Resources By Subject
*This is a non-exhaustive list. To submit a resource we missed, please use the form at the bottom of this page!
Adoption
National Down Syndrome Adoption Network: Ensuring that every child born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family
Reese's Rainbow: Advocating and finding families for orphans with Down syndrome
WIadopt: Resources for families interested in adoption and birth parents
Advocacy
Voting Resources: Check out DSAW’s Voting Resource Library!
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Helping people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through advocacy and legal expertise
Find Your Legislators: Contact your legislators and make your voice heard
Save IRIS: Working to shape and maintain long-term care in Wisconsin
Survival Coalition Wisconsin: Focuses on changing and improving policies and practices that support people with disabilities
The Arc Wisconsin: Promotes and protects the human rights of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities: Advocates on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities
National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making: Here, you’ll find information about the Right to Make Choices – the right we all have to make our own decisions and direct our own lives
Aging & Disability Resource Centers
Central, WI
Chippewa Valley
Fox Cities
Green Bay
La Crosse
Southeastern, WI
Sheboygan
Alzheimer's Disease
Autism
Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin: Supporting people with autism spectrum disorders, their families, professionals
Down Syndrome-Autism Connection: Providing education, support & inspiration for the journey
Autism & Dental Care: A guide for oral treatment
Behavior
Preventing Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Effective Practices
Advance Behavior and Learning: Uses the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to help children learn new skills and reduce problem behaviors
Giving Effective Instructions: Advance Behavior and Learning handout
Effective Praise Practices: Advance Behavior and Learning handout
Benefits
IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct): The IRIS Program is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver for self-directed long-term supports
Katie Beckett (Medicaid): The Katie Beckett Program is a special eligibility process that allows certain children with long-term disabilities, mental illness, or complex medical needs, living at home with their families, to obtain a Wisconsin ForwardHealthMedicaid card
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS): Your starting place for disability benefits in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Family Caregiver Support Programs: Access to programming and education that can make being a caregiver more manageable
Wisconsin Family Care (long-term care): Family Care is a long-term care program which helps frail elders and adults with disabilities get the services they need to remain in their homes
Family Care, IRIS, Partnership, & PACE Benefits Matrix: Chart displaying services covered by Family Care, IRIS, Partnership, & PACE
Birth to Three/Early Intervention
Birth to Three: The Birth to 3 Program is a federally-mandated Early Intervention program to support families of children with developmental delays or disabilities under the age of three.
Questions About Birth to Three: DSAW's guide to Birth to Three Services
Finding Your Way Navigation Guide: This resource has been reviewed by content experts, information and referral specialists, and families. The guide includes brief descriptions of programs, services, systems of support, and contact information for these resources.
Camps
Badger Camp: Outdoor recreational camp serving individuals with developmental disabilities
Lions Camp: Camp for individuals with various special needs.
Disabilities (General)
Disability Scoop: The premier source for developmental disability news
The Mighty: Real stories about disability
Disabilities (Organizations)
Best Buddies Wisconsin: Offers one-to-one friendship and leadership development programs. DSAW works closely with Best Buddies. If your loved one would like to be matched with a buddy, contact Leslie at Lesliedess@bestbuddies.org
Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin: Changing the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day
Independence First (Milwaukee): A community-based, non-residential Independent Living Center (CIL) in Milwaukee, WI.
Life Navigators: Providing opportunities and services for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Milwaukee Center for Independence (Milwaukee): Programs and services for people with special needs in Milwaukee
Penfield Children's Center (Milwaukee): Helping children with and without disabilities reach their full potential by providing early education, health and wellness services and family programs.
Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN): Promoting quality care for children and youth with special health care needs in Wisconsin
Well Badger Resource Center: Assisting parents in finding resources for their children with special needs
Wisconsin Facets: Providing and broadening opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families
Down Syndrome (National Organizations)
Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Part of a network of affiliate organizations that work closely together to significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy
National Down Syndrome Society: The leading human rights organization for individuals with Down syndrome
National Down Syndrome Congress: Promoting the interests of people with Down syndrome and their families through advocacy, public awareness, and information
National Association for Down Syndrome: The oldest organization in the country serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families
World Down Syndrome Day: An international celebration of Down syndrome on 3-21
Canadian Down Syndrome Society’s Answers: Video series of people with Down syndrome answering questions about the condition
Down Syndrome (Wisconsin Organizations)
GiGi's Playhouse, Madison: Facility-based programming for individuals with Down syndrome
GiGi's Playhouse, Milwaukee: Facility-based programming for individuals with Down syndrome
GiGi’s Playhouse, Wausau: Facility-based programming for individuals with Down syndrome
Education
A Book About Me: A booklet designed by the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota to help you welcome your new student
Down Syndrome Education USA: Working to improve early intervention and education for children with Down syndrome around the world
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Information about the IDEA Act
Special Education in Plain Language: User-friendly handbook on special education laws, policies, and practices in Wisconsin
Support for Students with Down Syndrome: College Programs, Support Services and Resources for Postsecondary Success
Best Colleges: Overview of College Resources for Students with Disabilities
High Noon Books: High Interest /Low Level (Hi-Lo) books are designed for students who are reading below the reading level for their grade
Special Reads: Teaching reading to learners with special needs
Preparing for a Study Abroad Program if You Have a Physical Disability: A guide for students with disabilities that breaks down nine of the most handicap and wheelchair accessible study abroad locations, precautions to take while traveling, and different trip financing options
Employment
Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR): Information for job seekers, businesses, and service providers
DSAW’s Employment Services: Helping set you and your loved one up with a job coach, community-based employment, and more
Career Guide for People with Disabilities: Information about job searching, career ideas, and more
Family Support
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome: Assisting and supporting, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome
Family Resource Centers: Family Resource Centers are a place where parents can learn to be the best parents they can be
Grandparents with Grandkids with Down Syndrome Facebook Group: An independent group of grandparents with grandchildren with Down Syndrome
Parent to Parent of Wisconsin: The opportunity to connect with another parent of a child with Down syndrome
Sibling Support Project: Dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns
WisconSibs: Connecting siblings with resources for their lifelong journey
Financial
DSAW Member Grants: Grants for DSAW Members to assist with Down syndrome-specific expenses
Financial Wellness: A guide for individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.
Hospital Meal Assistance Program: Providing meal tickets for families staying at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee
Montana Melin Foundation: Assisting families experiencing medical hardships with expenses
Ruby's Rainbow: Assisting adults with Down syndrome with higher education expenses
Scroll down to see a list of Estate Planning resources that other DSAW members have found helpful
Guardianship Information
Wisconsin Guardianship of Adults Handbook: Complete guide to guardianship in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center: Provides information and assistance on issues related to guardianship, protective placement, advance directives, and more
Scroll down to see a list of attorneys DSAW members have found helpful
Healthcare
Celiac Disease and Down Syndrome: A guide to Celiac Disease in individuals with Down syndrome
Co-Occuring Conditions: A list of common co-occuring conditions for individuals with Down syndrome
Community Care, Inc: Provides long-term care services to help older adults and adults with disabilities live independently as possible within the community
Dental Care Guidance: A guide for caregivers of dental patients with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin: Specialists in treating patients with Down syndrome of all ages. The clinic focuses on providing medical care, information and support to meet the needs of people with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Healthcare Guidelines: Helping define the standards of quality care for individuals with Down syndrome
Down Syndrome Nutrition: Healthy lifestyle coaching with Joan Medlen
Down Syndrome & Nutrients: Research by Saghazadeh (2017)
Eyesight & Down Syndrome: NVISION Eye Centers
Vision Forward Association: Helps individuals of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds with their vision and eye care needs.
Growth Charts - DS: These charts can help healthcare providers monitor growth among children with Down syndrome and assess how well a child with Down syndrome is growing when compared to peers with Down syndrome
Gundersen Down Syndrome Clinic (La Crosse): The Down Syndrome Clinic is available to provide comprehensive care for children with Down Syndrome.
Promoting Health in Adults with Down Syndrome: A guide from the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota
Logan’s Heart and Smiles: Non-profit organization that provides reduced labor costs to families for safety and accessibility modifications to their homes.
Waisman Center Down Syndrome Clinic: The Waisman Center (Madison) provides comprehensive clinical care and support for children with disabilities and their families.
Birth Injury Justice Center: Learning the causes, signs and treatments for birth injuries can empower and guide you as you take action to help your child.
Home Care Delivered: Article discussing Medicaid coverage of breast pumps
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome: Massachusetts General Hospital resource
Ear, Nose, and Throat Issues and Down Syndrome: National Down Syndrome Society resource
Wisconsin Sound Beginnings: Wisconsin’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, ensuring that all babies born in Wisconsin are screened for hearing loss, receive timely diagnosis of hearing loss and receive quality early intervention.
