February 2019 Newsletter                                                                 

Please e-mail Pam at ironkids@hotmail.com         With your activities and events!
                                                   
                                                     Empower yourself with information, resources and personal connections!  
                                       Join PIER on Facebook for postings of activities, workshops, resources and networking!  

Please shop Amazon Smiles for PIER!     Support our activities and workshops!  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-2004868             

         Trainings and Workshops
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​Please check out the Original Calendar for more information & updated listings!

Sign Language Class Tuesdays February 5 End 4/9 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
Faith Lutheran Church (Marshfield)
Pam 715-423-7182  ironkids@hotmail.com
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​2/20 “Did You Know, Now You Know”  Stevens Point  “Did You Know? Now You Know!” explains resources and services for children with disabilities and special health care needs from birth through young adulthood. Learn about health insurance and how to best use your benefits, Medicaid and long-term supports.   5:30-7:30 PM,  Registration and Dinner start at 5 PM   Portage County Public Library- Stevens Point, Register: http://northernregionalcenter.org/events/
1-866-640-4106 or email specialneedsinfo@co.marathon.wi.us
Free
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2/20 Partnering with Your Child’s Doctor for a Better School Outcome –  12-1 pm.
Webinar Become a partner in your child’s health care and how can you help bridge the gap from the medical world to the school world.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7379085712632879107
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2/21&22 Transition Conference 2019: Continuing the Pathways to Brighter Futures! Imagine, learn and connect with others ,share their learned experiences, evidence-based practices, advocacy, and/ or resources for transition age youth receiving services. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
https://www.edevents.org/conferences/46/transition-conference-2019-continuing-the-pathways
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2/23 Addressing & Understanding Behavior ~ Asperger Experts ~Travis Monson: http://angermenotfndation.wixsite.com/angermenotfoundation/workshopregistration
Marshfield   8 - 5 pm  Childcare Registry approved!  Parent Scholarships/Transportation assistance/childcare options
Laura 715-207-7785  angermenotfoundation@gmail.com
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 2/26/19 ADHD, Anxiety, Depression & Suicide  Do you need help understanding your child’s or students’ mental health issues? What are the WARNING signs that your child/student may be having problems and is need of help? What do you do? Where do you go?  Dr.  Brian Fidlin, will provide understand, strategies and conversation! Let work to understand adolescent decision making, emotions, and risk-taking.
          4:45-5:30 Pizza served
          5:30-7:30pm Presentation
          McMillan Memorial Library
*Childcare available with registration.
Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-fidlin-mental-health-presentation-tickets-55643309637?aff=ebdssbnotavail
Pam:         (715)423-7182 
                 ironkids@hotmail.com
Brittney:   brittney.lau@wrps.net
Sara:         sara.kolo@wrps.net
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2/ 25-26 Speech and Language Institute  https://slpinstitute.cesa5.org/
​ Working Together to Promote Students’ Successful Communication
AAC Feature Matching for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs
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2/26 Family Reading Event 5:30 -7:00pm
Together, as a family, you will go on a quest to create your own original book that you will take home to read and add to. Marshfield Register715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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2/27  High in Plain Sight /You Can't Stop What You Don't Know Presentation Jermaine Galloway “Tall Cop Says Stop” Learning more about drug trends. Wisconsin Rapids 5:30 - 6:00pm - Meal & Registration
6:00 - 7:30pm – Presentation  Free . Registration is required for attendees and childcare by Feb. 22.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HINPLAINSIGHT  (715) 421-8923.
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2/27 Access to Mental Health Services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Developmental Disabilities  8:30-12:30  remote viewing sites -Main Site: Waisman Center, To find a remote viewing site near you: 
https://www2.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/connections/pdfs/2019ViewingSites.pdf
http://www2.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd//connections/future_meetings.php
To Register: https://go.wisc.edu/copfeb2019
For more information: https://www2.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd//connections/future_meetings.php
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​2/28 DATE Change to 3/28  Meet and Greet, For families with hearing loss - All Ages -All Stages
