Southeastern WI
Sexuality & Safety Conference
DSAW hosted an educational Sexuality & Safety Conference in November. In Session 1 of the conference, Terri Couwenhoven discussed sexual learning patterns that increase vulnerability, the unique “how-to’s” of teaching sex education for this population, as well as identified topics for empowering healthy sexuality in individuals with I/DD at home, school, and in the community. Session 2 was presented by Pam Malin. She identified safety concerns, signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as resources for when abuse occurs. Thank you to those who attended this important conference!
Parent’s First Call Support Parent Training
In November, The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin (DSAW) in partnership with Parent to Parent of Wisconsin (P2P) hosted a training for support parents. Trainings prepare you to give support to another parent of a child with Down syndrome! We had a wonderful day meeting other parents and talking about our loved ones and how we can support new families!
Club DSAW - Turkey Trot
Club DSAW celebrated Thanksgiving with a Turkey Trot at the Urban Ecology Center. Self advocates walked and trotted off their turkey dinner before even eating it at Thanksgiving. Afterwards, we enjoyed a warm, cozy campfire!
IDDLCTF Community Housing Conversation
DSAW is involved in exciting plans for sustainable housing for people with disabilities!! Our partner Bader Philanthropies hosted a conversation about housing and living communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We got to hear from speakers from Home of Our Own, Grace Landing, Balance Inc., and Woodside Prairie.
Meals, Money, and More Our Meals, Money, and More class revolves around healthy living and wellness as well as money management and other independent living skills for transition age youth individuals with Down syndrome.
How to Balance My Social Life Class
We also continued our new fall class helping students understand social boundaries, cultivate friendships, personal safety, social media, and dating. Click here to register!
Safety and Self Defense Eastside
We had another great month at our Safety and Self Defense class. This class teaches real world safety techniques and strategies. Students learn self defense skills, how to get help, and how to assess a dangerous situation. Learn more about the Eastside location here. Interested in Slinger location? Find out more here.
Littles Story Time
Children ages 0-6 years old are welcome to join us for Story Time at the state office! Story time is a great way for your child to have fun while making friends and learning.This month, our incredible self-advocate interns read to the littles! We will be taking a pause from Story Time for the rest of 2019 as our office undergoes an exciting remodel project!
Digitability Class Our fall semester of our award-winning employment-readiness course used to prepare students with special needs for today’s tech-driven workplaces continued this month! Learn more about the West Allis location here. Interested in the Eastside location? Click here!
Life Skills Bootcamp
We meet every Tuesday year-round to learn a variety of fun, practical life skills while making new friends. Stay tuned for next month’s topic! Register Here!
Motor Skills Playgroup
Our Motor Skills Playgroup meets every second and fourth Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30! This group is a fun chance for children to learn occupational therapy skills in a free environment, while parents enjoy coffee and each other’s company. We offer free music therapy in conjunction with playgroup too! Playgroup will be taking a pause for the rest of 2019 as our office undergoes an exciting remodeling project!
Young Leaders Academy
Our Young Leaders Academy at our West Allis office meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. We also have a Young Leaders Class at our Northeastside location in Mequon! This location meets the first and third Wednesday of the month! Classes start off with an energetic game and end with an hour of employment-readiness curriculum. Self-Advocates are invited to join our class anytime.
Tween Club
The second Friday night of the month, DSAW transforms into a hoppin' place for tweens to hang out! At DSAW’s Tween Club, we play games, watch movies, make crafts, and have a great time hanging out! Stay tuned for next month’s activity! Sign up for Tween Club!
Parent's Night Out
Each month, DSAW parents, grandparents, and caregivers get together for a night of casual conversation and free appetizers. We meet every second Friday of the month at Cleveland Pub, in conjunction with Tween Club! Come join us for one of our favorite nights of the month.
DADs Meeting Fathers and male caregivers are welcome to join us the first Thursday of every month to come together and support each other. We discuss upcoming events, listen to speakers, recruit volunteers, and talk about our kids while enjoying food and drinks at the New Berlin Ale House.
Fox Cities
Teen FrienDS Club At Teen FrienDS Club, we listen to music, watch movies, eat snacks, and play games! Teen FrienDS Club is hosted the 2nd Friday night of each month.
Green Bay
Cookie Decorating Event
We kicked off the holiday season with a Cookie Decorating Event. The sprinkles and frosting were flying as we colored up the cookies. Thanks to all those who attended!
Self Advocate Pottery Painting
Green Bay self advocates had their very own Pottery Painting Session this month. Self advocates were able to pick their piece and colors and then were able to paint it anyway they’d like!
Buddy Up Tennis
DSAW-Green Bay continued their new Buddy Up Tennis, Inc. Program this month. Buddy Up Tennis is a high energy adaptive and fitness program for children and adults with Down syndrome. Click here to learn more.
Playgroup
DSAW-Green Bay meets the first Saturday morning of every month for playgroup. We got to play at Get Air Green Bay this month. This Trampoline Park offered dedicated time just for jumpers with special needs. Music is played at a lower volume and park’s atmosphere is calmer! So much fun!
Dad’s Night Out
Dads, uncles, grandpas, and male caregivers had an exciting Dad’s Night Out playing tactical laser tag at the Battle House. They were divided into two teams: Red Team vs. the Blue Team and the competition began! During the game, there were 6-10 different mission based scenarios to complete. Thanks to all the male caregivers who attended!
Mom’s Night Out Moms, aunts, grandmas, and female caregivers joined us at Margarita’s for a night of good food and conversation! Green Bay Monthly Mom’s Nights Out will be the fourth Sunday of every month.
Central Wisconsin
Central WI Movie Event
Let it Go! Let it Go! DSAW-Central WI enjoyed a private screening of Frozen 2 this month at the Cedar Creek Marcus Theatre. It was such a fun movie that had us singing hours afterward.
Central Children’s Museum Outing
DSAW-Central WI traveled to the Children’s Museum in Stevens Point for a FREE day of exploration around the museum. Then, we all enjoyed lunch together. Thank you to all the families that joined us.
Wellness Club
Wellness Club is for teens and young adults to learn more about nutrition and fitness! Nutrition plans and fitness activities will be involved. This is a great learning opportunity for both teens and young adults.
MADSS
Rock County: Parent’s Night Out
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome were invited for a night of fun and delicious food at Texas Roadhouse. MADSS provided the appetizers!
Mom’s Take 5
This month, marvelous MADSS moms gathered together to catch up at Benvenuto’s Italian Grill. We always love this time with fellow moms to enjoy appetizers and soft drinks.
La Crosse
La Crosse Inclusion Night DSAW-La Crosse co-hosted Inclusion Night at the Children's Museum of La Crosse, an event intended for people with disabilities to enjoy the museum at their own pace!
Parent’s Night Out
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and adult siblings gathered for a night of fun conversation and great food. We were at Schmitty’s TimeOut Tavern…Yum! Join us next time!
