Southeastern Wisconsin
The following programming is currently being offered in the Southeastern Wisconsin region. Please see details below for more information.
Contact your DSAW Case Coordinator to get started with any of these programs and services below that do not have a linked registration form. If you don’t yet have a DSAW Case Coordinator, click here to get started. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Ward, HCBS Manager in Southeastern Wisconsin, at eward@dsaw.org.
Program Offerings
FREE!! Dinner & a Movie (Ages 18+)
Once a month on the last Wednesday from 5:30-8:00PM at DSAW’s office in West Allis.
DSAW is hosting movie nights and you’re invited! Like the name says, dinner and dessert is enjoyed while participants watch movies such as Madagascar, Night at the Museum, and Aladdin! Donations for food are welcomed but never expected!
FREE!! Teen Club (Ages 10-17)
Once a month on the 2nd Friday at DSAW’s office in West Allis.
Teen Club is a fun evening of games, activities, and socialization for individuals ages 10-17. While your teen is at Teen Club, you can enjoy a special dinner out or join DSAW for our monthly Parent’s Night Out!
FREE!! Saturday Fun Day (Ages 17 and under)
Once a month - Saturday dates vary | DSAW Offices in West Allis
Saturday Fun Day is a fun event with all of your DSAW friends. Participants engage in fun social games, exercise, and crafty activities!
Skills Training Academy (Ages 18+)
DSAW’s SEWI Skills Training Academy is a hands-on program that will include daily living skills, fun activities, wellness workouts, technology instruction, meal planning & preparation, and so much more! Included in this course, every participant will receive a login and avatar on the My Full Life platform to track and log their progress on skill-building in the following areas: Connections, Fun & Talents, Wellness, Getting Around, My Place, Community Engagement, Earning My Way, and Lifelong Learning.
Participants ages 18+ can attend Monday- Friday 9AM-2PM
DSAW offices in West Allis
11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2
West Allis, WI 53227
Wellness 360 (Ages 18+)
Wellness 360 is a program designed to empower adults with disabilities to enhance their daily living skills while enjoying a wide range of engaging activities. At Wellness 360, the participants engage in daily living skill workshops that cover a variety of topics, including: basic life skills, communication, and social engagement through hands-on learning, classroom instruction and community based experiences.These sessions are tailored to each individual's needs and abilities to foster independence, confidence and are paired with individualized goals! They also have a chance to participate in recreational activities, physical activity & community outings. From art classes, daily movement sessions with trainers, all the way to community based activities! Participants ages 18+ can attend Monday-Friday 9AM-2PM! Wellness 360 occurs at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay: 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Social Skills (Ages 8-17)
Looking for a fun after-school program to target socio-emotional skill building? This small group setting allows participants to focus on building skills around emotional and physical wellness and key components to help build and maintain friendships, all while having a blast! Participants will create a calming tool box, learn the art of compromising, organize a workout plan with their friends, and have lots of opportunities to bust a dance move and learn a new game along the way!
Participants ages 8-17 can attend Mondays or Wednesdays 3:30-5:30PM
DSAW offices in West Allis: 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227
Rad Rec Events (Ages 18+)
Rad Rec events occur throughout the community at many of our local partnerships in Southeastern WI. Participants are able to spend time with your peers and focus on social and community engagement. Past events have included swimming at Ingleside Hotel & Waterpark, bowling at Alpine Lanes in Muskego, hiking at Lapham Peak, and more! Drop-off and pick-up take place at the DSAW offices in West Allis or JCC. From there, participants will travel to and from outing locations.
Participants ages 18+
Drop-off and pick-up take place at the DSAW offices in West Allis or JCC. 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227 OR for the NorthShore Events The Jewish Community Center: 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Rapport and Respite (Ages 18+ and 8-17)
DSAW's Rapport and Respite program is jam packed, full of opportunities to expand on leisure interests, or hang out with friends! Participants will have the chance to play new and exciting games, explore wellness activities and build friendships. This program was designed to either be used in combination with one of our other programs or as a stand alone service. Rapport and Respite hours are available to set up as routine schedules or to use as needed throughout the month. For those looking for "drop in'' opportunities we will be sending out a weekly sign up where you can RSVP for your loved one.
18+: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM OR 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227.
8-17: Monday - Friday 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227.
Daily Living Skills Services
Virtual Daily Living Skills
DSAW's virtual daily living/independent living skills training offers access for individuals with disabilities to achieve their person-centered goals. DSAW works with self-advocates and families to accomplish goals and help you achieve your dreams! Outcomes that are obtained through this service include; Connections, Fun & Talents, Wellness, Getting Around, My Place, Community Engagement, Earning My Way, and Lifelong Learning. To get started:
In Person Daily Living Skills
DSAW is proud to offer Daily Living Skills Services on a 1:1 ratio (one participant to one staff), as well as through 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 DLS Small Groups. These evidence-based, one-on-one daily living skills training are available at home and/or in the community. We provide individualized support focusing on developing skills and abilities specific to YOUR needs. Develop your skills in cooking and healthy eating, shopping, money management, scheduling, laundry, and personal hygiene, as well as support navigating your community (just to name a few!). This program is perfect for youth and adults looking to hone your independent living skills with tailored goals and hands-on applications!
Respite Services
One-on-Ones:
DSAW offers Respite Services on a 1:1 ratio (one participant to one staff).