Hmong
English-Hmong Dictionary of Special Education (PDF): Translations of important special education terms
Housing
Community Housing Task Force for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Inspiring and championing innovative, community-based supportive housing options for people with IDD in Wisconsin; DSAW provides the administrative support for CHTFWI
Wisconsin Housing Assistance Programs: An overview of public programs that can offer assistance with renovating and weatherizing existing housing, filling energy needs and obtaining access to public housing and rent assistance
WI Housing Search: A free resource to help you find a home that fits your needs and budget
Milwaukee County Residential Options: Find a Facility or Care Option in Milwaukee County
Housing by Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin: Subsidized housing communities in Wisconsin
Home Remodeling and Modifications for People with Special Needs: Overview of laws and resources
Homeability: Tips, tricks, & technology for living at home for a lifetime; the truth about home modification funding
Basement Guides: Home safety for people with disabilities
Movin’ Out: Housing solutions for people and families with disabilities
Literacy
ABC Teach: online resource for educators
Earobics®: interactive software that provides students in prekindergarten through grade 3 early literacy skills
Greenhouse Publications: interactive books for children who are visual learners
See and Learn: See and Learn teaching programs provide evidence-based activities, guidance and support to help children with Down syndrome improve their speech, language, reading and numeracy skills
Special Reads: a reading program for children with Down Syndrome
Mosaic Down Syndrome
International Mosaic Down Syndrome Association: IMDSA is designed to support any family or individual whose life has been touched by mosaic Down syndrome
Post-Secondary Education
Bethesda College of Applied Learning: The Bethesda College of Applied Learning is a unique, two-year post secondary certificate program where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can realize their dream of receiving a college education
Edgewood College (Cutting Edge): The Cutting Edge is an individualized approach to education and inclusion in college for students with intellectual developmental disabilities
Madison College (Campus Connect): Campus Connect is an innovative approach to inclusive post secondary education for adult learners with intellectual disabilities
Think College: College options for people with intellectual disabilities
Shepherds College: Post-secondary educational program that equips young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to successfully transition from school to work, home to independent living
Prenatal
DSAW Parent's First Call Program: Resources and support for new and expectant parents in Wisconsin
Brighter Tomorrows: Supporting families with accurate information about Down syndrome
Congratulations Project: Receive a congratulatory letter from members of Camp PALS in Chicago
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network: Informing, connecting, and supporting new/expectant parents
Down Syndrome Pregnancy: Books and articles for new and expectant parents
Down Syndrome Test: Information about prenatal testing
Products
Specs4Us: Glasses designed especially for children and adults with a low nose bridge
Publishers
Brooks Publishing Co: Quality resources for all learners
Lettercase: Books and resources for new and expectant parents
Woodbine House: Trusted source for books about disabilities
Recreation/Activities
iCan Shine Bike Camps: iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities
Special Olympics Wisconsin: Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports
United Special Sportsman Alliance, Inc (USSA): USSA provides people with developmental disabilities a free outdoor adventure fishing trip on the WI Great Lakes
Pink Umbrella Theater Co: The mission of Pink Umbrella Theater Co. is to promote and provide theater that is accessible, inclusive and sensory immersive for people who identify with a physical, intellectual or emotional disability
Sign Language
Lifeprint: online curriculum for learning American Sign Language
Sign 2 Me: the World's most trusted name in Baby Sign Language early learning early literacy tools, and resources
Signing Savvy: Online ASL dictionary
Research
Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy
LuMind Foundation: Funding research to improve health and independence for people with Down syndrome
Waisman Center: Dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases
Respite Care
Respite Care Association of Wisconsin: Looking for a respite care provider? Join the Wisconsin Respite Care Registry here.
Sex and Relationships
Terri Couwenhoven: Terri Couwenhoven MS, CSE is a well known sex educator and author, specializing in the design and implementation of sexuality programs and resources for people with cognitive disabilities, their parents, and the professionals who support them
Siblings
WisconSibs: Serving siblings of people with disabilities along their lifelong journey through peer support programs, education and networking opportunities, leadership development, and more.
Sibling Support Program: Sibling Support Project is the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns.