Stevens Point Children's Museum! Fun for the whole families!  5:30-7:30 Pam Jinsky  715-562,2716
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3/6  -  Wood County Children's Advisory Committee Meeting  10am -12pm  Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield.“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?
 Video conference if available Denise 2 weeks if possible!
 dklosinski@co.wood.wi.us  715-421-8848
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3/5&6 HealthWatch Wisconsin Conference  Hear from policy makers and experts on: 
* Preexisting Conditions & Consumer Protections
· Medicaid Expansion
· Wisconsin’s New Administration
· Connecting WI Kids to Coverage
Cost
https://safetyweb.org/healthwatchwi/conference.html
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3/6 - Marshfield Special Needs Parent Groups  12:00-1:00  Pizza Hut N. Central 
&            2:45 to 4:oo Marshfield Perkins for pie and coffee! 
For families who have individuals with special needs!  A great time to talk about resources and services for our children, youth and adults!  Pam 715-423-7182  ironkids@hotmail.com
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3/9 Waisman Centers ~Day with the Experts Series  9:00 am - 12:30 pm Down Syndrome
https://www.waisman.wisc.edu/outreach/waisman-center-day-with-experts/
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3/12 Is my Child Ready for School? 4:00 –5:30 pm  Are you wondering what skills your child needs to be able to attend school? Suitable for children ages 3 and older. Marshfield Registration required. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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3/13 Advocacy for Change
Advocacy and skills training for families, professionals, and providers who support children with disabilities or special health care needs. Madison, http://www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com/trainings/afc/
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3/20 Disability Advocacy Day connect with your legislators about issues that matter to you. Share how legislative policies affect people with disabilities in their everyday lives. Register http://www.survivalcoalitionwi.org/index.php/events/
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4/11-13 Autism Society of Wisconsin's 30th Annual Conference
Wisconsin Dells,
https://www.asw4autism.org/event-cal/30th-annual-conference/
Interoception, The Eighth Sense: Influence on Self-Regulation, Health and Emotional Well-Being
Triumph: Overcoming the Odds 
Sex on a Spectrum: ASD, Sex Education and Behavior
Navigating Social Media for Those on the Autism Spectrum
 Empower Students: Teaching Students About Their Brain
 Periods: Period. (A Guide for Supporting Girls Through Menstruation)
 “I want it now!” Teaching Requesting Skills to Early Learners
 A Good Night's Rest-
 Comprehensive Evaluation for Special Education Eligibility
I Think We’re Ready for This… ASD and Preparing for Puberty
College and Career Ready IEPs Through the Lens of Autism
It’s Different For Girls: Understanding and Supporting Females with ASD
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5/2&3 Circles of Life 2019 Conference Holiday Inn Conference Center, Stevens Point,    circlesoflifeconference.com
Develop new skills, learn up to date information! Form lasting relationships. Make great statewide connections!    Information / Resources / Connections!• Leadership and advocacy • Community • Education • Family and self-care and wellness • Health and mental health topics • Long-term care • Transition • And more…
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5/15 Employment 1st  Conference: Strengthening Partnerships for Community Life Wisconsin Dells ~Intensive, collaborative day of learning and problem solving for service providers, funders, families and self-advocates who want to transform services to support people with disabilities to build full lives in their communities that include employment, volunteering, recreational, social and other community activities. Molly    molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0266. 
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8/1,2&3 Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities- an Endless Possibilities Conference: Transforming the Impossible to Possible—Journey from Special Education to Ph.D.
Author of Dr. Dyslexia Dude. UW-Whitewater
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8/15/19 Literacy workshop For Passionate Readers: The Art of Engaging and Reaching Every Child.9-3 Wis Dells  https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=22314
Cost    Contant Liz   608-745-5472 or graffe@cesa5.org

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     * Purchasing Kwik Trip Gas cards  
                       Contact  Pam
               ironkids@hotmail.com

       * Purchasing a bag of Coffee from
                       Blu Play
          
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               6211 North Park Road,
               Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

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        *Help update and edit website

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​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.
​
           ​

