and other  community partners to build capacity regarding meaningful family involvement.   The Hub serves three primary purposes:
(1)  To support parents of children with disabilities between birth and 26 years of  age to participate as partners in the professional development activities of each of the other Statewide Initiatives as they design, deliver and support
professional development experiences
(2) To facilitate opportunities for parents/family members to build leadership skills
(3) To provide Content  Focused technical assistance concerning family  involvement

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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.  
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