Need a break? We can help in the community or at your home. Explore your interests, talents, community, and hobbies with a DSAW staff member.
Community-Based Small Groups:
DSAW offers Community-Based Small Groups on a 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 ratio (participant to one staff).
Meet new people by joining 2-4 peers to explore your communities and interests together. DSAW will supply one of our AMAZING staff to moderate and facilitate group activities and conversation, while encouraging independence! We’ll practice community engagement through different experiences such as volunteering, attending local outings, and exploring hobbies. Small group participants should have an interest in social interaction, meeting new people, and contributing to small group interactions. Small groups are for participants 18+.
***DSAW offers door-to-door transportation services as an add-on to our Community-Based Small Groups. Pick-up and drop-off are each billed as one trip charge on the participant’s plan.
Summer 2024 Programming
Upcoming dates and times for summer 2024 TBD.
EXTRAordinary Adventures (Ages 8-17)
For participants ages 8-17: Are you ready for the best summer ever? DSAW EXTRAordinary Adventures blasts off into summer starting. Each week of EXTRAordinary Adventures will include a different theme and skills like following rules, communication, feelings/emotions, coping skills, team building, sportsmanship, and much more. This service will include FUN, hands-on learning activities and community outings!
DSAW Office in West Allis: 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis WI, 53227
SUMMER Social Skills (Ages 8-17)
For participants ages 8-17: Come develop your social, emotional, and physical wellness skills; learn how to build and maintain friendships, all while having a blast! Participants will create a calming tool box, learn the art of compromising, organize a workout plan with their friends — with lots of opportunities to bust a dance move and learn a new game along the way!
DSAW Office in West Allis: 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis WI, 53227
Employment Services
DSAW offers Employment Services including career discovery, work readiness, and work-based learning to people with disabilities in Wisconsin. Click the button below for more information.
We also have two new employment classes, generously funded by the Workforce Innovation Grant Program:
Basics to Manufacturing
In partnership with Engauge Workforce Solutions, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program which teaches individuals basic skills to secure employment in the manufacturing sector. Students also learn problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks. The program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience. It is designed for individuals who are interested in and excited to enter the workforce. For more information, contact with Antonia Bautista, Senior Site Coordinator.
Basics to Hospitality
In partnership with the Ingleside Hotel, DSAW offers a Pre-Voc employment program, which teaches individuals basic skills to secure employment in the hospitality sector. Students also learn problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. This course runs two days per week for 12 weeks. The program provides students with classroom and on-site workplace experience in housekeeping, food service, waterpark, or office. It is designed for individuals who are interested in and excited to enter the hospitality workforce. For more information, contact Antonia Bautista, Senior Site Coordinator.
Project SEARCH in Watertown
DSAW is the service provider for The Marquardt Project SEARCH site in Watertown. Click here to learn more.
This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0135 awarded to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin via the Wisconsin Department of Administration by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Virtual Services
DSAW's virtual programming is also available in your area, offering a wide array of classes, including some free classes. Click the button below for more information
Free Fraternal Programming
DSAW also provides free programs for people with Down syndrome and their friends & family. See below for our current offerings in your region, and click here for our statewide, virtual support groups.
DSAW Open Play (Ages: Birth - 5)
Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00
DSAW offices in West Allis: 11709 W. Cleveland Ave #2, West Allis, WI 53227
Our newly-remodeled children's instruction room is set up to encourage collaborative and explorative play. Open Play is a great time to get to know other parents and guardians as well as build meaningful connections all while your loved one makes a splash in the ball pit. Caregivers and parents are required to stay with their child during their time at open play. Click here to get signed up.
Sibling Workshops
DSAW Sibling Workshops dedicate time to support siblings of individuals with Down syndrome or related disabilities. Workshops are a safe space for siblings to share their feelings, experiences, and struggles while making connections with other children whose families look a lot like theirs. Groups meet in person in two different age groups bi-monthly. Click here to sign up for sibling programming.
DADs Group
DSAW Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome meet at the New Berlin Ale House to come together to support and provide fellowship for dads and other male caregivers on the first Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00. No registration necessary - join us anytime!
Parent’s Night Out
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other caregivers are welcome to join us for a casual night of conversation and fun. DSAW buys appetizers, and drinks are available for purchase. We meet at Cleveland Pub in New Berlin on the second Friday of the month from 6-9pm! Join us - no registration necessary. Need childcare? DSAW has you covered! We host Teen Club at DSAW Headquarters from 6-9 PM for children ages 10-17. This program is FREE and run by DSAW Staff members and DSAW volunteers.
Grandparents Group
Join other grandparents who have grandchildren with Down syndrome for conversation and community. This group is led by volunteer grandparents and meets in person at the West Allis DSAW office on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-5:00. You can also join virtually if you’re unable to attend in person. Click here to register for our Grandparents Group.
Upcoming Events
Cost
DSAW offers both paid and free services. Contact your IRIS consultant, Family Care, or CLTS case manager to help you add these programs into your life/day.
Tim Giuliani, DSAW’s Operations Manager, can help you with all billing and authorization-related questions. If you do not have access to one of these funding streams, you can also opt to pay privately. Cost will not impact someone’s ability to access and participate in DSAW’s educational programming. We do have need-based scholarships available.
All of DSAW’s classes and programs are taught by trained, background-checked, skilled professionals.