             Activities      
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Remember to check:
        Your local Library's!
        Stevens Point Children’s Museum  
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​2/22 GAME Night. Looking for something fun but warm to do??? See old friends, make new ones. For special needs individuals 14+ years , Caregivers & parents welcome  *If attendee needs supervision, escort must be provided.  6-8 pm North Ridge Church ~ Board & Yard Games / Snacks / Fun   Abide Together - Special Needs ministry!
Marshfield
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2/23 Family Dinner Theater for Foster and adoptive families...We would like to invite you to our 2nd annual family dinner theater at Refuge Church in Stevens Point. Bring your family to enjoy a delicious dinner and a delightful theater performance. There will be prize baskets for some of our lucky families. Cost of the event is $10 per family.
Refuge Church, 801 Old U.S. 10
Stevens Point,
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-dinner-theater-registration-55594081394
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2/28 Puppet Making Class- AUsome Tweeners Social Group - Join puppeteer extraordinaire Ethan Clint to make your own sandwich puppet! Ethan will lead a class in puppet making, volunteers will be available to help with crafting. All supplies provided. February 28 from 6-7:30 pm at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rib Mountain.
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3/2   Empty Bowls  1102 First English Luthean Church Wis Rapids
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3/2 Men in the Kitchen
​https://www.familyctr.org/men-in-the-kitchen   
Bull's Eye Country Club, 2800 Ridgewood Trail, Wisconsin Rapids
5 p.m. cash bar; 6 p.m. dinner; 7:15 p.m. Program, including Fund-A-Need live auction, cork raffles and more
Tickets: $100 per person
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3/9 Canceled - Adaptive Ski Adventure!  Fun for all ages and abilities!  Granite Peak at Rib Mountain State Park  11-3pm
Requests for tethering should be stated at the time of registration.  Adaptive equipment provided through WisTech Loan & Demonstration Project.  Snacks, Games & Friends!  Please register in advance by calling Tiffany at 715-344-4210, ext 231 
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3/12 Power of the Purse – Women United~  Hors D'oeuvres | Cash Bar | Networking  Auction | Raffles
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07efxizuc90fe5e946&oseq=&c=&ch=
5pm - 7pm   Bull's Eye Country Club
Tickets - $25 Per Person, $30 At The Door  Tickets can be purchased online or at  United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties.
Call 715-421-0390 for information.
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3/16 Shared Blessings Open Swim 1-3
Greenheck Pool, Weston, ** This event is for families with Special Needs
Children***Shared Blessings will cover the cost of this open swim event! 
~~ Participants NEED to bring swim suits and towels
~~ Children NEED to be accompanied by an adult in
the water
~~ Non-swimmers are asked to stay in the shallow
area
~~ Pool is 3’6” to 10’
~~ Please bring floatation devices if needed
~~ Family locker room available
Please RSVP by March 4th as space is limited.
To RSVP, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2U9OmTI 
or call 715-432-4799
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3/19 Signed. Sealed. Delivered! 10:45am -11:45am Special Delivery! Join us at the United States Post Of-fice here in Marshfield where we will learn about ad-dresses, stamps, sorting mail, and mail carriers. This field trip is of Top Priority! Please bring 50 cents for a stamp. 202 S Chestnut Avenue, Marshfield
Registration required. Child care may be available at no cost during the programs – ask about it when you register. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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3/23   Historic Point Basse Sugar Bush 10:00am to 4:00pm Historic Point Basse site 300 Wakely Road Nekoosa WI 54457-1556 Observe maple sap being cooked down in a large kettle over an open fire to make syrup. Observe maple sap being boiled down using a log as Native Americans would have done. Watch as the maple syrup is cooked down more to make maple sugar.
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4/5 PROM for our uniquely gifted friends ages 14 and older. Hotel Marshfield  We also are looking for Volunteers as this event takes many hands and many hearts 
Registration available for guests & volunteers  https://northridgefamily.org/ministries/outreach
​Deadline for Registration 3/1, 
beth@northridgefamily.org
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4/6      Nekoosa Area Easter Event
            8:30 - 4 https://www.facebook.com/events/1845760382308263/
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4/7 Northwoods Family Fun Day – Save the date! Wisconsin Family Ties~Event!
Watch for more info! 
 