Spiritual
SPRED Milwaukee: SPRED (Special Religious Development) is a small faith community in a parish which includes children or adults with special needs
Spanish Resources
ALAS: Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the independence of families of children and youth with diverse abilities in Wisconsin
Canal Down21: Recursos sobre el sindrome de Down en español
Technology
Center on Technology and Disability: Free resources about assistive and instructive technology for individuals with special needs
Moms with Apps: Moms With Apps is a blog supporting the thoughtful use of technology with a family-friendly point of view
AngelSense: The only GPS & voice-monitoring solution designed for children with special needs
WisLoan: The WisLoan program offers loans for assistive technology
Brainingcamp: App to help explore math concepts with interactive manipulatives
Prizmo: Accessible universal scanner app
Clicker Connect: Enable developing writers, struggling writers, and English language learners to take their first steps toward independent writing
Voice Dream: App that reads text aloud
Able Eyes: Provides a user friendly platform to teach skills, and explore environments from several different perspectives
Therapies
Speech and Language Resources: Helpful resources on speech and language development
REINS Inc. Equine Therapy: Provides personal growth, challenge and development through equine assisted activities and therapies to improve participants quality of life
BEAMING Inc. Equine Therapy: BEAMING believes in the power of therapeutic equine therapy to allow every individual to reach their potential
Beyond ABA: Helping children with autism and related developmental disorders and their families achieve their dreams and BEYOND! Now offering music therapy too!
Submit a Resource:
Estate Planning Resources - Financial
While not affiliated directly with DSAW, the following individuals have provided valuable advice to several members of the organization regarding their long term financial and estate strategies:
Rick Boyd, President
Financial Advisor / Special Care Planner
HUB Financial Group LLC, Brookfield
(262) 432-7213; rboyd@finsvcs.com
www.massmutual.com/specialcare
Harry Dorman, LUTCF
Financial Advisor / Special Care Planner
MassMutual Financial Group, Appleton
(920) 886-9469; hdorman@finsvcs.com
www.massmutual.com/specialcare
David Giddings, CLU
Financial Services Representative / Investment Advisor Representative
RC Insurance Services, Inc., Hartland
(262) 367-8611;dgiddings@rcinsure.com
Gene LaRock, CLU, ChFC
Financial Advisor
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Eau Claire
(715) 839-9692; gene.larock@nmfn.com
www.nmfn.com/genelarock
Robert S. Johnston, LUTCF
Sr. Financial Services Representative, Financial Advisor
and Princor Registered Representative - Special Needs Planning LLC; (414) 203-1932
www.snp-llc.com
Lori Troyer
Registered Representative, Member NASD, SIPC
Woodbury Financial Services, Hartland
(262) 367-6656; ltroyer@woodburyfinancial.net
Gregory Zwick
Financial Advisor
Financial Network Investment Corporation, an ING Company, Wauwatosa
(414) 258-0806;gzwick@cfswi.com
Rick Talbert
Insurance Professional
M4 Financial Partners, representing Mass Mutual, Brookfield, WI
(262)385-5884; rtalbert@financialguide.com
Estate Planning Resources - Legal
Mark J Andres, Attorney at Law
Miller, McGinn & Clark S.C.
788 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 900
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 431-3781
mandres@milbizlaw.com
Terry Klippel
Storm, Balgeman & Klippel, S.C.
1011 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 200
Wauwatosa, WI53226
Tel. 414.453-8500, Fax414.453.0604
Website: www.tosalawyers.com
tklippel@sbm-law.com
Mark J. Rogers, Attorney
Angermeier & Rogers, LLP
312 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 210
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Contact Mark Rogers
Tel. 414.289.9200
Fax 414.289.0664
Website: www.wiestateplanners.com
John Stocking
Petrie & Stocking
111 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 276-2850
Hill Glowacki LLP
Website: http://www.hillglowacki.com
Guardianship Resources - Legal
Nancy Shue nshue@sbm-law.com
Storm, Lageman, Miller & Klippel, S.C.
1011 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 200
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
414-453-8500 phone
414-453-0604 fax
www.tosalawyers.com website
Angela Canellos
631 N. Mayfair Rd
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
(414)257-9200
Rock Pledl rtp@pledlcohn.com
Courtney, Pledl & Molter, S.C. is a law firm in Milwaukee Wisconsin
1110 N. Old World Third Street, Suite 215
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(414)225-8999
John Stocking
Petrie & Stocking
111 East Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 1500
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 276-2850