•             Workshops 
•             Waterpark 
•             Pizza/sandwich lunch 
•             Resource Fair 
The Waters of Minocqua 
For families that include children with social, emotional, behavioral and mental health challenges. 
 
 •   Note: The resource fair is FREE, open to everyone & will be held in the lobby on the street level of The WATERS. 
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 4/13  Marshfield Children’s Festival – When I Grow-up, I Want To Be A.....
Marshfield High School. 9:30 to 1:30  Jenni  fredrickj@marshfieldschools.org
715-387-8464 ext. 4376
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4/16 Spring into Arts and Crafts!  10:45 am—11:45 am Arts and Crafts are a fun way to promote creativity in all kids. Join us for a morning of free play followed by open-ended hands-on activities that allow children to use their imagination. Good Shepherd Church, 502 W. McMillan St., Marshfield
Registration required. Child care may be available at no cost during the programs – ask about it when you register. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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4/19  Roller Skating Party – For Children with Special Needs and their families!
Skate City, 2211 36th Street, Wisconsin Rapids  11-2pm  cost – Admission, skate rental, pizza and soda.  Wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters are welcome!  More info to come. MILC event!
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4/27 WR children's festival Birthday Celebration
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4/27 Siblings Day 2019 - Madison This is a special event for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities.
$7.00 per child.  Kindergarten through Grade 10. Enrollment is limited.  For information or a registration packet, please call: 608-442-5555 or 800-693-2287
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4/27& 28  The Mane Quilt Show- fundraiser! Ridges Golf Course – West Wing ~ Enter your quilt in the show ~ Shop our vendors ~ Have your quilt appraised ~ Visit the amazing exhibit of 1 inch to 1 foot scale quilts

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5/16 Music and Movement 10:00am - 11:30am Join us for a mixed-age music and movement class. Activ-ities include playing rhythm instruments, having fun with finger plays, and dancing and singing to your favorite childhood songs. Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library, JP Adler Room, 105 S. Maple Ave. Marshfield
Registration required. Child care may be available at no cost during the programs – ask about it when you register. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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5/2 Calling all Yogi’s 10:00am -11:00 am Kid Yoga includes yoga-themed games, storytelling, creative movement, and maybe some singing. Join us for a chance to let your child try yoga in a playful and fun environment. No yoga mat is necessary! Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library, JP Adler Room, 105 S. Maple Ave. Marshfield Registration required. Child care may be available at no cost during the programs – ask about it when you register. 715-387-6326 or email MDoll@chw.org
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5/4/19  -  Jigsaw Run 8:30-12:30. Kids Run begins at 9:30 with the Jigsaw Run starting at 10:00.
 
Competitive fun run to benefit the greater autism community in Central Wisconsin! This 6K run/walk course will take you around scenic Lake Wazeecha.

3.7 mi (6K) Walk/Run Pre-Registration Fee: $25
> Kid’s Fun Run Pre-Registration Fee: FREE
(T-Shirt will be $15.00)

6K Walk/Run – Only pre-registered participants are
guaranteed a T-shirt and race bag. Awards for the top 3 overall and top 2 male
and female racers in each age group will be given directly following the race.
Winning times will be announced and posted after the race.
 
https://www.facebook.com/events/2297815173570333/
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8/1 2019 Tee-Time for Autism ~ https://www.asw4autism.org/event-cal/tee-time-autism/
18 holes of golf with GPS golf cart, $15 Pro Shop merchandise credit, a box lunch, banquet style dinner & two drinks on the course.
Featuring special guest Bill Schroeder, former Packer Wide Receiver.
Proceeds benefiting the Autism Society of Wisconsin and the Central Affiliate.
10:00 am. rain or shine.
$900 Hole Sponsor with Foursome
$750 Foursome Sponsor
$640 Foursome
$175 Single Golfer
$40 Dinner Only
Sign up by July 16th, 2019
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The Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a week-long leadership training and career awareness program for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors with disabilities.Please take the time to apply – you’ll have the time of your life!
 
https://wi-bpdd.org/index.php/wisconsin-youth-leadership-forum/

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Catholic Charities Adoption Opportunities for foster and adoptive families!***Registration required http://cclse.org/post-adoption/
              Central WI 

2/8 "Adopted & a Minority: The Additional Realities of Cultural Variances". Our presenter will be Christina Lucas.  10-12pm
Abbotsford Library https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adopted-a-minority-the-additional-realities-of-cultural-variances-registration-53542368666
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2/22 Mom's Night Out  
Grazie's Stevens Point  5:30-7:30  
Get together to chat, ask questions and meet other adoptive/foster moms in the area. All foster and adoptive and pre-adoptive moms are encouraged to join us! Attendees pay the cost of their own meal.       https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moms-night-out-registration-53541961448
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3/15 Parents' Night Out
El Jovenaso's Medford  6-8 pm
We will get together to chat, ask questions and meet other adoptive/foster parents in the area. All foster and adoptive and pre-adoptive couples are encouraged to join us! Attendees pay the cost of their own meal.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parents-night-out-registration-53541653527
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3/15 Friday Fun-Central Wisconsin Children's Museum meet old and new friends, explore and learn!
Parents/caregivers must stay with and supervise their children.
Central Wisconsin Children's Museum 1100 Main Street, Stevens Point, 
11:00 am-4:00 pm
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-fun-at-central-wi-childrens-museum-for-foster-adoptive-families-registration-53542996544
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Please reach out and contact: 
Eau Claire and Surrounding AREA    Anne Rozeboom  ozeboom@cclse.org
                 or 715.832.6644 x 1520.
2/5 Application of Music Therapy in day to day settings, ranging from adults needing stress/pain relief, to babies needing stimulation/soothing. Altoona Community Room
6:00-7:00 pm Presenter Sheila Wall,  adoptive parent and a Board Certified Music Therapist with The Music Therapist Company LLC. 

2/12  Birth Parent Get-Together 6:00-8:00 pm
Catholic Charities, Eau Claire
Open to ALL birth parents no matter what type of adoption or agency involved. Come ask your questions and meet other birth parents who share a similar story. If you know of other birth parents who would like to come, please pass along this information. Feel free to bring a support person if you would like. The group meets every 2nd Tuesday of every EVEN month (Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec).

2/19 Parents' Night Out: Eau Claire     5:30-7:30 pm
Pizza Ranch, Eau Claire
The best place to make friends is around a table, so come for a fun time getting to know other foster and adoptive parents over great food. Attendees should plan to meet in the restaurant's private room and be responsible for their own cost of meals. Please register by 2-14-18.

3/4 Did You Know? Now You Know!  Free! 5:30-7:30 pm
Chippewa County Courthouse, Rm 119Q
Dawn Stark, Director of the Western Regional Center for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs will explain resources/services for children (birth to young adulthood) with disabilities/special health care needs. Come learn about health insurance and how to best use your benefits, Medicaid and long-term supports. Other topics that will be discussed include partnering with your doctor, respite, and more. A light dinner and a resource binder will be provided at this free training.

3/18 Parents' Night Out: Menomonie
Tues, Mar. 19, 6:00-8:00 pm
Cancun Mexican Grill, Menomonie
The best place to make friends is around a table, so come for a fun time getting to know other foster/adoptive parents over dinner. Attendees are responsible for their own cost of meals. Please register for this event by 3-14-19.
 
La Crosse & Surrounding Area
Magen mduffy@cclse.org or 608.782.0710 x 1223.

​*Attendees responsible for the cost of own meal   Free event, please RSVP​
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           Featured  Opportunities
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2/23 Addressing & Understanding Behavior ~ Asperger Experts ~Travis Monson:
For more information and to Register  http://angermenotfndation.wixsite.com/angermenotfoundation/workshopregistration
            
Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Marshfield            8 am to 5 pm

Thank you to our Sponsors!  Autism Society of Central WI, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs/Northern Region, Wis Pact, Ho Chunk, WEAP and Families for Sponsoring this event!

​​ Topics: 
         The need for Sensory
         How to remove from "defense mode"
         Motivating the "unmotivated"                Who’s who - resource panel  

Childcare Registry approved!
Parent Scholarships,
Help with transportation and/or in home childcare contact Allison Northern  Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Regional Center  (CYSHCN) 715-261-1906     800-642-7837 specialneedsinfo@co.marathon.wi.us http://northernregionalcenter.org.

3/6   Special Needs Dance is the 1st Wednesday of the month 6-8:30 @ the Biron community center on 32nd St. Please let people with special needs know must be 18 or older to attend.
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        Children's Festivals!

4/13 Marshfield Children’s Festival – When I Grow-up, I Want To Be A

5/11 Kids Day Riverside Athletic Club Merrill 9 to noon.

      Featured Resources!

There are 5 Regional Centers for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) that cover the state of Wisconsin

edical Home: Do you have the supports as a family to effectively work with Doctors and Specialists?

Youth Health Transition: Is your family prepared for adulthood?

Referral to Services and Funding Assistance:
         Where do I start?
         Who do I call?

Help with navigating Insurance and Medical Assistance

Information on trainings, support groups, and family support

Updated resources on our website www.northernregionalcenter.org

Toll Free 1-888-640-4106 Specialneedsinfo@co.marathon.wi.us

                      GRANTS
Variety annual grant process for individuals with physical disAbilities 

Grants for  other enabling equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, ramps, vehicle modifications, adaptive driving equipment, and more.  2019
      2nd Quarter Grant Cycle:Apr 1- 30,       3rd Quarter Grant Cycle:July 1-31,       4th Quarter Grant Cycle: Oct 1-31,

If your child, or someone you know could benefit from a grant, please apply! Applications will be available during the open grant cycles. Email: programs@varietywi.org.
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             On going Activities!

Stevens Point Children's Museum is open 1st Monday of the month for our families who have children with Unique Needs!

1100 Main Street Stevens Point
715-344-2003
Cwchildrensmuseum.org

5-7pm
Open just for our kids from 5-7 p.m. and free for all members of the family.
(or any of kids/ w special needs)
======================
Autism Society of the Fox Valley   www.autismfoxvalley.org/membership/ ASFV's monthly Monkey Joe's event First Saturday of the month!  Monkey Joe's opens their doors exclusively to families of children with autism from 9:00 until 10:00 am (and you're welcome to stay as long as you like). FREE for members or just $5 for non-member families! Appleton?
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Adaptive gymnastics class
YMCA in Stevens Point
Shining Stars Gymnastics For ages 2-7    Fridays I  10:30-11:00
                       715-342-2980  ext 324
Cost—$36 for members $72 for non members-- Financial assistance is available! Check with your CLTS waiver manager.  
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​Wisconsin Extreme Dream team- Cheer and Stunt!
          For individuals interested in participating in our Special Needs team, Athletes ages 5.3 through Adult are able to participate in an all star cheer program.  Have fun, learn a new sport and participate in on activity that is exciting and healthy!  
Contact Sue:  poeschl@gmail.com   Practice is at:  5216 Heffron Ct. St Point.
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Sensory Storytimes
Select Tuesdays at 10:30a.m. Monona Public Library  608.216.7453
Big Bear Sensory Storytime!
Sensory Storytime is just like regular storytime, but with modifications that make storytime more comfortable children with specific needs -Registration is recommended  Karen Wendt in collaboration with Lindsey Rice, an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher from Winnequah Elementary School. 
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Special Needs Aquatic Program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  The classes are for young children of all abilities accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Classes also  for infants, toddlers & preschool. 
$40. The 30-minute classes
 www.uwsp.edu/shcp/Pages/SNAP/child.aspx,       call 715-346-2706 or email rsuomi@uwsp.edu.
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Sky Zone's  Sensory Morning -events 2nd & 4th Sunday morning of each month from 9:30-11:30am. Sky Zone Appleton, WI will turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of their jumpers. The event is held outside of general public hours, when children & adults with special needs and their siblings, family & friends are all welcome to come jump!  (wheelchair lift). cost
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​ZaRonis Macaroni & Pizza Pub,  Oshkosh  First and third Saturday of every month  11:00AM - 2:00PM  Sensory  Friendly- lights dimmed, music way down and servers versed to accommodate children with special needs. Oshkosh
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Special  Needs Scouting! 
Cub Scout Pack 480
Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Rib Mountain,
is inviting all families of Youth with Special Needs 
             BOYS & GIRLS grades K-5.
Contact Christine.reynebeau@samoset.org or 715.355.1450​
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The Annual Autism Essay Contest is designed to assist students in gaining a deeper understanding of autism and how their peers with autism experience the world. The contest provides a way for schools to facilitate a meaningful dialogue about how schools, teachers, and students can support those with autism in the classroom.
 
Online Safety for Children and Teens: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Safe Online
                            https://cyberinsureone.com/online-safety

Outreach Services is now hosting a Facebook group for parents/guardians of youth, ages 3-21, who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind. We hope this becomes a valuable tool for our families to connect and share with each other. 
This is a closed and moderated group. You will click to request to join and then will be asked three short questions about your connection to youth with hearing loss. Please note that you are required to answer the questions before entry into the group. 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/788219634870406/?source_id=600299726713762

Different Brains – “Supporting Neurodiversity from Autism to Alzheimer’s and All Brains In Between”   https://www.differentbrains.org/ 


Courageous Parents Network is about helping build parents’ resiliency when faced with a life-threatening diagnosis or condition for their chil. It is about: * building a community of parents who support each other, despite the specific diagnosis * lessening parents’ dread of their child’s end-of-life through story and example, and giving parents the confidence and hope that they have the courage to endure. * bringing parents therapeutic resources to work through the anticipatory grief. * helping families understand the value of pediatric palliative care, so that they seek it out. * educating doctors about the needs of families and the value of palliative care to families’ well-being, and survival. https://www.facebook.com/courageousparentsnetwork/ Thank you Allison Lourash - CYSHCN for helping find this site for Families Supporting Medically Fragile children!  

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Event title links to information & registration for WI FACETS FREE workshops & webinars:  
https://wifacets.org/events

​By phone, Sandra: 877-374-0511 All webinars 12:00—1:00 PM (unless otherwise noted)

2/4  WSEMS-Facilitated IEPs  

2/6 ABLE Accounts and Financial Planning for Families of Individuals with Special Needs

2/13  ADHD

2/14 Individual Education Program Part 1 (Spanish)

2/19 WI FACETS IEP Checklist

2/20 Partnering with your Child's Doctor for a Better School Outcome

2/21 Culturally Responsive Family Engagement

2/27 Supported Decision Making 

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WI FACETS – www.wifacets.org Family Engagement Newsletter – Feb.
Birth to 3 Program

​Family Voices -
FACT sheets on everything you need to understand: CCOP/Waivers/Denials and more!  
http://www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com 
Family Voices -Trainings
http://www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com/trainings/afc/ 

Family Voices newsletter in support of Creating Family Support and Disability Resources Centers. The newsletter also includes: Surviving the Holidays, Finding and Hiring Direct Care Workers
 http://www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com/…/Winter-Newsletter-…

Down Syndrome Statewide calendar of events!  https://www.dsaw.org/statewide-events     
          
 Wisconsin Addiction Recovery 
​ Helpline: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/addiction-helpline
​
Behavioral Health/Mental Health Online Database: 
www.mch-hotlines.org/wisconsin-first-step

NAMI  calendar for Mental Health, Networking,  AODA, NA and Clubhouse Opportunities and Resources:                                  http://namiportagewoodcounties.org/Events/Calendar.html
 
2-1-1 Your local United Way Website!

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                   Attention:
  Family Caregivers/Providers 
       *Funding for Respite!  
         *Find a Provider
         * Be a Provider
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/​

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
Tony Evers 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 Centerhttp://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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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.